The biggest shock was the home loss by Seven Sisters, semi-finalists of 1998, who were beaten 31-22 by Felinfoel, while the Welsh Districts Cup holders, Blackwood Stars, went to Laugharne and won 50-17.
Alltwen, under new player-coach Dean Morgan, held off Mountain Ash 16-13 and another new coach, former Wales skipper Kevin Phillips, was in charge of Newcastle Emlyn, who won 23-10 at Abercrave.
Bridgend Athletic registered the biggest away win, thrashing Swansea Uplands by 96-0 and a new-look Penygraig side beat Nelson 63-0.
The closest match was at Gwernyfed, where visitors Llandeilo drew 24-24, but won on try-count, while second-class club Trefil went through by 28-8 at Crymych.
South Wales Police returned to rugby after a season’s gap and they had to thank Justin Lott, who kicked three penalties, for their 9-8 win over Trinant at Waterton Cross.
Penarth kicked off at 4.15pm at home to Builth Wells, but they still fell by 48-17, though near-neighbours Old Penarthians beat Furnace Utd by 29-7 at Cwrt-y-Vil, including a try by new player-coach John Calderley.
North Wales club Wrexham strode forward after a good 17-6 win at Llanhilleth and Bala progressed only because Llangwm could not field a front row.
Ruthin went through with a fine 57-0 win at Bynea and Newtown were 42-22 winners at Canton.
Of the University sides, only Cardiff were winners, racing to a 32-5 success at Cefneithin.
