“We went to Witbank with a mindset to play and to score tries. We had nothing to lose so we just wanted to have fun,” said head coach, Andrè ‘Swanie’ Swanepoel.
Highlanders were on the attack for most of the first half of the match, but Witbanks’ defence kept them at bay. Highlanders were awarded penalties aplenty and lineout after lineout but Witbank was still able to keep them out.
At halftime, Witbank lead 7-0 lead.
After the break, in the spate of five minutes, Witbank scored two tries, taking the game away from the Highlanders.
For the first time this season, the lineouts did not seem to function well for the Highlanders which meant attacks from the lineouts were neutralised.
The Highlanders scrum was good but their backline simply just didn’t get going.
“We to thank our sponsors and supporters for their loyal support throughout the season,” Swanepoel said.
Highlanders III also lost their match in the semi-finals against Sentraal I.
Highlanders II will now play in the second division finals in Dundee on August 5 against the Bears II.
“Rugby is not over in Newcastle as yet as the Junior Murray Cup is still to take place in September.
Many Newcastle players will also be playing in the Puma Gert Sibande Regional Team and in the Puma amateur teams coached by Andrè Swanepoel.
See photos here:
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