Discipline and focus were the telling factors in Whanganui Maori opening their campaign with a comfortable 33-5 win over the Marton Samoans in the curtain-raiser game at Cooks Gardens on Saturday.
Both sides were looking forward to a good hit out ahead of bigger matches to come - Marton off to a tournament in Wellington, Whanganui hoping to defend the Tuera Shield against Taranaki Maori at Yarrow Stadium this weekend.
Whanganui opened their account when they spotted the gap and flanker Dale Akuhata was on hand to score.
Marton flanker Popo Leota made a strong run in reply, but Marton just could not control the ball in Whanganui's dangerzone, struggling at the breakdown where they either lost possession or gave away penalties.
Whanganui centre Jaye Flaws busted the line but was collared high, and from the attacking penalty, prop Gabriel Hakaraia went close before halfback Kahl Elers-Green spotlighted what would be an fine performance by diving fully extended from the ruck to the corner post.