Griquas Edge Leopards in Potchefstroom Thriller as Round 5 Shifts Standings

The Leopards Senior Women’s Rugby team suffered a narrow 24–19 defeat to the AVBOB Griquas Women at Olën Park in Potchefstroom during Round 5 of the Pick n Pay Women’s Super League 2. Despite holding a halftime lead, the home side was unable to fend off a determined second-half comeback from the visitors, which allowed Griquas to secure a crucial bonus-point victory and leapfrog the Leopards on the competition table.

First-Half Control Overshadowed by Second-Half Comeback

Defense initially dominated the tight opening exchange, but two rapid tries put the Leopards in a strong position. Flyhalf Okuhle Njemla breached the defensive line just before the 30-minute mark to score, followed five minutes later by winger Abrinah Matshoga, extending the hosts' lead to 14–0. Griquas struck back with a converted maul try just before the break to narrow the advantage to 14–7 at halftime.

The visitors caught the Leopards off guard early in the second half, running in two quick tries to seize a 17–14 lead. The Leopards responded with characteristic grit in the 50th minute when flanker Martha Yokwane crashed over the line to restore a 19–17 lead for the home team. However, a decisive score by Griquas tighthead prop Nicole van Wyk three minutes later returned the lead to the visitors, who held firm through a scoreless final 20 minutes to claim the win.

Round 5 Results & Scorecard Breakdown

Fixture & Location	Halftime	Fulltime	Key Scorers & Match Details
Leopards Women vs. AVBOB Griquas (Olën Park, Potchefstroom)	14 — 7	19 — 24	Leopards Tries: Martha Yokwane, Okuhle Njemla, Abrinah Matshoga Leopards Conv: Amzolele Gqola (2) Griquas Tries: Nicole van Wyk, Mihle Sezelwa, Tyrell Wilson, Lindokuhle Sinaze
Hollywood Pumas vs. SWD Eagirls (Nelspruit Rugby Club)	22 — 3	44 — 17	Pumas Tries: Bathabile Hlatshwayo, Sonia Khumalo, Pauline Sianga, Sesihle Maguga, Jibrine Dube, Sasa Mkhabela, Penalty try Eagirls Tries: Mia-Lee Matiwane, Ceceilia Swarts
Limpopo Blue Bulls vs. Griffons (University of Limpopo, Polokwane)	7 — 19	21 — 50	Griffons Tries: Thato Rantai (3), Mmadjadji Mohalali (2), Luhle Mpiko, Pinky Touto Limpopo Tries: Kgopotso Ramawela, Mapula Matsimela, Amaka Mabosi

Broader Competition Impact

Elsewhere in Round 5, the defending champion Hollywood Foundation Pumas Women secured a home semi-final in Mbombela by dismantling the SWD Eagirls 44–17 in Nelspruit, running in seven tries to remain unbeaten. In Polokwane, the Griffons Women recorded their first away victory of the season with a dominant 50–21 triumph over the Limpopo Blue Bulls Women, driven by a hat-trick from winger Thato Rantai and a 20-point personal haul from scrumhalf Pinky Touto. The Valke Women observed their scheduled bye.

With back-to-back home setbacks against top-tier opponents, the Leopards must quickly refocus as the group stage reaches its climax. The North West side will look to refine their set-piece execution and late-game game management to secure maximum points in their remaining fixtures and solidify their position in the playoff race.

Images: Leopards Rugby Woman

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