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Two cynical red cards to the Free State’s Jan-Hendrik Wessels (lock) and Ricardo Fourie (flanker) took the hosts out of the contest in the main match of the fourth day of the 56th annual Craven Week at Grey College in Bloemfontein against Western Province. It was the first red card to Wessels in the 14th minute that caused the most pain and suffering. Western Province won the match with ease by 51-14. 

Wessels stomped on a player of Western Province’s knee and received a red card from referee, Christopher Alliston, after consulting with the TMO, Lourens van der Merwe. The score was 7-0 at this stage thanks to an early try by the magnificent scrumhalf, Bobby Alexander. The Free State also had to play without their inspirational captain and eight-man, George Cronjé. 

The Free Staters lack of discipline might have been influenced by Cronjé’s absence. Fourie got red-carded after performing a neck-roll and the visitor’s player landed on his head. If Wessels and Fourie is found guilty after their hearing they won’t be playing on Saturday. Free State will also not be able to replace them in their squad. 

This victory would without a doubt have booked Western Province a place in the main match of the tournament on Saturday. They are the unofficial defending champions after defeating the Sharks by 47-8 in last year’s main match in Paarl. 

Alexander’s performance was the best so far by any player at this year’s tournament. He supplies his flyhalf, Kade Wolhuter, with excellent service and his support play isn’t rivaled at the Craven Week. Wolhuter can also feel happy with his performance, while the centre Quan Horn impressed with his direct running. 

In the pack of forwards Rynhardt Rijnsburger (prop), Dylan de Leeuw (lock), Pierich Siebert (flanker) and Gideon van Wyk (Nr.8) deserve a tap on the shoulder for their performances. De Leeuw was yellow-carded for tapping the ball down with the Free State on attack. 

For the Free State their lock Sisonke Vumazonke and hooker, André-Hugo Venter never stopped playing. Outside centre and stand-in captain, Ian Small-Smith, produced a couple of opportunities for his side on attack.

Scorers: 

Western Province 51 (20) – Tries: Bobby Alexander (2), Pierich Siebert, Rynardt Rijnsburger, Gideon van Wyk, Ntumba, Dylan de Leeuw. Conversions: Kade Wolhuter (5). Penalties: Wolhuter (2). Free State 14 (0) – Tries: Sisonke Vumazonke, 14. Conversions: Juan-Dee Olivier (2). 

South Western Districts 39 (33) – Tries: Blake Morgan, Corné Rahl, Abré’ Minnie, Caston Michaels. Conversions: Alwich van der Linde (3). Penalties: Matthew Thorn, Van der Linde. Sharks 31 (5) – Tries: Ockie Barnard, Mbasa Nkonki, Simelela Nkomo, Anele Nzimande, Malwandi Dlangalala. Conversions: Jordan Hendricks (3).

Boland 36 (17) – Tries: Roann Jansen (2), Wynand du Plessis, Nathan Engelbrecht, Boldwinn Hansen. Conversions: Engelbrecht (4). Penalty: Engelbrecht. Valke 31 (5) – Tries: Franco Enslin (3), Kyle Potgieter, Tylon Kotze. Conversions: Potgieter (3).

Pumas 54 (26) – Tries: Stirling Jaarse (2), Chyle van Zyl (2), Zweli Mokoena, Xavier Fourie, Ndumiso Dludla, Tristan Juries. Conversions: Walter Visser (7). Leopards 19 (7) – Tries: Jacques Stander, Wimpie Venter, Botshelo Kubyadi. Conversions: Refentse Moabi (2).

 

There is no stopping the Western Province juggernaut at the annual Academy Week at Grey College in Bloemfontein. They’ve pushed the Sharks aside by 41-19 in their clash on the third day of the tournament.

Winger Dalvon Blood scored a brace of tries to take his tournament tally up to five tries. The fullback, Duran Koevort, also crossed the try-line twice.

The midfield pairing of Franco Knoetze and Zane Bester were on fire in the Free State’s 45-26 victory over Boland.

Both of them managed to score a brace of tries each. Knoetze scored five tries in the Free State’s opening match against the Sharks and now boasts with seven tries for the week.

There is no stopping Zander de Ridder of the Limpopo Blue Bulls. He was once again instrumental in his side’s victory of 50-31 over the Western Province XV. De Ridder started this match at flyhalf and scored 20 of his side’s points.

He scored one of the Limpopo Blue Bulls’ seven tries, converted six of them and slotted a penalty for his contribution. The winning team’s inside centre, Juan Smith, was also impressive and slipped a couple of times past Western Province’s defensive line.

Western Province XV’s lock Liam Tattersall was red-carded after a dangerous tackle which hampered his side’s chances in the match.

Scorers:  

Western Province 41 (29) – Tries: Dalvon Blood (2), Duran Koevort (2), Conwill Conradie, Kian Davis, Luke Burger. Conversions: Davis (3). Sharks 19 (7) – Ethan Smit, JP du Preez, Khwezi Hadebe. Conversions: Siphesihle Kekana, Du Preez.

