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RUGBY NEWS AND VIDEO - The SWD EaGirls are the champions of the Women's First Division and while they left it all on the field, the victory would not be possible without the immense support given by the home crowd, says EaGirls head coach Elize Arendse.
The head coach of the Leopards, Franklin Jackson, also praised the community of George for their amazing support. "There was a good vibe and it was lekker to play in George," he said.
PHOTO GALLERY - SWD EaGirls crowned champions in first division
About the match he said SWD had a good team. "[They] proved throughout the year they are a team to be reckoned with. I am happy for them and that they had a really good season."
In a tightly contested match the EaGirls managed to stave off the relentless Leopards to win the final 20-16 at Outeniqua Park on Friday 9 August.
Both teams scored two tries with Marnazelle Rabie's kicking boot helping the EaGirls to a hard-fought victory.
The undefeated EaGirls had to keep their composure going into the finals.
They had a lot of confidence, having won all six league matches and the semi-final, and also defeated the Leopards 31-14 earlier in the season.
The EaGirls reclaimed the title which they last won in 2022 - also against the Leopards - after losing it in 2023 against the Cheetahs.
"I am very proud of the girls' performance who played excellently," said Arendse.
"We had to fight very hard because the Leopards were very good. I can only say thank you to the supporters because they carried us through the game and played a big role in helping us to win."
VIDEO - Women's First Division Currie Cup: Looking back at the SWD EaGirls' triumph over the Leopards:
Going into the off-season Arendse said the players will return to their clubs and follow a training programme set up by her.
She will also use this time to scout young players for the next season. There is a possibility that the EaGirls will be promoted to the Women's Premier Division, but they will only find out in September.
Arendse gave a special thank you to the SWD general manager, Veda Manie, who put in a lot of effort and "didn't leave us alone for a single moment", as well as to Martin de Vos.
She also gave a special thanks to the supporters who don't live in George but still drove to watch the home games, especially those from Haarlem, Riversdale and Knysna.
Scoring: SWD EaGirls 20 (7) - 16 Leopards (3)
SWD EaGirls Tries: Shannon Lee Windvogel and Shannon Pieterse. Conversions: Marnazelle Whilmari Rabie (2). Penalties: Marnazelle Whilmari Rabie (2)
Leopards Tries: Nadine Van Reenen and Baby Plaatjies Penalties: Verana Van Heerden (2)
SWD EaGirls First Division individual performances:
• Antoneica Hannies has the most points (57) and the second most conversions (16)
• Shannon Lee Windvogel has the second most points (55) and the most tries (11)
• Chante Jonck has the fourth most points (50) and second most tries (10)
• Shannon Pieterse has the sixth most points (45) and the third most tries (9)
• Marnazelle Rabie has the fifth most points (49) and the most conversions (19)
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