BOTH clubs promoted to division one of the John Smith's Sunday League celebrated their new status with opening day victories.

The highlight was Selby Olympia WMC's 2-0 win over champions Nestl Rowntree.

In a game of few chances the deadlock was finally broken in the 75th minute when Chris Harkin hooked the ball over the advancing goalkeeper. Ten minutes later, John Ginty slotted home from close range to secure the points.

Derwent United stormed to a 3-0 half-time lead through Hazell, Thornton and Barker against Acomb WMC. Boyes added a fourth before Cooper and Teale netted for the visitors.

Marcia, last season's runners-up, showed they will be a force to be reckoned with after demolishing New Earswick 10-1, with Kieran Darlow scoring four. Jackson hit a hat-trick as Hounds beat Ainsty Panthers 4-2 and Pocklington won 2-1 at Volunteers, thanks to goals from Whitehead and O'Connor.

Wigginton Grasshoppers started this season in division two where they left off last in division three with a thumping 6-1 win over York Nomads, Tom Coates and Jamie Seal each scoring twice.

Blacksmith's Arms won against neighbours Shipton courtesy of three second-half goals from Hinds (2) and Heels. Nestl Flag took a two-goal lead through O'Donnell and Ross against Bridge, but a tremendous fightback saw the home side share the points with goals from Dean and Brown.

Clarke scored twice as Five Lions beat Deramore Arms 3-2 and a single strike from Hoy saw Thorpe defeat FC Magnet.

In division three, Haxby Lions opened their account with a 5-1 win over Burnholme SC courtesy of goals from Foy (2), Worden, Jeffrey and Ferguson.

Turpin took a 3-0 half-time lead against Fulford through Cross (2) and Colley. Fulford pulled a couple back through Thompson and Joe Smart, only for Cross to complete his hat-trick and Bastock to add another in a 5-2 win.

Allison also hit three as Boot and Slipper beat Volunteer Arms Reserves 5-2. Inland Revenue won 6-5 in a remarkable game at Inland Revenue and a late Phillips goal Phillips earned St Clements WMC a 2-2 draw at Hemingbrough.

Copmanthorpe started life in division four with a resounding 6-1 win at Acomb Celtic, Dave Robinson scoring twice. Paul Hughes also netted two goals as Barlby beat Kings Arms 4-0.

Shoulder of Mutton took a 2-0 lead through Watkinson and Barnes at Raskelf, but the home side rallied to win 4-3. Dodgson scored twice as Real Way Station FC earned a point with a 3-3 draw at Hambleton.

Beeswing started their campaign with a 4-2 win at The Plough, courtesy of goals from Bullivant, Scott (pen), Norman and Burton.

In division five, Burton Stone started with a resounding 8-3 win over Poppleton Road WMC. The highlights included two 25-yard strikes from Ian Rudd, who was denied a hat-trick by the woodwork. James netted all three Poppleton goals.

Ryan Chadwick also hit a hat-trick as Selby Olympia Reserves won 4-3 at Wilberfoss. Black Swan opened with a 7-2 win over Castle Howard Ox as Thomas and Peach each scored twice.

Nicholls hit three goals as Britannia beat Kingsway Riders 5-2 and Gipsy Moth started with a 4-2 home win over Rumours, Joe Smith scoring twice.

Skelton continued their good start with a 4-0 win over Edinburgh Arms in division six, Neil and Chris Holmes netting two goals each.

John Kennely, Ian Hufton and David Maud were the scorers as Green Vale Rangers began their Sunday League life with a 3-2 win over another new club, Firkin 103.

Lee Ward (2) and Andy White (2) were on target as Albion Vaults beat CPP 4-1. Driscoll and Thornton gave Wanderers a 2-1 win at F1 Racing.

Updated: 11:39 Friday, September 12, 2003