South Western Districts and the Lions claimed one-point victories while the Western Province XV and the Pumas were also among the winners on the first day of the U18 Craven Week at Hoërskool Middelburg.
The U18 Craven Week got off to an explosive start in Middelburg on Monday, with 37 tries scored across the four matches.
Lot tighter
The WP XV put on an attacking show in the opening fixture, scoring eight tries and more than 50 points against the Griffons.
The Capetonians were in charge for much of the contest, limiting the Northern Free Staters to two penalty goals over the course of the game.
The next two fixtures were a lot tighter, with the Lions and SWD fighting back from significant half-time deficits to secure important victories.
Free State dominated the first half of their fixture against SWD, and went to the break with a 17-6 lead. Flyhalf Darius Erwee led the way for his side, contributing 12 points in all.
SWD lifted the tempo in the second stanza, scoring three tries in the final 10 minutes. While Free State added a converted try at the death, it wasn’t enough to deny the Eagles a famous 35-34 win.
Slow start
In the Jukskei Derby, the Lions rebounded after a slow start to trail by six points at half-time. Neither side managed to gain the upper in hand in the early stages of the the second stanza, with the lead changing hands several times.
With time running out, Bulls wing Thabiso Simelane launched an audacious counter-attack from within his own half, and then managed to regather his own chip kick for an important touchdown.
But the Lions worked their way upfield, before earning a penalty within Jeandre Uithaler’s range. The flyhalf booted his side to a 36-35 victory, and finished the clash with a personal tally to 11 points.
In the fourth match of the day, the Pumas scored five tries in quick succession to take the contest away from the Limpopo Blue Bulls and begin their home tournament with an emphatic 44-22 win.
The U18 Craven Week will continue at Hoërskool Middelburg on Tuesday, with the Leopards taking on the Valke in the first match at 10:00.
Western Province, who finished unbeaten in last year’s competition, will tackle Western Cape rivals Sanlam Boland at 14:30 in the final match of the day.
U18 Craven Week Day 1 results
Western Province XV 52-6 Griffons
Free State 34-35 South Western Districts
Blue Bulls 35-36 Lions
Pumas 44-22 Limpopo Blue Bulls
Day 2 fixtures
Leopards v Valke – 10:00
Border v Suzuki Griquas – 11:30
Sharks v Eastern Province – 13:00
Western Province v Boland – 14:30
Which team are you supporting at this year’s Craven Week?
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