The Stallions, kicked started their 2008 campaign on a high after defeating Highlanders 15-12 in the opening game of the 2008 Colonial Cup held at Lawaqa Park on Friday night.

It was the Highlanders that got the ball rolling with four successful penalty goals via fullback Ben Soso to lead 8-12 into the breather whilst Stallions points came from an unconverted try to Josefa Nagata and a penalty kick to Simeli Koniferedi.

However this did not stop the hosts who struck back in the second spell with a converted try by Timoci Mule to seal their victory.

Quotes:
Joji Rinakama (Stallions Coach):
I am happy with the win but not satisfied by the effort put in by the players. We committed a lot of mistakes. We could have scored more tries but just took wrong options.
Otherwise I was happy about the set pieces and tackle area which I thought they did well in.
From our next game we hope to work on our basic skills, high balls and our restarts.

Josua Toakula (Highlanders Coach):
Obviously the scoreline is not in our favor but I thought the boys played well for their first game. But there is still work to be done like our set pieces which we hope to improve ahead of our second game.

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Friday 22 February 2008
Stallions 15 Highlanders 12
Colonial Cup Round 1
Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka
Half-time: 8 - 12
Referee: James Bolabiu
Attendance: 5,000
 
STALLIONS: 15 Simeli Koniferedi , 14 Lote Tuqiri (Peni Tiko 55), 13 Epeli Vuicuvu, 12 Timoci Mule, 11 Isoa Neivua, 10 Kaminieli Neiqisa (Aminisitai Kunajuke 38), 9 Seveci Taka (Luke Vulo 48), 8 Josefa Nagata, 7 Tevita Tuilalawa, 6 Rupeni Nasiga, 5 Sikeli Donu, 4 Filipe Kuruvoli (Joji Naqica 32), 3 Apisai Turukawa (capt), 2 Viliame Gadolo (Koli Masau 31), 1 Tiko Matawalu (Seremaia Naureure 34)
Not Used: Asi Mocelutu
Tries: Nagata, Mule; Conversion: Koniferedi; Penalty goal: Koniferedi.

HIGHLANDERS: 15 Ben Soso, 14 Manueli Gade (Patrick Osborne 70), 13 Ropate Ratu, 12 Dan Baleinadogo (capt), 11 Alusio Buto, 10 Saiasi Fuli, 9 Waisale Vatuvoka (Rupeni Kamikamica 64), 8 Sairusi Rokosalu (Eseroma Cakacaka 38-47, Koresi Ledua 49), 7 Semiti Cama, 6 Samu Bola, 5 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa (Meli Baleinaivalu 57), 4 Samuela Anisi, 3 Bese Buinimasi (Eseroma Cakacaka 17-27, Isireli Ledua 57), 2 Buli Maivale (yellow card 38-47) , 1 Alefoso Yalayalatabua
Not Used: Noa Lovia
Penalty goals: Soso(4)

Scoring Sequence (Stallions scores shown first):
1min - PEN GOAL HIGHLANDERS, Soso – 0-3
7mins - PEN GOAL HIGHLANDERS, Soso – 0-6
19mins - PEN GOAL STALLIONS, Koniferedi – 3-6
27mins - PEN GOAL HIGHLANDERS, Soso – 3-9
35mins - TRY STALLIONS, Nagata, conversion Koniferedi (missed) – 8-9
40mins - PEN GOAL STALLIONS, Koniferedi (missed) – 8-9
41mins - PEN GOAL HIGHLANDERS, Soso – 8-12
Half-time
49mins - DROPPED GOAL HIGHLANDERS, Soso (missed) – 8-12
61mins - TRY STALLIONS, Mule, conversion Koniferedi – 15-12
Full-time