Surbiton made a dream start in their first-ever England Hockey League match, scoring in the second minute, leading to a comfortable 5-1 Conference East win over Dereham at Reed’s School.

The Norfolk based side, East League champions last season, fell behind as Vicky Bryant, one of eight Surbiton players making their league debut, sent the ball high into the goal from their first penalty corner.

Eight minutes later, an Emma Rowland-Jones drag-flick rebounded off the backboard, doubling Surbiton’s lead.

Both goalkeepers made important saves: Surbiton’s Dulcie Davies made a superb save to her right to thwart a penalty corner shot; and Dereham’s Jess Purser denied Alex Teasdale, Bryant, Abi Robinson, and Helen Grant.

Surbiton had to wait until seven minutes into the second half for their third goal, Molly Hanson Akins scoring a quick reaction goal from the centre of the circle following Maddie Tait’s cross from the right.

Dereham’s moment of glory came with nine minutes to play, as Helen Durrans converted their third penalty corner to score their first ever EHL goal.

Any hopes of a fairytale comeback were ended by Jessica Brooker, who having scored 14 goals for Staines in the Conference West last season, staked an early claim to be a front runner for this season’s Conference East top scorer title, clinically converting penalty corners in the 62nd and 65th minutes.

Surbiton travel to Norfolk to play Harleston Magpies on Saturday (25 September) push back 12 noon. Harleston lost 5-0 at Chelmsford, the early Conference East leaders.