FNB Wanderers and Trustco United opened up a sizeable lead in the women’s rugby league after the latest matches over the weekend.
Wanderers thrashed FNB Grootfontein 64-0 on their home ground in Pionierspark to go to the top of the log on 43 points from 10 matches, but United remained on their tail and are now just one point behind in second place after picking up a vital 15-7 away win against FNB Unam.
Wanderers were in a class of their own on their home turf as they ran in 10 tries to post a commanding victory against Grootfontein.
Rightwing Lizzie Tauchas led the way with three tries, while centres Sune Wittmann and Yanneke Lawrence scored two each, and fullback Judy van der Byl, scrumhalf Daniella Beukes and flanker Euodia Bassingthwaighte one try each.
Wittmann added seven conversions for a personal tally of 24 points.
At the Unam Stadium, United did the early attacking and after constant pressure by their forwards, scrumhalf Fulchen Bock crashed over for a try behind the posts that was converted by flyhalf Michelle Slinger.
Slinger soon added a penalty to stretch their lead to 10-0.
Unam tried hard to get back into the match with prop forward Chanteline Engelbrecht and fullback Jeomba Tjiramba putting in some strong runs, but United’s defence stood firmand they went further ahead when fullback Nicole Philander snatched up a loose ball and sprinted 50m through to dive over in the corner.
Slinger’s conversion attempt went wide, but with a 15-0 lead at halftime, United were well in command.
Unam, however, made a great comeback and dominated possession after the break. They hammered away at United’s defence and finally opened their account when eighthman Mandy Hansen went over for a try after a fine counter-attack by Tjiramba.
United pushed hard in the final stages, but could not break through as United held on for a 15-7 victory.
Despite the defeat, Unam are still thirdon the log on 31 points and virtually assured of making the semifinals.
The fourth semifinal spot, however, is still wide open with FNB Kudus on 18 points, Oceans Rugby (14), FNB Rehoboth (11) and even bottom-placed Grootfontein on seven points, all still in the running.
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