Rugby Results as Craven Week wraps up for 2025.
The final day of the 2025 Craven Week delivered the most complete set of match-ups, two ruthless demolitions and two edge-of-your-seat thrillers! It was a dramatic closing chapter to a week that had already treated schoolboy rugby fans to some of the most captivating fixtures in recent memory.
Blue Bulls Vs Eastern Province
The morning began with a points-fest between the Blue Bulls and Eastern Province. It may have finished with a lopsided scoreline, but for the first 20 minutes, it was all EP. They stunned the Bulls with a quick-fire penalty and two well-worked tries to race into a 17–0 lead. At that point, they looked completely in control. But the momentum shifted out of nowhere, and it was Junaide Stuard who got the Bulls on the board against the run of play. That try opened the floodgates. The Bulls racked up three more scores before halftime, snatching a nine-point lead in a turnaround few could’ve predicted.
The second half was all Bulls. Their ball-in-hand play was slick, their breakdown work efficient, and their speed on transition far too much for EP to handle. By the 60th minute, they had scored 35 unanswered points, turning the match into a rout. Eastern Province managed a late consolation try, but Dylan Stumke had the final say with a brilliant finish to complete a dominant 76–24 win for the Pretoria outfit.
Golden Lions vs Western Province XV
The second game on the card was the tightest of the day, with Golden Lions facing Western Province XV. The Lions came out composed and methodical, claiming an early 10–0 lead through a penalty and a well-set try. The first 30 minutes were a tactical battle, but things exploded just before the break as both sides crossed over. The Lions headed into halftime up 17–10, holding the upper hand.
Western Province XV came out firing in the second half, especially after the Lions were reduced to 14 men due to a yellow card. They managed to pull themselves within reach and kept the contest alive with clever tactical kicking and improved ruck speed. Yet, even with a man down, the Lions struck back with a try that proved critical. Province XV had the final word with a score on the hooter, but it was merely a statistic in the end, as the Lions held firm for a nail-biting 27–26 win.
Sharks vs Free State
Things intensified in game three as the Sharks, still licking their wounds from their earlier loss to Province, went up against a confident Free State unit. The match began as a tight contest, with neither side asserting dominance early. But it was Free State captain Xander Smit who broke the deadlock with a clever finish and later Free State added a penalty to give his team a 13–0 halftime lead.
The second half spiralled quickly for the Sharks after winger Rourke O’Sullivan was shown a red card for dangerous play. That moment handed all the momentum to Free State. Ervée kept the scoreboard ticking with three penalties, and by the 60th minute, it was 22–0. Lamla Mgedezi added another try, stretching Free State’s tally to 34. A late spark from Zekhethelo Siyaya gave the Sharks a glimmer of pride, but the damage was long done as they suffered a 34–10 defeat.
YouTube Highlights of the game.
Western Province vs South Western Districts
The grand finale saw a heavyweight clash between two unbeaten sides — Western Province and South Western Districts. SWD opened the scoring with two penalties from Pockpas, but Province responded through Ocks, who dotted down for a crucial try. Despite missed kicks from Province, they held a narrow 17–9 halftime advantage.
Jeneall Davids extended the lead early in the second half, but a yellow card to Rabe threatened to swing the balance. SWD capitalised with a try that brought them within touching distance. However, Province absorbed the pressure with calm heads and smart territory play, holding on for a thrilling 27–21 win to end the week undefeated.
YouTube Highlights of the game.
A final day worthy of the occasion, Where margins thinned and tempers soared, as the craven week signed off in style.
