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The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
U18 Craven Week day four results: WP too good for Sharks
The Valke, Griquas and EP also recorded wins on Thursday. Jordan Jooste of WP hangs on to the ball in his team's match against the Sharks. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images Western Province and Eastern Province claimed derby wins on the fourth day of the U18 Craven Week at Hoërskool Middelburg on Thursday. WP maintained their perfect record at this week's tournament after downing the Sharks 45-13, while EP proved too strong for Border in the Eastern Cape derby, running out 30-12 winners. Earlier on Thursday, the Valke and Griquas secured their first wins of the competition when they beat Boland and the Leopards respectively. The first quarter of the match between WP and the Sharks was fiercely contested, with the Sharks stretching the WP defence and wing Jadrian Afrikaner touching down for a hard-earned try. WP hit back with tries by centre Markus Muller and prop Matthew van der Merwe, while flyhalf Ethan van Biljon slotted a penalty goal on the stroke of half-time to boost his team's lead to 11 points. Province continued to dominate after the break, and went on to finish with six tries in an emphatic 45-13 win, with the impressive Muller bagging a brace. The last round of matches will be played on Saturday, with WP taking on South Western Districts in the final match of the tournament. Free State will play the curtain-raiser to the 'final' when they go up against the Sharks. In all, eight matches will be played, on the A and B fields. Craven Week day four results Boland 19 (14) Valke 35 (20) Griquas 46 (19) Leopards 34 (24) Border 12 (5) Eastern Province 30 (27) Western Province 45 (24) Sharks 13 (13) Craven Week day five fixtures (Saturday) A-field: 9am: EP vs Bulls 10.15am: Lions vs WP XV 11.30am: Sharks vs Free State 12.45pm: WP vs SWD B-field: 9am: Boland vs Griffons 10.15am: Limpopo vs Leopards 11.30am: Griquas vs Valke 12.45pm: Border vs Pumas
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Craven Week: WP head to main game as Valke soar and Leopards let lead slip
It was the penultimate match day of this year's FNB U18 Craven Week, and the question on everyone's lips at Middelburg Hoërskool was: Would Western Province make it to the unofficial final again? That question was finally answered when the final whistle of the day blew, but before we get to that, here's how day four of this elite provincial schoolboy rugby tournament unfolded. Boland vs Valke Both sides were looking for their first win of the tournament, with Boland having lost to WP on day two and the Valke having played to an exciting draw against Leopards. Valke scrumhalf Joshua van Rensburg (Hoërskool Alberton) kicked off the action, and it was his side that scored the first try of the day when winger Dihan Crause (Hoërskool Transvalia) crossed the tryline early on. Unfortunately for the Valke, Joshua failed to convert. A failed lineout by Boland, 5m from the Valke tryline, eventually ended with Valke prop Ruan Rossouw (Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen) scoring from a rolling maul at the other end of the field. This time, Joshua managed to add the extras to put the score at 12-0. No 15 Deshean Pietersen (also from EG Jansen), playing flyhalf, was the next to get five points, but again Joshua failed to convert. Boland fullback Harold de Silva (Bella Vista Hoërskool) and centre Lorenzo Kroutz from Hoërskool Overberg got their side into the match, and with both tries converted by flyhalf Zion Rabie (Hoërskool Weston High School), they trailed 17-14. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Middelburg Observer (@mobserver) The half-time hooter sounded, but Valke had one last opportunity to attack, starting with a lineout 5m from the Boland tryline. An infringement in maul defence led to a penalty, and once again Valke opted for a maul. Boland infringed again at lineout time, but this time the Valke chose to take an attacking scrum. Boland were reduced to 14 after prop Joshua Swarts (Hoërskool Charlie Hofmeyr) was shown a yellow card for dangerous play. With the clock deep in the red, Boland bashed Valke back from the tryline, but ended up conceding a penalty that Joshua sent through the posts to make the half-time score 20-14. Boland was shown another yellow card in