HOLT United stormed to the top of the embryonic Dorset Premier League standings thanks to an opening-day hammering of Sherborne reserves.

United banked an 8-1 victory over their visitors with Sam Pearce opening the scoring before Sherborne grabbed an equaliser.

However, from then on it was all about Holt as Nathan Saxby netted a couple and Pearce a further goal to send the home side in 4-1 ahead.

After the restart, Saxby completed his hat-trick and Mike Haskell, Elliot Manson and Dan Hawkins piled on the misery for Sherborne.

Hamworthy Recreation drew 1-1 at Gillingham reserves and Merley were 3-0 winners at home to Blandford United.

An own goal from defender Saul Bolton gave Merley the lead against the run of play in the first half.

The advantage was doubled just short of the hour when Jordan Basing fed Matt Groves and he coolly slotted home.

Joe Dawe made sure of the points in the latter stages when he rifled into the top-right corner from the left side of the box.

Cranborne lost 5-1 at Sturminster Newton with Ollie Hepworth scoring their consolation goal from a free-kick.

Hamworthy United reserves were also defeated, losing 4-2 at Mere Town.Asa Phillips and Eddy Hodge scored for United.

Parley Sports were sunk 3-2 at Dorchester Sports and Wareham Rangers were beaten by the same scoreline at Bridport reserves.

Lee Phibbs’s penalty and Kevin Gill’s goal appeared to have put Wareham in control before the hosts fought back.