This means Craven Week history will be made. For the first time in the existence of the competition, Saturday’s unofficial final will be contested between two teams of the same union, when Western Province tackle WP XV.

On another entertaining day of schoolboy rugby, WP XV stole the headlines by overturning a nine-point half-time deficit to beat the Golden Lions 43–33, while the Griffons, Pumas, and Blue Bulls all bounced back strongly following defeats earlier in the week.

The Lions looked set to take control of the highly anticipated clash after a blistering start saw them race into a commanding 14–0 lead. The Johannesburg outfit dominated the physical exchanges early on and put WP XV under pressure with their direct approach and clinical finishing.

However, the side from the Western Cape refused to go away quietly and managed to strike before the break to remain within touching distance. Trailing 19–10 at half-time, WP XV returned for the second half with renewed energy and completely shifted the momentum.

Their attacking flair and ability to punish mistakes proved decisive as they took control of the contest. Wing Thomas Saunders was the standout performer with an impressive hat-trick of tries, while flyhalf Travis Pheiffer kept the scoreboard ticking with five successful conversions in a dramatic ten-point victory.

Earlier in the day, the Griffons delivered a strong all-round performance to claim a convincing 29–12 victory against the Valke. Their backline showed plenty of pace and finishing ability, with wingers Shovee de Villiers and Qlin Booyse both crossing for doubles as the Northern Free State side ran in five tries.

The Pumas were equally dominant in their clash against Border, claiming a comprehensive 54–14 win. The Lowvelders controlled the match from the opening whistle and never allowed Border to settle. Powerful eighthman Vian Louw led from the front with two tries, while flyhalf Ewan van der Merwe enjoyed an excellent afternoon with the boot and contributed 15 points.

The Blue Bulls also made a big statement with a commanding 59–19 win over Griquas. Fullback Drewyn Baron crossed the whitewash twice, while flyhalf Ruan Fluks was in fine form from the kicking tee as he converted seven of the Bulls’ nine tries.

The Youth Weeks action at Grey High continues on Friday with the final round of the FNB U18 Girls Week, where 16 teams will take the field.

The prestigious U18 Craven Week will then conclude on Saturday, with all 16 boys’ teams set for one final opportunity to showcase South Africa’s next generation of rugby stars.

U18 Craven Week results – Day Four (Thursday, 9 July):

Griffons 29–12 Valke

Pumas 54–14 Border

Blue Bulls 59–19 Griquas

Western Province XV 43–33 Golden Lions 33

U18 Craven Week fixtures – final day (Saturday, 11 July:)

Kolisi Field:

8:30 – Eastern Province vs South Western Districts

10:00 – Free State vs Blue Bulls

11:30 – Sharks vs Golden Lions

13:00 – Western Province vs Western Province XV

B-Field:

8:30 – Griquas vs Griffons

10:00 – Boland vs Pumas

C-Field:

8:30 – Valke vs Limpopo Blue Bulls

10:00 – Border vs Leopards

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm