Highlanders fall short in a close battle against Sasol Secunda
The forwards were a standout unit on the day. Siya Mqel (6) and DJ Siweza (7) carried strongly from lineouts, while Francis (17) made significant ground after being introduced.
The Newcastle Boschpick Highlanders opened their Premier League campaign last Saturday with a narrow 19-15 loss to Sasol Secunda in a nail-biting clash in tough, wet and slippery conditions.
Despite heading into half-time with an 8-7 lead, the Highlanders were unable to maintain their advantage with Secunda scoring the winning try ten minutes before full-time.
From the first whistle, the Highlanders dominated the scrums, putting their opponents under immense pressure and forcing several scrum penalties.
However, Secunda scrambled back well on defence and capitalised on their opportunities.
Secunda was the first to get on the scoreboard within the first 15 minutes but the Highlanders quickly responded with a penalty kick to make the tally 7-3.
A moment of brilliance from Nipho Ntshangase (11) saw him cross the try line, giving the Highlanders their half-time lead.
Secunda came out strongly in the second stanza, scoring a try to regain the lead (12-8). The home team dotted again ten from full-time, extending their lead to 19-8.
True to their fighting spirit, the Highlanders rallied and responded with a late try by Gift (12) and a successful conversion by Minnie Siwela (13), reducing the deficit to 19-15 with only two minutes on the clock.
From the final kick-off, the Highlanders launched one last attack, sending Secunda scrambling in defence, but a crucial final pass failed to stick.
Secunda used the resulting scrum to kick the ball into touch, sealing their home victory.
Despite the loss, the Highlanders earned a valuable losing bonus point.
“In the past, we always came home empty-handed against Secunda. At least we secured a bonus point this time,” said head coach, Andrè ‘Swanie’ Swanepoel.
The forwards were a standout unit on the day. Siya Mqel (6) and DJ Siweza (7) carried strongly from lineouts, while Francis (17) made significant ground after being introduced.
As always, Giraffe Sithole (8) delivered a commanding performance.
Among the backs, Wikus Coetsee (10) and Minnie Siwela (13) stood out with strong performances, while Nipho Ntshangase (11) and Anton van Rooyen (22) made the most of their opportunities on the ball.
Scorers:
- Tries: Nipho (11), Gift (12)
- Conversion and Penalty: Minnie (13)
The Highlanders will look to bounce back when they host Bethal Rugby Club this Saturday at Arbor Park Sports Grounds, with matches kicking off at 14:00 and 15:30.
Remember to catch the Under 21 Vodacom Blue Bulls taking on the Under 21 Hollywoodbests Sharks on Friday at 13:00 at the Arbor Park Sports Grounds.
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