The champions who rampaged through the league in 2017 like a toddler full of cordial, were full of energy and intent as they dismantled Northern Storm away at the picturesque Korora field.

Night sweats by Nambucca fans after Coffs Tigers reigned supreme at the preseason Challenge Cup were washed away moments after the start when the Strikers posted their first.

Five more followed in the first half (broken by a drinks break due to the humidity), as Nambucca showed the restraint of a bull in a shop full of red coloured fine china.

Six-zip to the better and the new look Strikers who feature a significantly different line-up to the premiership machine from last year had the three competition points secured.

In the second half the Storm lifted and reorganised, and opened their account with a long ball speculator that caught keeper Darragh Meade off his line – a rare mistake from the stopper who was among the best on field as he marshalled the team shape and encouraged from the helm.

With minutes left on the clock the Strikers were ahead 7-1.

In the earlier third division fixture, it was the Storm who were too hot to handle for a young Nambucca side.

See it here:

The Storm used their size and experience to dominate – post goals at will in each half on their way to a 14-1 scoreline, though Nambucca never stopped trying and finally goaled from a smart chance taken in the second half.

Enjoy the gallery.