Excelsior front rower Thomas Shields prepared to throw to a lineout during the game against Valley. PHOTO: HAYDEN MEIKLE
Defending champion Maheno and beaten finalist Old Boys have started the North Otago club rugby season with crushing wins.
Maheno showed no sign of second-season blues as it demolished fellow country club Kurow 57-8 at Maheno today.
Old Boys rolled to a 24-0 lead over Athletic Marist at halftime in Oamaru, and cruised to a 43-12 win.
At Weston, a bizarre game featured no fewer than nine yellow cards, and Excelsior upset Valley 39-32.