NEWTON Ladies got their campaign in the Bristol & West League off to a rousing start with a 13-2 win over Bath University.

Having lost the corresponding match last season, Newton travelled with a full squad and eager to make an early impression. They certainly did that.

Captain Faye Drinkwater opened the scoring after 42 seconds. Laura Shears added two and Drinkwater added a fourth before the end of the first quarter.

Bath pulled a goal back in the second quarter, but Newton responded with goals from Anita Holmes and three from Shears.

Newton were a little subdued in the third quarter as they had players on final warnings who needed to stay out of trouble.

Strong defence – something coach Phil Shears has been working on – kept the student side at bay.

Holmes and Shears (2) put Newton over the horizon before Bath scored a late consolation goal.

Newton Men followed the ladies into the pool for a Division Two match and emerged four quarters later with a hard-earned 13-9 win.

It was tit for tat in the first quarter with Jason Quiterio and Phil Shears netting two each in a 4-4 scoreline.

Ding-dong it went up to half time, which arrived with the scores still level, only now at 8-8. Youngsters Rob Harvey, T McWhat, Jon Trist and Jack Beer all scored goals.

The third quarter was a quiet one. Newton's aim was to wear down the students then attack them in the fourth.

Bath's energy seemed to drop in the last quarter. With a 12-strong squad making the most of every opportunity, and Ben Davis performing heroics in goal, Newton went 13-9 up.

Overall, a great start to the new season for Newton Abbot, who are sporting new t-shirts sponsored by Lazerpics.

The next challenge is to maintain the winning form away to Cardiff-based UWIC on March 14.

NEWTON ABBOT ladies beat Paignton 15-3 at Clennon Valley with Laura Shears (8), Jess Shears (3), Faye Drinkwater (2), Laura Trist and Amber James on the scoresheet.