Free State 45 (17) – Tries: Franco Knoetze (2), Zane Bester (2), Brentonio Scheepers, Olorato Letsholo. Conversions: Francois van Rooyen (6). Penalty: Van Rooyen. Boland 26 (19) – Tries: Willsley Banies, Jarquin Kerr, Ruthan Valentyn, Heinie von Wielligh. Conversions: Caylo Markus (2), Carlton Pieterse.

Blue Bulls 19 (7) – Tries: Gopolang Makena, Jooste Nel, Niel Beukes. Conversions: Beukes (2). Leopards 15 (3) – Tries: Stephan van Niekerk (2). Conversion: Van Niekerk. Penalty: Van Niekerk.

Limpopo Blue Bulls 50 (36) – Tries: Nathan van den Heever (2), Lennard Joubert, Junior Mnisi, Zander de Ridder, Juan Smith, Matlapu Modise. Conversions: De Ridder (6). Penalty: De Ridder. Western Province XV 31 (7) – Tries: Hendrik Stemmet (2), Ryan Coetzer, Corné Oliphant, Breyton Maree. Conversions: Darren Jonkers (3). 

Eastern Province 43 (31) – Tries: Darrion Edwards (2), Cadan Finnis, Larkquin Goliath, Aqhamile Limba, Tiaan Moore, Devon Harvey. Conversions: Guy Rushmere (4). Zimbabwe 19 (12) – Tries: Takunda Makiwa, Tereraishe Yekeye, Aaron Juma. Conversions: Rukudzo Munyeza (2).

Pumas Country Districts 41 (15) – Tries: Bonga Ndlovu, Tjaart de Vos, JP Louw, Donovan Theart, Callum Viljoen, Wiehan van der Merwe. Conversions: Theart (4). Penalty: Theart. Eastern Province Country Districts 21 (13) – Tries: Jaco Gouws, Jano Roux, Simon Cowley. Penalties: Troy Delport (2).

Sharks Country Districts 30 (10) – Tries: Diederick Koekemoer, Wikus van der Walt, Ndumiso Nyawo. Conversions: Ruan Muller (3). Penalties: Muller (2). Drop Goal: Muller. Border Country Districts 5 (5) – Try: Avela Ngwabeni.

 

There is no stopping Zander de Ridder of the Limpopo Blue Bulls. He was once again instrumental in his side’s victory of 50-31 over the Western Province XV. De Ridder started this match at flyhalf and scored 20 of his side’s points.

He scored one of the Limpopo Blue Bulls’ seven tries, converted six of them and slotted a penalty for his contribution. The winning team’s inside centre, Juan Smith, was also impressive and slipped a couple of times past Western Province’s defensive line.

Western Province XV’s lock Liam Tattersall was red-carded after a dangerous tackle which hampered his side’s chances in the match.

Scorers:  

Free State 45 (17) – Tries: Franco Knoetze (2), Zane Bester (2), Brentonio Scheepers, Olorato Letsholo. Conversions: Francois van Rooyen (6). Penalty: Van Rooyen. Boland 26 (19) – Tries: Willsley Banies, Jarquin Kerr, Ruthan Valentyn, Heinie von Wielligh. Conversions: Caylo Markus (2), Carlton Pieterse.

Blue Bulls 19 (7) – Tries: Gopolang Makena, Jooste Nel, Niel Beukes. Conversions: Beukes (2). Leopards 15 (3) – Tries: Stephan van Niekerk (2). Conversion: Van Niekerk. Penalty: Van Niekerk.

Limpopo Blue Bulls 50 (36) – Tries: Nathan van den Heever (2), Lennard Joubert, Junior Mnisi, Zander de Ridder, Juan Smith, Matlapu Modise. Conversions: De Ridder (6). Penalty: De Ridder. Western Province XV 31 (7) – Tries: Hendrik Stemmet (2), Ryan Coetzer, Corné Oliphant, Breyton Maree. Conversions: Darren Jonkers (3). 

Sharks Country Districts 30 (10) – Tries: Diederick Koekemoer, Wikus van der Walt, Ndumiso Nyawo. Conversions: Ruan Muller (3). Penalties: Muller (2). Drop Goal: Muller. Border Country Districts 5 (5) – Try: Avela Ngwabeni.

 

Day 1 

Free State 46 (24) – Tries: Leshley Botha (2), André-Hugo Venter, Tiaan Jonker, George Cronjé, Elmar Lintnaar, Ian Small-Smith. Conversions: FC du Plessis (4). Penalty: Du Plessis. Sharks 24 (19) – Tries: Mbasa Nkonki, Jordan Hendrikse, Daniel van Huizen, Ntokozo Makhaza. Conversions: Hendrikse (2).

Western Province 50 (26) – Tries: Kade Wolhuter (2), Gideon van Wyk (2), Allister Williams, Tyler Bocks, Jacques Rousseau, Marco de Witt. Conversions: Wolhuter (5). Boland 24 (3) – Tries: Boldwin Hansen, Hugo Mostert, Nathan Engelbrecht. Conversions: Mostert (2), Hansen. Penalty: Mostert. 

South Western Districts 43 (12) – Tries: Ashaldo Kiewiet (2), Caston Michaels, Alwich van der Linde, Vernon Paulo, Corné Rahl, Leon Volschenk. Conversions: Hendrik Victor (2), Van der Linde, Kiewiet. Pumas 22 (15) – Tries: Martin Venter, Tristan Juries, Cyle Visagie. Conversions: Walter Visser (2). Penalty: Visser.

