Lions floored by WP XV fightback at FNB U18 Craven Week
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
July 9, 2026
THURSDAY, 9 JULY 2026 - Grey High School, Gqeberha: Western Province XV stormed back from a nine-point half-time deficit to stun the Golden Lions on Day 4 of the FNB U18 Craven Week. (Photographer: Charmaine Sander Photography)
Western Province XV overturned a nine-point half-time deficit to beat the Golden Lions on day four of the FNB U18 Craven Week, while the Griffons, Pumas and Blue Bulls were also victorious at Grey High School in Gqeberha on Thursday.
WP XV maintained their perfect record at the FNB U18 Craven Week tournament after downing the Lions on Thursday, while the Griffons, Pumas and Bulls bounced back from Tuesday’s defeats.
The Lions dominated the early exchanges of their match against WP XV and raced to 14-0 lead. The boys from the Western Cape hit back shortly before half-time and then proceeded to run away with the game in the second stanza.
Thomas Saunders (wing) scored a hat-trick for WP XV while flyhalf Travis Pheiffer slotted five conversions in a dramatic 43-33 win.
Earlier in the day, the Griffons scored five tries in their 29-12 win over the Valke, with wings Shovee de Villiers and Qlin Booyse both dotting down twice.
THURSDAY, 9 JULY 2026 - Grey High School, Gqeberha: The Pumas produced a dominant performance from start to finish to overwhelm Border 54-14 on Day 4 of the FNB U18 Craven Week. (Photographer: Charmaine Sander Photography)
The Pumas dominated Border from start to finish, with No 8 Vian Louw scoring two of his team's eight tries and flyhalf Ewan van der Merwe contributing 15 points.
The subsequent contest between the Bulls and Griquas was similarly one-sided, with fullback Drewyn Baron scoring a brace and flyhalf Ruan Fluks converting seven of his team's nine tries.
The FNB Youth Weeks programme will continue at Grey High on Friday, when 16 female teams compete in the final round of FNB U18 Girls Week tournament.
Meanwhile, the FNB U18 Craven Week will conclude at Grey High on Saturday, with all 16 boys teams in action.
FNB U18 Craven Week results– day four (Thursday, 9 July):
Griffons 29 (12) Valke 12 (0)
Border 14 (0) Pumas 54 (27)
Blue Bulls 59 (40) Griquas 19 (0)
Golden Lions 33 (19) Western Province XV 43 (10)
