St Ives Roosters powered through a top-versus-bottom showdown to extend their 100 per cent start to the East Premier League season.

Skipper Mickey Blackey, sidelined for almost a year by a shoulder injury, returned to the starting line-up as Roosters bashed Breckland Spartans 56-10.

Luke Slade provided an early breakthrough when touching down in the corner after smart work from Josh Meadows.

That was the first of five unanswered tries in a fourth successive league victory as Roosters ruthlessly exposed their visitors’ weaknesses down the left.

Meadows also crossed twice himself after Mickey Drake and Michael Wright had gone over.

Further damage was done before the break when debutant Murphy Hill’s outstanding offload was gobbled up by Slade before Cameron Howson evaded a series of tackles to score and open up a 34-0 advantage.

Basement boys Breckland claimed a try of their own soon after the restart but normal service was resumed with Rhod Howcroft ploughing over before Howson helped himself to his second try.

Captain Blackley then got in on the act and Hill capped his pleasing first outing with the final Roosters try before Breckland claimed a second effort of their own.

Coach Paul Ashbridge, who may not play again this season due to a knee injury, said: “It was another good test and I’m pleased with how we performed going into an important few weeks in the season.

“It was particularly pleasing to see some of our new faces get some game-time as strength-in-depth will be key.”

Roosters don’t play again until a visit to North Herts Crusaders on June 27.