With rugby season about to begin, the Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders began an early test of the team’s prowess as the team played its first friendly games of the year.
On March 7, Highlanders hosted Richards Bay at the Arbor Park Sports Grounds.
Highlanders dominated in the scrums and line-outs, but according to coach, Andre Swanepoel, the backline finishing was disappointing, which led to a first game defeat of 12-16.
In the second match against Durban Jaguars, Highlanders pulled of a sketchy win of 17-12.
“Once again our finishing let us down. In both games, at least three tries went a begging,” said Mr Swanepoel.
Although this could be a problem, it did not distract from Highlanders’s passion.
Fast paced, with excellent balls from the scrums and line-outs, Highlanders played a scintillating game.
Brothers, Errit and Innis Visser, pounced on every loose ball and tackled ferociously.
The Jaguars tested the Highlanders’ defence with every attack, but somehow the team stood its ground.
Highlanders scored three impressive tries to secure the win, and with each attack they looked deadlier, which is of the utmost importance as the season starts next month.
“Our backline is extremely pacey, and we can create more chances if we angle this in the right way. When we sharpen up, we will be able to devastate our opponents, which is why we play friendlies. We want to sharpen up,” explained Mr Swanepoel.
Key players for the Highlanders included the Visser brothers, the experienced and living legend, Robert Everson, who is extremely solid in any line-out, his lock partner, Wandile Sibiya, who is not afraid of going into any big tackle.
Ferrari Hadebe, true to his name, was undeniably one of the fastest on the field. Max Mkhize proved to be the rock and the hard place, both in defence and attack, while Teddy Ngobese had a good all-round game in the fullback position.
Mkhize, Hadebe and Mbonane scored tries, while Morne Hatting managed one conversion.
Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders will be travelling to Pietermaritzburg this week on Saturday to take on Premier Division club, PMG Collegians, but not before they take on Volkrust on Friday night at Arbor Park Sports Grounds at 7pm.
Make sure you are there, to support our local boys as they continue their preparations for what they hope, will be their best season to date.
