Eagles, WP XV continue to soar at FNB U18 Craven Week

South Western Districts and the DHL Western Province XV extended their winning records on the third day of the FNB U18 Craven Week at Hoërskool Middelburg on Wednesday.

SWD and DHL WP XV recorded their second wins of the competition, while Free State and the Limpopo Blue Bulls got off the mark, following their respective defeats on day one.

After edging Free State 35-34 in their first fixture of the tournament, SWD dominated the clash against the Obaro Golden Lions on Wednesday, scoring eight tries in a resounding 54-22 victory. Christiaan Vorster and Jacobus de Villiers scored two tries apiece for the Eagles.

Earlier in the day, Limpopo completed an incredible comeback against the Griffons, after trailing 19-0 in the first quarter. Hooker Ziahn Lombaard scored a hat-trick while fullback Ryno Mienie slotted seven conversions to steer their team to an unlikely 49-44 victory.

Fresh off their 52-6 win over the Griffons, the WP XV racked up a further 45 points and seven tries against the Hollywood Foundation Pumas, with lock Gershom Pieters and replacement forward Caleb Koeberg grabbing a brace apiece.

Free State bounced back from a first-round loss to SWD, scoring seven tries in a 52-33 victory against the Blue Bulls. Fullback Lamla Mgedezi and No 13 Ethan Adams starred for the winners, scoring three and two tries respectively, while centre Thabiso Simelane claimed a hat-trick for the losing side.

The tournament will continue at Hoërskool Middelburg on Thursday, with Sanlam Boland facing the Valke at 10h00, and DHL Western Province tackling the Sharks High Schools side later in the day.

FNB U18 Craven Week day three results (Wednesday, 9 July):
Limpopo Blue Bulls 49 (21) Griffons 44 (31)
DHL Western Province XV 45 (33) Hollywood Foundation Pumas 14 (7)
Free State 52 (27) Blue Bulls 33 (19)
Obaro Golden Lions 22 (7) SWD 54 (26)

FNB U18 Craven Week day four fixtures (Thursday, 10 July):
10h00: Sanlam Boland v Valke
11h30: Suzuki Griquas v Leopards
13h00: Border v Eastern Province
14h30: DHL Western Province v Sharks High Schools

SWD were in great form against the Golden Lions.

Limpopo fought back for their first victory over the FNB U18 Craven Week in 2025.

The DHL WP XV won their second game on the trot this week.

FNB Youth Weeks FNB U18 Craven Week Craven Week Middelburg High School Middelburg SA Schools

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