The Eastern Northern Barbarians beat Star 37-22 in the premier grade game.
Barbarians coach Bretton Taylor said it was a really good day for club football.
"The big crowd provided an atmosphere, the teams had excellent support and the clubrooms were chocker."
Star had won both of their games this season and started this match confidently by scoring three unconverted tries in the first 20 minutes.
The locals stayed in the fight and clawed their way back to lead 24-15 at halftime.
Taylor was happy to see his side finish the game best and get the maximum five competition points for the second week in a row.
"Our first 20 minutes was a bit slow but the last 60 was really pleasing. Our set piece functioned well, it was a good platform for a good team performance."
Stags prop Morgan Mitchell excelled again, lock Woody Kirkwood led a good lineout, loose forwards Caine Taylor and Leroy Ferguson continued their top form, while midfielders Ryan McFaul and Vitale Roqica and fullback Ben McCarthy were best of the backs.
Star coach Brayden Mitchell said his boys played really well in the first 20 minutes.
"We were on the front foot, but then we were not that smart, we tried to play in the wrong areas and they shut us down."
The division one competition features seven teams aiming for the Ack Soper Shield.
In round two on Saturday, the Waikaka Riversdale Vikings earned their first win by beating Albion 51-14.
Te Anau had the bye in round one and got their season under way when they hosted Edendale on Saturday.
Edendale scored five tries on their way to win 37-22.
Edendale’s best were captain Matt Ward at lock, fullback Hunter Richards on debut and first five Bram Fodie in his 150th game.
This was Edendale’s second bonus point win after beating Tokanui in round one.
Tokanui had home-ground advantage on Friday night over Pioneer but the visitors won 28-22 after leading 20-12 at halftime.
In division two, Mataura bounced back from a heavy loss to Riverton in round one to beat Collegiate 29-22.
In the women’s competition, Albion beat Midlands 24-5 at the showgrounds, while across town, at Newman Park, the Pioneer girls lost 29-5 to Wakatipu.
By John Langford
