"Still got a few teething problems," he admitted, describing the unit as a whole as being "still a bit green". His standouts included Thomas Pirini playing at three different positions throughout the day, Jacob Proctor, Matua Herbert and Michael Tamati.
His Hora Hora counterpart said numbers were surprisingly strong compared with last season. He felt the proposed second-tier competition, the RLN championship, was a good idea in introducing players new to the game - he noted he had a number in action at Kaitaia on Saturday who had never played before - and getting them up to speed.
The curtain raiser to the Muriwhenua match was one of two test runs for the championship played on Saturday; the other result saw Takahiwai beat Marist Brothers 26-10. With a number of premiership clubs expected to field reserves team to play against the revitalised Pawarenga Broncos, Otaua Valleys and Marist Brothers, RLN hopes to announce the format of the inaugural RLN Championship later this week; at this point a six-team competition will kick off on April 4.
Meanwhile, other results from round 1 of the premiership were as follows.
Moerewa Tigers 66 Kerikeri Makos 12: The Moerewa Tigers hosted the Kerikeri Makos in the only Far North derby of round 1. Having suffered a completely forgettable campaign in 2014, the Tigers reportedly went into rebuild mode during the off-season and re-engaged Northland league identity Peter Prime and new coach Dave Bristow, while a swell of players returned. The margin of the result suggests the Tigers of old are back again. Neither camp was available for comment on the match.
Takahiwai Warriors 52 Hokianga Pioneers 16: The Pioneers were the only side out of the four Far North teams involved in the premiership required to travel for their opening match. Unfortunately, they could only muster 13 to travel to Takahiwa and take on the 2014 minor prems. Pioneers coach Jason Smith wanted all Hokianga supporters to know the outcome was merely a "bit of a hiccup" and said he was confident the Pioneers would steadily build to become a force to be reckoned with at the business end of the season.
"The boys did well. To travel to Takahiwai with 13 players is like asking the Chinese to play the All Blacks. We have a great side this year, we've had good trainings," Smith said, noting the away fixtures were always a big ask with regards to players' working commitments. His standouts on Saturday included Marcus Wikaira and Andre Lennox.
Other premiership results were, Hikurangi Stags 44 Otangarei Knights 16: the traditional replay of the 2014 grand final saw the Stags exacting revenge on the defending champions Otangarei Knights, who staged their storybook come-from-behind win in last year's title decider. Also, Portland Panthers 34 Northern Wairoa Bulls 10.
- Games of Far North relevance in round 2 see all four Far North teams involved in a double header at Kaikohe this Saturday, with Kerikeri vs Muriwhenua at 1.30pm, and Hokianga vs Moerewa at 4.30pm. Sandwiched between these two matches at 3pm will be the annual secondary schoolboy challenge, Adam Blair XIII vs Warriors Development. The triple bill is being touted as the official season opener.
As per usual, all Far North teams have been invited to take the opportunity to promote their standout plays and players in the weekly round-up of local senior club league which can be found in each and every Tuesday edition of The Northland Age.
