The Mastercard Golden Lions Women successfully defended the Women’s First Division title they won two years ago when they beat Free State in the final in Johannesburg on Saturday, setting up an opportunity to get promoted to the Premier Division next year.

The team from Johannesburg were rewarded for their consistency during the season by running out comfortable winners as they beat the Free Staters by 48-17 at Emirates Airline Park. They controlled the game well from start to finish and led by 29-7 at the break.

The hosts scored eight tries to the visitors’ three, with Piwokuhle Nyanda (outside centre) crossing twice for the Mastercard Golden Lions, while Nontuthuko Shongwe contributed 13 points with four conversions and a try.

Shongwe finished the competition as the top points’ scorer, with 50 points, while Nyanda’s eight tries were the most, one five-pointer more than Connie Sithole of the Valke.

The Mastercard Golden Lions will now play the Cell C Sharks Women in the promotion-relegation game next weekend in Durban, with the details to be confirmed in due course.

Scorers:

Mastercard Golden Lions Women 48 (29) – Tries: Thembeka Khuzwayo, Noluthando Khumalo, Nontuthuko Shongwe, Khanyisile Ntai, Refilwe Ramahlo, Piwokuhle Nyanda (2), Zandile Khumalo. Conversions: Shongwe (4).

Free State Women 17 (7) – Tries: Kirileng Namane, Kamohelo Makoele, Lerato Mokhathi. Conversion: Thotwane Ntlhafu.