WP edge Pampas XV, stay top

Stellenosch - Western Province made it five victories in a row in this year's Vodacom Cup by beating the Pampas XV 20-16 in Stellenbosch on Saturday.

It was a match characterised by numerous errors, with persistent drizzle not helping matters.

There were also plenty of penalties both ways and the game wasn't easy on the eye.

Two moments of inspiration lit up the match, coming from the respective right wings.

Danie Poolman finished for WP in the first half after a terrific cross kick by centre Michael van der Spuy.

His counterpart, Facundo Barrea, had his moment in the second period, following up his own chip over WP's defence.

Province started well and raced into an 11-0 lead after just 25 minutes, with Poolman's try sandwiched between penalties by flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis.

Pampas got back into striking distance through two penalties from flyhalf Benjamin Madero.

While a promising flurry by the visitors continued early in the second half, WP increased the lead with a penalty by Catrakilis.

Madero's third penalty kick again got the Pampas within five points, but two more penalties by Catrakilis proved decisive.