New unofficial u13 Craven Week champions to emerge after Bulls stumble
The quality of rugby during the opening day of the annual u13 Craven Week at Selborne College in East London was of a high standard.
The tone was set early with the Griffons producing an impressive performance as they defeated the Border Country Districts by 37-7 in the first match of the day.
Watch all the action again on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).
The Sharks came out on top by 15-14 in a fiery contest with the defending unofficial champions, the Blue Bulls.
The Sharks managed to build up a 10-0 lead at half-time after playing with the wind behind their backs.
Captain and eighthman, Siphesihle Shitlhangu, scored a vital try to see his side home with about 12 minutes left on the clock. Their left wing, Bamidele Ambali, scored his side’s other try in the first half. Ambali is a big and intimidating runner with the ball in hand.
The winning side’s hooker, Sethabiso Mdakane, also produced a good performance in a very physical encounter. For the Bulls their eighthman, Jason Steyn, as well as hooker, Jovan van Dyk, deserves a pat on the back for their performances.
The Sharks will face South Western Districts in the main match of the second day. South Western Districts also produced a superb performance during the opening day with a 59-12 victory over the Valke. The team’s midfield pairing of Miguel Prins and Jordan-Ronan Sydon was on fire.
Prins scored a hat-trick of tries, while Sydon completed a brace. In the front their hooker, Jaydwin Jafta, put in some bullocking runs.
The Pumas also showcased that they are a force to be reckoned with at this year’s tournament as they defeated the Limpopo Blue Bulls by 25-0. Their outside centre, Joseph Mthetwa, was the biggest thorn in Limpopo’s side.
The Free State played some exciting running rugby as they downed the Leopards by 48-7. Their eighthman, Bakang Kgware, and hooker, Delmar Fick, both scoring a brace of tries in the victory.
The Golden Lions centre Francois du Toit played a major role in his side coming out on top by 24-12 against Griqualand West.
Western Province is without a doubt also contenders for the title of unofficial champions this year. They will however face the Free State in their second clash.
WP defeated Eastern Province by 31-7 in their opening match. It was a very physical encounter in which locks, Rohlandt Roos and Isak Swanepoel, as well as prop Philip du Toit, thrived.
Scorers:
CRAVEN WEEK
Boland 27 (5) – Tries: Chamielo Smith, Rachaan Visagie, Evan Berling, Eltino Edons. Conversion: Berling. Border 5 (5) – Try: Mshengu Mzendana.
Sharks 15 (10) – Tries: Bamidele Ambali, Siphesihle Shitlhangu. Conversion: Quade Nicholls. Penalty: Nicholls. Blue Bulls 14 (0) – Tries: Hanru Louwrens, Jason Steyn. Conversions: Liam Gwavu (2).
Western Province 31 (17) – Tries: Rudi Coetzee, Willem Lubbe, Isak Swanepoel, Francois Gouws. Conversions: Jonathan van der Byl (4). Penalty: Van der Byl. Eastern Province 7 (0) – Try: Bulelani Norman. Conversion: Siyambonga Mila.
Golden Lions 24 (12) – Tries: Moses Ugboke, Nkosinathi Maseko, Lehumo Kgongoana, Francois du Toit. Conversions: Hanro de Beer, Lemuel Fourie. Griqualand West 12 (0) – Tries: Brayden Matshoba, Angus Hattingh. Conversion: 10.
Free State 48 (29) – Tries: Bakang Kgware (2), Delmar Fick (2), Kaelan Joubert, RJ de Vos, Jozua Heckroodt, Avan Hoon. Conversions: Falie Oelschig (4). Leopards 7 (0) – Try: Alru Ross. Conversion: Ross.
South Western Districts 59 (26) – Tries: Miguel Prins (3), Jordan-Ronan Sydon (2), Keanan Agulhas (2), Jaydwin Jafta, Hanco Zevenster. Conversions: Sian Potgieter (4), Lucan Scholtz (3). Valke 12 (5) – Tries: Nieuwoudt Rossouw, Gert-Daniel van den Berg. Conversion: Rossouw.
Pumas 25 (8) – Tries: Joseph Mthetwa, Avuyile Bilatyi, Sandile Msipa. Conversions: Brussow Francke (2). Penalties: Francke (2). Limpopo Blue Bulls 0.
Griffons 37 (22) – Tries: Wian van der Merwe (2), Amohelang Mahlale, Moeketsi Chweu, Kgoanthi Molupe, Hendrik Cronjé, Tefo Motloung. Conversion: Kamohelo Mahlale. Border Country Districts 7 (0) – Try: Limise Vusani. Conversion: Avongwa Limana.
