The Pick n Pay Women's Super League 2 semi-finals are set, with defending champions the Hollywood Foundation Pumas Women hosting the Griffons and AVBOB Griquas entertaining the SWD Eagirls next weekend — while last year's runners-up, the Leopards, were eliminated after a brutal 60-10 defeat to the Valke at Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park.
The Pumas go into the playoffs undefeated after a bye in the final round, finishing top of the log on 30 points. Griquas follow on 26, SWD on 17 and the Griffons on 14.
The Valke, who lost the corresponding fixture last season 105-5 in Potchefstroom, produced a complete reversal, scoring three tries inside the opening 10 minutes to lead 21-0. Teenager Kiarra Langeveldt pulled two back for the Leopards — her brace the only bright spot for the visitors — but centre Noluyanda Mtshweni crossed four times, capping her afternoon with a try on the final buzzer, as Valke ran out convincing winners. Evidence Tinoota also bagged a hat-trick. The result leaves the Leopards sixth on the log, their worst standing in many seasons.
In Welkom, Griquas were in control from the fifth minute when Maserati Bangaza crossed for the first of her hat-trick. The Griffons responded with two tries of their own to trail 10-19 at half-time, but Griquas dominated the final quarter, with Juanine Jacobs adding a brace and Bangaza completing her treble to seal a 43-17 win and the home semi-final.
SWD rounded off their home campaign at Outeniqua Park in style, beating the Limpopo Blue Bulls 60-12. Wing Chante Jonck claimed a hat-trick from flowing backline moves, and seven different players crossed in a 10-try performance that confirmed third place on the log and a trip to Kimberley.