KZN, Griffons Exact Big Opening Rugby IPT Wins

KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Border established themselves as forces to be reckoned with in the A Division of the SA Rugby Women’s Interprovincial rugby competition on Saturday, as they kicked off their seasons with emphatic victories.

KZN smashed the MTN Golden Lions 83-3 in one-sided encounter at Ellis Park, which marked another disappointing start to the Johannesburg-based side’s season, while the Cheetahs thumped the Griffons 51-10 at the North West Stadium in Welkom, for the two biggest wins of the weekend.

The Durban-based team started the match strongly and built up a 26-0 lead at the break, but were in a league of their own in the second half and completely dominated proceedings, leaving the Lions with no answers.

The upset of the day was Border’s 31-17 win against 2012 finalists the Blue Bulls in East London, which will undoubtedly serve as a massive confidence boost for the side as they look to establish themselves as contenders for the title.

Border stamped their authority early thanks to solid efforts on attack and -defence, which earned them an encouraging 19-7 lead at the break. They continued this dominance in the second half as they increased their lead and limited the Bulls to a converted try and penalty.

In the other A Division clash, Eastern Province defeated South-Western Districts 28-15.

Meanwhile, Griquas and the Pumas started their seasons on a high note in the B Division. Griquas registered a 22-14 win against the Leopards in Springbok, while the Pumas outplayed the Limpopo Blue Bulls 17-5.

(With editing by gsport)