Highlanders make Drua pay dearly for their mistakes beating them 57-24

The Highlanders made the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua pay dearly for their mistakes beating them 57-24.

The Drua scored first through nippy halfback Frank Lomani in the 14th minute which was successfully converted by Kemu Valetini for the Drua to lead 7-0.

2 minutes later prop Jermaine Ainsley got one back for the hosts, successfully converted by Sam Gilbert to bring the scores 7-7 level.

Momentum swings to the Highlanders and they run in tries to Ethan De Groot, Martin Bogado, and Sam Gilbert taking the scores up to 28-7.

Taniela Rakuro gets one back for the Drua in the 34th but Mitch Hunt gets the last say as he dots down in the 40th minute.

Highlanders lead 33-12 at half-time.

Veteran halfback Aaron Smith got things rolling in the second half after he crossed over to extend their lead to 40-12.

Bit of untidy play from the Drua which leads to a try to Jonah Lowe.

Tevita Ikanivere keeps the Drua’s hopes alive as he dots down in the 59th minute, converted by Lomani to bring it 45-19.

Bogado gets his second for the night, Lomani gets his second as well, with impact player Cameron Millar having the last say of the night to end things 57-24.

Finals