Highlanders beat Cheetahs

2006-02-26 07:56

Bloemfontein - Two tries gave the Highlanders a 17-12 victory over the Cheetahs in their Super 14 match on Saturday.

In heavy rain, the Cheetahs edged into the lead against the run of play, with the first points of the match scored via the boot of Springbok flyhalf Meyer Bosman with a penalty in the 36th minute.

But the Cheetahs were unable to maintain possession of the slippery ball, and Fijian winger Roy Kinikinilau burst over on the stroke of halftime for Ben Blair to convert.

The Highlanders led 7-3 at the break, but the Cheetahs dominated most of the second half.

Bosman scored first with a penalty, but Nick Evans responded two minutes later with a drop goal to maintain the four-point margin.

Bosman kicked two more penalties to put the Cheetahs in front with just 10 minutes left to play.

While they were dominating possession, the Cheetahs were unable to penetrate the Highlanders' defenses.

Instead, the Highlanders turned possession over, and attacked quickly out left for replacement Richard Kahui to slither over for a try with two minutes remaining.

Blair's conversion put the Highlanders five points clear with the Cheetahs unable to hit back.

Scoreboard:

Highlanders 17 (Roy Kinikinilau, Richard Kahui tries; Ben Blair 2 conversions; Nick Evans drop goal), Cheetahs 12 (Meyer Bosman 4 penalties) at Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein.

Referee: Brett Bowden, Australia. Crowd: 21 373.

- AP