the 47th minute, this time to flanker Gerhard Goosen (Charlie Hofmeyr), again for a dangerous tackle. Unruly scrummaging gave the Valke a penalty, and replacement Juan van Aswegen (EG Jansen) added three more points to his team's tally. A clever kick downfield, which Boland unsuccessfully tried to keep in play, led to smart work by winger Tumi Moloi (Transvalia), who finished off a beautiful try. A failed conversion by Juan meant the scoreboard read 28-14. Boland bounced back through fullback West-Lee Uithaler (Langeberg Sekondêre Skool), but the extras were not added. With eight minutes left to play, replacement Valke prop Deveraux Weideman (also from EG Jansen) barged over the line, and Juan converted to take the score to 35-19. Moments later, he was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, with just over five minutes remaining. The clock kept ticking, and Boland attempted to finish on a high. They knocked the ball on in an attempt to score a try, and had another go right at the end, but again Valke's defence proved too strong. The final score: 35-19 in favour of Valke. Griquas vs Leopards It took less than 120 seconds in the second match of the day for the opening try, as the Leopards showed they were on the hunt for their first win of the tournament. Hooker Juan van Rhyn of Hoërskool Lichtenburg was at the back of a rolling maul that cruised over the tryline. Flyhalf Eduard Dreyer (Hoërskool Wesvalia) added the extras, which he also did shortly after, when scrumhalf Rea Motsusi (Lichtenburg) chipped and chased his own kick down and – thanks to the bounce of the rugby ball – finished with a flourish. The Leopards continued their dominant start, adding tries by centre Oratile Sekoto (also from Lichtenburg) and winger Elzeno Schalkwyk (Klerksdorp Hoërskool). Sadly for them, neither was converted by Eduard. Griquas captain and centre Jonathan Harding (Hoërskool Diamantveld) led from the front to put his side on the scoreboard. The try was not converted, but shortly after, the Griquas scored another try, by No 8 Enrique Boshoff (also from Diamantveld), which this time was converted by flyhalf Aidan Gadeija (Hoërskool Prieska). Griquas winger Themba Kella of Hoërskool Upington scored a five-pointer as the hooter sounded for half-time, and the conversion by Aidan meant the Leopards' lead was reduced to just five points at half-time, 24-19. The big cats started the second half like the first, scoring a try early on. Flanker Franco Dumond (Wesvalia) scored, and Eduard converted to take the score to 31-19. Few would have guessed that this would be the Leopards' final try of the match. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Middelburg Observer (@mobserver) Griquas flyhalf Aidan converted his own try, and the Leopards were reduced to 14 players when Jordan Rathebe (Hoërskool Vryburg High School) was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. Griquas took full advantage of the extra man, with replacement Jayden de Klerk (Diamantveld) crossing the line to draw them level. Aidan missed the conversion, however, and the score remained tied at 31-all. Griquas were awarded a penalty at scrum time, and Aidan slotted it in to give them the lead for the first time in the match. But with nine minutes remaining, Leopards flyhalf Eduard responded with a penalty of his own to level the scores once again. But then, some brilliant play by Aidan saw him score his second try of the match. He converted it himself, giving Griquas a seven-point lead. They added one more try at the end through lock Zuan Rautenbach (Diamantveld), but Aidan missed the conversion. The full-time score was, somewhat unexpectedly, 46-34 to the Griquas. Border vs Eastern Province Eastern Cape bragging rights were up for grabs in this fixture. EP flyhalf Tristan Kemp of Grey High School opened the scoring, slotting a penalty after missing his first goal attempt. Border scored the first five-pointer of the match when winger Njongo Mbanga (Selborne College) crossed the tryline. The conversion was missed by flyhalf Ndimphiwe Songqwaba, but Border had a 5-3 lead. A successful long-range penalty by Tristan saw EP regain the lead. EP then got into scoring mood and put three converted tries onto the board. Flanker Liyema Katikati (Kingswood College) cut through the Border defence to score a try, which was followed by a brilliant team try that started in their own half and was finished by lock Neshaun Bester (Hoërskool Andrew Rabie High School). The entertainers struck again shortly after when centre Erin Nelson (Graeme College) dotted down. Tristan's kicking boot kept the scoreboard ticking. At half-time, EP led 27-5. