Rugby: Craven Week day 1 report
The event that every schoolboy rugby fan circles on the calendar is finally here the 2025 Craven Week, live from Middelburg High School. As always, the excitement and anticipation was sky-high, and Day One certainly didn’t disappoint.
Game 1
The opening fixture set the tone in emphatic fashion. Western Province XV wasted no time showing their class, delivering a dominant performance against the Griffons. From the first whistle, Province asserted themselves physically and tactically, eventually running out 52–6 winners. The scoreline was a harsh reality for the Griffons but a clear message from Western Province illustrating their rugby depth in 2025
Game 2
The second game of the day proved to be one of the most thrilling. South Western Districts faced off against Free State, a side stacked with 19 Grey College players, lead by Xander Smit and the electric Lamla Mgedezi, who lit up the first half with moments of individual brilliance and a few magical tries. Free State looked in control during the opening exchanges, showcasing fluid chemistry and structured play. But credit to South Western Districts, who held their nerve, tightened their defence, and slowly began to claw their way back into the contest. In a nail-biting finish, they edged out Free State by a single point in what might just be the game of the day. Final score: 35–34 to SWD.
Game 3
The most anticipated clash of the day followed as the Blue Bulls took on the Lions, a match rich in rivalry and intensity. The opening 25 minutes were tight and cagey, with both sides feeling each other out and little scoreboard movement. But as the first half neared its end, the tempo lifted dramatically. A Lions try was quickly countered by a spirited Bulls reply, sending the Pretoria side into halftime with a narrow six-point advantage.
The second half picked up right where it left off, fast, physical, and fiercely contested. One of the biggest moments came late in the game with a controversial 50-50 try call that fell in favour of the Bulls. It seemed that might be the game-clincher, but the Lions weren’t done. With two minutes left on the clock, Jandre Uithaler showed nerves of steel to slot a pressure penalty and seal a dramatic one-point win for the Lions. Final score: 36–35.
youtube highlights of the Bulls match below:
Game 4
To wrap up Day One, the Limpopo Blue Bulls took on the Pumas in a clash that showcased elements of dynamic modern rugby. While the Limpopo side showed heart and structure, the Pumas gradually pulled away through superior breakdown play and sharp finishing. They secured a convincing 44–22 victory to close the day.
Craven Week 2025 is already off to a flying start. For players, it’s a stage to impress. For spectators, it’s a reminder of the incredible rugby talent being nurtured in South Africa. With teams like the Sharks and Western Province in action tomorrow, fans can look forward to another action-packed day of high-quality schoolboy rugby. Stay tuned the best is yet to come.
