It was the first chance participants had to play on a natural surface after two days of matches on artificial turf pitches, following three days of rain leading up to the five-day competition.
Convener Graeme Buttar, of Cromwell, said being on Molyneux Park as originally intended was even sweeter yesterday as it was one of the few times all seven matches had taken place at the same ground in the tournament's history.
Buttar's uncle and Molyneux Park groundsman Colin Buttar spent 12 to 14-hour days prior to the tournament making sure the park's seven pitches were in top condition.
Preparation involved sowing grass, removing weeds, rolling the grass and mowing it every second day, including Christmas Day.
Yesterday, Buttar was at the park from 6am making final preparations before the first match sessions began at 10.15am.
Each day, seven matches of three sessions are played.
The tournament comprises 14 teams representing the top year 7 and 8 cricketers from around the South Island.
It will conclude with a prizegiving on Friday and the announcement of the Otago side, which will be selected during the week.
