Eastern Province plucks SWD EaGirls' feathers

Update

GARDEN ROUTE RUGBY NEWS - SWD EaGirls were once again unable to gain the upper hand over Eastern Province (EP) when the two sides locked horns at Loerie Park on Saturday 25 May.

As the EaGirls have never been able to one-up EP, who are one of the stronger female provincial sides in South Africa, EaGirls coach Aschin Klein was not blind to the fact that EP were favourites, and after the game said they value such games because they learn more and gain experience by playing against such tough opponents.

With nothing but clear skies and perfect weather overhead, the ladies kicked off proceedings at 14:30, with a decent crowd in attendance.

EaGirls stood strong in the opening exchanges of the game and managed to keep EP at bay for a good portion of the first half, but once EP ran in the first try thanks to a brilliant run from their outside centre, the game shifted firmly in their favour.

The second part of the first half saw EP take the game away from EaGirls as they ran in a further three tries before halftime, with the game going into the break at 24-0 in favour of Eastern Province. With EaGirls making a few changes to the side at halftime, they ran back onto the field with the hopes of putting in a better performance than the first half.

As with the first half however, EaGirls stood resolute in the opening exchanges of the second half but once EP got their fifth try of the game, momentum once again swung in their favour. EaGirls' substitutes put in an incredibly spirited performance, as they offered a much more significant physical challenge and visibly made life more difficult for EP to run riot.

Despite some positive spells of possession and territory, EaGirls were unable to get any points on the board as EP managed to round the game off with a 52-0 victory. EaGirls' league preparations won't be getting any easier as they are set to face Western Province, who are the national champions, this weekend.

Anostacia Hannies prepares to kick a penalty into touch for the EaGirls.