MEN'S EAST LEAGUE: Following the disappointment of relegation last season, Dereham are looking to bounce straight back to Premier A and signalled their intent with a 6-0 win at local rivals Harleston Magpies II.

Stainthorpe and his brother Richard have rejoined Dereham this season after spells with both Ipswich and Harleston.

Dereham doubled their lead shortly before the break when a penalty flick was awarded and Michael Timm converted.

The second half was pretty much the same as the first, with Dereham dominating, and they eventually got the crucial third goal when Will Edwards found himself free in the D and slotted home. Edwards doubled his tally shortly afterwards, following up from a save.

Sam Plater then broke free down the left hand side and provided a pinpoint cross for Michael Timm to control the ball and hit a blistering shot past the Harleston keeper.

Timm was able to complete his hat-trick after older brother Mark had beaten a number of defenders and seen his shot saved.

Norwich City also made an excellent start to the new campaign, returning from City of Peterborough with a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

They started brightly and the home team were breached when Sibson found an unmarked Jim Pallister, who finished with aplomb. Norwich scored a second soon after when Chris Perry converted a penalty corner with consummate ease.

Norwich started the second half with the same intensity they had started the first and it was not long before Perry had fired in his second of the afternoon from another penalty corner. The visitors added their final goal from another short corner which saw Pallister slip the ball past the goalkeeper for Dave Skinner to apply the finishing touch.

In Division One the battle of the newly promoted teams ended with Dereham II battling back from 3-0 down to beat Felixstowe 5-4.

James Nash struck to reduce the arrears before the break and a devastating 15 minute spell then saw Dereham score four goals without reply through debutant Chris Vernon (2), Andy Howarth, Chris Vernon and Graeme Campbell.

Norwich Dragons got off to a flying start in Division 2NE when they won 5-3 at Cambridge City III, despite being without a number of regulars from their league winning team. Their goals were scored by Rupert Snelling (2), Jason Wolfe, Steve Woodward and Ben Miles.

Norwich City II were also celebrating after a 4-2 win over City of Peterborough II, thanks to goals from Chris Key, Adie Land and two late strikes from Matt Brine and Jake Vincent which secured victory.

Harleston Magpies III returned to regional hockey at Spalding and claimed a creditable 2-2 draw (Phil Cobbald, Matt Brand).

Thetford Town beat Sudbury 4-0 in Division 3NE (Thompson 2, Bloomer 2) while Harleston V went on a goal spree at Pelicans III, winning 19-0 with Roger Kent scoring six, George Moore five and Deben Nelson three.