The DHL Western Province XV scored eight tries in an emphatic 52-17 win over Griquas on the second day of the U18 Stadio Craven Week at Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp. 

The Cape side on Tuesday led 14-8 at the break and proceeded to lift the tempo in the second stanza, with centre Markus Muller scoring two of his team’s tries.

In the final match of the day, the Blue Bulls secured a narrow victory over the Golden Lions, while there were big wins for the Pumas and Free State.

The highly anticipated trans-Jukskei derby lived up to the hype, with the hosts and the Bulls scoring 10 tries between them.

The Lions were in control for much of the first half, before the Bulls hit back to score 20 unanswered points in the second stanza and did enough in the dying stages to clinch a thrilling 35-34 win. Replacement Luann Olivier scored two of the Bulls’ six tries.

The battle between the Pumas and the Limpopo Blue Bulls followed a similar pattern, although the Mpumalanga side enjoyed a healthy 22-0 lead at halftime. Centre Ian Wood bagged a hat-trick as his side went on to secure a 60-17 victory.

Free State and the Griffons put on a show, with a total of 15 tries and 93 points scored over the course of their 70-minute contest. Free State fullback Heinz Stokenstrom scored two tries and kicked six conversions.

The tournament will continue at Hoërskool Monument on Wednesday.

Day Two Results:

DHL WP XV 52 – Griquas 17
Pumas 60 – Limpopo Blue Bulls 17
Free State 57 – Griffons 36
Blue Bulls 35 – Golden Lions 34

Day One Results:

South Western Districts 41 – Valke 34
Boland 41 – Leopards 21
Eastern Province 24 – Border 14
DHL WP 36 – Sharks 26

Day Three Fixtures:

10h00: Valke v Leopards
11h30: Boland v Border
13h00: SWD v Sharks
14h30: DHL WP v EP