Fareham scored three goals either side of half-time, but their young and relatively inexperienced side was unable to hold on to its advantage against Exeter University seconds, who forced a 3-3 draw with two strikes of their own in the third quarter.
Nonetheless, it was a promising start by Fareham, whose main priority this term will be to retain National League West Conference status.
Exeter, who included recent Portsmouth Grammar School and FHC hit man Alex Beckett in their ranks, were a predictably well drilled and fit, contributed fully to a high tempo start and took a 21st minute lead through Jack Taylor.
But Fareham finished the second quarter strongly, with teen ace Fergus Jackson equalising and skipper Niall Stott giving them a 2-1 interval lead with a placed reverse stick shot.
It got even better for Fareham straight from the third quarter restart with former Winchester midfield man Kieran Molloy setting up Chris Davey to make it 3-1.
But Fareham were unable to hold on to their two-goal advantage as fine goals by Sam Hill and Will Tristem gave the west country students a share of the spoils – the final quarter providing plenty of action with hosts debutant Alex White and his Exeter opposite number making a series of fine saves to keep it to 3-3.
Chichester lost 3-0 to Bristol University, whom Fareham visit at Coombe Down on Sunday.