Coastal Teams Raise Trophies

For Eastern Province, it’s a case of ‘Try Again’ come true, as coach Eric Songwiqi’s team snatched victory after 4 Inter-Provincial finals against the Blue Bulls. Picture courtesy Clinton Brown.

Eastern Province clinched their first SARU Women’s Provincial League
title on Saturday after beating the Blue Bulls 22-13 in East London,
while KwaZulu-Natal won the B-section League title with a 25-17 victory
over Free State.

The two final matches were played in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 3 000, including the Minster of Sport and Recreation, the Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile, on hand to witness the EP women finally achieved success, after losing all four previous finals against the Blue Bulls.

Mahlubi Puzi, the SARU Manager for Women’s and Sevens Rugby, praised the enthusiastic supporters. "Both finals were contested in a fantastic spirit and the good crowd turnout made the day a memorable one.

"The rugby enthusiast of the Border region deserves recognition for their special contribution on Saturday. The standard of play has improved significantly, and it all augurs well for the future of women’s rugby in our country," said Puzi.

The SARU Provincial Tournament for Women will take place on 3 -4 November at Florida Park in Ravensmead.

SARU Women’s Provincial League Finals, in East London on 6th October 2007, at the NY 1 Rugby Ground in Mdantsane, East London:
A Division:
Eastern Province 22 – 13 Blue Bulls
B Division:
KwaZulu-Natal 25 – 17 Free State