There were two tries a piece for wings Dylan Williams, who picked up the man of the match award, and Dai Evans, while skipper James Leadbeater also chipped in with a score. Outside half Josh Prosser added six conversions.
Rumney, who finished as runners-up in Division 1 East Central last season, stayed in contention throughout and a late interception score made it three tries on their debut against the champions of two seasons ago.
Last season’s Division 1 East and Division 1 Cup winners Newbridge got their Championship campaign off to a flying start as they recovered from conceding an early try to Cross Keys wing James Smith to run out 39-28 victors over their near neighbours.
The home side led 22-7 at the break after picking up three tries and then motored home with two more touchdowns in the second half to bag the bonus point. Centre Josh Thomas grabbed two of the home tries and the others came from co-centre Johnny Paynter and half-backs Simon Veal and Matthew Davies.
Full back Robbie Turley converted three of the tries and kicked two penalties, while Eamonn Rees came off he bench to kick one conversion. Smith grabbed a second try for the visitors and former Dragons and Pontypool scrum half Dan Babos also scampered over.
A try at the death at least allowed Keys to travel the three miles home with something to show for their efforts. Wing Adam Tetley converted all four tries.
Another of the promoted teams, Brecon, kicked off in style as they beat last season’s Division 1 West outfit Newcastle Emlyn at home. Jake Newman chipped in with 15 points as he scored one of his side’s six tries and landed five conversions.
The other home tries came from Geraint Workman, Aneurin James, Ben Pritchard, Alwyn Lee and Osian Davies.
In the Championship West, last season’s Division 1 West champions Llangennech opened up with a 47-27 win at the home of another of the promoted sides, Crymych. Jordan Saunders crossed for two of their seven tries and Thomas Davies, Rhys Morgans, Liam Hutchings, Callum Harris and Joe Rees grabbed the others, while Osian Evans provided six conversions.
Narberth scrum half Lewys Gibby helped himself to a hat-trick of tries as the Otters went on the rampage against Trebanos. The home side scored nine tries in all, with skipper Tom Powell and Dean James both crossing twice.
Powell’s side led 26-13 at the break before adding 33 more points in the second half as they ran out 59-18 winners in the end. Josh Jones scored two tries for the visitors.
