The Lions u/21s hosted the Vodacom Blue Bulls u/21 and secured a much-needed win by 27-20 to keep their hopes alive to qualify for the playoffs.
The Vodacom Blue Bulls u/21s made several changes to their line-up to give several boys an opportunity to play in the competition.
The match was a ding-dong affair with both teams having several opportunities to secure the match. The Vodacom Blue Bulls led 15-13 going into the halftime break.
Both teams scored three tries, however, the boot of the Lions' flyhalf Sam Francis was the difference between winning or losing. Francis contributed 12 points with three try conversions and two penalties.
The Vodacom Blue Bulls u/21s still are on top of the log with sixteen log points, the Lions u/21s however have improved their playoff dreams and are currently third on the log with nine log points.
Scorers:
Lions u/21: Tries: Connor Van Buuren, Indiphile Tyeda, Sibusiso Shongwe. Conversions: Sam Francis (3). Penalties: Sam Francis (2)
Vodacom Blue Bulls u/21: Tries: Tiaan Lange, Ghudian Van Reenen, Sonwabo Sokoyi. Conversion: Compion Von Ludwig. Penalty: Compion Von Ludwig.
Teams:
Lions u/21: 15. Setshaba Mokoena, 14. Zeilinga Strydom, 13. Ngia Selengbe, 12. Tyler Bocks (c), 11. Indiphile Tyeda, 10. Sam Francis, 9. Nico Steyn, 8. Jarrod Cairns, 7. Izan Esterhuizen, 6. Renzo du Plessis, 5. Connor Van Buuren, 4. Ruan Delport, 3. Kabous Bezuidenhout, 2. Jacques-lois du Toit, 1. Okuhle Siyeni. Replacements: 16. Ricardo Fourie, 17. Heiko Pohlman, 18. Sibusiso Shongwe, 19. Siyemukela Ndlovu, 20. Raynard Roets, 21. Layton Horn, 22. Sihlalo Benge, 23. Josh Jonas.
Vodacom Bulls u/21: 15. Sonwabo Sokoyi, 14. Larry Nkonki, 13. Munashe Dukuswa, 12.Carlton Banies (Co-Captain), 11. Quewin Nortje, 10. Compion von Ludwig, 9. Neil le Roux, 8. Hardus Rothman, 7. Ghudian van Reenan, 6. Eric Basson, 5. Marco de Witt, 4. Hanno Theunissen, 3. Mawande Mdanda, 2. Tiaan Lange, 1. Cebo Dhlamini (Co-Captain). Replacements: 16. Reuben van der Nest, 17. Corne Lavagna, 18. Tielman Nieuwoudt, 19. Rynard Mouton, 20. Danwich Beukes, 21. Gcino Mdletshe, 22. Rowan Cloete, 23. Regan Izaks.