A penalty kick in the closing minutes saw the Highlanders go down to 25-23 defeat last weekend at the Athletic Ground against Dorking despite a brilliant second half rally.

They were 22-6 down at half time but fought back to take a 23-22 lead in the second half before late indiscipline cost them.

The Highlanders started the game brightly and with more assertiveness should of scored freely from the off.

Yet only three points were registered in the first 20 mins.

The next period of five mins ultimately cost the Highlanders.

Two tries in as many minutes meant the Highlanders found themselves inexplicably behind. Both teams exchanged penalties and a further try for Dorking meant the score at half time was 22-6.

This set the Highlanders off on wave after wave of attack in the second half using every blade of grass.

Credit to Dorking for repelling the advances throughout the half but two tries from the Highlanders wings, Chris Asembo and Conrad Burne, who both made good yards all game long saw the defence broken.

With the 100% accurate boot of James Lang from a conversation or penalty, with two minutes to go the Highlanders led 23-22.

Game management and composure cost a win as Highlanders turned the ball over, with no need to be anything more than conservative, gifting Dorking possession and a penalty attempt to end the game 23-25.

Pace, width, high tempo, and exciting flowing rugby are all on offer by the Highlanders and is personified most by man of the match Harry McCartney.

Yet the Highlanders need to match the talent and brand of rugby being played with the reality of getting ourselves over the line and on the right side of the result.