Blackheath director of rugby Colin Ridgway admitted his side were totally outplayed after Hartpury College sealed a 34-0 victory on Saturday.

Hartpury, who finished second in the National League One last season, scored three first-half tries to open up a dominant lead.

Ridgway said: “Outplayed, outmuscled, we didn’t manage to take our pre-season form into this first match.

“Credit to Hartpury, they played a good combative game which we couldn’t match and showed desire we didn’t have. Frankly, we didn’t get off the bus.”

After the hosts took a 24-0 lead into the break, Blackheath conceded two further tries in a dismal afternoon in Gloucestershire.

But despite the huge defeat, Ridgway remained optimistic about the season ahead and has urged his team to respond next week.

He added: “The season’s not won and lost on the first game and there’s still a long way to go.

“It will be back to the drawing board this week and I’ll be looking for a massive reaction from the boys to make sure we bounce back against Esher.”

Blackheath host Esher this weekend in their first home league game of the season – kick-off at Well Hall is at 3pm.