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Middelburg Observer (@mobserver) A yellow card to replacement Likhona Bill (Graeme College) proved costly to EP, as Border made the numerical advantage count. They set up a maul from a lineout that led to a try for replacement hooker Liam Hansen of Selborne. The try was converted by Bungqina Nuku (also from Selborne), and EP's lead was reduced to 27-12. Tristan's boot failed to add another penalty to extend their tally. Great defence by EP saw Border knock the ball on in an attempt to score a try in the corner, keeping their lead intact. Poor discipline and a scrappy affair characterised the final minutes of the match. Tristan extended his side's lead to 18 points with a successful penalty. But then each team received a yellow card: Border replacement prop Zeake Mata (Queen's College Boys' High School) for repeated scrum infringements, and EP winger Lucritia Magua (Graeme College) for a cynical infringement. The 30-12 scoreline sealed EP's first victory of this year's showpiece. Western Province vs Sharks The answer to the day's burning question – Would WP make it to the unofficial final again? – came loud and clear in the final fixture of the day, as they delivered a resounding 'Of course, we will!' with a commanding performance against the Sharks. The KZN side made an early statement, with flyhalf Liyema Nela (Hilton College) slotting the first points of the match, hinting at an upset. But WP soon found their rhythm, turning on the style that has made them a consistent Craven Week force. The victory means WP will contest the unofficial final on Saturday at 12:45, once again proving their pedigree on school rugby's biggest stage. What followed was a tightly contested battle, with the momentum swinging both ways in a high-quality clash between two determined teams. Despite a try-saving tackle by a SA Schools hopeful, Sharks fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya (Westville Boys' High School), WP scrumhalf Jayden Brits (Hoër Landbouskool Boland) scored the opening try in the follow-up play. Flyhalf Ethan van Biljon of Stellenberg High School added the extras. After a lengthy injury delay, the Sharks hit back through winger Jadrian Afrikaner (Westville) to regain the lead. Liyema converted, and the Sharks led 10-7. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Middelburg Observer (@mobserver) It was then time for one of the most talked-about South African schoolboys – Markus Muller of Paarl Gimnasium – to show why he is held in high regard. His powerful leg drive resulted in a try for the try-scoring machine. Ethan converted from the touchline, and WP took the lead (14-10). Another penalty by Liyema put his side within one point. Unforced errors by both flyhalves – first by Ethan from the restart kick, and then the more costly mistake by his counterpart, Liyema. The latter's knock forward on his tryline resulted in an attacking scrum for WP that led to a penalty, and ultimately a try by prop Matthew van der Merwe of Rondebosch Boys' High School. Ethan added the extras and took the score to 21-13. As the hooter sounded, WP were awarded a penalty and opted to go for the poles. Ethan added three more points, and Province led 24-13 at the break. Sharks winger Jadrian almost scored his second try of the match, but knocked the ball on before the tryline. The missed opportunity signalled a turn in momentum again as replacement WP prop Jordan Jooste (Paarl Boys' High School) showed a clean pair of heels and finished brilliantly with a Bryan Habana-esque dive. Of course, Ethan sent the ball through the middle of the posts. At 31-13, Jordan had another powerful burst towards the tryline, leading to an attacking scrum for his side. No 15 Jadon Ocks (Hoër Landbouskool Boland), listed on the team sheet as a winger for this encounter, added five more points in the resulting play. Ethan had a tough kick, again from the touchline, to keep his perfect kicking record of the match intact, extending WP's lead to 38-13. WP added another try, scored by captain Josh Neill (Rondebosch) and converted by Ethan, to book their place in the main match of the final day – against the SWD Eagles – with a convincing 45-13 win. Will they win the unofficial final for the sixth consecutive time? We find out on Saturday. Photos and video: Action on and off the field at the FNB U18 Craven Week
