Western Province’s Under-19 side began today’s series of matches against the Vodacom Blue Bulls with a deserved, but hard-fought 16-11 win over the Bulls Under-19s at DHL Newlands.
The DHL WP Under-19s led by 6-3 at half-time and they stretched that advantage to 16-3 by the time the final ten minutes got underway in Cape Town.pass4suresale
DHL WP’s only try was scored by always-impressive inside centre Daniel du Plessis, a brilliant chip and chase effort after good work from captain Rikus Bothma and wing Grant Hermanus, whilst Ernst Stapelberg did not miss a kick at goal.
A late Bulls try, by wing Duhan van der Merwe, got the score a bit closer for the visitors but the hosts were clinical enough on the day to retain their status as the only unbeaten team in the competition.
Province saw both their wings, Dewald Naude (first half) and Grant Hermanus (second half), spend some time in the sin bin but they managed to survive both times through their dogged defence.
After five games, one away from the halfway stage of the 2014 Absa Provincial Under-19 competition, the Province Under-19s now lead the log with 23 points – seven ahead of the Bulls and Free State (in second and third place, respectively).
DHL WP U19 coach Nazeem Adams told www.wprugby.com afterwards: “I’m pleased with the win.
“I was happy with the contribution made by the likes of Johan Momsen, Francois van der Merwe and Daniel du Plessis on their return to the starting team.
“We know we can still improve but I’m happy to come away with a win against a quality side like the Bulls.”
The scorers:
For DHL Western Province Under-19:
Try: Du Plessis
Con: Stapelberg
Pens: Stapelberg 3
For Blue Bulls Under-19:
Try: Van der Merwe
Pens: Human, Bolze
The teams:
DHL Western Province Under-19: 15 Adriaan Carelse, 14 Dewald Naude, 13 Jarryd Sage, 12 Daniel du Plessis, 11 Grant Hermanus, 10 Ernst Stapelberg, 9 Brendon Nell, 8 Rikus Bothma (captain), 7 Luke Stringer, 6 Charlton Jonas, 5 Floris Pelser, 4 Johan Momsen, 3 Francois van der Merwe, 2 Paul-Martin Wipplinger, 1 Kyle Whyte.
Replacements: 16 Hanno Snyman, 17 Mihlali Mtongana, 18 Lebohang Mdakane, 19 Ruan du Preez, 20 Dian Koen, 21 Damian Stevens, 22 Brandon Thomson, 23 Ryan Oosthuizen.
Vodacom Blue Bulls Under-19: 15 Wyatt Murphy, 14 Jinx Molapo, 13 Peet Schoeman, 12 Adrian Maebane, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Dewald Human, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Hanro Liebenberg, 7 Calvonn Allison, 6 Menzi Nhlabathi, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Matthys Basson, 2 Francois Steyn, 1 Xander van Wyk.
Replacements: 16 Jan van der Merwe, 17 Njabula Gumede, 18 Johan van Wyk, 19 Burger van Niekerk, 20 Martin Groenewald, 21 Theo Maree, 22 Simon Bolze, 23 Jurie Linde.
1Z0-051
Referee: Lourens van der Merwe
