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October 17 – Both the MTN Golden Lions junior sides duly qualified for the semi-finals of the Absa Under-21 and Under-19 competitions respectively and will this weekend do battle for a place in the following weekend’s final.
Whereas the Under-21 side’s 31-20 win over the Sharks in Durban wasn’t enough to move up to third place and will see them play log leaders Blue Bulls at Loftus on Friday afternoon, the Under-19s have secured second place in their competition and will play Western Province at Coca-Cola Park in a curtain-raiser to Saturday's Absa Currie Cup semi-final – also between the MTN Golden Lions and WP.
The Lions Under-19s won their match against WP at the same venue two weeks ago (31-20) in outscoring them by four tries to two. Although it was a tough, hard match the Lions’ performance in the second half when they shut WP out after a close 20-17 lead at the break augurs well for Saturday’s semi-final.
The winner of this match will meet die winner of the semi-final clash between the Under-19s of the Blue Bulls and Free State at Loftus in the final in October 29.
** The Lions Under-21 side have a tough semi-final draw against the log leaders Blue Bulls. The fact that the match is to be played at Loftus makes the challenge that much greater.
The odds are probably against the Lions, who were hammered in the first round but gave a good account of themselves in the return match at Coca-Cola Park when they were within one score of the Blue Bulls with eight minutes to go. A penalty and try to the Bulls in this period saw them edge home 33-21. This performance will give the much-improved Lions the confidence they need in the semi.
The junior semi-finals and promotion/relegation fixtures this weekend are:
Absa Under-19 competition:
Semi-finals: Blue Bulls v Free State, Loftus Versfeld, Friday 3pm; MTN Golden Lions v WP, Coca-Cola Park, Saturday 3pm.
Promotion/Relegation: SWD v Griffons, Outeniqua Park, Saturday 3pm.
Absa Under-21 competition:
Semi-finals: Blue Bulls v MTN Golden Lions, Loftus Versfeld, Friday 5pm; WP v Sharks, Florida Park, Ravensmead, Friday 6pm.
Promotion/Relegation: Valke v Border, Barnard Stadium, Friday 5pm.
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