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The Cheetahs moved into second place behind the Bulls on the South African conference after a hard-fought 26-12 win over the Southern Kings in their Super Rugby encounter in Bloemfontein on Saturday night.
The Kings looked the part early on, running everything at the Cheetahs.
However, their inability to keep possession at the break down, ultimately cost them.
Speedster Raymond Rhule then gave the Cheetahs momentum with the first try of the match - his 5th of the season.
Ten minutes before half time, the Cheetahs scored their second try through flanker Lappies Labuschagne.
At the break, the Cheetahs led 15-9.
In the second stanza, winger Willie le Roux scored the Cheetahs third try of the evening.
On defence, the Cheetahs were very solid, leaving no holes for the Kings to exploit.
The Kings return to Port Elizabeth empty handed while the Cheetahs will rue their inability to score the four-try bonus point.
Earlier at Loftus, the Bulls beat the Waratahs 30-19.
As a result - they're on 32-log points and a point ahead of the Cheetahs at the top of the SA conference, and third overall behind the Brumbies and Chiefs.
The Sarks are in 7th position overall after losing 37-29 to the Chiefs in Hamilton.
The Stormers are up to 9th spot courtesy of their 18-16 win over the Hurricanes in Palmerston North.
