Just a couple of hours later, Kelly was a popular man after starring for Group 10 in their triumph over Group 11 and Castlereagh.

The Orange CYMS recruit lined up for his first representative fixture on a scorching day at Wellington and impressed in a Group 10 clean sweep for the open men.

Arriving with his new captain-coach Jack Buchanan, Kelly said his maiden games in the Central West blew a few cobwebs out.

"It was different, I really enjoyed it," he said.

"I only knew two blokes out here coming into it but we had a bit of fun."

Buchanan, Kelly and hooker Jack Nobes formed the Group 10 front row, all of whom will lineup for Orange CYMS this season.

The club's off-season recruitment has many believing they will be up near the top of the ladder in 2024 but Kelly was just happy to start to form a partnership with his new teammates.

"I've known Jack Buchanan for a long time," he said.

"I got to play alongside Jack Nobes as well so it was good to get a run around with them before the season starts."

Group 10 opened their day against Group 11 with all three open matches consisting of 20-minute halves.

Taking on their rivals, Ratu Roko scored the lone try for Group 11 as David West, Nick Booth and Riley Cheshire grabbed tries in the 16-6 win.

Following the match, Group 10 had 20 minutes before taking on Castlereagh and spent a lot of that time recovering.

"It was good, it was hot for everyone," Kelly said of the day.

"We were a bit clunky but it was good to have a runaround."

Elias Dukes scored a double in Group 10's win over Castlereagh which was also 16-6 as Kelly scored a try of his own.

In the final match of the day, Castlereagh opted to not wait 20 minutes to take on Group 11.

Instead, the sides played just one 20-minute half which Group 11 won 12-0.

Western Rams coach Kurt Hancock was in attendance at Kennard Park and his side for the Country Championships should be named in the coming weeks.