MALMESBURY Victoria made a flying start to the new year as they ran riot on the first weekend of action in the Hellenic League of 2019.

The Vics thrashed North Leigh United 8-2 on the road in Division One West.

Andy Baker led the way with a hat-trick for the Vics, Sam Parker and Alfie Moxon scored twice each, with Shane Bumphrey getting the other.

The Flying Monk Ground side have now moved up to fifth in the table as a result of Saturday’s big win.

Malmesbury’s divisional rivals Pewsey Vale were without a game last Saturday, while Premier Division side Royal Wootton Bassett also had a fixtureless weekend.

Sam Collier’s Bassett are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Ardley United for their first game of the new year.

Malmesbury are at home this weekend as they face the reverse fixture against recent victims North Leigh, but Pewsey have another Saturday off and are not scheduled to return to action until January 26.