Western Province bounced back from a loss against the Lions to claim a narrow one-point victory over the Sharks at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.

Flyhalf Tim Swiel converted a late penalty to clinch a 32-31 win against the Sharks as Western Province retained first place on the Currie Cup standings while the Sharks fell five points behind in fourth position.

Gameflow: In a tightly-contested first half, the Sharks took a 21-19 lead into the break – thanks to a wonder try set up by wing Thaakir Abrahams, who counter-attacked from inside his own half before passing on his inside for Jaden Hendrikse to finish.

The Sharks had the better of Western Province at the maul, the source of two of their first-half tries. The home side did have their moments and kept themselves in the match thanks to an intercept try from Paul de Wet and four penalties from Swiel.

Both teams had their respective struggles at the set piece. On the whole, the Sharks had the better of the scrum battle, but they will be kicking themselves for not turning more of their opportunities into points in the second half and for giving away some soft penalties.

Province shot out the blocks after half time and took the lead when Sergeal Petersen put Evan Roos through a gap and the young No 8 carried Hendrikse with him as he charged over to score. Swiel then added a fifth penalty to increase the lead to eight points.

However, Fez Mbatha drove over the line to bring the Sharks to within one point. Bosch put the Sharks ahead in the final minutes to set up a nervous finish. However, an error from the ensuing kick-off gave Swiel the opportunity to win the game for his team with a penalty, and he held his nerve to convert.