Lions, Valke remain unbeaten in Northern Sub-Union tournament
The Golden Lions and Valke on Wednesday continued their winning ways in the Northern Sub-Union tournament at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park as they battled their way to back-to-back wins to remain the only unbeaten sides in the series.
The Lions fought their way to a 28-27 victory against the Griffons, while hosts, the Valke, took advantage of the Leopards’ ill-discipline to register a 22-8 win.
The Blue Bulls, meanwhile, bounced back from their disappointing start to the tournament to beat their sister union the Limpopo Blue Bulls 48-29, and the Pumas defeated their Lowveld neighbours 53-19.
The Valke and Leopards earned a try a piece in their clash, with the Leopards’ only other points being scored through a penalty by flyhalf Hennie Carelzen. But the visitors’ discipline proved to be their downfall as it allowed the Valke to keep the scoreboard ticking with No8 Innus Potgieter slotting over four penalties to add to a drop goal by flyhalf Lenrich Van Vuuren for their 22-8 victory.
The Lions, meanwhile, outscored the Griffons five tries to three to place themselves in a comfortable position for their second win. But several missed goal kicks combined with penalties at crucial times kept the Griffons within striking range of winning the match. Griffons replacement back Louis Snyman was particularly impressive with the boot as he slotted over three penalties to add to his conversion for a personal total of 11 points. The Lions, however, showed character to hold on to their narrow lead and secure the victory.
The Blue Bulls delivered a determined performance to outplay their neighbours, Limpopo, with the team crossing the tryline an impressive six times. This was supported by a fantastic kicking display in which backs Wesley Bornman and Wimpie O’ Callaghan kicked over every conversion and added a penalty each to shut the opposition out of the match.
In the other clash the Pumas outclassed defending champions, Lowveld, in a one-sided encounter as they produced a fantastic attacking display, featuring eight tries, to leave the opposition scrambling on defence. Lowveld, however, replied with three tries, but in the end the Pumas proved too good on the day.
The tournament will conclude on Friday following the third and final round of matches.
Northern Sub-Union Day 2 results:
Golden Lions 28 – 27 Griffons
Valke 22 – 8 Leopards
Blue Bulls 48 – 29 Limpopo Blue Bulls
Lowveld 19 – 53 Pumas
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