Ahmed’s boot see Western Province over the line against Sharks
KRUGERSDORP. – It wasn’t easy at all but Western Province has their 13th successive victory at the Stadio Craven Week in the bag.
WP had to overcome a couple of obstacles to defeat the Sharks by 36-26 in the main match of the opening day of the tournament at the Ras van Rooyen field here.
The Sharks came out blazing controlling most of the possession as well as the territory in the first 20 minutes of the clash.
They managed to build up a 13-0 lead thanks to some great attacking by their fullback, Aka Boqwana. While flyhalf, Luke Davidson, had his kicking boots on slotting a couple of penalties from just inside his own half.
Western Province however kept calm to reduce the deficit to only 14-16 at the break. Their flanker Josh Neill running hard at the defence. Neil crossed the tryline twice in the match.
It was the unofficial champions’ flyhalf, Yaqheen Ahmed, who was however their standout player. He had a perfect day from the kicking tee converting all three of his side’s tries as well as slotting five penalties for a personal tally of 21 points.
The Sharks kept asking questions at Western Province defence with the hooker, Mahle Sithole, and flanker Vuyo Gwiji at the forefront. In the backs the inside centre, Zingce Simka, also showcased to the selectors what he could do.
The Sharks got an ideal opportunity with about eight minutes left in the match when in one movement Western Province’s Neill as well as the replacement prop Henry du Plessis was red carded after a review. Neill’s came after a tackle on the Sharks’ Aphiwe Shelembe, while Du Plessis’ card was for a badly timed cleanout on the ruck that ensued.
Western Province will now face Eastern Province on Wednesday. Both these two sides finished the 2023-edition of the tournament in George unbeaten.
Eastern Province secured a 24-14 victory over their neighbours Border in their opening match. They already enjoyed a well-deserved 21-0 lead at the break.
The team almost took their foot too much from the accelerator in the second half. Scorers:
Western Province 36 (14) – Try: Josh Neill (2), Adeeb Boraine. Conversion: Yaqheen Ahmed (3). Penalties: Ahmed (5). Sharks 26 (16) – Tries: Aka Boqwana, Zingce Simka. Conversion: Luke Davidson (2). Penalties: Davidson (4).
Eastern Province 24 (21) – Tries: Damien Witbooi, Likhona Kepe. Conversions: Praise Matsila. Penalties: Matsila (2), Caleb Friskin (2). Border 14 (0) – Tries: Thina Fenako, Phikolomzi Mtyalela. Conversions: Ryan Denston, Landile Gidi.
- Seymore leads Paul Roos from the front at Peninsula Festival - 2025-01-08
- Khan and Roth gets SACS off to a good start at Peninsula Festival - 2025-01-08
- Hansen to lead SA u19 against England - 2025-01-07
![Charlie Hofmeyr u16 - 2018 [captained by Cameron Hanekom]](https://ssschoolsplus.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WhatsApp-Image-2024-11-20-at-09.03.03-400x257.jpeg)
