Another one bites the dust!

The Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders came to blows against a formidable team from Vryheid in a nail-biting first division showdown on Saturday at 4.33pm.

The Newcastle team was relentless on home soil, scoring their first try just three minutes into the game.

After a calculated conversion by flyhalf, Johan Esterhuizen, it took the Vryheid team just eight minutes to level the playing field.

The Highlanders missed an opportunity to convert, after an epic try by wing, Telly Ngobese.

During injury time, both teams quickly recomposed themselves; the rivalry evident from the stands.

Despite Vryheid’s every effort, they simply could not touch base with the try line before the whistle blew, signalling the end of a thrilling first half.

The score was 18 – 7, in favour of the home squad.

The clash continued at 5.25pm, with the Highlanders scoring a try after 180 seconds.

Vryheid’s, Morné Ellis managed to slip through the cracks, with Devan Aspen converting the try with extreme precision.

The visitors began closing the gap, with Dylan Herbst scoring yet another try minutes later.

After forceful tackles and physical exchanges between players, the score was 31 – 19 to the Highlanders.

The spectators were on the edge of their seats as Vryheid managed to make a phenomenal comeback as the countdown to full-time began.

However, it wasn’t enough to defeat the unassailable Highlanders.

They successfully defended their title for the second year running, with a final score of 31 – 26.

“I think we dominated the first half, but Vryheid certainly made a comeback in the last 20 minutes,” said Highlanders coach, André Swanepoel. “The game was physical, but in the end, the Highlanders made better use of their opportunities.”

As Highlanders captain, Errit Visser raised the trophy triumphantly, the team could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Dylan was awarded Man of the Match; recognition rightly deserved by the heavy-hitter.

Congratulations to both teams on a brilliant display of moxie and might!

Until the powerhouses meet again next year, the Highlanders can rest assured, knowing their win was well-deserved!

On Saturday, the home team will defend the Dewar shield against Jaguars at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. The Highlanders won the shield last year, after facing off against the South Coast Warriors.

The winner of the clash will be crowned the KwaZulu-Natal first division champions of the season.

The Newcastle Advertiser wished the team well, and trust they’ll bring home the trophy for the town!