Free State to return to the main match for the first time since 2011
KRUGERSDORP. – The Free State will play in the main match of the annual Stadio Craven Week for the first time since 2011.
The Free Staters booked their place in the main match thanks to a 34-27 victory over the Blue Bulls on the tournament’s fourth day at Hoërskool Monument.
The Free State will face Western Province, who will be making their fifth successive appearance in the main match, for the title of unofficial champions. Province will also attempt to better the record for the most consecutive victories at the tournament.
Free State started the match against the Blue Bulls by giving them their own medicine with captain and hooker, Liam van Wyk, crashing over for a brace of tries from rolling mauls.
Besides Van Wyk, the eighthman, Liam Santos, as well as lock AJ Meyer, was busy throughout the match.
Flyhalf Alzeadon Felix once again produced a couple of magic moments. He was deservedly named the Man of the Match for a second time during the week. He has probably cemented his place in the SA Schools’ side or at least SA Schools A-side, which will be announced on Friday.
Fullback Heinz Stockenström also scored a brace of tries while also converting two tries to take his tally for the tournament to 36 points, the most thus far by any player in Krugersdorp.
His four tries also make him the joint top try scorer with Western Province’s flanker Josh Neill.
For the Bulls, their SA Schools inside centre and captain, Janco Purchase, produced one of his best performances of the season. It is as if his battles with Pieter van der Merwe bring the best out of him.
Another player who was good on the day for the losing side was JD Hattingh (lock).
Scorers
Free State 34 (17) – Try: Liam van Wyk (2), Heinz Stockenström (2), Liam Santos, Toriq Schambreel. Conversion: Stockenström (2). Blue Bulls 27 (8) – Try: Dewron Aford, JD Hattingh, Hendré Schoeman, Junaide Stuart. Conversions: Ruben Pienaar (2). Penalty: Ruben Pienaar.
Golden Lions 37 (20) – Tries: Michael Benzien (2), Cheswill Jooste (2), Kebotile Maake, Jamaal Feldman. Conversions: Vusi Moyo (2). Penalty: Moyo. Western Province XV 33 (12) – Tries: Sango Zangqa, Jayden Joubert, Steph van der Merwe, Derick du Preez, Tom Barnard. Conversions: Retagan van Rooi (2), David Simon (2).
