Ball slips from Highlanders’ grasp
A mistake in the dying seconds of the game cost the local side dearly.
The kick-off of Phase 2 of the League did not hold great rewards for Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders.
All four of the local club’s teams lost in matches this weekend, although it could be argued three of the sides played in a higher League, competing against other first teams.
Highlanders 1A went down in the final seconds of its game against Piet Retief at the Arbor Park Sports Grounds.
Trailing by eight points to 14 at half time, Highlanders came back to clinch the lead into the final quarter, yet it was a mistake at the crucial point in the match which ultimately cost the team.
Coaching staff said 85 per cent of the game had been played between the Piet Retief 10-metre line and goal box.
The back line boasts a speedy set of players, although coaches will have to urgently address the team’s inability to finish off, with at least three tries gone a-begging.
Of the forwards pack, Robert Everson (replacement forward) out-classed Piet Retief in the lineouts.
With the score at 19-17 in favour of Highlanders, Piet Retief was awarded a penalty seconds before full time, and the resultant kick glanced off the right upright.
For some reason, Highlanders players allowed the ball to bounce within the end-goal area.
Piet Retief can be credited for following up well on the broken play, dotting the ball down and scoring the winning try, while staff and players hung their heads in disappointment.
Team effort
Centre, Gift Mabaso played well of the backline.
Adriaan Koorts and Drikus Fourie at tighthead- and loosehead prop respectively, scrummed well and carried good ball forward, while captain André Fourie at flanker tried hard.
Points
Tries – Ayanda Ndlela (left wing) scored one; Pieter de Wet (right wing) scored one.
Kicks – Morne Hatting (fullback) kicked three penalty goals.
Other results
Highlanders 1B was defeated by Pongola I by 28 points to three.
Highlanders 2A scored 13 points in reply to 33 accumulated by Piet Retief II.
With the score at 58 – 3, Highlanders 2B could not muster any victories against Volksrust I.
