Lions Secure Victory in Jukskei Derby at FNB U18 Craven Week

The Golden Lions edged out the Blue Bulls on July 7, 2023, at the FNB U18 Craven Week held at Grey High School in Gqeberha. This contest was part of the second day of the tournament and witnessed a flurry of exciting action, with 42 tries scored across four matches, including 10 in the highly anticipated Jukskei Derby.

The Blue Bulls initially took a commanding 12-0 lead, thanks to a strong start that allowed their lineout to set the stage for two early tries. However, the Lions fought back as flyhalf Jaydon Viljoen successfully kicked a long-range penalty just before half-time, reducing the Bulls' lead to five points.

The second half saw both teams exchanging the lead multiple times in a thrilling display of rugby. Lions centre Ethan Lourens scored his second try late in the match, subsequently followed by lock Glodi Tshipamba, which sealed the deal for the Lions with a final score of 43-32.

Prior to this match, Border confidently secured a 36-14 victory over the Valke, scoring six tries, with wing Ncuthu Kepe contributing two of them. In another match, the Griquas faced the Pumas in a dynamic game that produced 12 tries in total, with Griquas fullback Tyler Campher impressively netting a hat-trick. The Griquas dominated after half-time, finishing strong with a 43-29 victory.

In the matchup between the Western Province XV and the Griffons, the Western Cape side rallied from a deficit at the break to secure a comprehensive 52-33 win. Flyhalf Travis Pheiffer was instrumental, adding 13 points to the score, while both wing Cayden Samuels and flanker Yanos Molnar scored two tries each to help seal the victory.

The FNB U18 Craven Week continued on July 8, with further matches scheduled including a key clash between the Leopards and Limpopo Blue Bulls at 10h00, followed by Western Province taking on the Sharks at 15h30.