Sharks side is heading to Newcastle

The Sharks will play a Currie Cup match in Newcastle in June.

After negotiations between the club and the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union (KZNRU), it was confirmed a fixture between the Sharks XV and the Pumas will be hosted at the Arbor Park Grounds on June 18.

However, this is on the proviso the team is sponsored in terms of accommodation.

“The team and its members would obviously do everything reasonably possible to accommodate a sponsors’ needs while in Newcastle,” explained Pete Smith, CEO of the KZNRU.

In a formal appeal from Johan Pieters, founder of Champ Marketing, businesses were called on to make contact and help ensure this golden opportunity did not go amiss.

Mr Pieters can be reached on 082 923 0078.

“We will arrange for a signed rugby jersey to be presented to establishments which assist.”

Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders will contest a curtain-raiser ahead of this match, hoping to capitalise on the presence of KwaZulu-Natal’s finest.

The team itself performed admirably over the weekend.

Ligbron Alumni was ultimately out-gunned by the local side, which returned home from Ermelo with a narrow 15-14 victory.

For Highlanders, it was a case of digging deep for the win.

“Highlanders was missing a lot of players, and showed good depth by pulling through in this game. Bradley Swartbooi at flyhalf, slotted a drop-goal with five minutes left on the clock,” explained a satisfied coach, André Swanepoel.

Although Highlanders created many chances for the backline, the team was let down by poor decision making, which cost at least three certain tries.

However, players kept their cool and knuckled down on defence.

“We would rather win by one than lose by two; it is important for us to take the points and win games, because the Premier Division we are in this season is going to be tough. Every point will count.”

Also this season, Highlanders field an under-20 side in the Durban u-20 B Division.

The Second and Fourth teams launch their campaigns at Growthpoint Kings Park, at the upcoming Fidelity Security Rugby Day.

Fidelity is the main sponsor of club rugby in KwaZulu-Natal.

Highlanders play Richards Bay in an away game this weekend, its last friendly before the League kicks off in April.