Valke 43 (29) – Tries: Franco Enslin (3), Juandré Odendaal, Bernard du Plessis, Tylon Kotze. Conversions: Kyle Potgieter (5). Penalty: Potgieter. Leopards 24 (0) – Tries: Ruben Oosthuizen (2), Lance Meintjies, Goodwin Nchocho. Conversion: Meintjies.

Day 2 

Western Province XV 18 (18) – Tries: Kian Meadon, Eben-Ezer Tshimanga. Conversion: Meadon. Penalty: Meadon. Drop Goal: Meadon. Golden Lions 14 (14) – Tries: Kamohelo Tlome, Henco van Wyk. Conversions: Declan Raubenheimer (2).

Blue Bulls 35 (10) – Tries: Nsuku Baloyi (2), Raynard Roets, MJ Janse van Rensburg, Geraldo Flusk, Christiaan Kampfer. Conversion: Wikus Basson. Penalty: Basson. Border 24 (17) – Tries: Jarrod Taylor, Jacques Goosen, Indiphile Tyeda, Mntungwa Mapantsela. Conversions: Warrick Day, Sihlalo Benge.

Griffons 28 (13) – Tries: Jaime Heynes, Dylan Smith, Marno April, Keke Morabe. Conversion: Cammi Roux. Penalty: Roux, Smith. Eastern Province 24 (7) – Tries: Matt Hillary, Okkie Muller, Ryben Dupont, Bame Malesu. Conversions: Juandré Liebenberg (2).

Blue Bulls XV 32 (22) – Tries: Reinhardt Ludwig, Justin Cross, Ruan Oosthuizen, Shandon Botha, Chad Valentine. Conversions: Justin Cross (2). Penalty: Cross. Golden Lions XV 21 (14) – Tries: Marquin Uren, Sebastine Watney, Melbirt van der Spuy. Conversions: Watney (3).

Griqualand West 35 (14) – Tries: Niel Schwartz, Tlotlo Mokomela, Keano Windvogel, Elzandro Fredericks, Sello Maketlo. Conversions: Corné du Plessis (3), Steph Boshoff (2). Limpopo Blue Bulls 24 (0) – Tries: JB du Toit, Renzo du Plessis, JT Cronjé, Matome Molebogeng. Conversions: Brandon Cronjé (2).

Day 3 

Western Province 51 (20) – Tries: Bobby Alexander (2), Pierich Siebert, Rynardt Rijnsburger, Gideon van Wyk, Ntumba, Dylan de Leeuw. Conversions: Kade Wolhuter (5). Penalties: Wolhuter (2). Free State 14 (0) – Tries: Sisonke Vumazonke, 14. Conversions: Juan-Dee Olivier (2). 

South Western Districts 39 (33) – Tries: Blake Morgan, Corné Rahl, Abré’ Minnie, Caston Michaels. Conversions: Alwich van der Linde (3). Penalties: Matthew Thorn, Van der Linde. Sharks 31 (5) – Tries: Ockie Barnard, Mbasa Nkonki, Simelela Nkomo, Anele Nzimande, Malwandi Dlangalala. Conversions: Jordan Hendricks (3). 

Boland 36 (17) – Tries: Roann Jansen (2), Wynand du Plessis, Nathan Engelbrecht, Boldwinn Hansen. Conversions: Engelbrecht (4). Penalty: Engelbrecht. Valke 31 (5) – Tries: Franco Enslin (3), Kyle Potgieter, Tylon Kotze. Conversions: Potgieter (3).

Pumas 54 (26) – Tries: Stirling Jaarse (2), Chyle van Zyl (2), Zweli Mokoena, Xavier Fourie, Ndumiso Dludla, Tristan Juries. Conversions: Walter Visser (7). Leopards 19 (7) – Tries: Jacques Stander, Wimpie Venter, Botshelo Kubyadi. Conversions: Refentse Moabi (2).

Day 4 

Blue Bulls 36 (10) – Tries: Nolan Pienaar, Wikus Basson, Hope Sandisiwe, Geraldo Flusk, AJ Johnson. Conversions: Jurich Claassens (2), Basson (2). Penalty: Basson. Western Province 34 (29) – Tries: Issy Safodien (2), Javier Farmer (2), Blanks Blanckenberg. Conversions: Kian Meadon (3). Penalty: Meadon. 

Border 39 (17) – Tries: Indiphile Tyeda (2), Bulumko Mfundisi, Jarrod Taylor, Sihlalo Benge, Ali Gqaza. Conversions: Benge (2), Warrick Day. Penalty: Day. Golden Lions 36 (17) – Tries: TJ Maguranyanga (2), Ngia Selengbe (2), Izan Esterhuizen. Conversions: Declan Raubenheimer (4). Penalty: Raubenheimer. 

Griffons 50 (33) – Tries: Duncan Amsterdam (3), Juan-Roscoe Ruiters (2), Calla Pienaar, Dylan Smith. Conversions: Mekkie Matthews (5), Ruiters. Penalty: Ruiters. Blue Bulls XV 22 (5) – Tries: Werner Kruger, Lohan Potgieter, Carlton Banies, Eddie Wesso. Conversion: Justin Cross.

