A hat-trick by Golden Lions fullback Ayanda Malinga paved the way for their convincing 36-7 victory against the Leopards in Potchefstroom on Saturday. The first half was competitive, with the Jozi outfit taking a narrow 7-0 lead at the break, but they found their rhythm in the second half and it paid off as they crossed the tryline five times, increasing their total to six tries in the match.
The Johannesburgers’ centre Piwokuhle Nyanda also gave a strong account of herself with a try and three conversions, while the team backed up this good attack with solid defence to limit the hosts to a converted try for their efforts.
SWD also got their campaign off to a winning start with an encouraging 24-19 away victory over the Griffons in Welkom on Friday thanks to a strong first-half display. The George outfit scored all 24 of their points in the first half, and their four tries were enough to secure the victory as they limited the visitors to two first-half tries and one in the second.
Griffons lock Khosi Skosana delivered a star performance for her side as she scored a brace and converted both tries for a personal tally of 14 points, but despite this their efforts fell short.
Griquas also got their season off to an encouraging start against Free State in Concordia near Springbok in the Northern Cape as they held their nerve in a competitive match for a 25-19 victory.
The win was particularly significant for the Kimberley side as it marked the end of their losing run after suffering defeats in all of their matches last season. The women from Bloemfontein, however, will be disappointed with the result as they too come off a winless 2018 season.
SA Rugby Women’s Interprovincial B Section results:
Griffons 19-24 SWD – HT Pelatona Projects Stadium, Welkom
Leopards 7-36 Golden Lions – Olën Park, Potchefstroom
Griquas 25-19 Free State – Concordia Sports Ground, Springbok
