WP beat Free State in thriller to retain Craven Week crown
Western Province overcame a spirited Free State side in the final match of the U18 Craven Week, while Boland and the Pumas secured victories on Saturday to end their respective campaigns on a high.
WRAP: FINAL DAY MARK BY DRAMA
The final day of the Craven Week tournament at Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp witnessed a number of exciting, high-scoring contests. Three teams – namely WP, Boland and the Pumas – claimed victories to finish the competition unbeaten.
The last game of Craven Week was in the balance until late in the second half, when winger Freek de Kock scored in the corner and extended WP’s lead to 13 points.
Siyabonga Kenny touched down in the 64th minute to give Free State hope of an epic Craven Week comeback, until a late try by replacement Torren February sealed a 37-24 win for the Cape side.
Earlier in the day, the Pumas fought back from a 14-point half-time deficit to edge the WP XV 27-22. Boland continued their impressive run at Craven Week when they beat Eastern Province 35-27, with wing Bernedict George and fullback Howard Ocks scoring two tries apiece.
The Craven Week hosts edged South Western Districts 45-40 in a clash that yielded 11 tries overall. A second-half blitz by the Sharks earned them a 26-19 win over the Bulls.
Free State fullback Heinz Stockenstrom finished the U18 Stadio Craven Week with the most points (45), while Griquas fullback Gregan Jansen topped the try-scoring table (5).
Free State pivot Alzeadon Felix was named the 2024 Craven Week Player of the Tournament.
CRAVEN WEEK DAY FIVE RESULTS:
Leopards 43 (12) Limpopo Blue Bulls 39 (17)
WP XV 22 (17) 27 Pumas (3)
Valke 30 (20) Griquas 24 (17)
Lions 45 (21) SWD 40 (20)
Border 16 (8) Griffons 10 (5)
Bulls 19 (7) Sharks 26 (0)
Boland 35(18) EP 27 (5)
WP 37 (18) Free State 24 (17)
Western Province in action at the U18 Craven Week tournament. Image: @WPRugby via X.