Free State and the Pumas remain undefeated after recording important victories on the fourth day of the U18 Craven Week at the Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp.
Free State and the Pumas – as well as Boland and Western Province – have recorded two wins in as many games and will carry some momentum into Saturday’s final round.
The Pumas opened up a 60-point lead over the Limpopo Blue Bulls on Tuesday and were equally ruthless in Thursday’s clash with the Griffons, scoring nine tries in a 57-26 victory. Lock Franko Rossouw touched down twice, while flyhalf Matthew Abbey, the tournament’s top scorer, contributed 17 points.
After beating the Griffons 57-36 in the first round, Free State had reason to be confident ahead of their clash with the Bulls on Thursday afternoon.
The Central Union scored three tries in the first half before the Bulls forced their way back into the game. However, late touchdowns from fullback Heinz Stockenstrom – who finished with a brace – and No. 8 Liam Santos secured a 34-27 victory for Free State.
Earlier in the day, Griquas and the Limpopo Blue Bulls showed their attacking intent in a goal-heavy match that resulted in a total of 15 goals.
The Northerners led 18-12 at half-time, until Griquas took their performance to the next level in the second half, winning 53-37.
The Golden Lions bounced back from a narrow loss to the Bulls to beat the WP XV 37-33 on Thursday, outscoring the Cape side by six goals, with replacement full-backs Cheswill Jooste and Michael Benzien netting two each.
The final day of the tournament starts on Saturday with a match between the Leopards and Limpopo Blue Bulls at 08:00.
WP plays the last match of the competition at 1.15 pm against Free State.
Day four results:
Griquas 53 (12), Limpopo Blue Bulls 37 (18)
Griffons 26 (7), vs Pumas 57 (38)
Golden Lions 37 (20), WP XV 33 (12)
Blue Bulls 27 (8), Free State 34 (17)
Matches June 29:
08h00: Leopards v Limpopo Blue Bulls, B field
09:15: WP XV v Pumas, A-field
9:20 am: Valke vs Griquas, B-field
10.35am: Lions v SWD, A-field
10.40 am: Border v Griffons, B field
11:55 am: Bulls v Sharks, one field
12.00: Boland against EP, B-field
13:15: WP v Free State, A-field
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