Griquas down Valke to end FNB U18 Craven Week on a high in Middelburg

SUZUKI Griquas capped off their FNB Under-18 Craven Week campaign on a high note with a 26–19 victory over the Valke in Middelburg on Saturday.

In a hard-fought encounter that was deadlocked 12-all at halftime, the Kimberley boys dug deep to claim the win and end the week on a positive note. Griquas’ tries came courtesy of Jaydrian Jacobs, Tiaan Serfontein, Themba Kella and Ruben van der Linde. Jonathan Harding slotted two conversions, with Aidan Gadeija adding one more.

Their grit and composure under pressure ensured a fitting end to a challenging tournament, where they showed flashes of real promise against some of the country’s top young rugby talent.

In the final match of the tournament, DHL Western Province powered past South Western Districts to win the FNB Under-18 Craven Week finale.

WP finished the week with three victories, while the Bulls, Sanlam Boland, Lions, Leopards, Free State, Griquas and Foundation Pumas will be happy with their wins on the final day of the competition.

Results round-up

The final day of the FNB U18 Craven Week at Hoërskool Middelburg saw action-packed clashes across the board.

• Western Province edged SWD 27-21 in a thrilling main game, with WP captain Josh Neill named Player of the Tournament.
• The Bulls turned on the style in a 76-24 demolition of Eastern Province, while the Free State outclassed the Sharks 34-12.
• The Golden Lions survived a late charge from the Western Province XV to win 27-26.
• The Leopards ran rampant over Limpopo, securing a 54-7 result.
• Sanlam Boland edged the Griffons 38-36 in a nail-biter, and the Pumas comfortably dispatched Border 48-12.

This brings the curtain down on another memorable Craven Week, with Western Province finishing unbeaten and a number of standout individual performances emerging across the five days.