Stormers overcome Cheetahs challenge with 31-24 victory

Cheetahs' persistent challenge proved too close to comfort for Stormers as they managed to register a nervous 31-24 victory at DHL Newlands on Saturday in the Super Rugby round 14 fixture.

The scoreline was pretty much in the balance for the majority of the first-half with fly-half pair Jean-Luc du Plessis (10', 19', 27') and Fred Zeilinga (4', 14', 22') scoring three penalties each.

It was Stormers' centre Daniel du Plessis' unconverted try in the 35th minute, which separated the two teams at the half-time whistle.

The second-half presented much more action to the liking of the spectators as the two teams scored a couple of tries and a penalty.

It was Cheetahs' number-eight Paul Schoeman's unconverted try on the 47th minute which extended the home team's lead to seven points.

Cheetahs' replacement fly-half's 67th minute penalty re-kindled the visitors hope with only a converted try required to wipe out the deficit with 13 minutes left on the clock. However, Stormers' defence managed to see through the danger as they cruised home to a nervous victory.

This win has helped the Newland's side to take the first place in the Africa 1 Conference as they sit pretty comfortable at second position in the South African Group with Lions leading the table by a single-point margin.