While the opening round of a competition doesn't necessarily spell doom and gloom, it does give teams a timely reminder of where they are at.
Assessments built on pre-season games, perception of depth and skill based on names on paper and any talk of "she'll be all right" all go out of the window.
That was evident in the ComputerCare Pacific Premiership soccer competition as it served up three wins and a draw at the weekend.
Porthill 0 Rangers 0
The sponsor's powerboat on display at Marewa Park, Napier, turned heads but the game failed to match the hype.
Ericksen Honda Port Hill United could only manage a stalemate against Western Rangers.
"It was a typical first-up game so we're happy to keep a clean sheet and I'm sure Western Rangers are, too," host coach Tim Claudatos said, adding neither side looked like scoring in the ping-pong affair with "few shots at goal".
Rangers captain Nathan Ross agreed it was a fair result, saying both sides missed scoring chances.
Naming goalkeeper Royden Christison his player of the team, Ross was delighted to reveal they had secured the services of ex-Cru Bar Maycenvale United coach Ritchie Howard.
"It'll be a big game next Saturday against Maycenvale," he said.
Taradale 1 Havelock 4
On paper, Cape Physio Taradale AFC look like favourites but someone forgot to tell Best United Travel Havelock North Wanderers that.
The visitors led 2-1 at the break before running away with a 4-1 victory.
"There was a 20-minute period when they were on top of us and pushed us hard," coach Bruce Barclay said of the villagers who used their young, fresh legs to good use.
His man of the match was former Maycenvale player/coach Dion Adams who scored a goal from about 35m out.
Dale player/coach Robbie Parker said : "It wasn't a pretty game - the wind and a poor pitch dominated by the raised and slippery cricket block in the middle, saw to that.
"But both teams had to play on it and basically we weren't good enough on the day.
"Throughout the game we didn't defend with enough intensity and we lost our defensive shape at key times.
"We were also guilty of not taking our chances and credit to Havelock for taking theirs when they arose," a disappointed Parker said.
Scorers: Taradale 1 (Dean Johnston) Havelock North 4 (Anthony Floyd 2, Shannon Fowler, Dion Adams). HT: 2-1.
NOBM 3 Maycenvale 1
It was Hot Shots Napier Marist's first opening-round victory in almost five seasons.
Coach Dave Carswell revealed his men struggled with the basics at Park Island, Napier, such as the passing game.
"We dominated throughout the game but they got a 50-50 call and it was flagged offside so they scored," Carswell said, adding NOBM would take the three points.
A depleted Maycenvale's problems mounted when Kade Bartlett missed his flight from Christchurch, while the orchardist employer of Alfred Ramo had him picking apples instead of taking the field.
Shaun Wills couldn't clear his transfer in time from Havelock.
"We struggled but it's all good," Vale captain Nick Lucas said.
On a lighter note, Lucas said: "What's up with the president of Western Rangers [Darren Austin] refereeing our game?
"He gave two ex-Rangers players a yellow card each but it's a coincidence," he said with a laugh.
Vale, Lucas said, would try to behave themselves in this Saturday's match against Rangers, with Howard having the distinction of coaching both sides before a Hastings derby in a space of few weeks in one season.
Scorers: NOBM 3 (Nick Broome 2, Brendon Jones) Maycenvale 1 (Jacob Rosandich). HT: 1-0 Vale.
Gisborne 2 Rovers 0
If what rookie coach Matt Hastings says is true then Childers Road Reserve in Gisborne could be fast becoming the killing fields of old for visiting teams.
Yesterday Jennian Homes Team Gisborne beat the Blues 2-0 with a goal in each half.
"We just weren't clinical enough in front of the goal," Hastings lamented before the team boarded their vehicles back home, adding they created opportunities and possessed a lion's share of possession although Gisborne would disagree.
Poor individual decisions cost them goals.
"They are competitive like last year so it'll be hard to travel to beat them."
Gisborne coach Blake Mulrooney lauded the visitors as a side that was comfortable with the ball. "They push the ball between the boxes but it's what happens inside the boxes that matters," he said, adding the 1-0 lead flattered Gisborne a little.
Scorers: Gisborne 2 (Dave Ure, Corey Adams) Rovers 0. HT: 1-0.