Senior teams recorded three out of four wins in the opening weekend of the 2024 season.

Our Premier Development and Premier teams were both at Varsity on Saturday which has proved an unhappy hunting ground in recent years, that was not to be the case this time around.

Our prems controlled much of the possession in the first spell and will have been disappointed not to convert it into more points.

The teams traded early penalties, while Harlyn Saunoa nabbed the first try of the season, in his premier debut, running over in the right corner.

Riley Harrison knocked over a penalty for our only scoring play in the second half, while Varsity got a seven pointer against the run of play. At 11-10 in the lead, and two periods of playing with only 14 men, the prems defended honourably to hold out a determined Varsity team. Two missed penalty attempts from the home team meant we were able to hold on for a narrow, but solid, victory.

It looked like the Premier Development were in for a tight tussle as well but their streaked away with six second half tries for a massive 49-22 win over Varsity. Jonathon Pearce and Caleb Nyantachi scored two tries apiece.

Our Under 21 Cannons opened their season at home and defended the Sir Wilson Whineray Challenge Cup against Papatoetoe 32-12. Jamie Doubleday live dup to his name with a double, while Sam Taukeiahi and Jake McCabe also crossed for five pointers.

Our Belles had a tough introduction to XVs, going down 0-73 to a Patumahoe side that would probably look comfortable in the premier grade. It was a hard start to the season but plenty to build on for an exciting squad.