Limpopo Blue Bulls 46 (10) – Tries: Brandon Cronjé (3), Marvelous Mashimbye, Siphiwe Tjale, Renzo du Plessis, Jody du Preez, Taylor du Plessis. Conversions: Divan van Zyl (3). Golden Lions XV 24 (17) – Tries: Sifiso Dlamini (2), Frans Weideman, Sab Motsage. Conversions: Eulen Redcliffe, Marquin Uren.

Eastern Province 43 (31) – Tries: Christopher Poole (2), Matt Hillary, Ruan Claassen, Juandré Liebenberg, Liyema Matyolweni, Abo Klaas. Conversions: Liebenberg (4). Griqualand West 12 (5) – Tries: Steph Boshoff, Keano Windvogel. Conversion: Boshoff.

Day 5 

Western Province 56 (21) – Tries: Connor Evans (2), Tharquin Manuel (2), Gideon van Wyk, Bryan le Roux, Pierich Siebert, Jacques Rossouw. Conversions: Kade Wolhuter (8). Blue Bulls 31 (19) – Tries: Malcolm Langa, AJ Johnson, Zeilinga Strydom, MJ Janse van Rensburg, Penalty Try. Conversions: Wikus Basson (2).

Western Province XV 45 (21) – Tries: Stephan du Toit (3), Dalvon Blood (2), Corne Weilbach, Issy Safodien. Conversions: Kian Meadon (5). South Western Districts 30 (27) – Tries: Ashaldo Kiewiet (2), Francois Breytenbach. Conversions: Alwich van der Linde (3). Penalties: Van der Linde (2).

Border 43 (19) – Tries: Jacques Goosen (2), Oyisa Dyani (2), Cullen Opperman, Ronaldo Daniels, Indiphile Tyeda. Conversions: Sihlalo Benge (2), Warrick Day (2). Boland 26 (19) – Tries:  Reneir Viljoen, William Baron, Hugo Mostert, Boldwin Hansen. Conversions: Nathan Engelbrecht (2), Mostert.

Golden Lions 49 (21) – Tries: Ngia Selengbe (2), Declan Raubenheimer (2), TJ Maguranyanga, Jospeh Iye, Henco van Wyk. Conversions: Tiaan Botes (5), Raubenheimer (2). Free State 26 (21) – Tries: Franco Knoetze (2), Petrus Naudé, FC du Plessis. Conversions: Juan-Dee Olivier (2), Du Plessis.

Sharks 53 (10) – Tries: Ockie Barnard (2), Mbasa Nkonki (2), Teague Loelly, Vernon Matongo, Anele Nzimande. Conversions: Jordan Hendrikse (6). Penalties: Hendrikse (2). Griffons 13 (5) – Tries: Frans Postma, Juan-Roscoe Ruiters. Penalty: Mekkie Matthews.

Eastern Province 38 (17) – Tries: Christopher Poole (2), Ambese Zenzile (2), Gideon Serfontein, Sebastian Brandt. Conversions: Juandré Liebenberg (3), Hlumelo Klaas. Pumas 28 (20) – Tries: Xavier Fourie, Martin Venter, Zweli Mokoena. Conversions: Walter Visser (2). Penalties: Visser (3).

Blue Bulls XV 63 (21) – Tries: Armand Fleidl (3), Jaryd Scheepers (2), Manie Potgieter, Tiaan Lange, Shandon Botha, Theunis Pretorius. Conversions: Justin Cross (9). Valke 26 (19) – Tries: Tylon Kotze (2), Hope Ngoy, Tiaan Visser. Conversions: Kyle Potgieter (3).

Leopards 43 (17) – Tries: Jacques Stander (2), Ruben Oosthuizen (2), Dewaldt Theron, Goodwin Nchocho, Isrome Phatudi. Conversions: Ashley Madube (3), Refentse Moabi. Limpopo Blue Bulls 15 (0) – Tries: Renzo du Plessis (3). 

Golden Lions XV 38 (7) – Tries: Frans Weideman (2), Heiko Pohlman, Gareth Louw, Sifiso Dlamini, Herschelle Goodman. Conversions: Sebastine Watney (4). Griqualand West 31 (24) – Tries: Stefan Swart, Corné du Plessis, Nolan Diergaardt, Keano Windvogel. Conversions: Du Plessis (4). Penalty: Du Plessis. 

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The Blue Bulls made a bold statement with their victory of 35-24 over Border on the second day of the 56th annual Craven Week at Grey College in Bloemfontein. Border led 17-10 at the break.

Border started with both of their SA Schools stalwarts, Jacques Goosen (hooker) and Jarrod Taylor (flank) and when the latter stormed over the try-line in the early stages of the matches signs were ominous for the Bulls.  

The Bulls’ performance in the first-half could be described as lackluster, but in the second-half it was a much more determined Blue Bulls that have taken the field. Their fullback, Zeilinga Strydom, showed a couple of times what he is capable of. 

Kian Meadon dropped, placed and scored the Western Province XV to a famous 18-14 victory over the Golden Lions in the main match of the day. The flyhalf scored all of his side’s point par a steamroller of a try by the winger Eben-Ezer Tshimanga in which Meadon also had a hand. 

