Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders fell just short of clinching the Junior Murray Cup title, when they lost 20-23 to the Fidelity Jaguars in Durban on August 30.
Highlanders’ hopes were dashed when the Jaguars scored a late penalty three minutes before the final whistle, to take victory at the Crusaders Rugby Club.
The game was played as a curtain raiser for the Murray Cup final, and despite strong winds, both teams played entertaining rugby, running the ball from the corners.
At half time, the score was 13-10 in favour of Highlanders, after playing directly into the string winds. The Jaguars were kept inside their own 22 for the first 20 minutes of the second half, their defence scrambling well to keep the Highlanders at bay.
Towards the end of the game Highlanders’ wing, Rikus Potgieter, scored what appeared to be the winning try, but was denied by the referee. A few handling errors later and Jaguars were awarded a penalty that was easily kicked, putting Jaguars in the lead.
“The players can be very proud of themselves,” said coach, Andrè Swanepoel. “They have won two out of three finals they played in. The most important part though, is the brand of rugby they play, which is very exciting. They bring a massive amount of enjoyment to the game and the club.”
Highlanders face one more big game against the Empangeni Rhinos, to be played on September 12 in Empangeni.
The game is a promotion relegation match, the winner of which will be promoted to the Premium Division.
“Hopefully we can pull off a win and give Newcastle supporters the opportunity to see us play against Durban clubs and maybe even some Sharks players in Newcastle,” concluded Mr Swanepoel.
