On Saturday the Cheetahs were crowned the First Division champions after beating the SWD Eagles 20-19 in a thrilling final at the Toyota Stadium.

The Cheetahs were made to work hard for the title with SWD coming to Bloemfontein to defend their title against the most dominant team in the competition.

It was the first time throughout the competition that the Free State were put under pressure, but they managed to grind out the victory.

The outside centre Nomfundo Pampiri and fullback, Sne Mdletshe, each scored a brace of tries for the Cheetahs.

It was however the former Proteas netball player and Free State captain, Mdletshe’s, second try that won the game at the death for the hosts.

Mdletshe told OFM Sport that they couldn’t have asked for better preparation for the promotion-relegation game.

“This is a great foundation for the promotion-relegation game,” said the star fullback.

“This was the best preparation that we could have asked for heading into the promotion playoff.

“Thanks to SWD for bringing their absolute best. We were under pressure but I'm glad that we were just able to overcome that.”

The captain, Bernice Strydom, who injured both her hamstrings in the first half and soldiered on, told OFM Sport that they will take women’s rugby in the Free State to the next level.

“We are working for the youngsters for rugby to be a sport for them as well, and to show them what women's rugby is really about,” said Strydom.

“We really have a future for women's rugby and we are definitely moving up. There is the promotion-relegation game coming up, but winning the final is giving us the confidence to move up.

“I believe in my team, I believe in the coaches and I promise that we are going to take the Free State to another level.”

The Cheetahs will face the bottom ranked Premier Division team in the promotion playoff on a date yet to be confirmed.

Scorers:

Free State Women: Tries - Nomfundo Pampiri (2), Sne Mdletshe (2).

SWD Eagirls: Tries - Chante Jonck, Yolandi Sampson, Jerononique Murphy Conv. - Antonecia Hannies (2).

Morgan Piek OFM Sport