Fullerians made the ideal start to life in London North West Two by thrashing Staines 58-5 away on Saturday.

Head coach Rich Hoskins had been optimistic last week, saying there was no reason why his side – fresh from promotion – could not be among the promotion contenders this season. And his faith was rewarded in stunning fashion by a fine performance and result in Middlesex.

Speaking afterwards, Hoskins said: “It is always nice to get that first league away win and great to get the bonus point.

“We played some good linking rugby but there are always areas to improve on. We have tough games ahead but we have got off on the right foot.”

Fullers immediately put Staines in their 22 with good defensive work forcing the knock-on. From the subsequent scrum, number eight George Harvey picked up and was held short of the line, only for scrum-half Tom Sherriff to squeeze his way over.

Almost from the kick-off some lovely handling and recycling of the ball found centre Liam Mann in space to score under the posts.

Fullers’ power was starting to show and Sam Perry crashed over from short range to enhance their lead. The bonus point try arrived when Harvey used good control at the base of the scrum to push Staines over from the five-metre line.

In the second half Fullers remained on top, Craig Duncan finishing off a lovely backs move to score in the corner for a 31-0 lead.

Staines were allowed to pull one score back but the visitors soon hit back with Tom Williams scoring in the corner.

Another try was added when the dominant Fullers scrum pushed Staines over again, but this time Max Rawlinson was on hand to touch down.

Harvey scored his second as he picked from the base of the scrum before Drew Horne completed the rout by sprinting in to score.