Cell C Sharks pip Lions in Maritzburg

New recruit Joe Pietersen opened the scoring when he collected his own grubber kick to dot down under the posts.

The flyhalf converted for a 7-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes after both sides had turned down kickable penalties at goal in favour of playing as much rugby as possible.

The Lions hit back when they spread the ball wide for their opening try, scored in the corner by Joe Booya and well converted from out wide to level matters on the quarter hour mark.

A strong build-up from the home side then saw the ball moved wide with clinical precision off the back of a long, attacking lineout and wing Charles Mayeza took two defenders over the tryline to put his side back into the lead.

The Lions managed to strike back right from the kick-off with a driving try that brought them back to within four points but with only a minute or two remaining, it was too little too late.

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