Last year’s champions put on a clinical display in the hot Surfside conditions and could have had several more goals if not for wayward finishing.

United dominated possession and was rarely bothered at the back against a spirited Bay FC that was trying to integrate some new faces into its side.

Skipper Matt O’Neill led the way for Clyde with two goals, while Daniel Shaw, Nathan Vogel and Josh Brumer were among the other scorers.

Brumer’s fine display on the right flank was capped off with a spectacular strike from halfway that took one bounce before settling into the back of the net.

“We were hoping to get off to a good start and the boys did exactly that today,” United coach Matt Jackson said.

“The boys did really well in what were very hot conditions and the way we controlled the game really impressed me.”

After a somewhat shaky start, United soon found its feet and a slick passing rhythm.

A neat move that started in the backline resulted in Shaw being crudely brought down in the Bay FC box after seven minutes.

Vogel then lined up from 12 yards out before his rather tame spot kick somehow found the back of the net to open the scoring.

However, there was nothing tame about United’s second – Shaw and Vogel worked the ball well between them before the latter’s looping cross was lashed home from a tight angle by O’Neill.

The captain added a second barely a minute later, this time with a stinging left-foot drive that found the bottom right-hand corner from 20 metres.

New Clyde signing Jonathen Bowen impressed in his debut at left back and was rewarded with a goal, while Jamie Masters had a major impact off the bench.

“We were pretty dominant today all over the park, but I’ve got to pay credit to the Bay, who played quite well and never gave up,” Jackson said.

“It was a tough hit out for us today and it was probably the perfect way to start the season.”

Despite the big win, Jackson admitted his side was likely to face tougher tests in the weeks to come.

“The key for us now is to keep this going,” he said.

“It’s all well and good to win the first game 9-nil, but that will mean nothing if we don’t back this performance up over the next few weeks.”

Elsewhere in the All Age men’s, Bodalla and Moruya played out a thrilling 4-all draw, while Narooma upset Broulee 2-nil at Hanging Rock.

In the All Age ladies, defending champion Broulee stumbled in the opening round of its title defence with a 4-2 loss to Clyde United.