From last to 11th in the Super 14 might not seem like much of a leap, but the Highlanders celebrated lustily at Carisbrook last night after ending their long losing streak.
The Highlanders won their first game of the season after surviving a dramatic collapse to beat the Lions 29-20. At the final whistle, the players pumped their arms into the night sky and walked over to the terrace to salute their long-suffering fans.
‘‘It was just a big release of emotions, really, because we'd finally won a game,'' Highlanders captain Craig Newby said.
‘‘It just makes us feel like the work we're putting in is becoming worthwhile.
‘‘We work just as hard as any other team in this competition and we haven't come up to scratch in most of our games. It's nice to finally get some reward for our endeavours.''
The Highlanders had been rooted to the bottom of the Super 14 table but staged a quick jump into relative mid-table respectability with the win.
But they made hard work of it leading the Lions 21-3 shortly after the break, before letting in three quick tries and having Fetu'u Vainikolo sent to the bin.
Highlanders coach Glenn Moore deflected the focus on to his players.
‘‘For me, it's just a feeling of delight for the guys,'' Moore said.
‘‘We desperately wanted to win and we did it with some character. Hopefully, that will help us build some momentum.
‘‘I think it takes a bit of pressure off because they know they can win now.''
