The Sharks Under 19s got the day's action under way at 1pm but disappointingly lost 25-15 to their Blue Bulls counterparts.
Despite the Bulls taking the early lead through two penalties, it was the more exciting and adventurous home side who scored the first try of the match through fullback Jaco van Tonder after 20 minutes of play. The touchline conversion was perfect and the Sharks Under 19s had the lead.
Unfortunately the lead was overhauled moments later as the visitors got their first touchdown but the lead was reduced thanks to another well-taken penalty from Ryno Olivier. The Bulls added a further penalty to take a 14-10 lead at the break.
The Blue Bulls struck first in the second half and a brace of penalties extended the lead to 10 points. Their second half dominance continued with a try pushing them into a 25-10 lead. Mandla Dube scored his team's second try after a sustained period of attack
All told, the second 35 was a disappointment for The Sharks Under 19s who battled to build decent momentum off some very good, but ultimately brief, passages of attacking play. What was encouraging was the willingness to play expansive rugby and the fact that they managed to dominate the Blue Bulls at the scrums.
In the curtain-raiser, The Sharks Under 21s got off to a great start, Meyer Swanepoel providing excellent support after a 50m break from lightening-quick Jaco Reinach. Willie du Plessis's conversion gave them a 7-0 lead within the first five minutes of play. A 20 minute lull came next with neither side able to break the opposition defenses before Willie du Plessis converted a penalty from in front to push the lead to 10-nil.
It didn't take long for the Blue Bull juniors to finally get on the scoreboard with fullback Justin van Staden backing himself and scoring in the corner. 10-5 to The Sharks Under 21s with 15 minutes to play in the first half. Du Plessis converted a penalty to take the lead to eight points and then struck another into injury time to give his team a 16-5 lead at the break.
The Bulls cut the lead to six with a try in the opening five minutes of the second half, and then an intercept try while The Sharks Under 21s were on attack saw the lead finally overhauled by the visitors with the successful conversion. Another Bulls penalty stretched the lead to four points and try as they may, the home side couldn't close out a late match-winning score as the game finished 20-16 in the junior Bulls' favour.
