Western Province beat a combative Free State team in the final game of the U18 Craven Week, while Boland and the Pumas emerged victorious on Saturday to end their campaigns on a high.
WRAP: MARK’S LAST DAY THROUGH DRAMA
The final day of the Craven Week tournament at the Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp witnessed some exciting, high-scoring matches as three teams – WP, Boland and the Pumas – claimed victories to reach the finish competition undefeated.
Craven Week’s final match was only decisive in the second half, when winger Freek de Kock scored from a corner kick to extend WP’s lead to 13 points.
Siyabonga Kenny scored in the 64th minute to give Free State hope of a great comeback by Craven Week, until a late try from substitute Torren February gave the Cape Town side a 37-24 victory.
Earlier in the day, the Pumas fought back from a 14-point half-time deficit to beat WP XV 27-22. Boland continued their impressive run at Craven Week as they defeated Eastern Province 35-27, with winger Bernedict George and fullback Howard Ocks scoring twice each.
The Craven Week hosts defeated the South West Districts 45-40 in a clash that saw 11 tries general. A second half blitz by the Sharks gave them a 26-19 win over the Bulls.
Free State fullback Heinz Stockenstrom finished the U18 Stadio Craven Week with the most points (45), while Griquas fullback Gregan Jansen topped the try scoring charts (5).
Free State lynchpin Alzeadon Felix was named Craven Week Player of the Tournament in 2024.
CRAVEN WEEK DAY FIVE RESULTS:
Leopards 43 (12) Limpopo Blue Bulls 39 (17)
WP XV 22 (17) 27 Pumas (3)
Falcon 30 (20) Griquas 24 (17)
Lions 45 (21) SWD 40 (20)
Edge 16 (8) Griffins 10 (5)
Bulls 19 (7) Sharks 26 (0)
Boland 35(18) EP 27 (5)
WP 37 (18) Free State 24 (17)
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