Griquas 43-29 Pumas: Craven Week 2026 Day 1

Griquas 43-29 Pumas: Griquas came from behind twice on Tuesday at Grey High to deliver a performance of real character, turning a one-point half-time deficit into a convincing fourteen-point victory in one of the more compelling encounters of the opening day at FNB U18 Craven Week 2026.

The Pumas drew first blood in Gqeberha, crossing early to lead 5-0 and giving the Mpumalanga side — built around a strong Middelburg and Nelspruit core — reason for genuine optimism. Griquas responded immediately, levelling at 5-5, and what followed was a half of rugby that swung back and forth before the Pumas edged ahead by a single point at the break, 22-21. That scoreline told its own story: both sides were running and scoring freely, but Griquas could not quite find the composure to lead at the interval.

The second half belonged to the Northern Cape boys. Griquas came out with intent, and a converted try swung the contest decisively in their favour at 33-22. The Pumas, to their credit, refused to fold. They hit back with a try of their own to close the gap to 33-27, and when a Griquas conversion sailed over at the other end to make it 38-29 — with the points flow temporarily favouring Mpumalanga — there was a moment where the game felt genuinely alive again.

But Griquas had the final word. A late try sealed it at 43-29, and the final whistle confirmed a performance that will have the Kimberley-based camp in confident mood. Their squad, drawn from eight schools with Diamantveld providing twelve of the twenty-three and Upington contributing four more, showed collective cohesion when it mattered most.

For the Pumas, the defeat stings. Their Middelburg-heavy contingent showed plenty of attacking intent and a willingness to play, but the inability to protect a half-time lead will be the conversation in their camp on Tuesday night.

Griquas move into the week with a win and momentum. In a competition where early results shape confidence, that matters enormously.