Worthing opened the season with a 53-14 cup thrashing of Norwich to spark a double Sussex celebration.

Ben Coulson led the way with 18 first-half points as the Sussex Trophy holders breezed through the qualifying round of the Powergen Cup against higher division opponents.

Their reward is a home tie with Thanet this coming Saturday.

Norwich meanwhile are free to start the London One campaign at Haywards Heath, who are using the match as a chance to wine and dine their sponsors.

Paul Cox, Mike Imrie, Coulson, Danny Piggott, Adam Holloway and Paul Todd all scored first-half tries, with Coulson adding six conversions and a penalty as Worthing turned round 43-0 up.

Holloway and Tony Cruz crossed after the break.

Coach Ian Davies said: "It was fabulous. The first 40 minutes was the best I have ever seen us play.

"Now we have got to produce that every week."

Meanwhile, Chichester put up a fantastic effort in their Powergen Cup debut, going down just 30-25 away to a Southend team who play three divisions above them.

Chi travelled with just 15 men but were 18-0 up at one stage and prop Frank Corby said: "The only thing that won it for Southend was being able to bring on fresh legs. It was great to be part of a game like that."

New outside half Jack Smallman starred with two tries, two conversions and two penalties.

There was also a score from a lineout which Corby and skipper Ben Polhill are both claiming.

Crawley warmed up for a potential Four South East title bid by winning 17-14 at old rivals East Grinstead in a club match. Alistair Gillham, new skipper Rob Dowling and Alan Burge scored tries for the visitors.

Crowborough enjoyed a 27-26 warm-up win at home to Heathfield though it took a lucky bounce for Ian Adams to grab the first try.

Adams later scored another and set one up for Jon Elms. Warren Malherbe and skipper Mark Rosier also crossed.

Rugby returns to the Sports Argus on Saturday with a round-up of the summer moves and assessment of Sussex teams' chances in the new season.