Sharks bitten by Stormers
The Stormers claimed a 32-12 victory over the Sharks to keep the pressure on at the top of the Super Rugby standings.
Last Updated: 30/04/11 10:08pm
The Stormers ran in four tries to claim a 32-12 victory over the Sharks and keep the pressure on the Blues at the top of the Super Rugby standings.
The hosts produced a strong defensive display at Newlands to hold their opponents to just four penalties, while crossing the try-line through Jean de Villiers, Gio Aplon, Jaque Fourie and Deon Fourie.
But it was the boot of Lionel Cronje that got the Stormers on the board, as the fly-half was successful with his second penalty chance of the night.
Patrick Lambie tied things up moments later, but the visitors had no answer after De Villiers sliced through the defence to score the first try in the 16th minute, with Cronje converted.
Lambie slotted another penalty through the posts but the Stormers got it back with interest as Aplon scooped up the ball and ran clear for the second try.
A third penalty from Lambie in the 28th minute gave the Sharks hope, but again it took just moments for the Stormers to deliver a devastating response as Jaque Fourie raced clear after stealing the ball following a tackle on Cronje.
Cronje missed the conversion to leave the Stormers with a 22-9 lead at the half-time interval. After the break, both Cronje and Lambie missed penalties before the latter reduced the deficit to 10.
The Stormers did not look as comfortable in possession during the second half, and as they were held up Aplon opted for a drop goal in the 66th minute.
But seven minutes from time they finally scored the try they needed for a bonus point as Fourie touched down with Kurt Coleman getting the conversion.
