The Maroon Machine scored four first-half tries in the first match of the FNB Varsity Cup Women 2025 against FNB UFH Women at Davidson Stadium to take revenge for the 2025 final beating UFH 31-19.
The visitors dominated matters at the end of the first stanza leading by 24-05 thanks to two tries from Elme Kruger, Shanidine Bezuidenhout and Jade Daniels.
The defending champions tried to give a strong fight in the first half following tries by Sibabalwe Jobo, but it was FNB Maties Women who had the last word.
As the second half resumed, captain Elizabeth Slabbert added to the visitors' score sheet. It didn't take time before the home side hit back with two tries from Lilitha Vakalisa who burst through to beat two defenders and get the Baby Blues' second try of the game followed by Sindisiwe Mbonja’s taking the score to 19-31 after 53 minutes.
But it was the Maroon Machine who had the last say as they avenged their loss in last year’s final to start their 2025 campaign with a bonus point win over the defending champions.
Scorers:
FNB UFH Women: Tries: Sibabalwe Jobo, Lilitha Vakalisa, Sindisiwe Mbonja. Conversions: Pinkie Touto (2).
FNB Maties Women: Tries: Elme Kruger (2), Shanidine Bezuidenhout, Jade Daniels, Elizabeth Slabbert. Conversion: Elme Kruger.
Teams:
FNB UFH Women: 1 Simnikiwe Mlakalaka, 2 Aphiwe Nqana, 3 Eyam Ngalo, 4 Siphosethu Ngogodo, 5 Masie Mathangane, 6 Lindokuhle Sinaze, 7 Simamnkele Jolingana, 8 Rose Haka, 9 Sindisiwe Mbonja, 10 Pinkie Touto, 11 Adaora Philemina, 12 Lilitha Vakalisa, 13 Sibabalwe Jobo, 14 Litha Tofu, 15 Inga Qongi. Replacements: 16 Sibusisiwe Magxala, 17 Ifikile Solontsi, 18 Mila Wawa, 19 Siphelele Dlamini, 20 Asemahle Mseswa, 21 Thokozani Sikela, 22 Sinekhaya Tywaleni, 23 Siyolise Mbilase.
FNB Maties Women: 1 Erin Bond, 2 Juan-Mari Du Plessis, 3 Sesethu Ntamnani, 4 Sarah Krone, 5 Lekobane Maria Masebe, 6 Jenna Meyer, 7 Stefney-Rose de Vries, 8 Ankia Viljoen, 9 Taliyah Bussack, 10 Elme Kruger, 11 Jade Daniels, 12 Zelmarie Pretorius, 13 Elizabeth Slabbert, 14 Shanidine Bezuidenhout, 15 Kayleen Muggels. Replacements: 16 Sesethu Dumke, 17 Ziane Muller, 18 Jihaan Benito, 19 Taebron Jursa, 20 Mijeane Fyer, 21 Leah Cilliers, 22 Kirsten Brits, 23 Karabo Masilela.
