Pretoria - The Blue Bulls Under-21 side retained their Absa Under-21 title in Durban on Saturday when they beat Western Province Under-21 22-13 in the final.

The Blue Bulls had a 12-6 lead at the break, with flyhalf Tian Schoeman punishing the Cape side's efforts to kill the ball at breakdowns and rucks.

A 49th minute try by rightwing Damian van Wyk put the Blue Bulls ahead by 19-6, but the visitors were by no means out of it - until a 69th minute Tony Jantjies penalty put the Blue Bulls two scores ahead going into the final 10 minutes.

To their credit, Province refused to give up. A late try by replacement Clearance Khumalo, from a Godlen Masimla kick-ahead, gave them some hope. However, with just four minutes left on the clock there was not time for the WP youngsters to score twice.

The win gives coach Nollis Marais back-to-back wins in the competition.

Scorers:

Blue Bulls Under-21:

Try: Damian van Wyk
Conversion: Tian Schoeman
Penalties: Schoeman (4), Tony Jantjies

Western Province Under-21:

Try: Clearance Khumalo
Conversion: Cheslyn Kolbe
Penalties: Kolbe (2)