Defending Colonial Cup champion, Stallions is in serious business in becoming the first franchise team to retain the title for two year in a row after a 27-24 win against the Bligh Roosters this afternoon.

Although the Roosters were leading 24-20 with full-time siren already sounded when the Stallions showed the depth it has in the team by holding on to the ball for 2 minutes and scoring and eventually winning the game.

The Joji Rinakama coached side has the likes of World Cup campaigner Bill Gadolo and Aca Ratuva in the line-up which also includes former national reps Apisai Turukawa and Tiko Matawalu will be the team to beat this season.

In another game the Knights thumped the Sharks 36-21 while the Crusaders lost to the Highlanders 28-25.

The 2008 Colonial Cup competition gets underway on Friday night at 6pm with the Stallions hosting the Highlanders at Lawaqa Park.