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Pukekohe began life in the Coleman Shield Premier Women’s club competition in Auckland with a narrow 21-12 loss to College Rifles at Colin Lawrie Fields.

It was an encouraging performance despite the loss for the side, which has only come together this off-season.

College Rifles are a highly rated opponent and the Pukekohe side managed to stay with them throughout.

“Overall we were really happy with our first game,” said Pukekohe coach Azania Watene.

“We didn’t know much about the Rifles women considering they had a number of debutants and we hadn’t played a pre-season game.

“It was great to see our girls putting together our policy and aiming to fix what wasn’t working on the field as a group.

“There was a lot of heart, many learnings and a solid 80 minute performance.”

Captain and Counties Energy Heat lock Rebecca Burch was singled out as a stand-out performer.

Papakura found life a bit tougher, going down to an impressive North Shore side 69-20 at Vauxhall Sportsfields.

Manurewa picked up a win by default over Grammar TEC.