The Sharks U21s claimed a 23-12 victory over the Golden Lions while there were wins for Western Province and the Blue Bulls in the second round of the U21 Provincial Championship on Saturday.

Sean Everitt’s team, boosted by the return of five Junior Springboks to the starting XV, were able to bounce back from their first-round loss to the Leopards with an important win at the Kings Park B field.

In a tight match the Lions went into the break 5-3 ahead, thanks to a try from lock Ruan Vermaak, while Shark flyhalf Henry Chamberlain responded with a penalty.

However, the Sharks took control of the second half as fullback Thaakir Abrahams, one of those involved in the World Rugby U20 Championship, scored a brace. Chamberlain added two conversions, a penalty and drop goal to take his personal tally to 13 points.

While the Lions responded through a second try from Vermaak – this time converted by replacement flyhalf Keegan Lailvaux – it was not enough as the Johannesburg outfit lost their first game of the season.

In other results, the Blue Bulls put on an impressive showing at Shimla Park to hammer the Free State Cheetahs 73-31.  Blitzboks star JC Pretorius made a solid return to 15s, scoring a hat-trick to go with a brace from wing Cameron Hufke.

Hooker Werner Fourie, No 8 Muller Uys, flyhalf Theo Boshoff, outside centre Diego Appolis and replacements Lionel April and Sango Xamlashe added tries for the Bulls, who claimed their second successive win after beating WP in round one.

Western Province replied to that defeat by claiming a 50-28 win over the Leopards.

Photo: Steve Haag Sports