The all-round skills of Seko Qaraniqio and the midfield defence of Matt Direen and Mark McGregor were the features of Kaikorai's victory at Carisbrook.
Victory may have came at a cost with injuries to winger Craig Baird (suspected broken arm) and lock Ben MacDonald (broken ribs).
But the departure of those Kaikorai players was more than adequately compensated by the outstanding qualities of Qaraniqio, who had 10 clean line-out takes and was dynamic around the field in cover play.
His line-out work overshadowed the presence of Highlanders lock Hayden Triggs.
The Kaikorai midfield combination proved just as effective in shutting down the threat posed by Green Island first five-eighth Tamati Tamakehu and Highlander Johnny Leota, who came on at second-five-eighth in the second half.
Other players to stand out for Kaikorai were Hamish Chrisp, Cam Rutherford and Guy Lemon.
Green Island had two players sinbinned in the match and discipline will need to be addressed if players such as prop Andre Clarke and Tamakehu, who ignited numerous opportunities, are to help the club prosper.
Kaikorai 13 (Simon Maole try; Cam Rutherford conversion, 2 penalty goals), Green Island 6 (Shannon Young 2 penalty goals).
Half-time: Kaikorai 3-0.
Referee: Dave Kennedy.
