The team’s first match was against Illawarra and the team won 3-0. Goals were scored by Robertson trio Damian Gair, Mitchell Wright and Nathan Wright.

Gordon Cole in the back was outstanding along with hard working inner Nelson Worner.

The second match was against eventual winners Grafton. The Highlands fought hard but had a couple of calls go against them and lost 3-1, with the lone goalscorer being Grahame Isedale.

Andrew Pinkerton was solid in the halves along with Gordon Cole and Jed Schofield. Gair left the field with an injury and was a big loss to the defence along with his corners.

The forwards had plenty of chances to score but good goalkeeping kept the attacks at bay.

The third match, a must-win game against Lithgow ended in a heart-breaking 3-2 loss.

Southern Highlands led 2-0 and should never have lost. With 30 seconds on the clock, Lithgow scored from a scrappy corner to end the Highlands’ semi-final hopes. The team was gutted as they needed to draw to qualify.

Goals, again, were scored by Mitchell and Nathan Wright, while the best players were Mark Bisby and Isedale.

The fourth and final game was against Tamworth and there was nothing left to play for.

The Highlanders started well and shot to a 1-0 lead courtesy of Nathan Wright.

But Tamworth rallied and scored a couple before halftime.

There were numerous chances for the Highlanders in the second half, but Tamworth scored a few late goals and the game was over at 5-1.

Overall it was a solid effort to stay in the A-division and the team left the championships knowing they should have made the semi-finals. The hardest part was a few players pulled out the night before the tournament and it was tough to get replacements.

The Highalnds boys were well behaved and welcomed back to the Australian Homestead. Thanks goes to the owners for looking after the team so well.