TSHWANE, 29 September 2015 – Gauteng and Gauteng North will go head-to-head for the 55th South African Women’s Inter-Provincial title after finishing in the top draw of the A-Section Qualifier at Centurion Country Club on Tuesday.

Gauteng North is counting on their home course advantage to revive a seven-year winning run that was ended by Western Province last year, but Gauteng threw down the gauntlet with a first and second place finish.

Gunning for their first victory since 2006, Gauteng A forged clear of the opposition in the morning foursomes and produced a strong performance in the singles to claim the prestigious Jean Tindall Memorial Trophy on 14 over 518.

Gauteng B edged out Gauteng North A for second on a count-out after both teams tied on 27 over.

“The qualifier has definitely left us in a strong position to challenge for victory this year,” said Gauteng A manager Gill van der Meulen.
“After finishing first and second at the 72-Hole Teams Championship, we have been targeting a return to the winner’s circle in the SA Women’s IPT.

“We won the qualifier at Royal Cape Golf Club last year, but we didn’t capitalise on our opportunities and we won’t make those mistakes this year. The A-team, especially, are fired up for this year’s championship and they will bring everything to the match play.”

Although Gauteng North A took third, the former champions still has strength in numbers after their B side held off Boland by one stroke to finish on 64 over and take the final spot in the top draw.

“We are definitely not underestimating Gauteng North A or B,” Van der Meulen said. “Gauteng North B fought like demons edge out Boland, which proves just how hungry they are. The girls play against each other all the time, so we know the calibre of the opposition and the next few days are going to be an immense battle of wills.”

Boland, Ekurhuleni, KwaZulu-Natal and defending champions Western Province A will contest the bottom order of the A-Section.

Meanwhile Free State combined for 399, edging out North West by one stroke to clinch the Nolan Karp Trophy in the B-Section.

Chante van Zyl and Zanele Mazibuko combined for a 79 in the singles, while Matsleleng Mokoena partnered Bianca Wernich to an 84. Van Zyl led the team in the singles with an even-par 72, while Wernich and Mazibuko carded a pair of 82s.

Eastern Province finished in third place on 405, while defending champions Border claimed the final spot in the top draw with fourth place on 407.

Southern Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Western Province B will contest the bottom draw.

A-SECTION and B-SECTION RESULTS available at www.wgsa.co.za

PHOTO – Gauteng North A and B; credit WGWP