It was a second consecutive year of heartbreak for the home side as they lost the 2024 final to the Sharks, also after conceding points after the full-time hooter.
Whitehead proved to be the hero for the men from Kimberley after the flyhalf contributed 12 points with his boot in the contest.
Griquas opened the scoring when fullback Cameron Hufke crossed for a try in the opening minute but the Lions hit back when Chris Smith slotted a penalty.
The home team then took the lead as wing Kelly Mpeku went over for a five-pointer but the visitors once again showed their prowess through flanker Lourens Oosthuizen.
Richard Kriel then burst through the Griquas defence as the Lions took a 17-14 lead into the halftime break.
Henco van Wyk then extended the home side's advantage on the scoreboard but Whitehead kept his team in touch via a penalty.
Mnombo Zwelendaba then powered over for a try as the visitors took a 24-22 going into the final 10 minutes of the contest.
Replacement flyhalf Lubabalo Dobela thought he had sealed the win for the Lions as he slotted a late penalty to give the hosts a 25-24 advantage.
With time up on the clock, Lions lock Ruan Delport was penalised for a deliberate knockdown and Whitehead stepped forward to deliver the trophy for Griquas.
It was a tough week in the United Rugby Championship for the South African teams, apart from the Stormers, but several star players still managed to stand out with strong performances.
The Lions' search for a first win of the 2025/26 United Rugby Championship season continued on Saturday as they slumped to a 41–15 defeat to Benetton in wet and testing conditions in Treviso.
Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg returns to Lions colours this weekend as they take on Benetton in Saturday's United Rugby Championship in Treviso.
Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg could be set for a swift return for the Lions ahead of Saturda's Vodacom URC encounter against Benetton in Treviso.
