Centre Austin Jones led the way with four tries as Hove made a great start to their promotion bid.

A midsummer league re-jig led to Hove going down into Sussex One, despite finishing clear of what was believed to be the relegation zone last season.

They opened the new campaign with a 98-12 home demolition of Pulborough, helped by three tries from new skipper James Finlason.

Front row man Pete Allen said: "We should be thinking about promotion this season although you can't under-estimate teams."

Burgess Hill were also on song with a 19-12 home win over last season's runners-up Hastings and Bexhill.

Heathfield had a solid 43-8 home win over promoted Norfolk Arms, helped by two tries from winger Sam Thewlis on his league debut.

Further scores came from Will Stutchbury, Rob Streeter, Julian Wates, Guy Woods and Chris Watton with 18-year-old centre Matt Skinner converting four.

Horsham maintained their long unbeaten record in home games with Seaford, thanks to two tries from Welsh winger Otto Carlisle.

Craig Ronaldson also crossed with Tom Wright adding a conversion and a drop goal for a 20-11 win but coach Andy Smith admitted: "There were a few first game nerves."

Seaford felt they could have won the game. Simon Baker kicked two first half penalties before Ben Cox beat a series of tackles to give his side a shortlived lead in spectacular style.

Crowborough beat Rye 41-5 with Warren Malherbe, Ben Blair and Stuart Walters scoring first-half tries to set them on their way.

Blair and Malherbe completed doubles after the break with Matt Usher and the hard-working Damien Hayes also scoring. Usher added three conversions.

Old Brightonians' backs were in great form as they beat Hellingly 71-5 in Sussex Two. Adam Phillips, Seb Akillian, Sam Howse, Paul Atkins, Tom Howell and Dougie Edmonds helped rattle up a big margin though some of these are now due to return to university.

Newick came from 7-5 down at the break to win 27-22 at Sussex Police, thanks to a super display from the pack.

Adam Wrench scored two tries with Kevin Byrne, Dan Childs and Jason Luck also going over. Byrne added a conversion.

Royal and Sun Alliance lost the try count 2-1 but beat St Francis 13-12 as Dan Carter crossed and Peter Long added the conversion and two penalties.

Ditchling opened the Sussex Three campaign with a 34-3 win at Barns Green as the pack established a formidable platform.

Tim Jones completed a hat-trick of tries with further scores for Laurence Woolard, Steve Yardley and Nick Maslen.

Plumpton beat Arun 53-10 and Robertsbridge were 20-12 victors at home to Shoreham.