MATTY DAVIES believes the opening night performance by Hull Seahawks at Leeds Knights is the template for how he wants his team to play going forward.

The 2-1 victory came as the result of a solid, disciplined display from the visitors, with head coach Davies believing there could have been no argument had his team won by a greater margin.

They were able to follow their road triumph up with a 4-2 win at home to Solway 48 hours later, meaning Hull were one of four teams to take maximum points from the opening weekend of the regular season.

Another of those teams to take a maximum haul was Basingstoke Bison, who Davies’ team visit today.

What is already often a tricky - not to say lengthy - trip to Hampshire looks like being even more difficult this time around, given the positive additions made to the Bison roster, not least Japanese forward Sota Isogai, who scored five goals across both nights, including a hat-trick in the team’s 7-4 win at Peterborough Phantoms.

“It looks like they've improved a lot and made some good signings - both in terms of Brits and their imports - so we go there expecting a tough game,” said Davies.

Davies takes a Hull team down to Basingstoke full of confidence after their opening weekend, particularly after their efforts in Leeds.

“That's how we play now,” said Davies. “There's no real difference between who we play - the only difference comes with the players and the players’ mindsets.

PROMISING START: Import centre Johnny Corneil scored three goals on the opening weekend of action for Hull Seahawks. Picture: Amy Blossom/Seahawks Media.

placeholder image — PROMISING START: Import centre Johnny Corneil scored three goals on the opening weekend of action for Hull Seahawks. Picture: Amy Blossom/Seahawks Media.

“That performance in Leeds was honestly one of the best games I've seen this club play since we first started four years ago.

“We outshot them 21-10 on even strength and the only chances they had was on the power play - but our penalty kill was unbelievable.

“I felt we should have beaten them by more.

“Over the last four years, I’ve seen what wins in this league and what doesn't.

"The template is there for us to follow – but it is also about playing to the strengths of the team that you've got as well.

"I believe we've got a lot of depth in forwards, a lot of depth and I also know what the D-core’s strength is.

“Everyone thinks we’re weak on D. I know that we're not as strong as some teams in certain areas on D and a lot of that is the offensive side.

“But what I know we can do is if we play as a unit, as a five – and I require the forwards to play both ways now – I know that if we do that, we're gonna be difficult to play against and beat.”