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A bridge too far for WP Women

PUBLISHED: September 22, 2013


The DHL Western Province Women’s team was unable to defend its title, as Border on Saturday earned their place in history by lifting the Women’s Interprovincial trophy for the first time since the competition’s inception in 2003.

The Border Women’s team registered a 41-8 victory against defending champions Western Province at the Buffalo City Municipal Stadium in East London to win the title in what was their second home final.

Border entered their clash as narrow favourites with home ground advantage and their strong defence counting in their favour. Western Province, meanwhile, had to undertake the journey by road to East London, which may have contributed to their disappointing display.

External factors aside, Border delivered a glittering all-round performance, as their attack and defence came together in a display worthy of lifting the trophy, as the DHL WP Women’s team had hoped to secure a third-ever national title.

So dominant was the East London team they racked up an impressive seven tries, while allowing Western Province to cross their tryline only once. As if that were not enough all the Cape side’s points were scored in the first half, with the home team controlling proceedings in the second half.

In the B Division final, log-leaders Griquas delivered a solid first-half display against defending champions, the Limpopo Blue Bulls, to work their way into a morale-boosting 24-5 lead at the break.

They continued to build on their strong attack in the second half and increased their try tally to seven. But despite this, the Limpopo Blue Bulls fought back strongly and managed to run in four tries.

Unfortunately for the Limpopo side, however, their efforts were in vain as Griquas attack proved too strong on the day.

2013 Women’s Interprovincial Final results:
Border 41 Western Province 8 (‘A Division’ Final)

Griquas 39 Limpopo Blue Bulls 20 (‘B Division’ Final)