Former Caledonia and Scotland player Davie Stewart is another new signing. Even so, Solihull, after two consecutive promotions, proved too strong in their Division Three clash at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, winning 18-10. Powell (6), Elliot (4) and Farkas (4).
In the same division, James Hadlow notched six goals in Hucknall's 14-10 victory over South Derbyshire.
Basildon led three times against York City in Division Four but eventually went down 11-10 when Toomey claimed a York winner with 46 seconds remaining. Castleford hammered 2nd City Birmingham 23-4 in Division Five, including nine goals by Franks. Invicta Marlins finished the stronger side against Dover, winning 15-8.