File Picture
The Free State Women’s team registered their first victory of the 2024 Women’s Premier Division season in dramatic fashion, edging the Golden Lions Women 31-26 in Bloemfontein on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Bulls Daisies continued their undefeated streak, while DHL Western Province and the Sharks Women also recorded impressive wins in round three of the competition.
Free State Women Leave It Late for Maiden Win
The clash between Free State and the Golden Lions was a thrilling encounter that saw the home side snatch victory at the death. A last-minute try by Vuyelwa Mosala sealed a dramatic win at Toyota Stadium, as Free State overcame a 21-12 halftime deficit to claim their first points of the season.
The Lions looked poised for a win as they took control in the first half, but the impact of the Free State bench proved crucial. Treidine Solomons’ try in the 70th minute gave the home side their first lead of the match.
However, the Lions hit back three minutes later through Thobile Msizaswe to level the scores at 26-26. Mosala’s decisive try in the 79th minute ensured the Free State faithful had something to cheer about in a tense finish.
Free State’s Monique Reens bagged a brace, while Monique Smith and Solomons also crossed the whitewash. Thamie Yako contributed three conversions.
The Lions’ efforts included tries from Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Sinalo Honono, Siyonela Macamba, and Msizaswe, with Klarissa van der Linden adding three conversions.
Free State Women 31 (12) vs Golden Lions Women 26 (21)
Free State — Tries: Monique Reens (2), Monique Smith, Treidene Solomons, Vuyelwa Mosala. Conversions: Thamie Yako (3).
Lions — Tries: Xoliswa Khuzwayo, Sinalo Honono, Siyonela Macamba, Thobile Msizaswe. Conversions: Klarissa van der Linden (3).
Daisies Dominate to Remain Unbeaten
The Bulls Daisies continued their reign as the top team in the competition with another commanding display, thrashing Sanlam Boland Dames 50-22 in Wellington.
The defending champions started like a house on fire, racing to a 36-5 halftime lead. Sizophila Solontsi opened the scoring in just the second minute and added another later, while Faith Tshauke, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, and Micke Gunter also dotted down in a dominant first half.
Boland showed resilience, producing an improved second-half performance by scoring 17 unanswered points at one stage. However, the Daisies finished strongly with two late tries to ensure another 50-point haul. The victory leaves them as the only unbeaten side in the competition.
Sanlam Boland Dames 22 (5) vs Bulls Daisies 50 (36)
Boland — Tries: Nomawethu Mabenge, Theresa Ruiters, Lulu Tyibilika, Macaela Samboya. Conversion: Lara Schats.
Bulls — Tries: Zintle Mpupha, Faith Tshauke (2), Sizophila Solontsi (2), Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Micke Gunter, Xolelwa Diliza. Conversions: Jakkie Cilliers (5).
Western Province Bounces Back Against Border Ladies
DHL Western Province recovered from their previous round’s loss to secure a 29-12 win over Border Ladies at Hamiltons RFC in Green Point. The Capetonians delivered a commanding performance, outscoring their opponents five tries to two.
Their set-piece play proved vital, with Thandile Mazwi opening the scoring after 20 minutes. Donëy Fillies added a try before halftime to give WP a 12-0 lead. The hosts continued their dominance in the second half with three more tries, ensuring a bonus-point victory.
Border scored two late tries but never threatened to change the outcome.
DHL Western Province 29 (12) vs Border Ladies 12 (0)
WP — Tries: Thandile Mazwi, Lauren Adams, Luchell Hanekom, Donëy Filies, Mari Dalhouzie. Conversions: Kirsten Conrad (2).
Border — Tries: Aviwe Hlongwana (2). Conversion: Khanya Ketani.
Sharks Women Cruise Past EP Queens
The Sharks Women put on a clinical performance in Pietermaritzburg, dispatching the EP Queens 40-7. Controlling the game from start to finish, the Sharks ran in six tries, three in each half, while limiting their opponents to a solitary score.
Mary Zulu, who scored one of the Sharks’ tries, was instrumental in their attack and contributed 15 points, converting five of the six tries. The victory propelled the Sharks into second place in the standings.
Sharks Women 40 (19) vs EP Queens 7 (0)
Sharks — Tries: Nobuhle Mjwara, Mary Zulu, Kwanele Zungu, Owami Zikhali, Nomonde Mwanja, Nontobeko Mathupha. Conversions: Zulu (5).
EP — Try: Amber Olivier. Conversion: Yandisa Nobanda.
With the Women’s Premier Division heating up, all eyes will be on round four as the competition intensifies. Can anyone stop the Bulls Daisies, or will they brush aside all challengers as they continue their march toward another title?
Related Topics: