The Vodacom Blue Bulls overturned a 17-point deficit to beat Western Province 33-27 and claim the U21 Championship title in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The victory was the cherry on top for the team following an impressive season in which they suffered only two defeats, allowing them to top the standings.

While the opening exchanges were tightly fought, Province flew into a 20-3 half-time lead thanks to tries from scrumhalf Lucky Dlepu and flank Shaine Orderson to go with two converted penalties by flyhalf David Coetzer.

However, the Bulls fought their way back into the match with flank Stephan Smit going over shortly after the break before the team from Pretoria was awarded a penalty try.

The deficit was suddenly reduced to seven points and the Bulls were further boosted when Province tighthead Sazi Sandi was shown a yellow card. The Bulls took full advantage as wing Gershwin Mouton dotted down to level the scores at 20-20.

Bulls flyhalf Theo Boshoff slotted his third penalty goal to take them into the lead for the first time and they sealed the win when replacement prop Carl Els scored after a Boshoff drop goal.

Blue Bulls – Tries: Stephan Smit, Gershwin Mouton, Carl Els. Conversions: Theo Boshoff (3). Penalties: Boshoff (3). Drop Goal: Boshoff.
Western Province – Tries: Shaine Orderson, Vusile Dlepu, Gift Dlamini. Conversions: David Coetzer (3). Penalties: Coetzer (2).

Photo: Gallo Images