NEWCASTLE KZN: Highlanders fail to conquer Drakensberg at home away game

The Newcastle Highlanders is currently preparing for its next match this weekend (May 15).

May 13, 2021

Zianne van der Nest 1 minute read

After 15 months off the field, Newcastle Highlanders Rugby Club finally played its first official match this past weekend.

The local legends battled it out against Drakensberg Rugby Club in an away game in Winterton.

By halftime, explained Highlanders coach, Andrè Swanepoel, the score was 14-all thanks to a try and two conversions from Minnie Siwale, and an ‘incredible try’ from Lwazi Mthembu.

While it seemed promising for the locals, late scores from Drakensberg saw the host team win by a score of 24-19.

“We travelled with 30 prominent young players, all of whom were ecstatic to be able to play rugby again,” said Swanepoel.

He added 22 of the 30 players were new members who had recently joined the club.

“Obviously, our team was rusty, but each and every player rushed onto the field with a positive attitude and enthusiasm to be back on the field,” continued Swanepoel.

He mentioned that club rugby coaches were recently invited to attend a coaching clinic with a team from the Pumas, including Jimmy Stonehouse and ex-Springbok Attack Coach, Swys du Bruin.

“We put everything we learned there into action during club practice and these lessons were clearly illustrated during the match this weekend.”

The Newcastle Highlanders is currently preparing for its next match this weekend (May 15) against Volksrust Rugby Club, which will be hosted at the Arbor Park Grounds.

Players are reminded to follow Covid-19 protocols at all times.

Swanepoel also mentioned that no spectators would be permitted to attend the match as per Northern KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Sub-Union Covid-19 regulations.

See more photos from the Winterton match below: