Highlanders fight back but Crusaders seal Murray Cup win
Newcastle Highlanders show fighting spirit but Durban Crusaders still secured a 57-36 Murray Cup victory.
The Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders hosted Durban Crusaders’ first and second teams on Saturday in a quarter-final Murray Cup game.
The Highlanders were invited to play as Team 8 in the Murray Cup.
Crusaders won 57-36 after leading 26-12 at half-time, in what was a highly entertaining game.
10 out of 16 tries were scored by the Crusaders, while Newcastle Highlanders scored six.
The Crusaders punished Newcastle Highlanders dearly if a mistake was made; three intercept tries (21 points) were scored.
However, the Highlanders must be credited for their fighting spirit in the second half.
They closed the gap to 26-31, but from the kick-off on 26 points, the Crusaders scored three tries within five minutes to seal the deal.
Highlanders show plenty of promise
Kheswa (6) kept the Crusaders busy, as did Giraffe (8); and, as always, Max (7) never stopped playing.
The Newcastle Highlanders held their own during the scrums and despite windy conditions, the line-outs were good.
Zander Struwig (20) showed lots of potential for his new club.
The backline was under pressure in the first half, but in the second half, the Highlanders had the Crusaders scrambling at times.
The two young wings, Bandile (11) and Sfundu (14), impressed with their pace, while Siyabonga (10) showed lots of promise.
All three of these players are just 19 years old. Sadly, Henk Booysen (4), who has been captain of the Newcastle Highlanders for many years, has played his last game.
“What a savant of the game and a dedicated member of the club for more than seven years!” remarked head coach André Swanepoel.
Try scorers: Bandile (11) – 2; Sfundo (14) – 1; Lucky (3) – 1; Mnelisi (13) – 2, as well as three conversions.
Newcastle Highlanders’ second team lost 22-34 against the Crusaders’ second team.
The Highlanders’ third team will play Richards Bay’s first team in the Findlay Cup semi-final this coming Saturday in Richards Bay.
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