Highlanders fall just short of the line
The team could have affected a draw against the Impis from Pietermaritzburg or even a win, but the chance to seal the match was lost tragically at the tryline by lock, Nico-Jan Chowles.
NEWCASTLE – Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders will rue missed opportunities after this weekend’s action.
The team could have affected a draw against the Impis from Pietermaritzburg or even a win, but the chance to seal the match was lost tragically at the tryline by lock, Nico-Jan Chowles.
A final penalty opportunity by fullback, Shane van Rooyen also went awry.
Commentators and rugby pundits often talk about the bounce of the ball or the rub of the green, and luck was certainly on the side of the Impis.
This was the visiting Maritzburgers scrape a narrow 24-22 win.
In the beginning stages of the match, Highlanders enjoyed a 17-nil lead and if Chowles had scored the try, would have lead by 24 points in the first 25 minutes.
Head Coach, Andre Swanepoel knew all chances needed to be taken.
“In the Premier League, all chances coming your way need to be taken. Impis focused on our mistakes and drew back to 17-12 at half time.”
Early in the second half, Impis drew level after another error from the home side, and maintained the pressure right up until about four minutes from the final whistle.
Then, Impis scored a winning try and it was up to the home side to come back.
With the seconds on the clock ticking away, Highlanders made a final desperate play and was rewarded with a try in the corner.
The missed conversion was the last action before the referee called time.
According to Swanepoel, both teams came into the match prepared to hoist the ball high, and it was the polish both teams lacked.
“Highlanders dominated in the lineouts, yet Impis scrummed well in the beginning of the match. We fought back well in the second half however.”
The difference came from Zemmelle Ngcobo who played at tighthead prop, with hooker, Mthoko Nkwatana and Ruan Fourie representing themselves and the team well.
Fourie also received an invite to try out for the under-19 Sharks side.
Lock and captain, Wandile Sibiya was a deserved man of the match, thanks to his leading from the front and scintillating play in the number four jersey.
Bradley Swartbooi had a cracker in the place of injured flyhalf, Wandile Nkosi.
“Ferrari Hadebe did excellent work on the wing.”
Highlanders II enjoyed a victory over the Impis’ second team, winning 36-7 thanks in part to Taxi Ndlele at eighth man and Janri Barnard at flyhalf.
The team is at home this Saturday against Empangeni Rhinos.
