Sussex's big two are off to a winning start in Powergen London One with a massive helping hand from their Kiwi connection.

Haywards Heath were 16-11 winners in the drizzle at Bishops Stortford as newly-signed New Zealanders grabbed all the points.

And Worthing held on for a 23-17 success at newly-promoted Barnes with Duncan Taylor, their centre from the South Island, making a massive contribution.

Both Sussex clubs now face a lay-off from league action. Worthing kick-off their Powergen Trophy campaign at home to Tabard next Saturday while Haywards Heath have a bye in the Intermediate Cup.

Heath coach Ian Davies was delighted with the spirit in his new-lookteam as they got off to winning start for the first time in three seasons.

Kurt Morath kicked three penalties and his brother Daniel provided the blindside punt which led to prop Nathan Bruce touching down after good follow-up work by Alex Meredith and Tom Gribble.

Davies said: "We could have scored a few more points if the conditions had been dry or we had more confidence.

"The new boys have fitted in well and (forwards coach) Mick Orton has done a lot of good work."

Heath's pack stood up to the task, repelling a couple of late driving lineouts by the hosts which could have snatched victory.

Meanwhile, Taylor made one try, scored another and kicked two penalties and a conversion as Worthing held on at Barnes.

Jon Firkin also got over and Ashric Don, a South African scrum half who turned up at the club during the summer looking for a game, produced a stunning pick-up and finish when used as a replacement wing.

Worthing were 23-0 up late in the first half but the hosts almost stole it at the end.

Jody Levett, part of a three-man Worthing coaching set-up, said: "It would have been slightly unfair if Barnes had snatched it but they will trouble a few teams in the winter months with the type of rugby they play."

The big two in the division got off to good starts, Richmond winning 60-21 at Tabard and London Scottish seeing off Old Albanian 29-3, but Canterbury's 30-0 win at Staines was just as ominous.

Injury-hit Lewes led 20-10 at Sevenoaks in their London Two South opener but were eventually beaten 53-27.

Matt Sole and, after a swift counter attack, Mike Rust scored early tries for Lewes and Rust struck again to level the scores at 27-27 in the second half.

Rumble kicked the rest of the Lewes points but their weakened pack was eventually overpowered.

East Grinstead skipper Matt Templeman is delighted with his team's start to the season.

They snatched a 16-15 win at Charlton Park in London Four South East as Simon Hawkins rounded off a training-ground move. Templeman, the Sussex lock, said: "We started well, let them back into it and then the boys did us proud in the last 20 minutes."

Matt Hoare landed the winning conversion from in front of the posts to go with three earlier penalties.

Newly-promoted Horsham got a tough introduction to regional league life as Hove won 57-17 at Coolhurst. The Hove backs proved decisive.

Rupert Pratt and Adam Phillips scored two tries apeice with Tom le MeHaute, James Finlason and John Hathaway also crossing.

Eastbourne went down 10-6 at home to Betteshanger.