Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders III clinch division title

It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders.

The first and second teams both lost out to UKZN Impis in Pietermaritzburg, while the third team secured its third consecutive win in the NKZN Rugby Sub Union League’s Third Division.

Highlanders I was under the gun from the get-go.

Impis started like a house on fire, thanks to the inclusion of key players released from provincial duty with the Sharks teams.

This meant an entirely different challenge for the locals.

Unlike the team Highlanders faced in Newcastle a few weeks earlier, this Impis unit took every chance and scored five tries in the first half alone.

Highlanders limped into the change room 31-3 down.

In the second half, the local side had everything to do and was unfortunate to have a 70 metre chip-and-chase from hooker, Mthoko Nkwanyane disallowed.

Two permitted tries later on gave the team some hope.

Trailing 31-15 with the final quarter looming, Highlanders made some critical errors which allowed Impis to close the game out and win by 55 points to 15.

Head coach, Andre Swanepoel was proud of his team in the lineouts.

“Play was once again of high standard with Nico-Jan Chowles taking charge and winning clean ball.”

Swanepoel said Highlanders battled with its scrums in the early stages, but found a better rhythm as the game progressed.

He singled out Shakes Mbatha as a deserved man of the match.

The second team’s winning streak came to an end with a 22-13 loss to Impis, thanks to two intercepted passes leading to opposition tries.

Swanepoel noted good work from players in the front and backlines.

In the only home game, Highlanders III secured a 36-5 victory over Flying Eagles, and were awarded the Third Division trophy by Mandla Mtshali of the NKZN Rugby Sub Union.

Captain, Collen Ndlovu led well from the front.

The team’s good powerful scrumming was too much for Eagles, and the front row completely annihilated their opposite numbers.

The backline also excelled and kept the pressure on.

Highlanders III are now set to face the winning team of the Zululand Sub Union, Hluhluwe in the Findlay Cup soon.

Highlanders I and II face Rhinos in Empangeni this weekend.