Leading 5-0 at the interval thanks to a Dom Lespierre try after only five minutes, OEs scored a further four tries after the break through Max Wilkins, Chris Surman and two from Renford Bennett .

In the lunchtime kick-off, a hat-trick of tries from England Counties Under-20s scrum-half Will Luxford helped the Extra 1st XV romp to an emphatic 52-14 win over Old Colfeians 1st XV.

The visitors’ big, well drilled set of forwards caused problems early on, while the Extras looked dangerous whenever they moved the ball around with centre Rob White and full-back Bryan Hotston in impressive form.

Once White had opened his account for the season after only five minutes with a straight run to the posts, OEs always looked to be in control, opening up a 35-7 lead at the interval thanks to further scores from Luxford (2), Chris Surman and Ducky Fordham, Tom White kicking all five conversions.

The visitors struck back after the restart with a well-worked try under the posts and enjoyed their best passage of the game for the opening 15 minutes of the half. But as their big pack began to tire, so Elthamians started to cut loose resulting in further scores from Hotston, Luxford and Charlie Nagel.

Then on Sunday, OEs Women warmed up for their first ever season of league rugby with a comprehensive 61-0 defeat of Basingstoke at College Meadow.