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Craven Week: WP hit 80 as Border and Sharks win, and Leopards and Valke draw
Day two of this year's FNB U18 Craven Week kicked off with a bang at Middelburg Hoërskool this morning. Border, the Sharks and the Western Province joined WP XV, SWD, the Lions and the Pumas as sides with victories in their opening encounters, while the Leopards and Valke played to an exciting draw. Also read: Craven Week: SWD stun Free State, Lions trump Bulls and Pumas pummel Limpopo Here's your recap of the action: Leopards vs Valke It took just over 10 minutes for the first try of the day to be scored. Valke winger Dihan Crause from Hoërskool Transvalia scored against the run of play. With a one-player advantage following a Valke yellow card, the Leopards pounced and scored their first try of the tournament through centre Winton Abrahams from Klerksdorp Hoërskool. His try was not converted, and with the score equal at 5-all, this set the tone for what was to come later: A draw. The Leopards took the lead in the 23rd minute when lock Jaime Davids (Hoërskool Vryburg) scored a five-pointer, which was converted by fullback Brendin Mathyse of Klerksdorp Hoërskool. Their lead lasted less than three minutes when Valke fullback Deshean Pietersen (Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen) scored his side's second try. It was converted by flyhalf Juan van Aswegen – also from Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen. The Valke had a seven-point lead at half-time, thanks to winger Dihan's second, a try of the tournament contender. Juan added the extras. The Leopards roared back when flanker KG Legodi of Hoërskool Lichtenburg scored a try, which was converted by Brendin to draw the scores level again. Leopards' replacement hooker Fanie Linde of Hoërskool Wesvalia put his side in front (24-19) when he scored a five-pointer. The lead was short-lived, however, as Valke winger Otlotleng Zulu (also from Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen) crossed the tryline. With 20 minutes to go, it was all square – but nine minutes later, Valke replacement Tumi Moloi (Hoërskool Transvalia) put his side ahead with a try. Replacement Joshua van Rensburg (Hoërskool Alberton) failed to add the extras, and the scoreboard read 29-24 in favour of the Valke. The Leopards were on the prowl in the last three minutes, but were still behind with a minute to go. Leopards No 8 and captain Tiaan Koen (Klerksdorp Hoërskool) gave his side the opportunity to steal the win, but Brendin was unable to convert and the spoils were shared. Border vs Griquas Griquas centre Pieter Smit (Hoërskool Duineveld Upington) opened his side's account and flyhalf Aidan Gadeija (Hoërskool Prieska) added the extras. Border bounced back through captain and flanker Jeffrey Niland (Queen's College Boys' High School), who scored their first five-pointer. The conversion was missed. Border lock Ethan Schoeman (Port Rex Technical High School) was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle. Griquas extended their lead through Aidan, who scored a penalty, but they didn't make the player advantage count as Border scored a try through hooker Bulumko Manqina (Queen's College), converted by flyhalf Ndimphiwe Songqwaba (Port Rex), to give them the lead. Moments after Ethan returned to the field, Border had another player – Milani Madide (Dale College) – yellow-carded, also for a dangerous tackle. Griquas, however, didn't score points. Ethan redeemed himself by scoring a try, which extended his side's lead to seven points. The half-time score was 17-10. Griquas put themselves into the contest when centre and captain Jonathan Harding (Hoërskool Diamantveld) scored a try, which was converted by flyhalf Aidan to put the score at 17-all. Griquas hooker Jaydrian Jacobs (also from Diamantveld) was temporarily suspended, and Border became bullish. Prop Zeake Mata (Queen's College) scored a five-pointer, converted by fullback Bungqina Nuku of Selborne College. Border hooker Liam Hansen (also Selborne College) added five more points to put the score at 29-17. Another Border frontrower, Robert John-Onsunwo (also Selborne), scored the final try of the match, which