Newly crowned Overberg Grand Challenge champions Hawston RFC opened their Sanlam Boland Top 12 campaign in commanding fashion, securing a convincing 36–3 bonus-point home victory over Abbotsdale RFC.
With aggressive moves, the visitors made their intentions clear from the opening exchanges, but Hawston captain Branden Hunter opened the scoreboard with a well-executed set-piece try. Abbotsdale eventually opened their account from a penalty by Wiam Syster, but once Hawston found their rhythm, the home side began to take control.
Brenton-Lee Dickson and Jevan August crossed the tryline within minutes of each other, extending Hawston’s advantage to 17–3 and putting the visitors under increasing pressure.
Abbotsdale had several golden opportunities to reduce the deficit before half-time but failed to capitalise, opting not to take penalty opportunities. Hawston’s defensive structures proved pivotal as they kept the visitors scoreless from open play, heading into the break with a commanding 17–3 lead.
In the 46th minute, Jayden Fisher crossed for Hawston’s fourth try and secured the bonus point, pushing the score to 22-3.
With momentum firmly on their side, Hawston's continual pressure and further tries from Dennian du Toit and Jaydin Kennedy sealed an impressive afternoon for the champions. The bonus-point win placed Hawston second in Group A on points difference.
Hawston will now turn their attention to their next challenge, an away encounter against Delicious North West in Clanwilliam on Saturday.
Other results
Group A – Roses United beat Vredenburg 33-28, Robertson Town outclassed Delicious North West 54-10.
Group B – Safcol United beat Wesbank 43-32, Saldanha Bay beat Worcester Villagers 21-10, and Bella Vista beat Invincibles 26-24.
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