Fresh off lifting the Evans Cup for winning the quick fire Friday night round of Manawatu Colts rugby, St Johns Club Whanganui Metro have made a solid start to the Saturday competition proper.

Metro were unbeaten in the Friday competition, a new concept where teams play two 40-minute matches under lights each week.

The Whanganui side beat Feilding Yellows 10-7 in the final and co-coach Carl Gibson said it was a great confidence boost ahead of the Saturday format which began on the weekend.

Metro continued their winning ways in round 1 with a 28-18 win over Marist in Palmerston North.

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Gibson said it was a good effort from his side given they were several players short which limited their reserves.

"The boys battled and we had a good win. That was a very good effort from the boys who were able to make it."

Metro were limited in what they could do creatively but Gibson said they adapted well.

"Because it was wet it became quite a battle up front and it was a bit scrappy.

"But very strong defensively and the boys were committed."

Metro now have two weeks off with a bye next week and no rugby on Queen's Birthday weekend before they face rivals and competition heavyweights Massey White.

"We've got them and Feilding in a row," Gibson said.

It will be an important fortnight and with only one round in this year's Saturday competition Metro will have no second chances as they aim to go one better and win a maiden title in their third year after finishing third in 2016 and second in 2017.