DHL Western Province recorded a brilliant 28-17 Vodacom Cup win over the ICBC Pampas XV at DHL Newlands on Saturday.

The ‘visitors’ – it was a home match for the Pampas, who chose to play this fixture at DHL Newlands – scored four tries to three to claim a third win of the season.

Winger Pat Howard scored a brace, young flanker Sikhumbuzo Notshe added a five-pointer and Tim Swiel scored a brilliant try to help their team overturn a 5-12 half-time deficit.

The Pampas were first to score in the second half (as they were in the first half) and they led 17-5 after 43 minutes of play.

But DHL Western Province fought back with tries by Notshe, Howard and Swiel to take the lead and close out the game for a welcome bonus-point victory.

WP coach John Dobson was elated with the win, despite a few nervy moments when his team was down by 12 points. He said: “The guys showed great character and I am proud of them. This is a good and physical Pampas team… we fielded a young side but the guys stood up and that was pleasing.”

Province had earlier in the week made ten changes from the side that defeated the Border Bulldogs 22-13 in Paarl last weekend – injuries and DHL Stormers call-ups necessitating the switches.

The Pampas, meanwhile, had claimed a 65-23 win over Boland – making them the form team in the Vodacom Cup; until today that is.

The scorers:

For the ICBC Pampas XV:
Tries: Montero, Senatore, Masera
Con: Madero

For DHL Western Province:
Tries: Howard 2, Notshe, Swiel
Con: Leyds
Pen: Leyds
DG: Swiel