PINNER and Grammarians RFC began the season with a well-deserved 34-22 home victory over neighbouring Northolt.

To win this Herts and Middlesex Division Three (North) opener, Pinner knew they would have to combat Northolt's notoriously heavy pack and strike runners from close quarters.

An influx of new faces, and the welcome return of Warren Woad form injury, gave the home side early impetus , with Ashley Fyson going over for the opening try.The momentum continued as Pinner matched Northolt in the scrum and did not miss a tackle Throughout the first half, Northolt used the wind and kicked for territory. However, new full-back David Lane made a mockery of this tactic by scything through the Northolt defence to set brother Malcolm up for his first score of the match.

Northolt came at Pinner relentlessly, but centre pairing Wayne Green and Damian Wright manfully withstood the pressure. However from a scrum in Pinner's twenty-two shortly before half time Northolt used their weight and went over the try line for their first score.

The second half saw more of the same with Ashley Fyson running in a further try, followed by two more from Malcolm Lane. Wayne Geen converted three tries to seal the win.

To join Pinner call 07885 466473, or visit www.pinner-rugby-club.co.uk for more information Harrow also kicked off their London Division Four (North West) campaign with a victory, running out 24-5 winners against visiting Datchworth.

Despite going behind to an early try, Harrow's defence remained composed and limited the defecit to 0-5 at the break.

Surprisingly, Harrow struggled in the lineout but were more powerful in the scrums and this was the key to the win.

Jurialus Sihaloho had a promising game at prop and young second row Daniel Wiedemann-Macia formed a useful unit with old head Dave Maskell in the boiler house.

The second half was a personal triumph for captain Colin Gillan. He got Harrow on the board with a penalty on 45 minutes and two minutes later, put Harrow in front with the conversion of a try under the posts by Greg Nowak.

From 10-3 up it seemed Harrow would ease home but the visitors showed great spirit in holding their line. Gradually Harrow's greater power took control and errors increased from Datchworth.

Gillan then took two chances for tries in the closing minutes to seal the win..He added conversions to both, finishing with 19 points.

To cap an impressive opening week for Harrow sides, Wealdstone 2nds coasted to an impressive 17-0 victory against Belsize Park 2nds.

Wealdstone, champions of North Middlesex and West Herts Merit Table Division Three, eased past the champions of Division Two (North) to start the season with a bang.

However, it took 20 minutes before they turned possession into points.

Dave McKenzie, having a great game as blindside flanker, picked up the ball at the back of the ruck to dive over for the home side's first try of the match.

Wealdstone piled the pressure on Belsize. After a mistake by Belsize's backs, James Rourke got his hands on the ball and sprinted off to score a try under the posts. Darren Griffin duly converted.

Belsize put up a better fight in the second period, defending their line for most of the half. Substitute Sean showed great control to seize the ball from a scrum against the head before diving over for a great try. Akin Okeshola spooned the conversion.

This was a great start to the season for Wealdstone, who compete in Division 2 West this year.

Wealdstone 1sts started the season with aplomb, beating Old Streetonians 45-5. Wealdstone 1st and 3rd teams play at home (Bannister's Sports centre) next week. Anyone interested in playing for or supporting Wealdstone should contact Darren Griffin on 078 1111 7514 or darrengrl@hotmail.com.