NEWCASTLE KZN: Boschpick Highlanders reflect on conclusion of the Covid Cup League
According to Swanepoel, the fierce backline was not up to par on the day due to poor passing and ball handling.
The Newcastle Boschpick Highlanders had their work cut for them this past weekend (Saturday, October 16) as they took on Middelburg Rugby Club in Ermelo.
Head Coach, Andrè Swanepoel his team fell short in the first 15 minutes with a score of 26-0 in Middelburg’s favour. However, by half-time they seemed to pick up the pace, going into the break with the score at 26-7.
“Highlanders improved the score to 26-20 after scoring from the kickoff of the second half. They had a few more close scores, but Middelburg was far too strong and scored two tries to win by 36-20,” said Swanepoel.
According to him, the team’s strongest point, their fierce backline, was not up to par on the day due to poor passing and ball handling. However, Swanepoel acknowledged certain players for their outstanding sportsmanship on the day.
Fernando Filipe (prop) and Spencer Muller (lock) played well and were well supported in the backline by Kevin Radebe (lock). Veggie (wing) was outstanding as both an attacker and a defender, while Jaco Truter (replacement back) also made an impression on the field.
“I must say that despite poor passing in the backline, Minnie Siwaze (fullback) created a few chances to score, but the finishing disappointed us,” he said.
In a friendly curtain-raiser against Middelburg’s second team, the Highlanders second team also lost (17-10). Swanepoel said both teams were tied at 10-apiece in the first quarter, but the locals fell short towards the match’s conclusion through ‘silly mistakes’.
He congratulated the players on excellent sportsmanship though, stating each player had shown tremendous improvement during a very difficult season of rugby. He also believes the club is in a good place right now, despite the many challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The Highlanders will conclude their impressive season on Saturday (October 30) at the Vryheid Rugby Club, participating in the Vryheid Rugby Club’s 100th Anniversary,” concluded Swanepoel.
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