Meadon scored his side’s only other try, converted it, slotted a penalty and also managed to work in a drop goal to complete a full-house. Neither teams managed to score any points in the second half in a match which reminded of a test match.

The Lions’ outside centre, Henco van Wyk, found a couple of gaps in Western Province XV’s defence, but could only manage to round-off one of these promising breaks. 

The Griffons secured a 28-24 victory over Eastern Province thanks to a brilliant individual try by their eighthman, Keke Morabe. The burly SA Schools Nr. 8 was put in possession after a turnover just outside his team’s half. He put on the jet burner shoes and slipped past a couple of defenders to score underneath the uprights to give his side the decisive lead. 

Morabe’s try gave the Griffons a 25-24 lead with six minutes to play. Inside centre, Dylan Smith, slotted a penalty late in the match to make sure that Eastern Province needed a try if they were to snatch the victory from the Griffons. For Eastern Province their flanker Ruan du Toit played well. 

Morabe got some good support from his two flanker, Calla Pienaar and Neil Harmse, throughout the match. In the backs Smith and his midfield partner, Jaime Heynes, as well as the speedster Marno April on the wing looked dangerous every time they were put in possesion.

The Purple People Eaters haven’t lost a match against Eastern Province since the Craven Week of 2008 in Pretoria. Eastern Province beat the Griffons by 35-29 on the final day of the tournament back in 2008. That team of the Griffons had players like Branco du Preez and RJ Liebenberg in their midst.

The Blue Bulls XV came out on top by 32-21 against the Golden Lions XV. The victors’ flyhalf, Justin Cross, didn’t have a good day at the office with the boot, but he made up for that with a excellent performance. He also scored a try after a well placed kick which he himself regathered. 

Scorers: 

Western Province XV 18 (18) – Tries: Kian Meadon, Eben-Ezer Tshimanga. Conversion: Meadon. Penalty: Meadon. Drop Goal: Meadon. Golden Lions 14 (14) – Tries: Kamohelo Tlome, Henco van Wyk. Conversions: Declan Raubenheimer (2).

Blue Bulls 35 (10) – Tries: Nsuku Baloyi (2), Raynard Roets, MJ Janse van Rensburg, Geraldo Flusk, Christiaan Kampfer. Conversion: Wikus Basson. Penalty: Basson. Border 24 (17) – Tries: Jarrod Taylor, Jacques Goosen, Indiphile Tyeda, Mntungwa Mapantsela. Conversions: Warrick Day, Sihlalo Benge.

Griffons 28 (13) – Tries: Jaime Heynes, Dylan Smith, Marno April, Keke Morabe. Conversion: Cammi Roux. Penalty: Roux, Smith. Eastern Province 24 (7) – Tries: Matt Hillary, Okkie Muller, Ryben Dupont, Bame Malesu. Conversions: Juandré Liebenberg (2).

Blue Bulls XV 32 (22) – Tries: Reinhardt Ludwig, Justin Cross, Ruan Oosthuizen, Shandon Botha, Chad Valentine. Conversions: Justin Cross (2). Penalty: Cross. Golden Lions XV 21 (14) – Tries: Marquin Uren, Sebastine Watney, Melbirt van der Spuy. Conversions: Watney (3).

Griqualand West 35 (14) – Tries: Niel Schwartz, Tlotlo Mokomela, Keano Windvogel, Elzandro Fredericks, Sello Maketlo. Conversions: Corné du Plessis (3), Steph Boshoff (2). Limpopo Blue Bulls 24 (0) – Tries: JB du Toit, Renzo du Plessis, JT Cronjé, Matome Molebogeng. Conversions: Brandon Cronjé (2).

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Griekwaland-Wes se o.18-rugbyspan het net te veel vaart op die punte vir die Limpopo Blou Bulle in die twee spanne se wedstryd op die tweede dag van die Cravenweek vir hoërskole in Bloemfontein gehad. Die Poubloues het die kragmeting met 35-24 gewen. 

Die span vanuit die Noord-Kaap het rustyd met ‘n voorsprong van 14-0 gaan rus danksy drieë deur Elzandro Fredericks (heelagter) en Keano Windvogel (buitesenter). Daar was eintlik in die eerste helfte nie veel tussen die twee spanne te kies nie, maar elke keer wat Griekwas die bal wyd gekry het was daar perde.  

Die harde werk vir Griekwas is voorlangs deur die agtsteman, Stefan Swart, flank Quintin Immelman en die slot Herman Visser gedoen.

Die finale spyker in Limpopo se doodskis was toe sy losskakel, Divan van Zyl, ‘n tweede geelkaart met nog 13 minute se speeltyd oor in die wedstryd gekry het. Van Zyl kon toe ‘n vroeër stort gaan vang weens die rooikaart wat aan hom getoon is. 

Die span vanuit die Verre Noorde se hoogtepunt in die wedstryd het egter kort na dié laagtepunt gevolg. Die span se kaptein en heelagter, Brandon Cronjé, het op losskakel vir die leemte ingestaan en besluit om liewer die bal in sy doelgebied uit te gee as om die kantlyn op te soek.

