NEWLY promoted Newton Abbot Spurs 2nds did not get the welcome they wanted on the SDFL opening weekend, writes Alastair Muirden.

They lost 4-1 away at Waldon Athletic with the Clarets setting the pace and reminding the visitors of their new challenge.

Herald Cup winners Newton Abbot 66 fared better, beating Elburton Villa 2nds thanks to goals from Liam Ashwell.

Buckfastleigh Rangers also got their season up and running with a 2-1 home win in the first A38 derby of the season against Chudleigh Athletic, a result that will give new manager Sean Hawkins confidence that he can get the best out of a good team.

Dropping down to Division One and Newton Abbot Spurs 3rds had a great first day at the new level, Devon Webb and Louis Green finding the back of the net to earn them a 3-0 win over a strong Watcombe side.

The other promoted team, Bovey Tracey, also got off to a winning start. 2-1 was the score in their favour over Watts Blake Bearne as the Moorlanders look to settle following a change of management.

In Division Two, James Houghton was the star of the show for Babbacombe Corries enjoyed their biggest win in years as they trounced Ipplepen Athletic 2nds 8-0, Houghton scoring six of these.

Spencer Artz got the other 2 goals to give Corries a perfect start in this division following relegation last term. The shock result at that level must have been at Halford where promoted Liverton Utd lost 3 – 2 to relegated Upton Athletic, goals from Kofi Shaw (two) and Nathen Crook won the points for the Torquay-based side.

To Division Three now and the joint highest scorers of the day were Kingsteignton Athletic 2nds who put 11 goals past Paignton Saints 3rds to record a perfect start for the newly promoted Rams.

Chris Barnett and Ashley Heyworth both hit hat tricks with singles from Tom Reeves, James Perrins, Steven Payne and Luke Mannuel. Ashburton, who are also looking to go one better this season after missing out by a point last term, had a perfect start, winning 7-0 at home against the 66 2nds. Brandon Hext, Derek Cartmill, James Morris, Adesewa Otomoso and Kameron Pouladdej all found the back of the net.

The final victorious team in Div 3 was Liverton Utd who made the journey to Elburton Villa 3rds and came away with a 2 – 1 win, alongside whom they were promoted at the end of last year.

Just two games were played in Division Four on the opening day with both pre-season favourites Broadhempston Utd and Teign Village winning by 2 goals to nil over Waldon Athletic 3rds and Chudleigh Athletic 3rds respectively.

For their 3-0 win at a new level, Newton Abbot Spurs 3rds are the SDFL team of the week.