The Capetonians scored seven tries in total while their Highveld visitors managed to dot down five times in an entertaining match played in front of an appreciative 2 000 fans.

Davids, who recently committed himself full-time to Province following a successful spell with the Blitzboks, was the outstanding back of the afternoon. His positional play matched his excellent try-scoring instincts, which allowed him to bag a hat-trick of tries.

While DHL WP coach Jerome Paarwater will be pleased with his side's positive start, he will no doubt be less impressed with their ability to concede points at regular intervals against the young Sigma Lions outfit.

The hosts led 29-15 at halftime, with Davids scoring twice while Adre Smith and Chad Solomons also joined the try-scoring act. Flyhalf Tim Swiel kicked three  conversions and a penalty goal.

The visitors replied with two tries through Dameon Venter and Mark Snyman, plus a conversion and penalty goal via the boot of flyhalf Vaughen Isaacs.

No 8 Hacjivah Dayimani, playing against his former team, got the second half off to an excellent start for the hosts when waltzed his way through a couple of Sigma Lions defenders, displaying excellent balance and good pace down the wide channel.

Davids added his third to complete his hat-trick while the other try was scored by the experienced replacement hooker Deon Fourie, back in the DHL WP jersey after a long spell overseas.

Smith, Godlen Masimla (DHL WP) and Lunga Ncube (Sigma Lions) each received a yellow card.

Scorers:

DHL Western Province 48 (29) – Tries: Adre Smith, Angelo Davids (3), Chad Solomon, Hacjivah Dayimani, Deon Fourie. Conversions: Tim Swiel (4), Chris Schreuder. Penalty goal: Swiel.

Sigma Lions 36 15) – Tries: Dameon Venter, Mark Snyman, Zeilinga Strydom, Boldwin Hansen, Darnell Osuagwu. Conversions: Vaughen Isaacs (4). Penalty goal: Isaacs.