DHL Western Province Women were in fine form against the EP Queens at DHL Newlands on Saturday, as they claimed their third straight win with a comprehensive 72-19 victory.

The home side scored six first-half tries to one for an encouraging 36-7 lead and built on that in the second half with another six tries, while the visitors were only able to add a try and penalty try to their score.

The match was particularly memorable for Springbok Women’s winger Veroeshka Grain, who scored four tries for a personal tally of 20 points, while Donelle Snyders (fullback) and national players Felicia Jacobs (scrumhalf) and Zintle Mpupha (centre) each earned braces.

The Capetonians drew first blood scoring two tries in the first 17 minutes, and Bok Women’s flanker Sinazo Mcatshulwa proved instrumental in creating the next two tries thanks to strong line breaks, which saw Grain and Jacobs touch down within two minutes of one another for a 24-0 lead and a handy bonus point.

The Capetonians added their fifth try three minutes later, but this was cancelled out by the EP Queens’ Sinalo Mtshizana (lock), who crossed the chalk after sustained pressure close to the tryline.

The hosts had the last say in the half with their sixth try, taking their score to 36-7.

The Queens were dealt a blow shortly before halftime as Megdene Booysen (centre) received a yellow card for a high tackle, but despite this they managed to add to their score shortly after the restart as Raylene Noubos (scrumhalf) forced her way over for their second try.

DHL Western Province hit back several minutes later with their seventh try, which stretched their lead to 43-12, but this was short-lived as the Queens were awarded a penalty try soon after.

The hosts continued to display their effective attacking skills, and this paid off with Snyders and Zintle Mpupha getting over for the second time, and the floodgates opened with Grain and Alichia Arries (replacement winger) following to inflate their score to 67 points.

The hosts maintained the pressure until the final minute, with Grain crossing the line for the last time on the stroke of fulltime for a convincing 72-19 victory.

Scorers:

DHL Western Province:
Tries: Cindy Booi, Donelle Snyders (2), Veroeshka Grain (4), Felicia Jacobs (2), Zintle Mpupha (2), Alichia Arries
Conversions: Vuyo Maqholo (6)

EP Queens:
Tries: Sinalo Mtshizana, Raylene Noubos, Penalty Try
Conversion: Zenay Jordaan

Photo by Ashley Vlotman