Sunderland 1 began their campaign for a swift return to the Premier League with a comfortable 5-0 win against a weakened Washington outfit.

Newly promoted Washington were reduced to four players following a late injury to Paul Dodds, giving the Wearsider’s a 1-0 advantage before a ball was hit.

Paul Dodsworth and Peter McLeod posted convincing 3-0 wins against Eric Mok and Simon Graham respectively to seal victory for the home side.

Simon Cliff added another 3 points with his own straight sets win over Evan Toase, before Ben Sims completed the whitewash for Sunderland.

The fourth string game provided the night’s most competitive match, Sims completing a narrow win in 5 games over Brian Cunningham, whose two points ensured his side did not walk away empty handed.

Next up for both sides, Washington welcome Newcastle University 3 while Sunderland face another newly promoted side as they travel to Hexham.