Highlanders triumph in derby match

The Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders impressed once again, when the league leaders took on Newcastle in a derby match last Thursday.

With two teams from the same town play against each other, sparks are bound to fly.

Fans packed into Arbor Park Sports Grounds, and home of the Highlanders, lining the grandstands and giving sideline commentary to the spectacle on display.

In the first match, the B League squads of both teams clashed.

The game was quite competitive with neither side willing to falter in front of their fans.

Although the Highlanders moved the ball forward with venom, the Newcastle side gave just as hard as they received.

The Highlanders quickly took the lead, but Newcastle was determined to try and rescue a point from the match.

Possession stats showed a very balanced round of play, and it was the more determined Highlanders that claimed victory when the whistle signalled the game’s end, the scores read 36-17.

The A League match pitched two pile-driver forces against each other.

Newcastle played a valiant game, determined to break Highlanders but their opponents have a wealth of experience in its side. Experienced players like Errit Visser and Robert Everson, are instrumental to the side’s ability to search after the common goal, winning this game and achieving a promotion.

While Newcastle was determined to throw a spanner into the Highlanders plans, the Highlanders were seemingly more determined, and undoubtedly the better of the two sides.

Deadly in attack and unfaltering in defence, while stringing together smooth moves straight out of the coach’s play-book, allowed the Highlanders to quickly begin amassing points.

At half-time, Highlanders had an impressive lead of 36-seven, by the end of the game, the points gap stretched to a staggering 67 lead in favour of Highlanders.

Highlanders claimed a massive victory of 81-14.

Ruthless in victory, the Highlanders were unlucky to concede the 14 points.

“There is a lot of talent in the Newcastle side. They have passion and are quite young. Their players will be great with the right development,” conceded Highlanders coach, Andre Swanepoel.

He was impressed with Newcastle’s determination to attack from the start of the game.

He commended his side on its excellent performance, showering praise onto captain, Errit Visser, and flyhalf, Johan Esterhuizen who scored 26 points kicking for his side.

“We are looking forward to the season ahead and we want the community to back us as we look to take Newcastle higher in the South African Rugby season,” concluded Mr Swanepoel.