Bungqina converted to let the scoreboard read 36-17 at the final whistle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Middelburg Observer (@mobserver) Sharks vs Eastern Province Sharks prop Alande Ngubane from Maritzburg College put his side in the lead early on, but Stefan Moolman (Michaelhouse) failed to convert. Their winger, Jadrian Afrikaner (Westville Boys' High School), added another try minutes later – one that is a try of the tournament contender thanks to brilliant work by SA Schools hopeful Zekhethelo Siyaya (also from Westville). Stefan missed the conversion again. Eastern Province flyhalf William Stevens of St Andrew's College earned his side's first points of the tournament when he scored a penalty. With the score at 10-3, the Sharks' Jadrian was shown a yellow card. EP did not capitalise on their advantage, and instead Zekhethelo extended the Sharks' lead to 10 points. The half-time score was 13-3. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Middelburg Observer (@mobserver) Zekhethelo put his hand up for SA Schools selection when he opened the scoring in the second half. Stefan converted. However, at 20-3, the Sharks had another player, replacement scrumhalf Zander Vorster (Hilton College), shown a yellow card. EP again did not make their player advantage count. Sharks centre William Ridl (Michaelhouse) added five more points and Zekhethelo converted the try to bring the score to 27-3. A coast-to-coast try by centre Nathan Aneke (Durban High School) extended their lead, with Stefan taking the score to 34-3. William scored another try, again converted by Stefan, to take their total to 41-3. EP winger Cole Hilpert from Hoërskool Framesby scored his side's only try of the match, which was converted by their flyhalf. The final score was 41-10. Western Province vs Boland The final match of the day saw Western Province showcase why they have been the unofficial winners of the tournament for the past five instalments. Boland showed great intent from the first whistle and opened the scoring through the boot of flyhalf Zion Rabie (Hoërskool Weston High School), who scored a penalty. WP flanker and captain Josh Neill (Rondebosch Boys' High School) scored his side's first try of the tournament, converted by Ethan van Biljon (Stellenberg High School). Boland hit back with a penalty by Zion and at 7-6 looked up for the battle. However, the floodgates opened as the boys in blue and white stripes started to show their try-scoring prowess. Centre and vice-captain Markus Muller (Paarl Gimnasium) and Ethan scored five-pointers, both converted by Ethan, to bring the score to 21-6. No 8 Quintin Potgieter (also from Paarl Gim) then scored the first of his two tries, but the conversion was missed. At 26-6, WP flanker Briint Davids of Milnerton High School was yellow carded. This did not stop the flooding. WP hooker Altus Rabe (Paul Roos Gimnasium) scored his side's fifth try and Ethan added the extras. One more converted try, by lock Juvan Burden (Stellenberg), was scored to bring the half-time score to 40-6. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Middelburg Observer (@mobserver) WP started the second half with a try by Briint. Kicking duties were taken over by Achmat Behardien of Wynberg Boys' High School, who took the score to 47-6. Boland finally scored their first try of this year's showpiece – in the 42nd minute through replacement Caleb Cornett of HTS Drostdy. Zion added two more points. Four more WP tries followed before Boland replied again. These were scored by winger Albert Lourens (Wynberg), hooker Ismaeel Conrad (Rondebosch), Quintin (his second), and prop Matthew van der Merwe (Rondebosch). Albert's try was converted by Achmat, while scrumhalf Jayden Brits (Hoër Landbouskool Boland) converted the last two tries. The score was 73-13. Boland prop Amaan Adendorff of Worcester Gymnasium scored his side's second try with less than three minutes to go, but WP had the last say when Achmat scored his side's 12th five-pointer. Jayden added the extras, and when the final whistle was blown by Excellent Mnkomo, the scoreboard was just shy of the 100-point mark: 80-18. Day 3 At the time of publishing, the fixtures for day three were yet to be confirmed, but the first match of the day is scheduled for 10:00. The article will be amended to reflect the fixtures once received. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Leopards overpower Valke in dominant FNB Girls Rugby Week performance
