Bulls claim bragging rights in Gauteng derby

DAY TWO WRAP: The Blue Bulls secured a narrow victory over the Golden Lions, while there were big wins for the Western Province XV, Pumas and Free State on the second day of the Under-18 Craven Week at Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp.

The highly anticipated trans-Jukskei derby on Tuesday lived up to the hype, with the hosts and the Bulls scoring 10 tries between them.

The Lions were in control for much of the first half, before the Bulls hit back to score 20 unanswered points in the second stanza and did enough in the dying stages to clinch a thrilling 35-34 win. Replacement Luann Olivier scored two of the Bulls’ six tries.

Earlier in the day, the WP XV scored eight tries in an emphatic 52-17 win over Griquas. The Cape side led 14-8 at the break and proceeded to lift the tempo in the second stanza, with centre Markus Muller scoring two of his team’s tries.

The battle between the Pumas and the Limpopo Blue Bulls followed a similar pattern, although the Mpumalanga side enjoyed a healthy 22-0 lead at half-time. Centre Ian Wood bagged a hat-trick as his side went on to secure a 60-17 victory.

Free State and the Griffons put on a show, with a total of 15 tries and 93 points scored over the course of their 70-minute contest. Free State fullback Heinz Stokenstrom scored two tries and kicked six conversions.

The tournament will continue at Hoërskool Monument on Wednesday.

Day Two Results:

WP XV 52 (14) beat Griquas 17 (8)
Pumas 60 (22) beat Limpopo Blue Bulls 17 (0)
Free State 57 (26) beat Griffons 36 (17)
Blue Bulls 35 (15) beat Golden Lions 34 (24)

Wednesday, 26 June fixtures:
10.00: Falcons v Leopards
11.30: Boland v Border
13.00: SWD v Sharks
14.30: WP v EP