Even in windy conditions, the Highlanders looked dangerous with especially the backline causing the hosts problems with the ball in their hands.
Once again, Shaka Nkosi (12) had Middleburg scrambling every time he had the ball, as did Vedgie Sukazi (11).
Andrè ‘Swanie’ Swanepoel, head coach, said the Highlanders ‘possess plenty of pace and utilized this to their benefit.’
“Middelburg’s much heavier pack put the Highlanders under a lot of pressure during the first half of the match, especially in the scrums, which helped them concede a few penalties, but after the second half they were solid in their scrums,” he explained.
The lineouts had a 90 percent success rate, with captain, Henk Booysen (4), stealing the ball from Middleburg a few times.
“Henk pulled a Deon Keyser/Robbie Flack on Middleburg’s number 7, dislodging the ball behind the tri-line to score under the posts, while Dillon de Beer (5) and Andile Mbonane (8) won great lineouts for the Highlanders.”
Fernando Filipi (1), once again, was outstanding, closely followed by Khusta Shabalala (7). Dube (9) played well, linking well with the forwards and backs, and he had a few good darting runs.
“As a team, we set goals for the season. One of these goals was to win at least two of our away games as well as all our home games. By accomplishing this, we will definitely be in the semi-finals,” said Swanepoel.
The Highlanders second team unfortunately lost their match 8-17 against Middleburg.
“This game was played as a friendly after the appointed referee did not pitch up, so the two clubs decided to play a friendly for 25 minutes a side.”
Highlanders 1, 2, 3, and 4 will play home games this coming Friday and Saturday at the Arbor Park Sports Grounds.
The matches will take place as follows:
Friday:
• Highlanders 4 vs. Bears 1 at 17:00
• Highlanders 3 vs. Bears 2 at 18:30
Saturday:
• Highlanders 2 vs. Witbank at 14:00
• Highlanders 1 vs. Witbank at 15:30
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