Champs bag 13 goals in opener

The visitors knew that it would be damage limitation and manager Richard Dawson and new assistant James Symonds set up with five at the back.

The early signs were encouraging but the defence was breached when Jay Carney burst clear and fired Carrington ahead.

Pond were working hard to keep a fantastic passing side at bay. Dan Barnes made a fine save from Damian Randall but Leon Hurles-Brook soon doubled the home side’s lead.

A third in off the post, a Kev Doran goal on debut and a deflected Randall shot meant it was 5-0 at the interval.

Wayne Allert ploughed a lone furrow up front for Pond and he got a consolation for the visitors in the second half, stroking home a Paul Taylor pass.

Andy Dawson’s ferocious strike was tipped wide but as Pond tired on the energy sapping 3G surface at Trinity Academy, the title favourites racked up another eight goals.

Mount Tabor were 3-1 home winners against promoted Top Club in the only other Premier game to take place.

Tabor took the lead with an early penalty, doubled their advantage with a header just before the interval and added a third after the break.

James Lord headed the Rastrick side’s first top flight goal in reply.

The Bowling Green versus Lee Mount contest was postponed at Mount’s request due to players at the Challenge Cup RL final.

Royd Club were the opening day’s most impressive winners in Division One, launching their season with an 8-0 win over Bradshaw.

Remi Allen scored four goals in a man of the match display while James Megson bagged two and Johnny Gibson and Kurtis Elder got the others.

Two goals from Allen separated the sides at the interval and although Royd have thrown away a similar advantage regularly in the past, this time they pulled well clear.

Gibson’s goal just after the break settled the nerves and one of Megson’s efforts was a wonderful free kick from the left.

Steve Hope played well at centre back but Rick Davidson had a quiet morning as Club registered their first clean sheet since October.

Last year’s Division Two champions Beehive and Crosskeys made an impressive start, winning 5-1 at home to Oddfellows in the section above.

The section’s most emphatic winners, however, were Royd Club who thrashed visitors Bradshaw 8-0.

Barge FC picked up a 2-1 victory against Hens Face.

Debutant Luke Johnson struck a 25 yard screamer with Graham Pugh also on the scoresheet.

Manager Matthew Bagshaw was particularly pleased with Barge’s defensive solidity. Jordan Parnell was their man of the match in central midfield.

Feathers and North Bridge were 3-1 winners against Ryburn Valley and Triangle respectively while Ovenden BCFC and Queens Head fought out a 3-3 derby draw.

After several season in the doldrums, Halifax Rangers could be a force to be reckoned with in Division Two after a 13-2 destruction of North Bridge Reserves.

Bridge never recovered after being blitzed by three goals in the first five minutes, last season’s top scorer David Oakes setting the ball rolling with a close range header.

Andy Bowe’s long throws were a constant threat and both Danny Tuck, who doubled the lead, and Dean Macdonald profited with headed goals.

Sam Parker robbed the ‘keeper to score after 12 minutes, and after a lull in the proceedings, he lashed in his second following a corner.

Macdonald scored at the second attempt for 6-0 and Oates had a penalty saved.

North Bridge tried to play football and were rewarded with a powerfully headed goal by Danny Gibson before the break.

Parker completed his hat-trick with a 47th minute penalty and Macdonald’s free header made it 8-1.

Parker ran onto sub Sean Byrne’s flick on to grab his fourth and Byrne, unlucky to only make the bench, responded by scoring four.

Kadam Tyler’s thunderous shot past ‘keeper Josh Ward accounted for Bridge’s second.

Top Club’s newly formed second string defeated newcomers Crown FC 5-2 in a Brighouse derby.

Siblings Wayne and Ryan Collins got on the scoresheet for Club, who started brightly.

A red card for goalkeeper Kristian Ellis and tiring legs saw Top Club win with a late flurry of goals.

Barry Nicholson and Jake Gibson both grabbed a brace with Nathan Stevenson also netting as Club surged to victory after trailing 2-1 with 12 minutes left.

Halifax Amateurs beat visitors King Cross Park with the only goal of the game while Weavers beat visitors Ovenden Phoenix by the odd goal in five.