Matches were played on the main field at Grey College, while the neighbouring Oval hosted the Under-13 Academy Week fixtures.

There were tries galore, bone-rattling tackles and countless entertaining moments as the young players not only moved a step closer to realising their rugby dreams, but also began forging lifelong friendships and memories that only the game can create.

The Limpopo Blues were simply no match for Boland - Morgan Piek

The tone was set early in the opening match when the Griffons from the Northern Free State fired an early warning shot by beating Namibia 20-0.

The Golden Lions then edged their neighbours, the Valke, 22-15 after taking a 15-11 lead into half-time.

The first major upset arrived in just the third match of the week when South Western Districts from the Garden Route produced a stunning performance to demolish the Blue Bulls 51-0 after leading 26-0 at the break.

The Pumas then continued their long-standing rivalry with Griquas, recording a hard-fought 12-0 victory after taking a narrow 5-0 advantage into half-time.

Western Province going in for a score against the Leopards - Morgan Piek

The biggest victory of the day belonged to Boland, who stamped their authority on the tournament with a commanding 73-0 win over the brave Limpopo Blue Bulls after leading 33-0 at the interval.

It was an impressive display from the Bolanders, with Conway Arries crossing for a hat-trick of tries while Luan du Toit added a brace in a dominant all-round team performance.

The penultimate match of the day produced another major surprise. Although it wasn't a victory, it certainly felt like one for the spirited Leopards from North West.

Dylan Flanagan scoring the match-winning try against Western Province - Morgan Piek

A late converted try by the lively flanker Dylan Flanagan earned the Leopards a pulsating 26-26 draw against the mighty Western Province.

While Province boasted size and physicality, the Leopards matched them with relentless determination, racing into an early lead and placing the Cape side under immense pressure throughout the contest.

Province launched one final attack in the dying moments, but the Leopards' desperate goal-line defence and a massive scrum on their own tryline secured a famous draw. Their celebrations afterwards resembled those of a side that had just lifted the Rugby World Cup.

Border going in for a try against the Free State - Morgan Piek

The final match of the opening day produced yet another upset as Border edged hosts Free State 24-23 in a gripping encounter on the Grey College main field.

The visitors from the Wild Coast showed tremendous courage despite receiving three yellow cards late in the second half. A spectacular try by Lisolam Nyamfu ultimately proved to be the difference as Border held on for a famous victory.

The Academy Week also produced several convincing victories. The Blue Bulls beat Border Country Districts 45-5, South Western Districts outclassed the Limpopo Blue Bulls 50-5, while Western Province powered to an emphatic 66-14 victory over the Valke.

Craven Week Day 1 Results:

• Border 24-23 Free State
• Western Province 26-26 Leopards
• Boland 73-0 Limpopo Blue Bulls
• Sharks 43-12 Eastern Province
• Pumas 12-0 Griquas
• South Western Districts 51-0 Blue Bulls
• Golden Lions 22-15 Valke
• Griffons 20-0 Namibia

Academy Week Day 1 Results:

• Western Province 66-14 Valke
• Pumas 15-14 Boland
• Eastern Province vs Griffons – No result available
• Golden Lions vs Leopards – No result available
• Sharks 29-10 Zimbabwe
• Border 22-10 Free State
• South Western Districts 50-5 Limpopo Blue Bulls
• Blue Bulls 45-5 Border Country Districts

Morgan Piek OFM Sport