The 2007 Colonial Cup enjoyed a quality opening weekend with all six teams showing true competitiveness.

Dale Tonawai led his new Highlanders side to a hard-fought 23-21 victory over last year’s champions the Stallions in a classic battle in Suva that saw the return of Friday night football to Fiji.

But the Stallions, who won the Colonial Cup in 2004 and 2006, led until Marika Vakacegu’s 76th penalty goal. With the likes of Apisai Turukawa, Jone Qovu and Wame Lewaravu in their pack, and guided by 2006 Coach of the Year Joji Rinakama, the Stallions will surely remain a major threat for the title.

In Nausori, Colonial man-of-the-match Waisea Luveniyali kicked five penalties to help the Crusaders to a 20-13 win over the Knights.

The Knights, looking forward to going one better than last year’s semi-final finish, have a few wise hands in the team such as skipper Isaac Mow, Epeli Ruivadra, Saiasi Fuli and Langi Peters.

But overall the young Knights were outshone by a strong Crusaders outfit with better communication and discipline. Second five-eighth Tomu Jani, freshly converted from Rugby League, displayed particular potency.

Coach Ifereimi Tawake said he was satisfied with the win but believes they will have to improve.

“We played according to our game plan, which was to keep feeding the backs, and that really worked because the forwards used their fitness and brains throughout,” Tawake said.

The Sharks welcomed the return of Akuila Matanibukaca and Jack Prasad to Subrail Park in Labasa with a 29-20 win over newcomers Bligh Roosters, notching up a bonus point in the process.

The Roosters, with a useful backline containing Emori Ratu, Simeli Tuiteci and Epeli Vuniwaqa, showed excellent promise for their first outing and scored three tries of their own.

The Knights host the Sharks at Nasau Park in Levuka on Friday, .

On Saturday, the Highlanders travel to Churchill Park to try and stop the Crusaders, while the Stallions hope to get back to their winning ways when they face the Roosters in Tavua.