Limpopo se flank Renzo du Plessis is kort daarna in besit gestel en hy het amper 90 meter genael om die drie van die Cravenweek tot dusver te gaan afrond. Du Plessis kan baie tevrede met sy vertoning voel na hy ook meeste van die lakwerk vir die verloorspan moes doen. Sy werksverrigting sou sonder twyfel ‘n paar keurders regop laat sit het. 

Puntemakers: 

Griekwaland-Wes 35 (14) – Drieë: Niel Schwartz, Tlotlo Mokomela, Keano Windvogel, Elzandro Fredericks, Sello Maketlo. Doelskoppe: Corné du Plessis (3), Steph Boshoff (2). Limpopo Blou Bulle 24 (0) – Drieë:  JB du Toit, Renzo du Plessis, JT Cronjé, Matome Molebogeng. Doelskoppe: Brandon Cronjé (2).

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The Griffons almost had a perfect day during the second day of the annual Academy  Week at Grey College in Bloemfontein.

Their flagship team proved too strong by 64-5 for Griqualand West, while the Griffons Country Districts could’ve defeated the Blue Bulls XV, but they opted not to take an easy shot at goal near the end of the match. The Blue Bulls XV winning by 26-24.

Scorers: 

Griffons 64 (33) – Tries: Thapelo Moshodi (2), Bjorn Steinhobel, Benni Human, Tshepang Morake, Curtis Lewack, Marco Weideman, Angelo Olivier, Ashley Jeggels, Aphelele Blou. Conversions: Morake (4), Jan du Toit (2), Human. Griqualand West 5 (5) – Try: Junior Molete.

Valke 36 (12) – Tries: Bishop Mohono (2), Jason Edwards (2), Eddie Evans, Duane Bloem. Conversions: Bloem (2), Neo Matube. Golden Lions 31 (19) – Tries: Diego Swartz (2), Ballie Adams, Richard Collins, Demos Mabuya. Conversions: Swartz (3).

Pumas 52 (33) – Tries: Thsimo Mogale (2), Shane Thekwane, Zizi Milanzi, Bradley Ludeke, Solly Lekhuleni, Ricardo Schonfeldt, Jan Joubert. Conversions: Schonfeldt (6). SA LSEN 15 (5) – Tries: Lesego Seikaneng, Keano Brown, Leroy Kiewiet.

Blue Bulls XV 26 (14) – Tries: Xander Nel (2), Bongani Ndlovu (2). Conversions: Wihan Strauss (3). Griffons Country Districts 24 (14) – Tries: Adolf Jonker, Albert Wolfaardt, Luki Rakotsoane, Paul Oke. Conversions: Jurie Wessels (2).

Border 26 (7) – Tries: Sivu Mabece, Nnamdi Uwah, Lathitha Ngxokela, Hugo Bronkhorst. Conversions: South Western Districts 8 (3) – Try: Kaylim Cordier. Penalty: Justin Wolmarans.

Golden Lions XV 22 (13) – Tries: DP de Jager, Divan van Vreden, Niel Holtzhausen. Conversions: Jivino Polster, Geraldo Beukes. Namibia 19 (12) – Try: John Kitenge. Conversion: Cameron Mellville. Penalties: Mellville (5).

Griqualand West Country Districts 45 (26) – Tries: Jacques Erasmus, Tertius de Wet, Rikus van Zyl, Mauritz Erasmus, Keanan Waterboer, Wilikus Badenhorst, Jayliam Theys. Conversions: Shane Alexander (4), Badenhorst. SA LSEN XV 33 (14) – Tries: Renier Viljoen, Luan Gouws, Nando Kemp, Mendes Vangu, Abduraghmaan Vardien. Doelskoppe: Gouws (4).

 

Write down the name of George Cronjé.

The captain and eighthman of the Free State was pure class in his side’s 46-24 victory over the Sharks in the main match of the opening day of the 56th annual Craven Week at Grey College in Bloemfontein.

Cronjé forced a couple of vital turnovers for the home side. The first led to one of Lesley Botha‘s two tries. Cronjé also scored a try that happened so quickly that even the TMO had to watch what happened in slow-mow a couple of times.

The Free State will face Western Province in the main match on Wednesday which will probably decide one of the two spots for the final match of the week. Cronjé received some valuable support from Jan-Hendrik Wessels (prop), Tiaan Jonker (lock) and André-Hugo Venter (hooker) in the front.

The Sharks’ flyhalf, Jordan Hendricks, showed promise and looks to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Jaden, who represented the Junior Springboks at the u20 World Championship in Argentina.

Botha also produced an impressive performance which without a doubt would’ve caught the eye of a selector or two. Free State’s left wing, Pascal Ekeji, also performed well and even showed that he could be physical if needed. Even with Ekeji en tighthead prop, Tielman Nieuwoudt, in the sin bin during the last ten minutes of the match, it never looked as if the Free State would lose.

Western Province 50, Boland 24

Western Province as expected proved too strong for Boland in their first encounter as the annual Craven Week. They walked from the field victors by 50-24. The victors already managed to build-up a healthy lead of 36-3 by the half-time break.

