No matter where John Mitchell’s Golden Lions finish in the Super 15 rugby tournament this year he will always be remembered for bringing their losing streak to an end.
The Lions last celebrated a victory in the southern hemisphere championship by defeating New Zealand visitors Wellington Hurricanes in May 2009 at Ellis Park. On Saturday they defeated the Central Cheetahs 25-20 at Vodacom Park in an absolute thriller.
“I have forgotten what it feels like to win a Super rugby match and let us hope this is the first of many victories. We came so close to winning so often and nearly threw this one away a couple of times.” Was what a stunned captain Franco van der Merwe had to say after the game now that the losing streak was finally over.
The question is how long until they repeat the feat?