Administrators' hopes the code's move from Corstorphine, and its return for the first time since 2007, would bring fans out of the woodwork were clearly met.
A good crowd on the sidelines of the three games was offered a feast of league as the seven-round season began.
While players were obviously rusty after the long lay-off, they soon warmed to the on-field task, with plenty of mud, blood and big hits as six teams faced off.
In the clash between University and the Kaikorai Silverbacks, both sides struggled to complete their sets, though willing defence was a factor.
The Silverbacks were the first to start stringing passes together and, playing with a strong wind behind them, they made the most of their possession to score three unanswered tries in the first half.
University, with plenty of players new to the game, got into gear in the second half.
The forwards peppered the line after Kaikorai struggled to handle a high ball from kick-off, finally breaking through for the team's first try.
University lock Tyler Schreurs worked hard all game, and the team should be better with some game time up its sleeve, but Kaikorai was a deserved 34-10 winner.
The South Pacific Raiders got a surprise from Pirates TE, which made the most of early running to skip one try ahead early.
The Raiders managed to find their rhythm as the game went on, and won a tight contest 28-24.
In the third game, the Harbour Hawks were too strong for Pirates MT and the score blew out to 60-18.
