Reigning champions Ruby Removals began the defence of their Swindon & District League Premier Division crown with a 4-2 victory at home to Paragon on the opening weekend of the new season.

New recruit Devon Bryan netted a hat-trick and player-manager Devon Brown got the other.

After a winning start to the campaign, boss Brown has stated his intentions to challenge for the title again this term.

Brown said: “We have got to aim high, so I don’t see why we can’t be champions again.

“We had a few players leave at the end of last season but we have replaced them with players of a similar standard and we have actually got better in some places.

“We brought in Devon Bryan over the summer and he scored a hat-trick at the weekend, so I definitely think we have got a striker who can help fire us towards the title.

“We definitely deserved to win on Saturday, the two goals we conceded were sloppy.

“We only lost two games last season – both to Stratton Juniors – and I think our biggest challengers this season will be Blunsdon and The Globe.

“I would like to think we could push to go unbeaten this season but you just don’t know at this level of football. Anyone can beat anyone on their day.”

Elsewhere, Wroughton Rovers made a statement of intent with an 8-3 success at home to The Regent.

They are the early pace-setters after the first round of fixtures, although it is only on goals scored as Ashton Keynes won 5-0 at home to Sportz Central.

Swindon Supermarine Development were pushed all the way on their trip to Nalgo Sports Club before finally winning 4-3.

There were also two draws in the top flight as The Globe’s home game against Highworth Town Development finished all-square at 3-3, while Blundson and visitors Redhouse could not be separated either as their contest finished 2-2.

Just like Wroughton, the initial leaders in Division One scored eight times in their season opener as Ramsbury won 8-3 at Moredon.

Bassett Bulldogs also flexed their muscles with a 6-2 success at home to Marlborough Town Reserves.

Swindon AFC kept the only clean sheet in the second tier en route to beating FC Abbeymeads 3-0 on home turf.

Down Ampney triumphed 4-2 at home to Lower Stratton, while the final two games ended in away wins.

Chiseldon edged out North Swindon 3-2, while Priory Vale were 3-1 victors at Spectrum.