Highlanders keep their chins up despite opponents withdrawing from fixtures

After Middelburg Rugby Club withdrew from their fixture against the Newcastle Highlanders I and II and Utrecht Rugby Club postponed their match against the Highlanders III, the players decided to play against each other in an attempt to keep up their momentum.

Fortunately, Highlanders IV got to play their match against the Flying Eagles on Friday evening.

The non-arrival of Middelburg, according to Head Coach Andrè ‘Swanie’ Swanepoel, has put pressure on the Highlanders to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the Puma Premier League.

“We will have to chase for points in the remaining two home games as the permutations are getting tight for that second spot between Secunda, Witbank, and the Highlanders,” he said.

Swannie added that it appeared that Witbank could be safe as they only need one point with one game in hand.

Secunda, he said, have one game left, while the Highlanders still have two to play.

Swanie wished to give credit to the players, as a total of 40 players pitched up to play against one another this past weekend.

“This was a sign that our players want to play the game, and that is very positive for our club.

“We also want to thank our supporters who came out in their numbers to watch us play.”

Bethal Rugby Club will face off against the Newcastle Boschpick Highlanders this Saturday (June 29) at the Arbor Park Sports Grounds at 15:30.

The IV team will clash with Utrecht Rugby Club, and the III team play against Ladysmith Rugby Club in Ladysmith.

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