Highlanders U20 campaign finishes on a high note

THE Highlanders under20 side came away from the national tournament with plenty to be proud of.

It scored a gutsy 2523 win over the Crusaders under20 side in Taupo on Saturday to finish with a two win and one loss record.

Highlanders openside flanker and captain Sean Withy was also named as the player of the tournament, an impressive achievement. He was a livewire on the flank, and scored three tries in the side’s opening 7017 victory over the NZ Barbarians.

Withy, who comes from Southland, has been training with the Highlanders and played four games for Otago last season.

The side lost 3631 to the Hurricanes last Wednesday.

In the match against the Crusaders, the Highlanders rose off the mat to win the game.

Nathan Hastie, who is more of a halfback, came off the bench and nabbed two late tries on the right wing to set up a tense finish.

The Crusaders kicked a penalty with three minutes remaining to give the side a 2322 lead.

But goalkicking supremo Cameron Miller nailed a penalty from about 45m on the angle to win the game for the Highlanders.

It was a clutch effort from a player who looks to have a very bright future.

The Highlanders opted to play into a strong wind and spent most of the first half in their own territory.

The Crusaders led 153 at the break and continued to press.

But the southern men got on the front foot and struck through No 8 Arese Poliko. He crashed over from close range.

Miller nailed the conversion — his 17th successful attempt at goal in the tournament — before finally missing a shot at goal. He pushed a 50m penalty wide.

The Crusaders scored and it was a tough mountain to climb for the Highlanders. But they remained composed.

Hastie duly bagged a double and Miller kicked the gamewinner.

The Chiefs under20 side was the only team which won all its three games during the week.