Eastern Province Kings chalked up their maiden Currie Cup win of the season as they came from behind to down Free State Cheetahs 32-24.

With the exception of their round one hammering at the hands of the Golden Lions, Brent Janse van Rensburg's men have been competitive in every game this term and finally ended a run of narrow defeats with a spirited display in Port Elizabeth.

The Cheetahs led 19-16 at the break courtesy of tries from Gerhard Olivier, Shaun Venter and Clayton Blommetjies, with the hosts replying through Luther Obi's long-range five-pointer and 11 points from the boot of Scott van Breda.

When JP du Plessis was red-carded seven minutes into the second-half after seemingly throwing a punch during a ruck, the home side's forgettable campaign appeared set to continue.

But instead they stepped up a gear, Paul Schoeman's break creating a try for Siyanda Grey which Van Breda converted before adding a further three penalties to take his tally to an impressive eight from eight on the night.

And although the visitors did reply through a Sergeal Petersen try, it came too late to reignite their faltering semi-final hopes and deny the Kings a deserved victory.

The round continues on Saturday with a top-of-the-table clash between the Blue Bulls and Golden Lions in Loftus Versfeld, plus the Sharks hosting Western Province and Griquas taking on fellow-strugglers the Pumas.