Ross Shield school rugby hosts Dannevirke got the 120th anniversary off to a promising if not winning start as there beaten 12-0 by defending champion Hastings East at Rugby Park, Dannevirke, on Tuesday.
The champions scored the first try against the run of play and added the only other points, also in the first half of a game, which had the locals happy about the fight and spirit of their team, dominating territory and possession.
Hastings West beat Wairoa 71-0 in the day's second match, and Napier beat Central Hawke's Bay 42-7, CHB scoring a try and conversion from near the touchline in the second half to more support around the ground.
There are 132 players in the tournament, with 22 players in each squad, expected to get a run on each day, the opening day featuring clear blue skies and moderate temperatures.
"We couldn't have asked for a better day," said tournament committee chairman Bevan Ellison.