Hotstepper Abrahams' hat-trick helps Sharks thrash Lions

Sharks left-wing Thaakir Abrahams finished with a hat-trick of tries as the visitors put the hosts to sword scoring eight five-pointers to two.

The team from KZN led 28-0 at the halftime break thanks to four unanswered tries and flyhalf Lionel Cronje having a perfect afternoon from the kicking tee.

Centre Marius Louw got the scoring underway in the 16th minute before Abrahams grabbed his first of the match in the 23rd minute.

Sharks captain Phepsi Buthelezi got on the scoresheet in the 33rd minute while fullback Anthony Volmink crossed over deep into first-half stoppage time.

The visitors continued with their momentum after the break and Abrahams went over for his second try in the 45th minute, finishing off a superb move that started with a turnover on their own goal-line.

Cronje added his fifth conversion as the Sharks looked to be running away with a 35-0 lead.

The beleaguered hosts pulled a try back on the hour mark after flank Emmanuel Tshituka went over with flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse adding the conversion.

Reserve scrumhalf Sanele Nohamba then turned on the pace to put the Sharks further ahead in the 64th minute with replacement back Boeta Chamberlain adding the extras from the kicking tee.

Reserve hooker Jaco Visagie pulled another score back for the Lions with 10 minutes remaining but the game was already gone at that stage.

The Sharks were not done yet though and Abrahams completed his hat-trick in the 72nd minute while there was still time for Volmink to add his second try of the game to cap a good display.