First team marches on

Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders was once again at the top of the game when the boys took on Pongola last weekend.

The first team continued to show dominance when it managed to trounce Pongola 63-three in the Highlanders’ away game.

The impressive nature of the first team did not translate down to the other squads, when Newcastle 1(Highlanders B), Highlanders 2 (Highlanders C) and Newcastle 2 (Highlanders D) all lost in their respective games.

The Newcastle 1 side played Piet Retief at home on Saturday, losing 25-12, while Newcastle 2 lost 26-12 to the Piet Retief B League squad.

Highlanders 2 played away against Sentraal 1 and succumbed to a 35-5 loss.

The games held a few key talking points.

Highlanders’ players have a special trait that is hard to find. Each and every player plays with their heart. No matter the scoreline, the players keep pushing forward and give it their all.

During the games between Piet Retief, there was no denying the rivalry between the squads.

Furthermore, the game was intense with neither side willingly giving up hard-earned space.

The squads pushed hard, but it was Piet Retief who was more clinical.

Both squads lost possession too easily, and Piet Retief capitalised on this early in the game.

Although the Highlanders pushed back hard, it was a mountainous task to reel Piet Retief back in and take the lead.

A deep look into the stamina and endurance of the secondary Highlander squads, will definitely improve performance.

In the past five games, Highlanders 1 have scored 51 tries. The players in the second, third and fourth teams should be using this as motivation.

Highlanders will be playing at home this weekend, with Highlanders 1 and Highlanders 2 playing the Piet Retief outfit.

The games will be played at Arbor Park Sports Grounds with kick-off at 2.30pm and 4pm.