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Vodacom Bulls have retained the SA Rugby Under-19 Cup title

Vodacom Bulls retain SA Rugby Under-19 Cup

The Vodacom Bulls retained the SA Rugby Under-19 Cup title when they scored a comprehensive 35-7 victory over the Cell C Sharks in Durban on Saturday, finishing the short competition unbeaten at the top of the log.

The team from Pretoria scored five converted tries, four of them before the break, to build up a commanding 28-0 lead at half-time.

In the other final round match, also staged on Saturday, DHL Western Province registered a 24-19 victory over the Toyota Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

All eyes were on the tournament decider in Durban though, where the Vodacom Bulls' strong start to the match proved to be too much for their hoss. Both sides scored a try apiece in the second half, and although they played much better after the break, the Cell C Sharks couldn’t prevent the visitors from registering a third successive win in the final round of fixtures.

As a result of their bonus-point triumph, the Vodacom Bulls finished the season unbeaten at the top of the standings, followed by the Cell C Sharks with two wins from their three matches, DHL WP with one victory, and the Toyota Cheetahs, who lost all three their matches.

In Durban, the two top sides were only separated by points' difference on the log before kick-off. However, the Vodacom Bulls' five tries - through Juann Else (hooker), Corne Beets (lock), who dotted down twice, Neels Volschenk (flank) and Gcino Mdletshe (replacement back) - secured a commanding victory.

Junior Springbok flyhalf Compion von Ludwig succeeded with all five conversions to crown a deserving win for the side from Pretoria.

Right wing Banie Britz got the Cell C Sharks' only try while fly half Christiaan Els was on target with the conversion.

In Bloemfontein, the Toyota Cheetahs and DHL WP each scored three tries, however, it was the successful boot of flyhalf FC Fourie who ultimately settled this entertaining encounter - played at Grey College – in favour of the Cape side.

Junior Springbok loose forward Paul de Villiers scored twice while replacement fullback Graeme Waldeck also managed a try for the men in the blue and white hooped jerseys. Fourie slotted three kicks - two conversions and a penalty goal - to separate the two side.

The Free Staters’ try scorers were Ferdinand Vergotini (loose forward), Liam de Wet (scrumhalf) and Adilson Gouvei (right wing), while flyhalf Tiaan Kriek succeeded with two conversions.

SA Rugby U19 Cup – Round 3 results:
Toyota Cheetahs 19, DHL Western Province 24
Cell C Sharks 7, Vodacom Bulls 35

Photo credit: Gerhard Duraan

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