Highlanders lock Hayden Triggs on his way to the try line during the Rebel Sport Super 14 rugby match played at Carisbrook this evening. The Highlanders got off to a slow start with the visiting Lions team from South Africa scoring two early tries but eventually the boys in blue and gold woke to the task and came out on top 39-29 at the final whistle.
The boot of Highlanders fullback Israel Dagg was the major contributor to the game, thanks to the whistle happy refereeing of Stuart Dickinson, with six penalty goals and two conversions. Dickinson was true to form, dishing out nearly thirty penalties during the game, but thankfully the Highlanders were on the right side of the law more times than not and consequently the Lions suffered on the scoreboard through their ill discipline.
Scroll down for more action from the game...
Young Highlanders supporters with flags at the ready look on as the home team goes through its last minute warm ups under the guidance of coach Glenn Moore. The match ball is taken out to the centre of the pitch by junior Highland Ethan Law as fans on the terraces get ready for an exciting game ahead.
Some first half action from the game with Israel Dagg (top left) on his way to slotting one of six successful penalty goals. Dagg was on song with the boot, missing only one attempt all night. Former All Black, and Auckland lions player Carlos Spencer (top right) now in the red of the Lions team. The weather had an eerie feel to it with temperatures in the mid-twenties and skies with spectacular fiery cloud formations (bottom centre).
Fans on the terraces cheer on the home side. Highlanders loose forward Adam Thomson attempts to get some explanation on yet another Stuart Dickinson penalty (centre right) and not to be for replacement winger Fetu'u Vainokolo (bottom right) as his try is disallowed by Dickinson due to an apparent interference earlier in the play.
More action from the game - Hayden Triggs (top right) urges his forwards on as they control a rolling maul that eventually led to a penalty try being awarded to the Highlanders with referee Stuart Dickinson ruling the Lions deliberately collapsed the maul close to the line.
Check out all the details on the Highlanders team and competition results to date by visiting the Official Highlanders Website...
