"We stuffed up at least three tries and the game was called off early because of ill discipline from both parties."
Hooker Spencer Amosa, in his debut for the side, former Sydney University first five-eighth Tianua Poto and loosie Api Sione were among MAC's best.
Tech Group of Companies Napier Technical manager Cyril Whitburn said his club was grateful the Crusaders allowed Zac Guildford to play the entire game at fullback as Tech had a lengthy injury list from pre-season fixtures. First five-eighth Tane McGuire joined the casualties when he was taken to hospital after being knocked out just before halftime.
Captain and flanker Hugh Reed was also concussed. Lock-No8 Darren Deeley joined Guildford as the pick of the hosts.
Taradale 27 Hastings 13
Carters Frame and Truss Taradale retained the Hawke's Bay Challenge Shield with this victory on home turf.
Former Clive second five-eighth Billy Ropiha produced a player-of-the-match performance in his debut for the hosts. Loosehead prop Ezrah Amituanai, openside flanker Tom Stanley and first five-eighth Manihera Eden were others to make the coaching staff's MVP list.
Prop Jason Long, captain and flanker Tivaini Fomai and locks Ben, who was on debut, and Tom Parsons led the IMS Payroll Hastings Rugby and Sports pack by example.
Fullback James Rosenberg and first five-eighth Angus Crompton, another on debut, were the best of the visitors' backs.
Havelock Nth 88 Tamatea 10
Defending champions Progressive Meats Havelock North proved it will take a mighty effort to dethrone the villagers with this walloping at Bill Mathewson Park.
Magpies winger Mikey Vuicakau and wider training group prop Kelly Petrowski both grabbed hattricks as the visitors outscored their hosts 14 tries to one. Mobile lock George Philip was another impress in a side which had no passengers.
"This game was a big learning curve for us. Our side included a lot of players from last year's winning development grade side. They now know what level they have to play at to compete at this level but at least we improved as the game progressed," Tamatea co-coach Aaron Painter said.
Prop Bai Bai was a tireless worker for Tamatea and deserved his try. Halfback Wayne Nikora also had memorable moments.
NOBM 50 Central 12
Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist winger Migao Lauano was another to emerge from the round with a hattrick in this Park Island win.
Lauano received quality service from former Napier Technical second five-eighth Asa Ene who won player-of-the-match honours on debut for NOBM. Former MAC openside flanker William Benson had a massive workrate on debut for the hosts while blindside flanker Pouvi Fatialofa provided quality impact from the bench.
"NOBM were too big and too fast. It was tough and it was a particularly fast game for a first round match," Northfuels Central manager Tony Lepelaars said.
One of his co-coaches and former All Black Sevens player Tafai Ioasa played first five-eighth. Lock Hugh Graham, flanker Cody Lancaster and winger-fullback Karl Lepelaars were prominent for Central.
Pirate 20 Clive 12
One had to appreciate Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports head coach Andy Lord's comparison after this Farndon Park encounter.
"It was like watching the Hurricanes this season ... a typical first round hit out," he said.
Openside flanker Aaron McPhee, winger Bryn Uriarau and tighthead prop Kelsey Miller all made Lord's MVP list.
Loosies Adam Jones and Rocky Pohatu and Aussie first five-eighth Kyle Beakey were all constructive for the hosts. Referee Bruce Dockary praised Clive's positive approach to the clash and was impressed with the hosts discipline under their new coaching regime of head coach Andy Green and assistant coaches Herman Ah Kiong and Vaine Maui.
