CURRIE put down an early marker by burying Stirling County 58-5 in a nine-try avalanche at Malleny Park.
The home side have been guilty in recent seasons of failing to dash out the traps – but on this evidence, they could be the team to beat.
No fewer than eight players breached the visitors' defence, with Mike Vernell notching a brace.
County had still been in the hunt at the midway stage, but the hosts were clinical in their second-half finishing.
Melrose also showed a sense of urgency as they secured precious away bonus point in the 31-15 Borders showdown success at Mansfield Park.
Sam Pecqueur and Nyle Godsmark, new signings from Edinburgh Accies, both marked their debuts with tries.
The others came from Ally Miller and Joe Helps, who also landed a string of kicks.
Champions Heriot's claimed the Charity Shield with a tense 28-25 triumph over capital rivals Boroughmuir - the ideal warm up for league hostilities for both sides.
In an all-action encounter, the crowd were treated to an eight-try feast of running rugby, with the Goldenacre troops edging the verdict through superior kicking.
Liam Steele, Charlie Simpson and Ian Wilson bagged the Heriot's counters, with the pack also claiming a pushover effort.
Jordan Edmunds and Sean Crombie notched touchdown doubles for Muir in vain.
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