It's tough at the top, as Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau A1 discovered in their opening match of the champion's Super League yesterday.
In their first game of 2013, last year's Wanganui Premier One winners were hustled out of contention by Taranaki's Raukura, who took a comfortable 47-25 win.
With talltimber in both their shooting circle and especially on defence, Raukura pounced on much of Kaierau's pop and lob passes through the midcourt, limiting their attacking options.
Kaierau's shooters Melissa Crothers and captain Rachel Lynch often had to come out of the circle to try and create some more passing options.
At the other end, Kylie Stewart and Rebecca Mathews had their hands full trying to stem the tide.
Down 34-16 at halftime, the home team found some rhythm in the third quarter, winning it by a point, before Raukura reasserted themselves throughout most of the final stanza. "The first hit out is always going to be a struggle," said Lynch afterwards.
"First quarter we lost a bit of momentum there.
"It's hard with a [Raukura] goal keep who's tall like that."
The teamhas a bit of homework to do ahead of the big test this coming weekend in Hawera.
Playing at the TSB Hub complex, all six invited Super League teams from Wanganui, Taranaki, Manawatu and Horowhenua will have to play four matches across Saturday and Sunday.
