FNB Unam Steenbokkies sounded a warning that they intend to retain the women’s rugby title with an emphatic 63-7 win against Montego United on Saturday.
That was their sixth consecutive win this season which saw them replacing FNB Wanderers Bokkies at the top of the log for the first time in a month.
On Saturday, Unam attacked from the start, running the ball at every opportunity, and United’s defence soon crumbled as Unam ran in some spectacular tries. By halftime they were already 42-0 ahead but United managed to stem the tide with some resolute defence in the second half, while even scoring a try of their own.
Unam ran in nine tries in total with their pacy fullback Ivonne Kooper leading the way with three, while centre Ellen Garoes, scrumhalf Pione van Rooyen, flankers Elzanne-Lee Basson and Kaylin Basson, and lock Letisha Matheus scored one try each. Flyhalf Michelle Slinger had a great day with the boot, converting all the tries for a personal tally of 18 points.
United scored a solitary try through loose forward Arriena Diergaardt, converted by Tiffany Lawrence.
The win put Unam back at the top of the log for the first time in a month and with a match in hand on Wanderers, and with momentum on their side, they are now emerging as the favourites to win the league.
Unam lead the log on 34 points from six matches, while Wanderers are second on 31 from seven matches.
Reho Falcon Bokkies trail way back in third position on 13 points, while United are fourth on 10, followed by Okahandja Highlanders (0) and Coastal Women (-9).
Unam captain Kaylin Basson said going into the match they already had their eyes on a place in the final.
“Our eyes were on the final, to secure a spot there, so we really played with intent and communicated with each other and will take it from there. We made quite a few mistakes in the second half and it was also very hot, so that gave United a bit of a gap to get back, but we won comfortably in the end,” she said.
“We are definitely excited about the final because we want to defend our title, but it’s going to be a tough game because everybody wants it, but at the end of the day the best team will win,” she said.
Unam and Wanderers have only met once before in the league this season on 8 August, when Unam withstood a late comeback to win a thriller 24-22.
Unam seemed to be heading to a comfortable victory after taking a 19-10 lead at halftime and moving 24-10 ahead early in the second half, but Wanderers made a great comeback to eventually fall two points short.