Kade Wolhuter (fullback) and Gideon van Wyk (eighthman) both managed to score a brace of tries. Wolhuter who is the first-choice flyhalf had no problems to slot in at fullback. He represented Western Province and Paul Roos in this position during last season. His performance will without a doubt have given him a few ticks with the selectors.

South Western Districts 43, Pumas 22 

South Western Districts shifted a couple of gears in the second half of their clash against the Pumas to secure a 43-22 victory. At half-time, it was the Pumas that were in control with a 15-12 lead.

The Ostrich Farmers managed to get more quality ball to their exciting outside backs and Caston Michaels (wing), Ashaldo Kiewiet (fullback) and Alwich van der Linde (outside centre) all managed to round off exciting runs. South Western Districts will face Sharks on Wednesday.

Valke 36, Leopards 24 

Franco Enslin, eighthman and captain of the Valke, helped his side to a 36-24 victory over the Leopards during the first match on the opening day of the 56th edition of the annual Craven Week at Grey College in Bloemfontein. Enslin, also head boy of Dr. EG Jansen in Boksburg, completed a hat-trick of tries.

By the half-time mark it seemed that the Valke might be too strong for the Leopards as they managed to build up a healthy 29-0 lead. Their flanker Juandré Odendaal carried the ball well throughout the match and was a thorn in the losing side’s flesh.

The Leopards clawed their way back in the second half thanks to an excellent performance by their inside centre, Lance Meintjies. At one stage the Valke was fighting to keep their lead at 29-24 after some exciting rugby by the Leopards. The losing side’s fullback, Ruben Oosthuizen, also managed to score a brace of tries.

Scorers: 

Free State 46 (24) – Tries: Leshley Botha (2), André-Hugo Venter, Tiaan Jonker, George Cronjé, Elmar Lintnaar, Ian Small-Smith. Conversions: FC du Plessis (4). Penalty: Du Plessis. Sharks 24 (19) – Tries: Mbasa Nkonki, Jordan Hendrikse, Daniel van Huizen, Ntokozo Makhaza. Conversions: Hendrikse (2).

Western Province 50 (26) – Tries: Kade Wolhuter (2), Gideon van Wyk (2), Allister Williams, Tyler Bocks, Jacques Rousseau, Marco de Witt. Conversions: Wolhuter (5). Boland 24 (3) – Tries: Boldwin Hansen, Hugo Mostert, Nathan Engelbrecht. Conversions: Mostert (2), Hansen. Penalty: Mostert.

South Western Districts 43 (12) – Tries: Ashaldo Kiewiet (2), Caston Michaels, Alwich van der Linde, Vernon Paulo, Corné Rahl, Leon Volschenk. Conversions: Hendrik Victor (2), Van der Linde, Kiewiet. Pumas 22 (15) – Tries: Martin Venter, Tristan Juries, Cyle Visagie. Conversions: Walter Visser (2). Penalty: Visser.

Valke 43 (29) – Tries: Franco Enslin (3), Juandré Odendaal, Bernard du Plessis, Tylon Kotze. Conversions: Kyle Potgieter (5). Penalty: Potgieter. Leopards 24 (0) – Tries: Ruben Oosthuizen (2), Lance Meintjies, Goodwin Nchocho. Conversion: Meintjies.

Western Province flexed their muscles during the opening day of the annual Academy Week at Grey College in Bloemfontein. They humiliated the Blue Bulls by 73-10 in a match that was stopped with five minutes still to play.  

The biggest thorn in the Blue Bulls’ flesh was the winger, Dalvon Blood, who managed to cross the white-wash four times. Blood could have boasted five tries, but gave a try away to flyhalf, Jandré Burger. 

Burger’s personal tally for the game was an impressive 23 points as he converted nine of his side’s 11 tries.  

Not even five tries by inside centre, Franco Knoetze, could help the Free State to open their account with a victory over the Sharks. Knoetze scored a record of five tries in the match of which more than a couple will make the highlights reel of the week.  

The Sharks won the match by 41-38 in the end after leading the Free Staters by 17-12 at the break. 

Limpopo Blue Bulls’ inside centre, Zander de Ridder, was on song as his side put Eastern Province to the sword by 47-24. De Ridder scored 29 of his side’s points as he crossed the tryline twice, converted four of his team’s tries and also slotted three penalties. 

The Limpopo Blue Bulls were rewarded for this excellent performance by getting one of the two fixtures on the A-field on Wednesday where they will face the Western Province XV. 

Boland’s flyhalf, Carlton Pieterse, also enjoyed a good day at the office as he scored 20 of his side’s points in their 45-29 victory over Zimbabwe. Pieterse scored a try with one of his sharp breaks, converted three tries and also slotted three penalties. 

Scorers: 

Western Province 73 (24) – Tries: Dalvon Blood (4), Luke Burger (2), Jesse Linders, Jandré Burger, Razzle Fredericks, Duran Koevort, Silas Marufu. Conversions: Jandré Burger (9). Blue Bulls 10 (3) – Try: Jerry Mashaba. Conversion: Niel Beukes. Penalty: Ian Trollip.

Sharks 41 (17) – Tries: Kwanele Khumalo (2), Mlungisi Khalishwayo, Taariq Kruger, Khwezi Hadebe, Brandon Jewell. Conversions:  Free State 38 (12) – Tries: Franco Knoetze (5), Zane Bester. Conversions: Francois van Rooyen (4).

