ARDS got their promotion push off to a flying start as they beat Lurgan 3-0 on their return to the Legacy Wealth Management Premier League.
After a goalless first half, the eventual winners came out strong in the third quarter, netting all three goals in the space of 10 minutes.
The first strike came just two minutes after the restart when Zara Malseed broke down the right flank before finding Pippa Best in the circle and her deflected effort opened the scoring.
Malseed was once again involved in the second goal as her side won a penalty corner before she returned the ball to injector Alana Doyle who scored at the near post.
The third goal came just moments later as Alyssa Boyd’s straight strike from a corner rounded off a strong performance for the title favourites.
In Friday’s other game, Lisnagarvey got their season off to a winning start, beating Ballymoney 4-1 at Comber Road.
Four goals from Beht Ravey (2), Jessica Moore and Rachel Cox sealed the win for Ryan McMaster’s side despite a Judith Laughlin strike midway through the third quarter.
The win leaves the Hillsborough side top of the division at the end of matchday one on goals scored.
In Saturday’s action, Larne marked their first-ever game in the division with a 2-0 away win to Omagh.
Level until the third quarter, the deadlock finally came after 51 minutes when the visitors were awarded a penalty corner and Alex Lyle deflected in for the clubs first goal in the division.
With just minutes remaining, Larne doubled their lead from a second corner with Selina Lewis converting before Omagh were awarded a late penalty stroke.
But it was to be the perfect opening day for the visitors as Trish Neill produced the save to maintain her sides clean sheet.
At Havelock Park, Belfast Harlequins marked the opening day with a 2-0 away win over Banbridge.
Off the back of earning international recognition over the summer, Katie Larmour made the difference for her side as she turned provider for both her sides goals.
In the first quarter, Larmour’s ball into the circle found Sophie Hunter for a deflected opening goal before the Ireland international teed up Alyssa Jebb for a second goal in Q2.
Harlequins later thought they should have had a third goal, but with the effort ruled out by the umpires, they had to settle for a 2-0 win on the road.
The final game of the weekend saw Mossley seal a 2-1 away win against Armagh.
Goals in the first and last quarter from Reah Little and Lucy Campbell sealed the win for Davy Menaul’s side despite a consolation effort from Armagh’s Daisy Nicholson.
The win leaves the sides both in mid-table after matchday one.
