YMP struck early in the first half from a set-piece from a lineout. Quick ball movement through the backs put centre Genesis Bartlett-Tamatea through a gap for the first try.
From there, the Magpies set up camp in the Pirates half.
The young Pirates side were put on the back foot but to their credit never gave up and moments of brilliance went without reward.
YMP struck again when second-five Peia Fililova intercepted deep in the Pirate half from a ruck and sailed away 70 metres to score.
That opened the floodgates and a barrage of YMP attacks resulted in three more tries as YMP opened up a 24-0 halftime lead.
The break was welcomed by Pirates. They regrouped and came back resolutely in the second half, keeping it tight as their forwards gained momentum and territory.
That patience was rewarded when, after a number of ruck phases, they broke through the YMP defence and Jessie Sweeney crossed for a morale-boosting try, much to the delight of teammates and supporters.
Pirates showed commitment in defence as well, including an excellent tackle and turnover when YMP cracked the defence and looked to be away for another try.
Pirates made a break of their own from deep in their half, centre Jokatama Lewa powering away to dot down for the Buccaneers’ second try.
YMP replied from the kick-off, gaining possession and moving the ball slickly through the backs and seemingly scoring only for the assistant ref to rule the player went out.
YMP shrugged off that disappointment, won the ball back and broke open the Pirates defence for a try to Prop Nehe Papuni.
From there, YMP took control and added a flurry of five-pointers for a convincing victory.
Tamatea was satisfied with their start but acknowledged there was work to be done.
“Things we are going to work on this week are the breakdowns and discipline (two yellow cards in the match),” he said.
He was impressed with how some of the new team members went, paying tribute to “our newbies Malachi Montgomery and Genesis Bartlett-Tamatea, and Ra Broughton coming over from Waikohu. That is a real plus for us.”
Number eight Stuart Leach, however, was the outstanding player and he was later named the Tiny White Medal winner for overall player of the opening day from all six sides.
His performance was noted by many, including Poverty Bay Heartland head coach Miah Nikora.
“He played really well. He had a high workrate, was strong with ball in hand and physical,” Nikora said. “He also showed some subtle skills with catch and pass”.
Pirates will take positives from their return to the premier grade after a year out.
Captain Bernard Nepe said it was “a rough start”, not helped by having no pre-season game.
“But I am happy with the character of the team. Our scrum was really good. We have an experienced front row, and our lineouts were good, too”.
Pirate manager Craig Hollis echoed the scrum comment.
“We had our first scrum on the scrum machine Wednesday night, so to go out and do that against YMP, I was really proud.”
“We have a young team. We just need to get some confidence.”
YMP 53 (Nehe Papuni 2, Hayze Nepia 2, Niko Lauti, Isaiah Leach, Peia Fililova, Genesis Bartlett-Tamatea, Andrew Tauatevalu tries; Tauatevalu 4 con).
Pirates 10 (Jesse Sweeney, Jokatama Sewa tries).
HT: 24-0.
