SPORT: Highlanders bear the loss against Middleburg

Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders gave its spectators a treat as it faced off against Middelburg at the weekend.

Head Coach, Andrè Swanepoel said a great match was played by both teams.

ALSO READ: SPORTS: Highlanders enjoys a winning weekend

By the end of the first half, Middelburg had gained a 21-10 lead, and at first it seemed as though it would easily best Highlanders.

However, the locals were not so easily defeated.

Unwilling to go down without a fight, Highlanders scored multiple times to take its score tally to 29, with three minutes left on the clock.

A mistake sadly sealed the game.

Highlanders made a mistake at one of the game’s final kickoffs, which resulted in Middelburg scoring a try and commanding a 34-29 lead.

With one minute remaining, the locals stole possession and attempted a searching kick.

The bounce of the ball did not favour Highlanders however, allowing Middelburg a chance for the last scrum and a kick into touch to seal the deal.

“I know the scoreboard doesn’t lie, but I was extremely proud of every player, as they each gave their best. This was definitely the highlight game of the season.”

Highlanders did well, even more so considering it only had 14 players on the field after scrumhalf, Piglet Zulu was red-carded for a dangerous tackle.

However, Middelburg was also reduced to 14 men later on.

Its winger was handed a red card for clearing out the ruck without arms, and repeated offside infringements saw Highlanders gifted a penalty try.

“Both teams received harsh penalties throughout the game, with a total of 29 penalty kicks being granted by the referee during the match.”

Swanepoel said of the forward pack, no one performed better than Olifant Koorts at prop, who played possibly his best game to date.

He was supported well by Ruben Swanepoel and Wynand Pelser.

Fly-half, Jaco Truter (fly-half) gave Middelburg the runaround with his fast side-stepping, and outside centre, Max Mkhezi also put on a great display of offence and defence.

Ruben Swanepoel slotted a penalty kick during the game.

“Truter scored three tries during the match, and Heindrich Swiegers scored twice.”

Earlier in the day, Highlanders II defeated Middelburg by 21 points to 19, and has won all three of its home games thus far.

Captain, Vee Mbonane (eighth man) excelled.

Heindrich Swiegers (scrumhalf), Scelo Nkomodo (fullback)

and Brayn Buthelezi (right wing) were also among the players of the match.

Highlanders plays its next home game on June 9 against Nelspruit.

Although Highlanders will have a weekend off in the Puma (Mpumalanga) League, the A and B teams will be in action this weekend in away clashes with Piet Retief.

Local players are also excelling beyond Newcastle’s borders.

Jaco Truter, Lappies Labuschagne and Ruben Swanepoel were all selected for the Sharks Under-19 final trials this week.

Congratulations and good luck to them!

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