Eastern Cape teams set early milestone during U18 Girls Week

EP scored 15 tries in their 99-5 win over Free State, with wingers Lukhanye Lolo (five tries) and Girly Tembani (three) proving particularly potent. Flyhalf Micayle Hendricks contributed a try and 12 conversions to finish the match with 29 points.

Border proved too strong for the Leopards, scoring 16 tries over the course of the 96–5 victory. Lock Zeze Gcaza and inside center Semi Maliwa scored two tries each.

Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe and the Golden Lions produced impressive attacking performances in their big wins over Western Province and the Griffons respectively.

Limpopo Blue Bulls recovered from a seven-point deficit at half-time to beat the Sharks 15-12, while another exciting match between the Pumas and Boland was ultimately won 20-19 by the Cape side.

The Blue Bulls also started with a win, as they held the Valke scoreless in their 20-0 victory – the only team on opening day to keep a clean sheet.

Results U18 (Monday 1 July):
EP 99 (43) Free State 5 (5)
Blue Bulls 20 (10) Valke 0 (0)
Sharks 12 (12) Limpopo Blue Bulls 15 (5)
Western Province 5 (5) Zimbabwe 37 (22)
SWD 24 (21) Griquas 5 (5)
Border 96 (45) Leopards 5 (5)
Griffins 5 (5) Golden Lions 48 (10)
Cougars 19 (10) Boland 20 (15)

The national U16 tournament kicks off on Tuesday at 10am when EP take on the Limpopo Blue Bulls.

U16 matches (Tuesday, July 2):
10am: EP vs Limpopo Blue Bulls, A Field
10:00 am: WP v Golden Lions, B-field
11.15am: Pumas v Griffons, A-field
11.15am: Leopards v Vrijstaat, B-field
12.30pm: Sharks v Griquas, A-field
12.30pm: Border v Blue Bulls, Field B
1.45pm: Boland v Border Country Districts, Field A
1.45 pm: SWD v Valke, B-field