Highlanders opened their 2008 Colonial Cup campaign on top by coming from behind to secure a gritty 28-25 win over the Crusaders in a pre-season clash at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.

But it was Highlanders and Japan based fullback Manueli Nawalu who sealed the deal by grabbing a last-gasp penalty.

The Crusaders began the onslaught and led into the breather 20-15. But into the second half things changed for the better for the Highlanders as Crusaders spotted a yellow card or penalised by referee one after another which proved to be just the confidence booster the Highlanders needed.

The Highlanders notched a penalty to Ulaiasi Butukoro and a try to Alusio Buto to narrow the deficit but Crusaders struck back via Iliesa Nalawaniyavi to level the scores.

The scores were locked at 25-all going into fulltime when Nawalu booted the all-important penalty to wrap up their courageous comeback. In other games on Saturday the Stallions defeated Roosters with a last ditched effort 27-24, while the Knights rolled over Sharks 36-21.

In round one of the Colonial Cup this weekend the Highlanders take on the Stallions in a must see affair in the opening game of the season at Lawaqa Park while Crusaders host the Knights for a chance to make amends on Saturday 23 February.
In the other game the Roosters host the Sharks at Garvey Park in Tavua on Saturday.

The Saturday games kick off at 3.00pm whilst the Friday game will kick off at 6.00pm. Meanwhile the teams’ respective U20s side will play in the curtain raiser match kicking off two hours prior to the main games.


Saturday 16 February 2008
Crusaders 25 Highlanders 28
Colonial Cup Pre-season
Churchill Park, Lautoka
Half-time: 20 -15
Referee: Napolioni Locoloco
Attendance: 5000

CRUSADERS: 15 Asaeli Driu, 14 Filimoni Botitu, 13 Vuniani Bari, 12 Wiliame Satala, 11 Savenaca Waqa, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Aporosa Vata, 8 Semi Kididromo, 7 Aminiasi Nava, 6 Seta Ratatagia, 5 Timoci Momolevu, 4 Serevi Serekilevu, 3 Viliame Seuseu, 2 Aseri Buli, 1 Ravuama Samo.
Reserves: Jo Dakuitoga, Jo Lotawa, Ifereimi Naruma, Kelepi Ketedromo, Jo Tora, Sunia Vata, Isoa Donaldson.
Coach: Iliesa Tanivula
Tries: Botitu, Nava, Nalawaniyavi; Conversions: Luveniyali (2); Penalty goals: Luveniyali (2)

HIGHLANDERS: 15 Ben Soso (Manueli Nawalu), 14 Patrick Osbourne (Josese), 13 Ropate Ratu (Manueli Gade), 12 Daniele Baleinadogo (Semiti Raikuna), 11 Mosese Luveitasau (Alusio Buto), 10 Saiasi Fuli (Ulaiasi Butukoro), 9 Waisale Vatuvoka (Noa Lovia), 8 Sairusi Rokosalu (John Tuilakepa), 7 Meli Baleinaivalu (Seimli Koroi), 6 Mitieli Cama (Kelepi Ledua), 5 Samuela Anisi (Tevita Tuiloa), 4 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa (Savenaca), 3 Bese Buinimasi (Lutumailagi), 2 Eseroma Cakacaka (Sireli Ledua), 1 Alefeso Yalayalatabua (Jiale).
Reserves: Isireli Ledua (Tevita Rabukawaqa), Rusiate Daucakacaka (Samuela Anisi), Samu Bola (Jovilisi Fotofili), Watisoni Qiqiwaqa (Andrew Durutalo), Ilaitia Nayago (Kelemedi Bola), Rupeni Kamikamica (Jimilai Naikadawa), Alusio Buto (Saviri Tabuanavere)]
Coach: Josua Toakula
Tries: Bola, Luveitasau, Cakacaka, Buto; Conversion: Nawalu; Penalty goal: Nawalu, Butukoro.