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

Vicky Bryant, one of eight Surbiton players making their league debut, converted their first penalty corner and Emma Rowland-Jones’ drag-flick doubled their lead eight minutes later.

Surbiton’s Dulcie Davies made a superb save to thwart a penalty corner, while Dereham’s Jess Purser denied Alex Teasdale, Bryant, Abi Robinson, and Helen Grant.

Seven minutes into the second half, Molly Hanson Akins made it 3-0 with a quick reaction goal ffollowing Maddie Tait’s cross.

The Norfolk side were also making their national league bow having won last season’s East League, and they pulled one back through Helen Durrans’ penalty corner.

But Jessica Brooker, who scored 14 goals for Staines last season, wrapped things up for Surbiton with goals in the 62nd and 65th minutes.

Surbiton visit Harleston Magpies in Norfolk this Saturday (noon). Harleston lost 5-0 at Chelmsford last season.

Surbiton men’s 350th game in the national league was something of a disaster as they crashed 6-2 to Beeston in Nottingham.

At one stage Surbiton led 2-1 thanks to goals from new boy Tom Doran and James Ashcroft but their hopes of an opening day win were dashed as Beeston proved by far the bigger, stronger and more effective outfit.

Indeed, the margin of defeat would have been much greater but for a superb display by Surbiton goalkeeper Chris Bristow.

Surbiton head to Cheshire to face Bowdon this Saturday.

Wimbledon, coached by former GB star Ben Marsden, made a winning start to life in the national leagues, with a 2-1 victory over Sevenoaks thanks to goals from Dominic Graham and Tom Kavanagh.

Wimbledon host Bromley & Beckenham this Saturday (3.30pm).