Highlanders muster a near comeback

With the Sharks on a bye weekend, all fans were tuned to local rugby.

Spectators at the Arbor Park Grounds on Saturday were not disappointed, bearing witness to a 12-try match between the Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders and the Richards Bay Rugby Club First XV.

This match also featured a great close comeback by the home team.

Proceedings did not go the way of Highlanders initially, conceding a converted try in the opening seconds thanks to the slick handling and broad running from the Richards Bay backline.

The home side was then at sixes and sevens most of the first half.

Highlanders was left with little opportunity to gain ground, and by contrast Richards Bay was clinical with ball-in-hand.

Any loose ball, wayward tackle or mistake was punished by the visitors.

With the score line spelling doom for Highlanders, the team managed a single converted try to head into the break down 24 points to seven.

The second half also got off to a poor start, with Richards Bay scoring again.

However, some vital substitutions in the forward pack finally paid dividends and opened a door for captain and lock, Wandile Sibiya to cross the whitewash.

Fullback, Shane van Rooyen made good on his conversion kick.

Showing signs of tremendous improvement, Highlanders enjoyed a series of good play and fast ball which culminated in a try for hooker, Mthoko Nyawanyana.

A critical error at the next kickoff cost Highlanders in return.

The home side would hit back with tries from replacement prop Drikus Fourie and right winger Ferrari Hadebe, to take the score to 31-38.

With 15 minutes left, it was all to play for.

A somewhat uncertain try at the end of the match cost Highlanders the bonus point, despite the local team enjoying the bulk of possession.

The score at the final whistle was 41-31.

“JP Rossouw (Richards Bay flyhalf) made two desperate try-saving tackles on Hadebe in the closing minutes,” explained Highlanders head coach, Andre Swanepoel.

At the conclusion of a tough game, Swanepoel lamented the ball was not bouncing in Highlanders’ favour, but took no credit away from Richards Bay.

“Richards Bay looked like a well-oiled machine and its teamwork had us scrambling on defense.”

There were some positives to take from the match as well.

Hadebe, van Rooyen and reserve scrumhalf, Piglet Zulu were impressive on the backline, while Shakes Mbatha at flank enjoyed his best match of the season.

Eighth man, Ruan Fourie also excelled in his last match for the near future.

Highlanders II reversed fortunes with a one-point win over Richards Bay II, and Swanpoel was quick to express his pride after a series of good results.

“We are very proud of the second team. The team lost by over 100 points three times this season, but has fought back to win four games in a row.”

Swanepoel singled out Janri Barnard at flyhalf, Junior Barnard at flank, centre Pieter de Beer and winger Bryan Buthelezi for their stellar leadership.

The third team closed out Flying Eagles by 29 points to 12.

“The third team has qualified for the League semi-final at home on June 16. If we win here, the final will be played at home on June 24.”

This weekend, Highlanders I and II face Empangeni Rhinos at home, with matches at 2pm and 3.30pm at the Arbor Park Grounds.