Results – u13 Craven Week 2025 – Day 4
Western Province took on Boland in the unofficial final of this year’s u13 Craven Week. The all Western Cape final took place at Selborne College in East London. It was a repeat of the final in Pietermaritzburg two years ago. Province narrowly won that contest 10-8.
This time out, Province extended their margin of victory, winning 21-7. Their performance was strong all round.
Against such stoic defending, Boland were only able to get on the scoresheet due to the excellent attacking prowess of their centre pairing; Ajanda Nel and Chamielo Smith. The pair have been wreaking havoc against opposition defence the entire week, almost deliberately taking turns at collecting points for their side. This time around, Nel scored the try, while Smith kicked over the conversion.
It’s tough to single out stars from the Province side, since all of their players performed at a top level. Rather, their excellent teamwork and understanding of their individual roles shines out to anyone watching them play. These traits allowed them to be the only unbeaten team in this year’s edition of the competition.
It may be argued that the Western Cape is the richest region for rugby talent in the world. Western Province have been in 13 of the last 14 u13 Craven Week finals, winning nine of them. Boland haven’t been too bad themselves, having been in five of the last 14 finals. Unfortunately, they have won none of them, despite some very close encounters. Although, I’m sure they’ll be looking to change their fortune next year, while Western Province will look to maintain theirs.
Scorers:
Western Province 21 (7) – Tries: Andile Mlambo, Theolin Edwards, Lihlombe Mabengu. Conversions: Francois Gouws, Andile Mlambo, Jonathan van der Byl. Boland 7 (0) – Tries: Ajanda Nel. Conversions: Chamielo Smith.
Boland B 23 (20) – Tries: Easton Titus (2), Jaylon Boonzaaier, Musawenkosi Kheswa. Penalties: Evert Kleynhause. Western Province B 14 (0) – Tries: Hayden Saayman, Mickyle Montjies. Conversions: Christian Brits (2).
Sharks 33 (19) – Tries: Chris Chekera (2), Zinzo Ndongeni, Siphesihle Shitlhangu (Captain), Nkanyezi Linda. Conversions: Quade Nicholls (4). Pumas 19 (7) – Tries: Totius Botha, Edmund Ferreira, Josseph Mthetwa. Conversions: Brussouw Francke (2).
Eastern Province 52 (33) – Tries: Bulelani Norman (2), Warren Grootboom (2), Aqhama Macembe (2), Musa Mdongwana, Reuben Lotter. Conversions: Siyambonga Mila (6). Griqualand West 5 (0) – Tries: Jacobus Prinsloo.
Leopards 21 (14) – Tries: Shiloh Fortuin, GP Cordier, Evaan van Wyck. Conversions: Alru Ross (3). Limpopo Blue Bulls 5 (5) – Tries: Phetolo Mokwena.
Blue Bulls 41 (12) – Tries: Matthew Ekata (3), Jovan van Dyk (2), Rhoan Lubanzadio, Armand Botma. Conversions: Hanru Louwrens (3). Border Central 12 (5) – Tries: Luke Mpangele, Vuyo Foslara. Conversions: Liam Palmer.
Valke 56 (39) – Tries: Aidyn Hiscock (2), Gert Booysen (2), Helmut Hofmann, Jaco-wiekus Binneman, Wian Gildenhuys, Mbulelo Tshbalela, Siyabonga Mtshwene, Kamogelo Raolane. Conversions: Rossouw Nieuwoudt (2), Helmut Hofmann. Border Country Districts 0.
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