3rd April 2010 10:50PM

The Chiefs enjoyed a 27-21 win over the Highlanders at Baypark Stadium in Mount Maunganui tonight in round eight of the Rebel Sport Super 14.

The opening points saw Highlander Robbie Robinson kick a dropped goal in the 12th minute.  Chiefs second five-eighth Stephen Donald then hit back with a penalty in the 16th minute.   Highlanders forward Hayden Triggs then crossed the line for an unconverted try. 

Strong running saw Donald break the Highlanders defence eight minutes before half-time to cross the line.  He then converted his try. However, just minutes before the end of the first half Highlanders speedster Fetu'u Vainikolo broke away for a try, converted by israel Dagg.

The Highlanders led 15-10 at half-time.

Just six minutes into the second half, Chiefs number eight Sione Lauaki crossed the line, with Donald converting.  Then it was first five-eighth Mike Delany's turn to showcase his kicking skills with a 55 metre penalty kick. 

Dagg kicked another penalty for the Highlanders. Soon after Chiefs prop Sona Taumalolo surged over the line for a try, again converted by Donald.

The final points of the night went the Highlanders way with a successful penalty kick to Dagg.

The Chiefs secured four points from the win, which was enjoyed by around 11,000 fans at Baypark Stadium.   A couple of injuries were sustained in the match with captain Mils Muliaina sustaining a suspected broken thumb and Stephen Donald getting a head knock which saw him subbed late in the second half.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster called the victory an "important win" for the team, and said his team is excited to start preparing for the "exciting challenge" of the Bulls in Hamilton on Friday night.

Tickets are on sale now for the Chiefs v Bulls match on Friday 9 April via www.chiefs.co.nz, gate one Waikato Stadium and the usual ticket outlets. 

FIRST HALF

Try: Donald

Conversion:Donald

Penalty: Donald

Half-time Score: 10-15 (Highlanders)

SECOND HALF

Tries: Lauaki, Taumalolo

Conversions: Donald (2)

Penalty: Delany

Full-time Score: 27 -21 (Chiefs)

The Chiefs team that played the Highlanders was:

1. Sona Taumalolo

2. Hika Elliot

3. Ben Afeaki

4. Craig Clarke

5. Culum Retallick

6. Liam Messam

7. Luke Braid

8. Sione Lauaki

9. Brendon Leonard

10.Mike Delany

11.Dwayne Sweeney

12. Stephen Donald

13.Richard Kahui

14.Lelia Masaga

15.Mils Muliaina (captain)

Reserves: 16. Vern Kamo, 17. Toby Smith (on for Afeaki) 18. Jarrad Hoeata, 19.Colin Bourke (on for Lauaki) 20. Junior Poluleuligaga (on for Leonard), 21. Jackson Willison (on for Donald), 22. Tim Nanai-Williams (on for Masaga).