Free State and the Pumas remain unbeaten after claiming important wins on the fourth day of the U18 Stadio Craven Week at Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp.
Blue Bulls 27-34 Free State Cheetahs
Free State has racked up two wins in as many matches and will take some momentum into the final round of fixtures this Saturday. After beating the Griffons 57-36 in the first round, Free State had reason to feel confident ahead of their showdown with the Bulls on Thursday afternoon. The Central Union scored three tries in the first half before the Bulls clawed their way back into the game. However, late touchdowns by fullback Heinz Stockenstrom, who finished with a brace, and No 8 Liam Santos sealed a 34-27 win for Free State.
Scorers:
Blue Bulls: Tries: JD Hattingh, Hendré Schoeman, Junaide Stuart, Dewron Aford. Conversions: Ruben Pienaar (2). Penalty: Ruben Pienaar.
Free State Cheetahs: Tries: Liam Van Wyk (2), Liam Santos, Heinz Stockenstrom (2), Toriq Schambreel. Conversions: Heinz Stockenstrom.
Golden Lions 37-33 Western Province XV
The Golden Lions rebounded from a narrow loss to the Bulls to edge the WP XV 37-33 on Thursday. They outscored the Cape side by six tries to five, with replacement backs Cheswill Jooste and Michael Benzien scoring two apiece. The Golden Lions led 20-12 at the halftime break and looked as if they were in the driving seat, however, the Western Province XV clawed their way back into the match and easily could have walked away with their second win of the week.
Scorers:
Golden Lions: Tries: Jamaal Feldman, Kebotile Maake, Cheswill Jooste (2), Michael Benzien (2). Conversions: Simphiwe Moyo (2). Penalty: Simphiwe Moyo.
Western Province XV: Tries: Sango Zangqa, Jayden Joubert, Steph Van Der Merwe, Derick Du Preez, Tom Barnard. Conversions: Retagan Van Rooi (2), David Simon (2).
Griffons 26-57 Pumas
The Griffons struggled to overcome three injuries within seven minutes of play in the first half and trailed 07-38 at the halftime break. The Pumas did well to defend their lead in the second half which was very even and ended in a 19 all "draw"
Scorers:
Griffons: Tries: Rewaldo Farmer, Rorisang Marumo, Leano Williams, Cecil Parsons. Conversions: Rorisang Marumo (3).
Pumas: Tries: Sfundo Mayisa, Wandisa Mthobeni, Franko Rossouw (2), Vaughn Van Zyl, Mattew Abbey, Tinyiko Silubane, Johnny Dos Santos, Ryan Erasmus. Conversions: Mattew Abbey (6).
Griquas 53-37 Limpopo Bulls
Fifteen tries says everything regarding the defence that was completely missing in this game. The first half was still an arm wrestle with the Limpopo Bulls leading 18-12 at the halftime break. Thereafter .......
Scorers:
Griquas: Tries: Jade Coetzee, Marno Greeff, Sylvester Hoffman, Gregan Jansen (2), Zuan Rautenbach (2), Jacquin Jasson (2). Conversions: Ethan Van Zyl, Sylvester Hoffman (3).
Limpopo Bulls: Tries: Aza Mabe, Hardus Terblanche, Mignon Stevens (2), Fredie Pinto, Pontsho Selowa. Conversions: Mignon Stevens, Byron Hendricks. Penalties: Mignon Stevens.
