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On a spectacular day out for the Golden Lions Rugby Union, the Golden Lions XV completed a double for the hosts on Friday, the final day of the Academy Week, in Johannesburg, with a stunning win over the Free State Cheetahs.
The Lions XV, more commonly known as the “Welpies” (cubs) because they’re an u17 team, put in a massive shift in the second half to come from behind and beat the Free Staters by the barest of margins, 31-30.
They were 17 points down at the break, but Lions’ blindside flank, Sam Bruwer, led an inspiring fightback. He was exceptional on and off the ball, putting in the hard yards for the young Lions side. His all-action performance was rewarded with a precious hat-trick of tries.
Fullback Inda Gusha got in on the action, with his goal kicking playing a key role in the host’s victory. He slotted an important penalty and converted all four of the Lions’ tries, which ultimately meant that their 31 points in the second half saw them over the line.
It was a difficult week for the men from the Free State, who mustered only one victory from their three matches. However, tighthead prop Marinus Oosthuizen enjoyed his time in Johannesburg. He was one of the Cheetahs’ standout performers. He was full of energy and his Os du Randt-like runs with the ball were one of the highlights of the Free Staters’ week.
Flyhalf Jan-Hendrik van der Linden also sparkled. He kept the scoreboard ticking for the Cheetahs with his goal-kicking and played a pivotal role in the side’s victory over the Griffons on day two.
South Western Districts and the Limpopo Blue Bulls made history, with both putting up three figure scores in their final clashes.
SWD ran in 16 tries in their 106-10 victory over Border Country Districts. Christian Vorster, who was immense throughout the week, enjoyed an extra special day, from a personal standpoint, scoring an astonishing five to contribute 25 points.
Unbelievably, the Limpopo Blue Bulls matched SWD, also tallying 106 points in a 106-7 demolition of the LSEN XV. Just like SWD, the Limpopo Blue Bulls also crossed for 16 tries.
Hoërskool Pietersburg‘s Hardus Otto led the charge, slicing open the LSEN defence to dot down three times. Hooker Heinrich Poolman and utility back Siya Manglangu grabbed two five-pointers each.
SCORERS
Golden Lions XV 31 (0) – Tries: Sam Bruwer (3), Joshua Shannon. Conversions: Indi Gusha (4). Penalty: Gusha. Free State Cheetahs 30 (17) – Tries: Marinus Oosthuizen, Renier Grobler, Tristan Maree. Conversions: Jan-Hendrik van der Linden (3). Penalties: Van der Linden (3).
South Western Districts 106 (43) – Tries: Christian Vorster (5), Ashton Abels (3), Ruan van Rensburg (2), Ruan van Zyl, Liam Lightley, Jadrian Goosen, Rayline Alberts, Jade Peterson, Sirr Lourens. Conversions: Charles Vosloo (7), Sidey Lourence (6). Border Country Districts 10 (3) – Try: Tebogo Mhlana. Conversion: Avuyily Funani. Penalties: Funani.
Limpopo Blue Bulls 106 (52) – Tries: Hardus Otto (3), Heinrich Poolman (2), Siya Manglangu (2), Lourens Pieterse, Elardus Erasmus, Blessing Risbaba, Rico Pieterse, Joshua van der Mescht, Ian van der Merwe, Firtune Sehlabane, Mahlatse Moshela, Mphiri Gadebe. Conversions: Vincent Luckhoff (8), JD Boshoff (5). LSEN XV 7 (7) – Try: Edwill Jantjies. Conversion: Jantjies.
Boland 38 (24) – Tries: De Villiers Kotze, Pieter du Toit, Stefan van der Merwe, Lungi Mothibe, Irlo Liebenberg, Morne Wessels. Conversions: Van der Merwe (2), Liebenberg (2). Leopards 12 (8) – Tries: Ulrigh du Preez, Jondre Jefthas. Conversion: Eduard Dreyer.
Valke 53 (29) – Tries: Storm Labuschagne (3), Breyton Kruger, Hendrik Eybers, Ryan Smith, Themba Mbele,b Yani Mokiri, Damian Slabbert. Conversions: Ryan Smith (2), Jean-dre Claasen (2). Griquas 21 (9) – Tries: Syiaan van Loggerenberg, Themba Kella. Conversion: Abdul Fischer. Penalties: Fischer (2), Kihan Maarman.
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