In Bloemfontein, the Free State Women pulled away in the second half to comprehensively beat the defending champions, SWD Eagirls 40-12. The home side held a slender 12-0 lead in the Toyota Stadium but outplayed the visitors – who had some players absent due to a national sevens camp – with winger Sne Mdhletshe bagging a hat-trick of tries.

The Leopards totally overwhelmed the travelling Pumas Women in Potchefstroom. They were up 36-0 at the break and scored another 36 points in the second half to win, 72-0. Flyhalf Lonika Maartens contributed 22 points to their effort.

The win was much needed for the Northwest team to stay in contention for the play-offs. 

The Valke Women had too much power for their Welkom hosts, Griffons Women, beating them 48-17 in an entertaining encounter at Down Touch Investments Stadium. The East Rand side were pipped by Limpopo last week but continued their upwards trajectory with their first win in the competition.

Free State Women 40 (12), SWD Eagirls 0 (0)

Free State - Tries: Shandre Fouche, Sne Mdhletshe (3), Chante Olivier, Smanga Dladla. Conversions: Fouche (2), Bernice Strydom (3).

Griffons Women 17 (5), Valke Women 48 (17)

Griffons - Tries: Keabetswa Mohapi, Bianca Schutte, Nokuthula Tembe. Conversion: Tshepiso Matelile.

Valke - Tries: Sindiswa Ngwenya, Ntsako Mbombi, Noxolo Nkambule, Sibonelo Letsala (2), Tanya Shava (3). Conversions: Letsala (2), Tiarischa Maritz (2).

Leopards 72 (36), Pumas Women 0 (0)

Leopards - Tries: Onie Sihlobo (3), Lonika Maartens, Baby Plaatjies (2), Abigail de Jager (2), Vianca Boer (2), Thembakazi Fulela. Conversions: Maartens (7). Penalty goal: Maartens.