Slazenger fifths found their opening league fixture on grass tough going, And, despite scoring five goals, eventually went down 8-5 to hosts Ben Rhydding 8th’s.

Slazenger trailed 4-1 at half-time but rallied to draw level at 4-4 before finally giving second best to their hosts.

Scorers were Haydn Foster (2), Gavin Kaye, Richard O’Shea and Paul Whitham. Man of the match was debutant Anwar Al-Khaili.

Slazenger are at home to Halifax (on astroturf) on Saturday, 3pm push back.