Grading games are always needed with teams changing shape and personnel changing from last season.
The season began on Saturday.
The opening games in the MLT premier competition had a new look after defending champions Ex High could not field a team this year because of a lack of numbers.
St Mary’s had a 39-19 victory over St Peter’s College in A grade while Māruawai College defeated Pioneer Red 25-19.
In the other game, Wyndham beat Knapdale 40-25.
St Mary’s was always ahead in its game, leading 21-9 at halftime.
The game between Māruawai and Pioneer Red was a lot closer.
Māruawai were up by just one goal at the halftime break, 13-12.
Māruawai scored seven goals to three in the third quarter which was the key to its victory.
Wyndham, which has some new players this year, was ahead 18-12 at halftime and then pulled away.
This Saturday, Pioneer Red takes on Wyndham, St Mary’s A will play Māruawai and St Peter’s will face Knapdale.
