Now it’s home, sweet home
Unbeaten Border await outcome of WP-EP clash to know their opponents
For the sixth year in a row the Border women’s rugby team has sealed a home final in the SA women’s interprovincial competition, after they closed out the pool campaign unbeaten over the past weekend.
Border were made to work hard for a 26-12 win against the whipping girls of the competition, Free State, who put up a fierce battle in their final match, with them now set to be relegated to the B division.
The hosts will only find out who their opposition will be this weekend after the final pool match between Western Province and Eastern Province was postponed, and with the winner of that match set to take on Border, it should be a thrilling encounter.
“Our goal was to go through the season unbeaten and make sure that we hosted the final and then reclaim our title,” said Border coach Nwabisa Ngxatu.
“We were expecting to play Western Province, but anything can happen, so we will be ready for whoever comes here.
“It is going to be a big one and I believe that the girls can win the title again.”
After picking up four titles in a row, Border were finally unseated last year in a close match against Western Province at the BCM Stadium and the girls have been eager to reclaim the title.
In the past weekend’s match they were expected to cruise past Free State, but they were stunned by the hosts, leaving them level-pegging at 12-all at halftime.
The second half belonged to Border as they pulled away with two converted tries to take a comfortable win in the end.
“It was a good game overall, but I felt the altitude and conditions were very difficult for the girls, and they struggled at first,” said Ngxatu.
“Some of them were struggling to adapt in the first half, and because of that Free State almost led at the break, but the girls came right in the second half and played very well.
“I was very happy to get the win, but there are some things that we have to fix ahead of the final. Our fitness levels are a bit of a concern. Unfortunately we were unable to train before the Free State game because most of the girls were writing exams, so that was tough.
“But we will definitely be able to get in some good training before the final.
“Thankfully exams are over and we will be having a camp this weekend, so I believe the girls will be fully ready for the final.”
In the B division the Lions and Boland concluded unbeaten pool stages to finish top of their respective pools, which will pit them against each other in the B division final.
This will be the curtain-raiser to the A final at the BCM Stadium next weekend.
Our goal was to go through the season unbeaten and make sure that we hosted the final