CAPTAIN Henry Matthews was thrilled with the way OPMs started life in Devon Two.

The Elburton-based side opened their league campaign with a 59-7 home win over city rivals DHSOB on Saturday.

After two consecutive relegations the Old Boys are hoping they can rebuild this season.

And Matthews, who has spent 10 years at the club, admitted they could not have asked for a better start.

“We were really pleased with that performance,” said the skipper.

“We were aiming for a win, but we’re really happy to do it in that style, with that many tries and points on the board.

“The aim of this season is to win as many games as we can and try and build. We want to get back up the leagues.

“But I think rebuilding is our main aim this season. We’ll just take each game as it comes and just keep building.”

Matthews has seen highs and lows during his decade at OPMs and the past two seasons have been tough, but he feels the club are ready to bounce back now.

“At this club, regardless of whether we win, lose or draw, we always have amazing heart and passion and that’s what has kept us going and why we are ready to bounce back,” he said.

OPMs scored 33 points within the opening half-an-hour on Saturday, but as the game went on DHSOB got more into it.

“When you score 30 points in the first half, especially when you score three tries in the first 10 minutes, it is hard to keep the momentum going,” said scrum-half Matthews.

“And to be fair to DHSOB they came back strong. They have got some excellent players, their off-load game is outstanding and they have some big boys to try and put down.

“One of the main points we were pleased with was our five-metre defence when we kept them out for 10 minutes when they were just battering us.”

OPMs will be at home again this coming Saturday when they host Plympton Victoria, while DHSOB will host Old Techs.

Meanwhile, there will be rugby on Tuesday night at Brickfields when the Pennisula Medical School play the Royal Marines in the annual Medics Challenge (7.30pm). Admission is £5.