THE second round of league matches produced no surprises, as all the second Division sides fell at home to Division One opponents.

The Goat's Gate began their campaign with a 7-1 win at the Bulls Head.

The Gate, despite being without Karl Boyes this season, made an impressive start in their quest to regain the title.

Champions Cross Keys were ruthless in their destruction of Division Two favourites The Bird in the Hand, handing out an 8-0 drubbing to a team that almost had skipper Younis Lombard buying a round.

The canny Scotsman could not plot the downfall of Steve Weatherilts' men who were aided by an 8-ball from Sugar Ray Rix and Mark Hibbert.

The slug, Tony Jordan, has speeded up his game this season, maybe he has turned over a new leaf - rather than eating one. The champs already top the table in defence of their crown.

Riley's went away to the Amber Lion and were 1-0 down, as Carl 'Rocket' Ross cleared the table. But they stormed back with wins from Mark Brobbin and the old warhorse himself, Stuart "There's only one F in fodder" Gough. Even the success-challenged Jason Brereton won.

But had the Lion roared for the last time? No chance.

There may not have been a shock in store but there was a Shock on the scoresheet, as Anthony Shock produced two pots that most of the team only dream about, fuelled by 143 sausages, to claw one back for the Lion and make it a respectable 6-2.

HPSC struggled to victory over the Park Hotel. To their credit Park took a 3-2 lead, aided by a teetotal team who apparently just drink cola. But back came the Division One outfit to secure victory.

The Cleveland smashed The Plough 7-1 to maintain their 100 per cent record, while new boys The Dragon claimed their first win with a 5-3 victory away to WSC 'B'.

The Regless Rainsough beat WSC 'A' 6-2 to maintain the pressure at the top of Division Two.