Middelburg dashes Highlanders’ hopes of making Puma semi’s
Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders first team’s aspirations of reaching the semi-final in the Puma Premier League were dashed by Middelburg at the Arbor Park sports grounds on Saturday, July 15.
Highlanders lost 25-29 after leading 17-15 at half time.
Preparation that took place ahead of the match was geared toward scoring four tries and a win to keep our chance alive,” said Highlanders coach, André Swanepoel. “Four tries, we did score, but we still came short on the day.”
Highlander’s forwards dominated all phases of play. Unfortunately, the backline had their worst game in years. At least five tries went a-begging due to poor finishing or decision making by the backs.
“Middelburg, in the end, wanted this more than Highlanders!” Swanepoel remarked.
Nonetheless, it is not all doom and gloom for the Highlanders Club.
The third team is in the NKZN semi-finals against Sentraal I, while the fourth team is in the final of the NKZN 2nd division.
Highlanders also qualified to play in the Murray Cup knockout competition in August, so there is still rugby at Arbor Park in August.
See photos here:
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