There were fine victories for Stevenage Town and Datchworth as they hit the ground running in the London Three North West. The Stags of Stevenage Town, sponsored by Hill Residential, cruised to a 40-15 win at Hampstead. It took just five minutes for Jorda

There were fine victories for Stevenage Town and Datchworth as they hit the ground running in the London Three North West.

The Stags of Stevenage Town, sponsored by Hill Residential, cruised to a 40-15 win at Hampstead.

It took just five minutes for Jordan Ross, playing out of position on the wing, to cross for the first try following a move out wide.

Town kept up the pressure and were rewarded by a carbon copy try by Ross.

Another ambitious running move saw Ian Crompton score his first try, skinning the Hampstead defence.

Stags eased off and allowed their opponents back into the game. Hampstead took full advantage and a penalty was followed by a converted try with the defence caught napping.

Stags replied with another Crompton try which was converted by new fly-half Stuart McReynolds to increase his personal tally to four conversions and the lead to 18 points.

Hampstead had the last say of the half by picking up an opportunistic try as Stags were reduced to 14 men by Gareth Roberts' sin binning to end the half 28-15 down.

Straight from the restart, there was a double sin binning for Kris Foskett and Richard Penny, joining the previously incarcerated Roberts.

Reduced to a dozen men, captain Neil Bamber inspired his side to a steely tight defence as Hampstead tried to use their numerical advantage.

Having served his 10 minutes, Roberts was determined to atone for his sins and quickly punished Hampstead with a well-worked try through the forwards, converted by McReynolds.

After returning their numbers to the full contingent of 15, Stags gave Roberts an opportunity to seal the game.

Town are at home to Enfield this Saturday (3pm ko at North Road).

Datchworth began by beating fellow promoted side London New Zealand 17-14 at home.

Head coach Mark Pittaccio said: "While we are clearly pleased to get the season off to a winning start, we will have to improve our execution in all parts of the game if we are to compete in this league."

Ian Reid picked up the man of the match award with a superb display at openside flanker. And 17-year-old centre Tom Nesbitt also went well in his first senior outing.

Playing with the slope first half, Richie Howells slotted over a penalty opportunity.

Datchworth soon added a try to their account. Matt Francis fed the ball to prop Allan Leggetter at pace and there was no stopping the big man from that range. Howells was unsuccessful with the relatively easy convertion.

London New Zealand soon scored a try of their own but Datchworth came back and added a further two penalties before the interval.

Now playing up the slope, Datchworth showed mettle.

The Kiwis were guilty of poor discipline and saw two players yellow carded for late challenges. Datchworth were only able to add three points from the boot of Howells for all their pressure.

With around 10 minutes remaining, the London New Zealand outside centre ran the full length of the pitch to touch down for a converted try.

Full-back Alun Thomas tried to add three points with a drop goal from 35 yards out. Sweetly struck, it scraped the outside of the post and went dead.

Datchworth travel to Imperial Medicals this Saturday.