Highlanders defeat reigning champions

The Boschpick Highlanders defeated reigning champions Piet Retief on their home turf in a semi-final clash last weekend.

The 27 – 25 victory secured their place in the league final, to be played in Vryheid on Saturday.

Prospects looked glum, when Piet Retief secured an early lead in the first half. Highlanders fought back, and managed to reel in the lead from 14 – three to 15 – 17 at half time.

After the break, Piet Retief again had the scoreboard ticking, scoring eight points in quick succession. Once again, the Highlanders’ blistering back line had the opposition scrambling to formulate a defence.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, the score was 25 – 20 in favour of the home side. Ferrari Hadebe (No 11) outran the defenders to score a magnificent try. Mornè Hattingh (No 9) made good with the conversion to put Highlanders in the lead for the first time.

Highlanders were awarded a penalty soon after, thanks to continuous pressure and good running. Unfortunately the penalty was missed, and the referee called the game.

A few critical handling errors from the back line in the first half did not deter the team from pushing on.

“If nothing, it proves that they can be a class act and very difficult to stop, if they limit their errors,” said coach, Andrè Swanepoel. “For the back line to perform they must get the good balls. Credit must go to the forwards, Errit Visser (No 8), a captain who leads from the front and Robert Everson (No 5) who brings a lot of experience to the field.”

According to Mr Swanepoel, singling out players in the great team effort was difficult. However, Ferrari Hadebe (No 11) and Vusi Mbatha (No 14) impressed with their pace. While the Visser brothers, Innis and Errit slowed down the ball in the loose mauls and the tight five did very well in the tight phases of the game.

Mr Swanepoel, although proud of his team, was concerned about one facet of their game.

“We miss too many kicks at goal,” he said. “Mistakes like that can be costly in a final. I am not happy with our kicking, but I am very happy with the way the players play, and enjoy their game. The players have put enjoyment high on the list, and it shows in the brand of rugby they are playing.”

Points: Vusi Mbatha scored 2 tries, while Ferrari Hadebe and Drikus Fourie (No 3) scored a try apiece. Morne Hattingh managed two conversions and a penalty, scoring a total of seven points with the boot.

The final is set to take place on Saturday, July 26 in Vryheid.