The Bloemfontein side produced the performance of the day as they defeated the Limpopo Blue Bulls 66-41 in a thrilling 107-point spectacle on the Kolisi pitch to underline their title credentials at South Africa’s premier school rugby tournament.
It was a match full of attacking flair and running rugby, but Free State’s clinical finishing and ability to convert chances proved to make the difference as they regularly crossed the whitewash in an impressive opening round win.
Flyhalf Zachary Walbrugh was one of the standout players for Free State with a sensational individual contribution of 31 points. The talented pivot scored a hat-trick of tries and was influential throughout the match as he led his side around the park.
The combination of Ruan Roux and Eddie Mabena in midfield also caused plenty of problems for the Limpopo defense, with both centers helping themselves with two tries in the high-scoring encounter.
The win ensured Free State finished the opening day as the tournament’s biggest winners and immediately established themselves as one of the teams to watch during the week.
Elsewhere on the opening day, Western Province, Boland and the Sharks also got their campaign off to a winning start.
Boland finished strongly to beat the Leopards 39-20, while the Sharks put in a solid performance in their 36-19 win over South Western Districts.
The final match of the day saw hosts Eastern Province test Western Province in a competitive first half. EP flyhalf Nathan Trytsman kept his team in the match with two penalties, while the home side were only one point behind at half-time.
However, Western Province switched gears in the second half, scoring 21 unanswered points to pull away for a 42-25 win. Flyhalf Achmat Behardien played a key role in the boot, scoring six conversions and also scoring a late try.
The U18 Craven Week continues on Tuesday with more exciting matches at Gray High School. Border takes on the Valke in the opening match of the day, while the highly anticipated Jukskei Derby between the Blue Bulls and Golden Lions forms the afternoon action.
Scorers:
Free State: tries – Zachary Walbrugh 3, Eddie Mabena 2, Ruan Roux 2, Lamla Mgedezi, Andrew Wessels, Unathi Ntuli Conv. -Walbrugh 8
Limpopo Blue Bulls: Tries – Lehlogonolo Letlabola 2, Juan Dreyer, Juan Randell, Kristen Swanepoel, Andru de Beer, Mahlatse Kekana Conv. – Randel 3
U18 Craven Week results – Monday 6 July:
Boland 39-20 Leopards
Free State 66-41 Limpopo Blue Bulls
Sharks 36-19 Southwestern Districts
Western Province 42-25 Eastern Province
U18 Craven Week Matches – Tuesday 7th July:
09:30 – Border versus Valke
11:15 – Griquas vs. Cougars
1:30 PM – Western Province XV vs Griffons
3:15 PM – Blue bulls versus golden lions
Morgan Piek OFM Sports
OFM
www.ofm.co.za