DHL Western Province booked their final berth in the 2013 Women’s Interprovincial Series in style, setting up a meeting with fellow in-form team, Border, in next weekend’s season finale.
Both teams entered their semifinals with fewer log points and tries than the Sharks and Free State, respectively, but their superior performances on Saturday illustrated the disparity in the quality of the teams in Section 1 and Section 2 of the ‘A Division’.
Border annihilated Free State 46-0 in East London in their semifinal match, whilst DHL Western Province, the defending champions, thumped the Sharks 34-7 in Durban to book their spot in the 2013 final.
Western Province’s innovative attack and dominance in the line-outs set them up for their convincing victory against the Sharks.
In fact, so dominant were the Cape side that they built up a 17-0 lead at the break, and continued their fantastic form in the second half to increase their try tally to six. This victory is expected to boost their confidence as they attempt to defend their title (away from home) against the Men from East London.
Border were in fine form against the Free State as they produced a solid display on attack and defence to outclass the visitors.
Free State put up a brave fight in the first half and managed to limit Border to a single try for a 7-0 lead at the break. But the home team hit their straps in the second half and ran in six tries to take their total for the match to seven. They balanced this with a fantastic defensive effort, which left the Free State scoreless.
Province and Border will line up in East London on Saturday, September 21, in the ‘A Division’ Final, whilst Griquas will meet the Limpopo Blue Bulls in the ‘B Division’ Final.
Women’s Interprovincial Series semifinal results:
Border 46 Free State 0
Sharks 7 DHL Western Province 34