Lions U20s down Sharks to move into second spot

The postponed SA Rugby U20 Cup fixture between the Fidelity ADT Lions U20 and the Hollywoodbets Sharks GEN, which was rescheduled due to inclement weather a few weeks ago in Johannesburg, produced a dramatic turnaround as the hosts stormed to a 42-22 victory at 10bet Ellis Park last Thursday.

The Sharks led 17-15 at the halfway stage but the Lions staged a successful comeback in the second to snatch victory in this exciting encounter.

The hosts made the stronger start, with Junior Springbok fullback Alzeadon Felix kicking an early penalty before he’s SA U20 teammate Luke Cannon crossed for a converted try to establish a 10-0 lead.

The Sharks responded through Jeffrey Singo before Kody Nell’s converted try handed the visitors the advantage. Rekkie Gerber struck back for the Lions but a late Stefan Moolman penalty goal saw the Sharks take a two-point lead into the break.

The Durbanites stretched their lead to 22-15 shortly after the restart when Moolman scored but Mahle Sithole’s converted try levelled matters at 22-22 heading into the final quarter.

A penalty try and two yellow cards against the Sharks proved decisive as the Lions capitalised on the numerical advantage, with late tries by Zenkosi Mthiyane and Thapelo Mphela sealing a convincing 42-22 win.

With all the teams having completed six league games, the Lions’ victory has seen them move to second in the standings, above DHL Stormers Bolts, on 24 points because of a stronger points differential. The Sharks remain fourth on 14 points. The Vodacom Bulls are leading the race at the moment on 30 points.

The competition continues with a full round this coming weekend. On Friday 25 September, the Toyota Cheetahs host the Sharks in Bloemfontein and the Lions travel to Potch to take on the Leopards. A day later, on Saturday 26 September, the Stormers Bolts are at home against the high-flying Bulls at City Park.

Score

Fidelity ADT Lions U20 42 (15) - Tries: Thapelo Mphela, Mahle Sithole, Zenkosi Mthiyane, Rekkie Gerber, Luke Cannon, Penalty Try. Conversions: Alzeadon Felix (2). Penalties: Felix (2).

Hollywoodbets Sharks Gen 22 (17) – Tries: Jeffrey Singo, Stefan Moolman, Kody Nell. Conversions: Stefan Moolman (2). Penalty: Moolman.

The latest round of the SA Rugby U21 Shield saw three away wins, with Griquas, Griffons and Boland victorious on the road, while Eastern Province was the sole home winner this past weekend.

In George, Boland continued their strong campaign with a commanding 59-26 victory over SWD, while Saturday's action saw Eastern Province defeat Border 41-21, the Griffons overpowered the Pumas 59-21, and Griquas edged Limpopo 46-43.

The results leave Boland and EP tied on 16 log points at the top the Southern Pool after five games, with Boland remaining first on points difference. The two leaders are well ahead of SWD (9), and Border (5).

In the Northern Pool, where the teams have all played four games each, the Griffons lead the standings on 20 points, ahead of Griquas (15), the Pumas (11), Limpopo (9) and the Valke (4).

With the Northern Pool set to resume next week, this coming Saturday's Southern Pool fixtures are scheduled for Wellington, where Boland host Border (2pm) and George, where SWD take on EP (3pm).