The Leopards Women fought their way back into contention after a difficult first half, but ultimately fell 19–10 to the Griffons Women at Olën Park in Potchefstroom on Saturday, August 8.

The Round 6 clash of the Pick n Pay Women’s Super League 2 saw a strong crowd of Leopards supporters fill the stands, with loud cheers and encouragement creating an electric atmosphere as the home side took on the visitors from Welkom.

However, the Leopards were left with plenty to reflect on after allowing the Griffons to take control early in the match.

The visitors came out firing, with centre Thato Rantai crossing the line just six minutes into the game. Scrumhalf Pinkie Touto added the conversion to give the Griffons an early 7–0 advantage.

The pressure continued to mount on the Leopards when Griffons hooker Tshepiso Matetile scored the visitors’ second try. Once again, Touto made no mistake with the boot as the Griffons extended their lead to 14–0.

The Leopards went into the half-time break with plenty of work to do.

Whatever was said in the dressing room appeared to have an impact, as the home side returned to the field with renewed determination.

Ten minutes into the second half, prop Sisanda Magoda gave the Leopards supporters something to cheer about when she crossed for the home side’s first try.

The momentum had shifted, and the Leopards began putting the Griffons under pressure.

On the hour mark, replacement flanker Portia Mariquele added a second try for the Leopards, cutting the deficit to just four points at 14–10.

Suddenly, the match was wide open and the Leopards had a real opportunity to complete what would have been a memorable comeback in front of their home crowd.

But, as was the case in their previous match against Griquas, a late try once again proved costly.

With just two minutes remaining on the clock, Rantai crossed for her second try of the afternoon in the 78th minute, putting the result beyond the Leopards’ reach and securing a 19–10 victory for the Griffons.

For the Griffons, it was a memorable trip to Potchefstroom.

For the Leopards, it was another frustrating afternoon of missed opportunities, particularly after showing just how much fight they had in the second half.

The final whistle brought an end to a match in which the Leopards showed character to fight their way back from 14–0 down, but the slow start and late concession ultimately proved too much to overcome.