Limpopo Blue Bulls 47 (24) – Tries: Zander de Ridder (2), Nathan van den Heever, Tiaan Meintjies, Andries Nel, Kamogelo Kgohloane. Conversions: De Ridder (4). Penalties: De Ridder (3). Eastern Province 24 (12) – Tries: Tiaan Moore, Richard Mmile, Cadan Finnis, Morné Prins. Conversions: Liyema Gaba, Guy Rushmere.

Boland 45 (22) – Tries: Justin Henning (2), Rowan Henecke, Carlton Pieterse, Brian Zake, Jarquin Kerr. Conversions: Pieterse (3). Penalties: Pieterse (3). Zimbabwe 29 (10) – Tries: Aaron Juma (2), Kwesi Owusu (2), Jason Makwabarara. Conversions: Stephen Terera (2).

Western Province XV 41 (19) – Tries: Wiaan Schmidt (2), Brandon Jafta (2), Liam Tattersall, Breyton Maree, Darren Jonkers. Conversions: Jonkers (3). Eastern Province Country Districts 17 (12) – Tries: Andrew McCallum, Sibusiso Hans, Jano Roux. Conversion: Troy Delport.

Leopards 27 (17) – Tries: Stiaan Loots, Stephan van Niekerk, Kelsey Hutton, Keanan van Rooyen. Conversions: Van Niekerk (2). Penalty: Van Niekerk. Sharks Country Districts 24 (12) – Tries: Spencer Muller, Kwanele Hlongwane, Vukile Buthelezi, James Olsen. Conversions: Ruan Muller (2).

Pumas Country Districts 20 (10) – Tries: Jerome Mgwenya, Wiehan van der Merwe. Conversions: Gerhard Engelbrecht, Donovan Theart. Penalties: Engelbrecht, Theart. Border Country Districts 17 (5) – Tries: Lwazi Mdoda (2), Yazini Mponco. Conversion: Wez Nkawu.

 

I’m not going to be at the Craven Week this year. I’ve been to the last 16 weeks in a row, and to 27 of the last 30, so it will be a little strange, and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to some serious FOMO.

Then again, I’ll be watching the games on TV, in the warmth, far away from what the late Zandberg Jansen called “Bloemfontein se eie-sortige vrek koue” (Bloemfontein’s unique deathly cold) and there’s a lot I won’t be missing.

I’m afraid the Craven Week is just not what it used to be – and I think I’ve earned the right to that opinion. The change was slow and insidious. It began after Danie Craven’s passing in 1993, when his insistence that this was a festival, with no overall winner and no individual honours was undermined, then ignored.

The professionalisation of the game after the 1995 World Cup didn’t take long to trickle down to this level and, while that was a good thing in terms of conditioning and preparation, it brought an emphasis on winning that was never very healthy.

At the same time, unification happened, and transformation began, those were obviously good things, but the attitude of those running the game in the provinces never kept pace (some still haven’t fully accepted it) and that has led to a set of evils which are a topic of their own.

In around 2000 the age cut-off for the week was changed from under-19 to under-18. That was a development which would have deep consequences. It meant that most players now have one Craven Week only.

Earlier, many of them played twice, and some even three times. There was an immediate drop in the number of standout players at the week. It was about experiences (and an extra year of muscle growth) and the biggest stars in my early years were those who were at their second or third weeks.

At the schools around the country, repeating grade 11 was quite a common practice for star rugby players in those days. But, if there was no chance of playing at the Craven Week in matric, there was little point in that.

So, instead of ensuring that your first team would remain competitive by keeping your own players for an extra year, the schools began looking for players elsewhere, and the curse of poaching and recruitment had its origin right there.

And then, while we were not paying attention, SuperSport hi-jacked the whole thing. Their relationship with SA Rugby made them all-important. They weren’t interested in broadcasting a wishy-washy traditional festival, so the current format, with the first round of matches serving as quarterfinals for the top eight seeded teams, followed by semifinals and a final was, undoubtedly, made for television.

The rest of the teams at the week are fillers now – there to pass the time until the real action begins. And I, along with my print media colleagues, didn’t count for much either. I remember the 2000 week in Port Elizabeth where there was a round of matches at township venues.

The TV people arrived the week before and selfishly set themselves up in the limited accommodation, forcing us to spend the day on the stands in the blazing sun and howling wind. All the games are televised and they kick off when the TV producer says so. Tough luck for the paying spectators and the printed schedule.

While this was going on, the professionalisation of the game continued apace. All the big unions set up stall at the week, with their university partners in tow, and contracting players became the biggest game in town.

The dropping of a national under-19 interprovincial competition and SARU’s cap on the number of players that can be contracted will put the brakes on that, of course, and it’s going to be interesting to see how that will change the dynamics.

So, in it’s 45th year the Craven Week bears little resemblance to what it used to be. Better or worse? Who am I to say? I just am glad that I’m sleeping in my own bed this week.

Theo Garrun is the most experienced scribe in the history of school sport reporting and gives his Two Cents on the various talking points in schools sports at – https://theogarrun.blogspot.com

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