The Leopards delivered a powerful performance in Match 2 of the second day at the 2025 FNB U16 and U18 Girls Rugby Week, shutting out the Valke with a convincing 15-0 victory at Queens High School in Johannesburg. From the opening whistle, the Leopards controlled the game through smart positional play and relentless pressure, Bedfordview Edenvale News reports. Their tactical dominance left the Valke with limited scoring opportunities throughout the match. Captain Lumka Mtebele led by example, capping off the performance with a decisive try in the closing stages. Her leadership and impactful play earned her the Player of the Match accolade. With this commanding win, the Leopards have set a high standard as the tournament progresses, showcasing depth, discipline and skill in the youth women's rugby arena.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Rising stars shine at 2025 FNB Girls Rugby Week in Johannesburg with dominant wins and Springbok support
Rising stars shine at 2025 FNB Girls Rugby Week in Johannesburg with dominant wins and Springbok support Teams from across South Africa converged at Queens High School yesterday for the start of the 2025 FNB U16 and U18 Girls Rugby Week, kicking off a powerful showcase of young female rugby talent. Bedfordview and Edenvale News reports that the tournament opened with high spirits, team chants, and vibrant provincial colours filling the grounds, setting the tone for what promises to be a standout week in South African schools rugby. @ The 2025 FNB U16 and U18 Girls Rugby Week kicked off today at Queens High School in Johannesburg, setting the tone for an exciting week of youth rugby. We spoke to Cebisa Kula, SA Rugby's Girls Elite Player Development Manager, who highlighted the importance of the tournament in developing young female talent and promoting women's rugby across the country. Today's fixtures are as follows: U16: Border Urban vs Lions Invitational, and Sharks vs Limpopo. U18: Eastern Province vs Leopards, and Western Province vs Valke. #GirlsRugby #fnbyouthweek ♬ original sound – Caxton Schools Dominant displays in U18 fixtures Day one of the U18 action featured several commanding performances: • Eastern Province demolished Leopards 69–0 • DHL Western Province overpowered Valke 79–7 • The Sharks High School beat Griffons Girls 24–12 • Pumas defeated SWD Hollywood Foundation 24–12 • Zimbabwe outclassed Suzuki Griquas 52–0 • Blue Bulls shut out Border 17–0 • Sanlam Boland took a 24–12 win over the Limpopo Blue Bulls • Absa Golden Lions dominated Free State 67–0. U18 Eastern Province captain Liyema Khoza praised her side's effort: 'We dominated in our first game, and our goal is to win the tournament. 'The girls worked hard, and our teamwork paid off.' U16 results highlight the depth of talent The division delivered thrilling results: • Border (Urban) beat Lions Invitational 22–7 • The Sharks High School edged Limpopo Blue Bulls 20–10 • DHL Western Province posted the day's highest U16 score, thrashing Leopards 88–0 • Sanlam Boland won 29–5 against Suzuki Griquas • Eastern Province overcame Zimbabwe 34–12 • Border CD blanked Free State 45–0 • Absa Golden Lions routed Valke 62–0 • SWD triumphed over Griffons Girls 41–5 • Hollywood Foundation Pumas secured a 22–0 win against Blue Bulls. Kelly Newman, captain of the Boland U16 side, was the player of the match for her standout performance. Springbok Women's team inspires next generation A special moment came when Zintle Mphupa, representing the Springbok Women's team, addressed the players during the opening ceremony. 'This week is more than just about rugby – it's a platform, a pathway, and a proving ground. I walked this journey. 'Play with pride, purpose, and most of all, for the love of the game,' said Mphupa. Words of encouragement and gratitude Tinus Diedericks, chairperson of Golden Lions High Schools and SA Schools Rugby Executive member, welcomed the players: 'Congratulations on being selected. Whether you win or lose, just by being here, you are breaking barriers and building futures.' He also thanked FNB, Pick n Pay, Hyundai, and Coca-Cola for making the tournament possible. What's next? The next round of matches will take place tomorrow, with anticipation growing for another action-packed day. Fixtures will be confirmed later today. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
