Greenwich Admirals kick-started their season with a convincing 40-16 win against local rivals South London Storm in Streatham last weekend.

After a slow start the Eltham-based side visibly grew in confidence and coordination, benefiting for the first time this season from having an almost unchanged side.

Admirals captain Glen Ainswroth was predictably upbeat. He said: "It was great to get a first win of the season at the weekend, particularly against South London Storm, who had a big win against us in pre-season. Revenge was really sweet!

"I think this win will see us kick on to more success throughout the season.

"During pre-season it was hard to adjust to the higher standard of competition in the totalrl.com Rugby League Conference, not because we don't have the players to compete at this level but because of injuries and problems of availibity we have not been able to put our best team on the park consistently.

"It is no coincidence at all that this is the first time when we have been able to put out an almost unchanged side.

"That said, we still have excellent players to come into the reckoning for next weekend, like former Sheffield Eagles loose forward Steve Walker.

"But John Stabler and wingers Nick Connor and Darren Smith are injured. Darren badly bruised his knee in last week's game and John and Nick have ankle problems.

"With good players like this to come back into a winning side, there really is a growing confidence that we can achieve something very special this season.

"I should also mention the great performance put in by our London League side away at Feltham Eagles, despite losing 62-26.

"Feltham are a tough side with a lot of players who could easily play at a higher level. But everyone really put in their bodies on the line and played very hard for the club, coming away with a very creditable performance.

"This was the first game of this year's London League, so I'm sure as they get to play together more the wins will come."

Against London Storm, the Admirals went in at half-time 16-12 up after a tight first half which was highlighted by fine tries from debutant Mark Preston, James English and dangerous winger Dean Callis, back for his first game of the season after a serious ankle injury.

And after break, the dam finally broke and the Admirals started to show their true class as South London's brave defence crumbled.

Two more tries from outstanding centre English and another from Callis put them well in control and further touchdowns from Jo Ludkin, Tim Montgomery and a popular score from giant prop Lee Fortis sealed a tremendous first win of the season.

Admirals head coach Jason Henley was delighted with the result and performance, commenting: "I always knew if we could get a settled team together we would win matches. We have fantastic players at this club and they really showed; we will only get better after this win. I am so proud of the effort the lads put in today and we can now push on.

"South London Storm are a good side but we really showed what we are capable of."

* The Greenwich Admirals are still recruiting players for both the totalrl.com Rugby League Conference and London League sides. To get involved, email Steve Kiely at rugby@greenwichrl.com or call 07958 174114.