Record-breaking Bulls end on a high

9.00am

CAPE TOWN - The Bulls posted their highest score in the Super 12 by beating the Cats 62-52 in a frenetic South African Super 12 derby in Pretoria on Saturday.

Halfback Fourie du Preez scored his side's first hat-trick of tries since 1997 as the Bulls celebrated nine touchdowns.

The Cats, bottom in the standings, scored six of their own with lock Gerrie Britz also claiming three in a match that had little at stake other than pride.

The Bulls twice led by 24 points before the Cats closed to 48-45 with 10 minutes remaining.

Unanswered tries by Britz -- to complete his hat-trick -- prop Os du Randt and wing Jorrie Muller threatened to turn the game on its head.

But the Bulls finished strongly, with wing Eddie Fredericks and lock Victor Matfield scoring tries to ensure the home side's victory.

Muller scored his second try after the siren sounded to lift the Cats to the half-century.

- REUTERS