The NWU’s U19 rugby team are the Golden Lions Grand Challenge champions after drawing 19-19 against Pirates in the final played at the Fanie du Toit Sport Ground on Saturday, August 15.
The NWU took the cup after finishing higher on the log throughout the season.
Luhan van der Sandt, Vaughn van Zyl and Benjamin van der Berg scored tries for the home team, while Favian Arendse slotted two conversions.
It was a tight contest, with the NWU leading 19-12 at half-time. Pirates, who are represented by Rugby Travel Academy players, scored their third try to force the match into a draw.
The NWU coaching team of Hannes Esterhuizen, Gerald McPherson and Leslie Jackson can be well pleased with their team’s performance and ending the season on top. The team also did not lose a single match.
The NWU first team could not replicate a winning result in their semi-final, losing 47-28 in a tough away game against Randfontein Rugby Club.
Randfontein will now play against Northam Rhinos in the Grand Challenge final.
