KING Edward and Queen Mary School rugby captain Tom Eastham led by example in the opening fixture of a season which will finish with the challenge of a tour to New Zealand.

Scrum half Tom grabbed two tries himself as his Lytham side travelled to Liverpool College to overwhelm the opposition 67-3.

Eastham and his half back partner Chris Roberts orchestrated the moves which brought Lytham 11 tries, six converted by Chris Pickles. Centre Phil Gamble ran in a hat-trick on his full debut.

Although pleased with the victory, Tom Eastham is realistic about the prospects. "It will be a very demanding season," he said, "with 17 regular fixtures plus the Daily Mail Cup. All the local derby games are away so we know we face a significant challenge there."

Selections will be made this term for the eight-match tour to South Korea and New Zealand next July, so Lytham coach and Fylde scrum half Phil Rudd feels that the next two months will be pivotal in the team's programme.

"This was a great start against Liverpool College," he said, "and I was impressed by the running and handling of the backs. We are working hard on the scrums and line outs and I am looking forward to a successful season.

Lytham entertain new opponents from Wilmslow High School on Saturday, September 15, before travelling to meet Kirkham later in the month.