Haywards Heath are learning their league lessons the hard way.

And skipper Henry Goodburn is convinced an opening day defeat in the new ultra-competitive London Two South can be turned to their advantage as they enjoy life as the county's standard bearers.

The Whitemans Green outfit will be backing their brand of running rugby to see them through arguably the most demanding league season ever faced by a Sussex side.

Life in the new streamlined Two South could not have got off to a more frustrating start as they wasted countless chances on their way to a 22-19 reverse at relegated Old Midwhitfgiftians.

Now Goodburn, who will be out injured until the New Year, is challenging his reinforced squad to come bouncing back. He said: "This is going to be a very different league to previous years.

"All the teams in the division are evenly matched and the players recognise that from last Saturday.

"It is always difficult to start with an away game and it will take us time to gel, but we know we should have won up there."

There are six new names in the Heath squad, though only Dorset & Wilts centre Tom Dowdall made a his debut at Mids, operating at full back in place of the injured Andrew Cook.

Australian full back Joel Teasdel, Loughborough University centre James Roberts, Ditchling scrum half Will Harrison and Bristol University lock Grant Bulstrode have all committed themselves to the red and blacks.

But the most intriguing arrival has to be that of Gordon Denslow, who has relinquished both the captaincy and an assured first team place at Lewes and opted to challenge Nick Killick for the No.2 shirt at Heath.

The two were already rivals for the hooker's slot in the Sussex squad, with Killick generally getting the nod.

But, after years of leading Lewes's efforts to topple Heath as the top team in the county, he has moved north to Whitemans Green and was on the bench for their league opener.

Other squad movements at Heath see former colts Tom Hills and Glen Rankin return, along with county duo Dave Atkin and Alex Meredith.

Meanwhile, young hooker Huw Jenkins is heading to Swansea University.

Goodburn, who is sidelined by a hand injury and also a troublesome back, said: "It's completely different watching a game and trying to have some sort of input. When you are on the park you can give more encouragement, but hopefully I'll be running and doing some fitness work soon."

After that early wake-up call, Heath were highly impressive as they powered in 39-10 away to division one outfit Guildford and Godalming in the cup last week.

There is no reason why they cannot do Sussex proud in the new-look league.