EP scored 15 tries in their 99-5 win over Free State, with wingers Lukhanye Lolo (five tries) and Girly Tembani (three) proving especially potent. Flyhalf Micayle Hendricks contributed a try as well as 12 conversions to finish the game with 29 points.

Border proved too strong for the Leopards, running in 16 tries over the course of the 96-5 victory. Lock Zeze Gcaza and inside centre Semi Maliwa scored two tries apiece.

Earlier in the day, Western Province and the Golden Lions delivered impressive attacking performances in their big wins over Zimbabwe and the Griffons respectively.

Limpopo Blue Bulls rebounded from a seven-point half-time deficit to beat the Sharks 15-12, while another tight contest between the Pumas and Boland was eventually edged 20-19 by the Cape side.

The Blue Bulls also started with a win as they kept the Valke scoreless in their 20-0 victory – the only team on the opening day to keep a clean sheet.

U18 results (Monday 1 July):
EP 99 (43) Free State 5 (5)
Blue Bulls 20 (10) Valke 0 (0)
Sharks 12 (12) Limpopo Blue Bulls 15 (5)
Western Province 37 (22) Zimbabwe 5 (5)
SWD 24 (21) Griquas 5 (5)
Border 96 (45) Leopards 5 (5)
Griffons 5 (5) Golden Lions 48 (10)
Pumas 19 (10) Boland 20 (15)

The national U16 tournament will kick off at 10h00 on Tuesday, when EP face the Limpopo Blue Bulls.

U16 fixtures (Tuesday 2 July):
10h00: EP v Limpopo Blue Bulls, A Field
10h00: WP v Golden Lions, B Field
11h15: Pumas v Griffons, A Field
11h15: Leopards v Free State, B Field
12h30: Sharks v Griquas, A Field
12h30: Border v Blue Bulls, B Field
13h45: Boland v Border Country Districts, A Field
13h45: SWD v Valke, B Field

Eastern Cape sides lay down early marker at U18 Girls Week

Eastern Province and Border claimed big wins in the first round of the U18 Girls Week staged at Jeppe High School in Johannesburg on Monday.