Roslyn-Wakari and Caversham delivered a salvo of goals in the opening round of the Soccersouth Premier League on Saturday.
Roslyn's new striker Ant Hancock hit four goals in his side's 9-1 demolition of Mosgiel at Memorial park, and Caversham's counterpart from the United States, Carson Gorecki, shot a hat trick as Northern was overrun 7-0 at Tonga Park.
The fusillade was guaranteed to strike fear into the hearts of other SPL teams, and spectating Dunedin Technical, which had a bye, was also given food for thought.
This year there will be a playoff series at the end of the season against Canterbury's top two sides. Roslyn and Caversham have certainly got off to a flying start.
Green Island also made its best start for years, with a 3-0 win over Grants Braes at Ocean Grove.
Braes competed well on its own turf for most of the match. It was not until the 73rd minute that Rowan Hewson outpaced the Braes defence and drilled in Green Island's first goal. James McFelin made it 2-0 minutes later, and the home side crumbled.
A much tighter contest was played out at the Caledonian ground, where the result hung in the balance until referee Calum Alexander's final whistle signalled a 1-0 win to University over Queenstown.
A typical mix of international talent turned out for Queenstown, which showed some superb ball skills, especially from central midfielder Jose Gomes.
Queenstown coach Steve Henderson played in goal, and what initially looked like a weak link turned up trumps, as Henderson kept his team's hopes alive by saving a penalty.
James Vaughan's University team played more effective football, with excellent games from keeper Josh Bell and key defender Liam McKinlay.
Vaughan himself led the midfield with authority, driving play onwards as front-runners Rob McGuinness and Frazier Johnston tried to get past a Queenstown defence well led by Ruy Pires.
The breakthrough came when a disputed corner kick was awarded and while Queenstown was still complaining, Callum Fry forced in the eventual winner on the stroke of half-time.
Queenstown might have rescued a point late in the match when Thiago Netto swerved past tackles and hit what looked like a certain goal, but keeper Bell made an elastic save that denied the Central Otago side.
Another close encounter was played next door, at Logan Park, where the Invercargill side Spirit FC beat the Otago Youth side 1-0.
There was little to pick between them. Otago Youth side defenders Konyo Yoon and James Watson absorbed Spirit pressure and played the ball calmly out of defence.
Coach Neil Mackenzie's side did a good job in almost containing Southland import Barry Gardiner, but the little Scot eventually wriggled free and laced a narrow angled left-footer in the second half that secured Spirit's win.
