Rugby Results from Craven Week Day 3.
Limpopo Blue Bulls vs Griffons
The day opened with a high-scoring thriller between Limpopo Blue Bulls and the Griffons, a game that swung like a pendulum until the very end. The Bulls edged it 49–44 in an emotional finish, sealing the win with a quick boot into touch seconds after the final hooter. It was a game that had it all flair, passion, and a crowd roaring till the last play.
Western Province XV vs Pumas
Game two saw Western Province XV take on the Pumas, it began with Province putting their foot on the gas early. The Pumas were kept scoreless for the opening 20 minutes as Province surged to a commanding 28–0 lead. Franko Rossouw finally broke through to get the Pumas on the board, but the damage was already significant they went into the break 26 points behind. The second half offered a moment of hope when Iwan Jordaan crossed the whitewash, only for a TMO review to spot a forward pass. That let-off didn’t last long, as a yellow card and missed opportunities piled on the Pumas’ woes. While they managed to pull off a well-worked team try late in the game, Province closed things off in convincing fashion, taking a dominant 45–14 win.
Free State vs Blue Bulls
Then came the clash everyone had circled: Free State vs the Blue Bulls. It had all the makings of a classic and it delivered. Eathan Adams was the star early on, single-handedly tearing through the Bulls’ defence. His first try came from a moment of opportunism, scooping up a lineout error and turning it into five points. His second was a barnstorming 35-meter burst that left defenders in his wake. But the Bulls hit back through Luan Potgieter, who dotted down on debut, narrowing the gap to just three. As the first half drew to a close, Mgedezi soared to collect a cross-kick and extended Free State’s lead. The second half was played at a newfound speed, both sides trading blows, but it was the Free Staters who had more in the tank in the final ten. Ervee and Mgedezi combined once again for a magical closing try that sealed a 52–33 victory.
Youtube highlights of the match
South Western Districts vs Lions
The final fixture of the day was a meeting of two unbeaten teams: South Western Districts and the Lions. It started on a shaky note for SWD, whose kick-off failed to go ten but that early stumble was quickly forgotten. Hooker Keenan Myners got SWD on the board, and though the Lions replied almost instantly, they would never draw level again. SWD turned up the tempo with three seamless team tries, catching the Lions cold as they stormed to a 26–7 halftime lead. The second half brought more of the same, as the game opened up and SWD’s backline went into overdrive. Flyhalf Pockpas was pinpoint off the tee, adding the extras and some polish to an already clinical display. The Lions mounted a late surge with a handful of consolation tries, but the gap was too wide. SWD cruised home 52–22 to remain unbeaten.
Youtube highlights of the match:
As Day 3 ends, only four teams remain undefeated while two more are still within touching distance after drawing their opening fixtures. With form peaking and margins narrowing, one can only wonder how many of these sides will still be standing tall come finals day.
FNB U18 Craven Week day four fixtures (Thursday, 10 July):
10h00: Sanlam Boland v Valke
11h30: Suzuki Griquas v Leopards
13h00: Border v Eastern Province
14h30: DHL Western Province v Sharks High Schools
