Avonmouth launched the new-look Charles Saunders Combination Cup this week with a comfortable 32-7 defeat of Bristol Harlequins at the Portway Rugby Development Centre.

All eight first-round matches are being played under lights on consecutive Tuesdays at the same venue. And despite a few teething problems, the general consensus was that the imaginative move proved to be a success, with an estimated crowd of 250 on the touchlines for the opening encounter.

Avonmouth chairman Steve Leyshon said: "It's great for Combination rugby and this was an outstanding start to the competition.

"It's a big ask for the players, but I think the commitment shown by both teams is testament to the tradition of the Combination Cup."

Harlequins assistant coach Andy Crocker added: "With the fixture pile-ups you often get later in the season, I think the idea behind the format is good, while playing under floodlights is a great experience and always enjoyable.

"The only thing I'd add is that this would have been a home game for us, and it would have been nice to have played under our own lights."

Cup secretary Ian Reed said: "There are a few issues to sort out, but overall I think the first game was a great success. The crowd was absolutely excellent and exceeded expectations."

The cup committee will address problems with the pitch – the grass was deemed to be too long, while there were also issues with the markings – before Clevedon face Old Redcliffians on Tuesday (7.30pm).

But Reed's first priority was to place an urgent order for more balls after five were swallowed up by what he called 'the jungle' just over a fence on the far side which could clearly be several metres higher.

On the pitch, Harlequins took the lead with a Kevin Morgan try, converted by Lee Pearn, and dominated for long periods of the first half.

But Avonmouth pulled back five points through centre Sam Thompson and then took charge after the break as their superior fitness told.

Matt Belbin edged his side in front with a penalty before winger Andy Russell scythed through for a converted touchdown. Flanker Greg Long added the third try, also converted by Belbin, before two tries in the final two minutes, from winger Adam Taylor and Belbin, saw Avonmouth through in style.

In the Charles Saunders Combination Vase, meanwhile, Imperial's clash with Gordano – preliminary-round winners over Old Elizabethans – will be staged at Norton Lane, Whitchurch, tomorrow (3pm), because Imperial's home pitches are not yet ready for rugby.

The match will be preceded by an annual lunch for former Imperial players (2pm).

Bristol Saracens are home to Winscombe, St Bernadette's entertain Cotham Park and Old Bristolians take on Bristol Telephones at Failand.