Tottonians were given a torrid time by a vastly improved Old Wimbledonians side 51-0 and are still looking for win number one in London Three South-West.
A late arrival did not help Miles Northover's side and they were still preparing themselves for the game when they were clobbered with a 27-point salvo inside the opening quarter.
But they clawed their way back into the match and played some attractive rugby without breaking the stubborn resistance of the Surrey side's defence. "They have been transformed from last season," said Northover. "But some of the rugby we played was better, much better.
"We had all the territory and possession in the second half and had it not been for the shock of the opening quarter, we could have been still in the game. They were a good side though."
In Hampshire League Division 1, New Milton & District's clubhouse opening parade was ruined by another trouncing by Guernsey as they handed the Foresters a second successive 30-point thrashing, this time running out 37-7 winners.
An 18-point haul from Isle of Wight full-back Andy White sent Fawley spiralling to the foot of the table as the difference in the two promoted sides showed clearly - the unbeaten champions dumping the second-placed side 33-5.
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