The Tai Mitchell Rugby Tournament, which is the symbol of Bay of Plenty Primary Schools Rugby superiority, has kicked off in Edgecumbe.

The tournament, which dates back to 1938, brings together all the young rising stars of Bay of Plenty Rugby, in an annual regional tournament. Early attention will focus on defending champions Tauranga West who defeated Tauranga East 13-10 in the 2010 Tai Mitchell Final.

The first game of the 2011 Tai Mitchell tournament saw the defending champions defeated. Rotorua Maroon laid down the gauntlet to the other contenders when they squeezed past 2010 titleholders Tauranga West 24-19.

Another close game on the opening day of competition, was the match-up between Tauranga East and hosts Rangitaiki. The 15-7 win to Tauranga East, who were the tournament runner-up last year, reflected a game that went down to the final whistle.

Opotiki and Galatea were involved in a match where both teams displayed good skills, with the Eastern Bay side taking out the encounter 36-17. Both Te Puke and Whakatane posting big scores on their way to dominant victories over Apanui and Rotorua Gold respectively.