SA Schools Girls ran out 31-17 winners over the SA Schools Girls 'A' side in Gqeberha, scoring five tries to three in a match that took time to reflect the difference between the two teams.
The 'A' side made a bright start, with captain Angel Nxasane crossing in the fourth minute to give her team the lead. The Schools side held the edge at scrum time throughout but found the 'A' defence resolute in the early exchanges.
SA Schools eventually broke through in the 19th minute when centre Jesse Schoeman created space out wide and released wing Anothando Mbada, with flyhalf Mia Kanka converting. The 'A' side hit back when fullback Buncwane Komani finished off a move that centre Naylha Jansen had initiated, restoring their lead at 10-7.
Schoeman was again the catalyst before half-time, breaking the line to set up lock Sine Rasmeni, and SA Schools went to the break with a 12-10 advantage.
The second half belonged firmly to SA Schools. Schoeman's midfield partner Endinalo Fihla scored under the posts immediately after the restart, and replacement Surrender Chauke added a fourth try through a powerful driving effort. The 'A' side's discipline deteriorated as the half wore on, and outside back Raylee Phathakge punished them with a fifth try shortly before the final whistle.
The 'A' side closed out the scoring when wing Charnique Brown broke from deep and created the opportunity for fellow wing Alicia de Klerk to score under the posts.
Scorers — SA Schools Girls 31 (12): Tries: Mbada, Rasmeni, Fihla, Chauke, Phathakge. Conversions: Kanka, Alice Ncube (2). SA Schools Girls 'A' 17 (10): Tries: Nxasane, Komani, de Klerk. Conversion: Zukhanye Roxa.