Southampton are off and running in London Division Four South-West with an excellent home victory over highly-fancied Old Emanuel, courtesy of an all-round positive team effort.

The 13-8 scoreline reflects the closeness of the contest throughout. But skipper Tony Cador was full of praise for his side, especially the back line of Martyn Sheridan, new signing from Winchester Ben Sadowski and centre partner James Wolfe who did not allow a way through.

It was their home form that kept Southampton in the division last season and that could be the key again this season given their sheer determination they showed in this result that saw winger Julian Robins and Cador himself cross in the second half.

"There was no way we would lose this game," said an elated Cador, "Emanuel's could not buy a way through us today. This maintains our winning home record and is a good early win in the league," he continued.

It moves them into a crowd of six teams all with a single win to their name from two matches.

However, the only side without a point are Romsey, who are finding that after promotion comes the realisation of hard graft and they are discovering life in London Four South-West far from a comfort zone.

They were blown away in a Dorking second half storm having held the relegated Surrey side 3-3 at the break and are now alone at the foot of the table, a point behind the side they play next week, Petersfield, who despite scoring two tries, only drew with second-placed US Portsmouth.

Another side discovering that after the euphoria of promotion are the rigid experiences in a higher level are Tottonians who 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."

Alton slipped up by a single point at home to relegated Effingham & Leatherhead at Anstey Park.