Captain Helen Clarke reflected on a dream start after St Ives Ladies 1sts issued another emphatic statement of promotion intent last Saturday.

The local lasses powered to a second successive 7-0 triumph of the new East Women’s League Division Two North-West season when beating Lindum 2nds.

Holly Stride broke the deadlock with a first-ever first-team goal before captain Clarke doubled the advantage. A clinical finish from Vicky Leighton following a penalty corner routine had St Ives in command before the break and the goals continued to flow in the second half.

Naomi Chalkley became the second player to open her account at this level with Juliet Moynan, Abby Scarrow and Leighton completing the bumper haul.

Clarke said: “After suffering the disappointment of relegation last season, we wanted to send a message to the other teams in this league.

“I think we have done that during what has been a dream start for us. The plan now is to keep working hard to deliver results and get ourselves promoted at the first attempt.”

There was a second successive clean sweep of victories for the club’s Ladies section.

The 2nds triumphed 4-2 over Spalding in Division Three North-West. Louisa Scotney and Sally King struck in the first half before Mel Wood hit a brace after the break.

Young goalkeeper Lilia Hodge had a starring role with a series of fine saves as the 3rds beat Cambridge Nomads 2nds 3-1 in Division Four North-West (South). Ellie Burgess hit two of their goals with Pauline Hammond also finding the net.

St Ives Men’s 4ths were the only male team in the club’s stable to taste success last Saturday.

Captain Alex Ginns, Howie Jones and Alex Grange hit the goals in a 3-0 triumph at Wisbech 4ths in Division Five North-West of the East Men’s League.

James Lloyd earned the 1sts a 1-1 draw against Bury St Edmunds 1sts in Division Two North, but the 2nds, 3rds and 5ths all went down to heavy defeats.

All the damage was done before the break as the 2nds went down 4-0 to Wisbech 2nds in Division Three North-West while Peter Young hit a well-taken consolation goal for the 3rds as they were seen off 5-1 by Cambridge Nomads 2nds in Division four North-West.

The 5ths lost 4-0 to St Neots 3rds in Division Six North-West (South).