Duncan in generous mood

Free State Cheetahs coach Rory Duncan was in a generous mood at the weekend, despite his team's heartbreak Currie Cup loss to the Sharks.

The defending champions, the Sharks, climbed to second place on the standings after edging a willing team 19-16 in Durban at the weekend.

A long-range Fred Zeilinga penalty four minutes from time enabled the coastal side to steal the triumph at Kings Park.

The Cheetahs held a 13-3 lead at half-time, but allowed the home team to claw their way back into the game and snatch a late winner.

A disappointed Duncan gave credit to the Sharks for the way they hit back, rather than criticising his charges for letting the win get away from them.

"It's unfortunate that we lost," said Duncan.

"You can use the word slip, but I think the Sharks ground their way back very well, got to an even score and then put the points on to win it."

The Cheetahs still had a chance to win the game at the death, but prop Kevin Stevens was stopped just short of the line - the final call coming from TMO Jason Jaftha.

"I would like to be able to put the blame on the TMO, but I don't think it should have come down to that," Duncan said.

"We should have won the game a lot earlier when we had opportunities, especially in that first half.

"If it's inconclusive, then it's inconclusive. You can't make something out of nothing."

SAPA