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Western Province arrived at Grey College on Day 4 of the U13 Craven Week and left no room for debate. Their 73-7 demolition of Eastern Province in the afternoon slot was the statement of the tournament so far — a margin that will echo through the standings and send a clear warning to every union still in contention. That is not a scoreline you build without serious cohesion and clinical finishing, and Province will be the team everyone is measuring themselves against heading into the final days.
Griquas were the other side to make a massive impression on Friday, running up 57 points against the Limpopo Blue Bulls and restricting their opponents to just 17 in a dominant 57-17 victory. Back-to-back big wins for Griquas cement their status as genuine contenders. Namibia also delivered a polished performance, beating the Valke 31-10 in a result that underlines the cross-border union's growing presence at this level. And the Leopards — perhaps the feel-good story of the afternoon — knocked over the Sharks 26-10, a result with real provincial pride written all over it.
The Golden Lions were efficient without being spectacular, edging the Griffons 19-10 in the morning slot. It is the kind of composed win that keeps a campaign ticking. The Blue Bulls answered their own pressure with a 19-12 victory over Free State — a tighter affair, but the Bulls got the job done when it mattered. SWD continue to punch above expectations, seeing off Boland 25-17 in a competitive Grey College A clash that showcased genuine grit from both sides.
But if one result summed up why U13 Craven Week is appointment viewing, it was the Pumas against Border. A single point — 29-28 to Border — separated two sides who threw everything at each other across 80 minutes. The Pumas will be devastated, but a one-point defeat at this level is no disgrace. Border, meanwhile, will take enormous belief from grinding out a win in those conditions.