Northern Fury have claimed the inaugural Frank Farina Shield at Townsville Sports Reserve on Saturday despite being held to a 1-1 draw by the visiting FNQ FC Heat in the season opening North Queensland Derby.

Heat opened scoring late in the first half courtesy of star signing Alex Smith before Fury levelled terms in the second stanze through Kevin Fraser.

The Frank Farina Shield, which is awarded based on combined National Premier Leagues results from Saturday's junior and senior fixtures, was ultimately claimed by the hosts 15-9.

It didn’t detract from the intensity of the main game though, as the rivals took to the field in typically tropical conditions at Townsville Sports Reserve, with the crowd bolstered by a large contingent of travelling Heat supporters.

Heat saw the better of the play in the opening stanza, but as Ian Ferguson’s young Fury side, which includes 13 players under the age of 22, settled into the contest as they found their rhythm and passing game.

Chances fell for both teams in the opening exchanges, before star Heat recruit Alex Smith broke the deadlock just prior to the half-time break with a stinging long range effort from 25 yards.

Fury returned with intensity in the second half and, following some solid attacking passages, Kevin Fraser levelled terms in the 67^th minute for the hosts when he took advantage of confusion in the Heat defence.

The derby atmosphere reached fever pitch with a fast football producing chances at both ends of the pitch.

Fury spurned chances to seal the result, seeing a shot cannon off the post and another gilt-edged one-on-one opportunity failing to find the target.

At the other end, Fury goalkeeper Dylan Hudson stood tall through some anxious moments, while the defensive line chipped in with some telling interventions.

Earlier in the day, Fury’s Under 20’s women sealed the Frank Farina Shield for the Townsville club with a 5-4 victory.