New Brighton are arguably one of the favourites for promotion this season so it was to be an opportunity for a young Southport side to get a benchmark for the season ahead.

The first half proved a cagy affair with both sides being resolute in defence, it was an impressive performance by the home side up against a very fit and physical New Brighton side, half -time score 0-0.

The second half started in similar fashion and then Southport managed to punch through the New Brighton back line for the opening try of the game and a 7-0 lead.

The Southport score kicked New Brighton into action and their physicality started to show as the ran in 5 try's to eventually finish the game as winners 36-14.

The home crowd made up of passionate sponsors, ex players and rugby lovers applauded the effort from the home XV and the signs of a bright future for this young team.

The second XV travelled to Aldwinians nr Manchester for their opening game and a team made up of youth and experience suffered a 38-10 defeat to a good home team performance.

The third XV were at home to Moore RFC and a strong Southport team benefitting from home advantage ran out 55-0 winners in a flowing game of rugby.

Other results from the weekend saw Southport Ladies suffer a loss on the road at Bishop Auckland in a friendly ahead of their first league game next Sunday and Southport Colts started the season with defeat away to Widnes in a league encounter.

Next weekend fixtures
First XV away to De La Salle
Second No fixture
Third XV away to Sefton 3s

Sunday sees
Southport Colts home to Whitchurch 2pm KO Waterloo Road
Minis and Juniors host Wigan U7s-U11
U15 and U16 both at home to Aldwinian's and Vale of Lune respectively 11am KO's at Waterloo Road

DONT FORGET next weekend see start of the Rugby World Cup
Friday Sees France take on New Zealand in the opening game, bar and kitchen open from 7pm
Saturday sees England start their campaign against Argentina, bar and kitchen open from 6pm