Season starts with few upsets

GOOD DEBUT: Handed the first-five position for Border against Ratana, Jack Lupton tops the Tasman Tanning Premier points scorers list after week one, narrowly ahead of Kaierau's Ace Malo.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY 210315WCBRCRUG03

THE established order took a bit of a tumble in the opening round of the Tasman Tanning Premier club rugby competition with both 2014 grand finalists being beaten.

As rugby in March always springs a few surprises due to certain players not being available because of seasonal work or summer sports, plus the fact this year's campaign will be disjointed with double byes, a true reflection on the title contenders will likely not emerge for several weeks.

But after two seasons of disappointment, Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau will take their 38-24 upset victory over McCarthy's Contracting Ruapehu up at Rochfort Park with both hands.

Multiple time champions and Grand Hotel Challenge Shield/Paul Mitchell Cup holders in the past three years, Ruapehu have lost several players from that golden run, including midfielder Logan Vaughan, No 8 Pehira Huwyler, winger Robert Hughes and lock Sonny Woodmass.

Scoring five tries to four while veteran Ace Malo was on with his goalkicking for the visitors, Kaierau maintained their 17-5 advantage from halftime.

NZ Heartland Under 19 rep Kameli Kuruyabaki was the game's MVP.

PGG Wrightson/Ballance Taihape signalled their clear intentions for 2015 with a narrow 19-18 win over the defending champion Pirates at Memorial Park.

Taihape scored three tries to two, including one to their new pickup in former Super 12 player Glen Horton, after being behind 11-7 at halftime.

Their fellow Memorial Park tenants Utiku Old Boys will get their first run this coming Saturday as they face Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist, both teams had a double bye under the restructured premier draw.

In the senior competition, the new Ngamatapouri club made history in their first competition match since the 1960's, beating Marist Celtic 22-0 at home.

Six time defending champions Kelso Hunterville beat Utiku Old Boys 39-8, retaining the Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield.

One of the better games was at Waverley as Ratana worked up a thrilling 26-21 win over Border.