The Bulls Daisies overpowered a determined Border side to a bonus point victory in the opening round of the 2024 Women’s Premier Division played in front of a lively crowd at Police Park, East London.
The Tshwane-based outfit tallied up nine tries (six converted) and a penalty try as they registered a 57-12 win on the opening weekend of the competition.
Centre, Unathi Mali impressed as she went over the line for a hat-trick of tries whilst debutant, Sanelisiwe Charlie registered a double on her first run in the Daisy, marking a memorable start in her new home. The rest of the points came from Vainah Ubisi who got the Player of the Match award, Sophy Mashapa, Xolelwa Diliza, Lusanda Dumke and Sizophila Solontsi who was returning to action after a lengthy injury layoff.
Fullback, Byrhandre Dolf was consistent with the boot as she converted six of the nine opportunities at goal, adding an invaluable twelve points to help her side keep a spirited Border side at bay.
The score line may suggest that the encounter was much easier than what it was for Hayden Groepes’ chargers but the team from the highveld were put through their paces, especially in the first half. The restart saw a more clinical and improved Daisies, conceding zero points whilst adding more points to the 31 they scored in the opening stanza.
The Daisies return to base to begin preparations for their trip to Bloemfontein where they will take on the recently promoted Free State side, on Saturday 20 April, kick off will be at 15h00.
BULLS DAISIES vs BORDER WOMEN STARTING XV: 1. Sanelisiwe Charlie, 2. Xolelwa Diliza, 3. Asithandile Ntoyanto, 4. Vainah Ubisi, 5. Anathi Qolo, 6. Lusanda Dumke (c), 7. Sinelitha Noxeke, 8. Sizophila Solontsi, 9. Rumandi Potgieter, 10. Unam Tose, 11. Lucky Nkhumishe, 12. Zintle Nonkosana, 13. Unathi Mali, 14. Chantel Dikgale, 15. Byrhandre Dolf
BULLS DAISIES IMPACT SQUAD: 16. Karabo Lebotsa, 17. Doreen Mkhabela, 18. Rachelle du Plessis, 19. Busisiwe Crafford, 20. Ziyanda Ngohlekana, 21. Sophy Mashapa, 22. Surprise Baloi, 23. Lesego Mdhluli
BULLS DAISIES MANAGEMENT: Hayden Groepes – Head Coach, Aschin Klein – Assistant Coach, Thando Manana – Manager, Dr. Sbu Ntuli – Team Doctor, Karabo Morokane & Lenel Allison – Physiotherapist(s), Tayla Chidrawi – Strength & Conditioning, Luyolo Tandani – Logistics Manager, Swazi Bisset – Partnerships Manager, Akusenani Khumalo – Team Manager
SCORERS:
Tries: Unathi Mali x3, Sanelisiwe Charlie x2, Vainah Ubisi x1, Sophy Mashapa x1, Xolelwa Diliza x1, Lusanda Dumke x1, Sizophila Solontsi x1, Penalty Try
Conversions: Byrhandre Dolf x6