Hatricks from Clare Trafford and Tammy Waine helped to see off the threat from Ipswich Town as the Ladies side began their league campaign this afternoon with a 9-0 win. PHOTOS

Manager Jacquie Agnew credited the result to a tough pre-season schedule which saw her players look sharp and competitive in contrast to an Ipswich team who appeared shell shocked for the first half hour in the match sponsored by the Smith & Savage Family.

Trafford scored the first goal with her first touch after just 25 seconds, sweeping home from Waine’s cutback. Player of the Match Charlotte Bennett then bundled home Trafford’s cross just minutes later and within 10 minutes Lewes had their third, Trafford squaring to Waine who turned smartly and buried a low shot.

Striker Holly Grogan then scored a great solo effort, chipping the keeper from the edge of the area, and grabbed her second when she latched onto Trafford’s cross. With just 20 minutes gone the game was effectively over and unsurprisingly the intensity dropped for the remainder of the half, Lewes remaining on top but Ipswich starting to gain more possession.

Waine got her second shortly before half time with a great long range effort to send her side in six up at the break.

The second half was a more equal affair and Ipswich looked dangerous down both flanks, creating a number of chances and forcing the hosts into some last ditch defending.

Layla Young in the Lewes goal made several smart stops and Poppy Ogilvie made a goal-saving clearing header at the back post.

Second half substitutions breathed new life into Lewes and they scored their seventh as Waine completed her hat trick with a spectacular curling effort. Another fierce shot from Waine was too hot to handle for the Ipswich keeper and Trafford pounced for her second before completing her hat trick shortly afterwards with a powerful finish from strike partner Grogan’s through ball.

Agnew appears to have great depth of quality at her disposal this season. Lewes have entered four cup competitions in addition to the league and a strong squad will be critical for coping with both the extra fixtures and the inevitable injuries.

Next week Lewes go to Old Actonians, who slumped to a 5-0 opening day defeat to Ebbsfleet, and the following week will face a tougher prospect as they play host to last season’s league runners up Norwich City.