North Midlands Under-18s were edged out 28-19 by Staffordshire in their opening match of the season at Hinckley in the first of three Super Sunday events.
Wing Levi Hughes (Herefordshire) and centre Benny Trimmer (Worcestershire) crossed for first half tries, both of them converted by fly-half Morgan Johnson of Shropshire.
Loosehead prop Jamie White (Worcestershire) went over for a third unconverted try after the break.
North Midlands will play East Midlands at the second Super Sunday event at Broadstreet RFC on December 3 and opponents to be decided in the third tournament, also at Broadstreet, on December 17.