Free State and Pumas remain unbeaten after an important win on Day 4 of U18 Craven Week at the Hoƫrskool Monument in Krugersdorp.
Free State and Pumas, as well as Boland and Western Province, have also picked up two wins in as many games and will be looking to build momentum going into the final round of matches on Saturday.
The Pumas thrashed the Limpopo Blue Bulls by 60 points on Tuesday and were ruthless in their win over the Griffons on Thursday, scoring nine tries to win 57-26. Lock Franko Rossouw had two touchdowns and flyhalf Matthew Abbey, the tournament’s leading scorer, had 17 points.
Free State had reason to feel confident heading into Thursday afternoon’s showdown with the Bulls after beating the Griffons 57-36 in the first round.
Central United scored three tries in the first half and the Bulls were back in the game. But late touchdowns from fullback Heinz Stockenstrom, who finished with a brace, and No 8 Liam Santos sealed Free State’s 34-27 win.
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Earlier in the day, Griquas and Limpopo Blue Bulls showed their attacking intent in a high-scoring match that saw them total 15 tries.
The Northerners took an 18-12 lead at halftime before the Griquas upped their game in the second stanza and won 53-37.
The Golden Lions bounced back from a narrow loss to the Bulls on Thursday to beat WP XV 37-33. They outscored the Cape team 6-5 with substitute backs Cheswill Jooste and Michael Benzien scoring two goals each.
The final day of the tournament on Saturday begins with a clash between Leopards and Limpopo Blue Bulls.
Day 4 Results:
Griquas 53-37 Limpopo Blue Bulls
Griffon 26-57 Puma
Golden Lions 37-33 WP XV
Blue Bulls 27-34 Free State
Day 5 Schedule:
8am: Leopards v Limpopo Blue Bulls
9.15am: WP XV v Pumas
9:20 AM: Valcke vs Griquas
10:35am: Lions vs SWD
10:40 a.m.: Borders vs. Griffons
11:55 a.m.: Bulls vs. Sharks
12:00 PM: Borland vs. EP
1:15pm: WP v Free State
