Highlanders give up the glory
In this game Shelden Pienaar (2 -hooker) played outstandingly and Coach Swanepoel said the club was fortunate to have hookers of his calibre in the team.
A substantial crowd of faithful supporters watched Highlanders Rugby Club in action this weekend.
Boschpick Highlanders I and Newcastle I played against Middelburg I and Sentraal I respectively, at Arbor Park Grounds.
Middelburg 2 and Sentraal 2 both forfeited their game.
Highlanders I lost 38 – 41 to Middelburg I after trailing 7 – 28 at halftime. In the second half Highlanders scored four tries and led 33 – 31 but with 10 minutes left in the game, Middelburg kicked a penalty and scored a try to take the win (41 – 38).
A late try by Highlanders had the crowd cheering but unfortunately it was too late for a inspirational comeback. Highlanders made many basic mistakes in the first half and that cost them the game.
“Although we played very well in the second half, the silly mistakes we made cost us at the end, although I must give the players credit for the way they played in the second half,” said Highlanders Head Coach, Andre Swanepoel.
Ruben Swanepoel (2 – hooker) played his heart out. Shakes Mbatha (6 – flank) and Olifant Koorts (3 – prop) both played one of their best games at the club, while Jaco van Staden (8 – eighth man) was a winner in the lineouts, winning good ball and contesting Middelburg’s throw very well.
Mzo Lunga (9 – scrumhalf) and Corne Vermaak (22 – replacement back) played superbly in the backline, while Gift Mabaso (12 – centre) impressed on the defence.
In their game, Newcastle I scored eight tries beating Sentraal I, 48 – 17.
In this game Shelden Pienaar (2 -hooker) played outstandingly and Coach Swanepoel said the club was fortunate to have hookers of his calibre in the team.
Of the other players, Andre Lategaan (10 -flyhalf) and Corne Vermaak (15 – fullback) stood out in the backline, but the top match performance came from Xander Kriel (13 – centre).
This weekend, Highlanders I and II travel to Witbank while Newcastle I and II play in Piet Retief.
ALSO READ: Highlanders falls short of the try line
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