Boland edged the Golden Lions while Western Province, the Blue Bulls and Sharks claimed valuable wins on day one of the Grant Khomo Week at Grey High School in Gqeberha.
The opening day of the U16 tournament witnessed a number of close contests, with the finish to the battle between Boland and the Lions proving especially dramatic.
Boland made a statement when they outscored the Lions 15-3 in the first half. While the Lions clawed their way back in the second stanza, Boland flyhalf Jano van Deventer slotted two late penalties to secure a valuable 21-16 result.
Earlier in the day, the Pumas scored five tries in their 39-14 victory over Griquas, with centre Siboniso Mahlangu touching down twice.
The Griffons edged the Valke 17-15 in a tight contest, while the Sharks overturned a 10-point half-time deficit to beat Free State 26-20.
The Blue Bulls led 20-10 at the break in their battle against the Western Province XV. Two clutch kicks by flyhalf Vihan Pretorius ensured that they held on for a 26-24 win.
In the last two matches of the day, Western Province scored five tries to beat hosts Eastern Province 38-25, while the Leopards crossed the line six times in their 40-7 win over the Limpopo Blue Bulls.
The Grant Khomo Week will continue on Wednesday, with Pumas tackling the Free State at 09h20 on the Kolisi Field.
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
