WORCESTERSHIRE Black Knights opened their British American Football Association Southern Conference Two West campaign with a 32-12 victory over Jurassic Coast Raptors.
Following two close encounters last season, both teams looked to assert early-season dominance.
Having won the toss, Knights head coach Rich Smith saw his defence caught off guard by an early score from David Lalaye.
They replied at their new Perdiswell home in Worcester with running back Sean Franks going over for the score but Ben Gibson regained the lead for Raptors.
The hosts hit back through Franks again and James Browning converted for a 13-12 lead.
They extended the advantage to 20-12 by half-time after Matt Clark claimed a turnover and quarterback Matt Cole took control.
Wide receiver Browning grabbed the team's third touchdown which was converted.
Knights' hard-running Franks completed his treble in the second half and Browning made a fine recovery tackle after the failed conversion.
The home side were able to give some rookies a run-out before Chris Jones accepted a pass from Cole to complete the scoring with less than a minute left.
Franks was the offensive most valuable player with Tom Tandurella taking the defensive honours.
Knights travel to Petherton RFC, Bridgwater, to face Somerset Wyverns on Sunday, April 29.
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