In an action packed start to the new season the Mighty Belper 2nd XV ventured to the wild and windy plains of Ashfield. Conditions were terrible the wind was blowing a gale; the rain was coming in horizontally stinging our eyes and the grass was knee high. This didn't deter our brave band of adventurers in their quest to hunt down and beat the illusive Ashfield Swans.

Having come close to victory against the Swans the previous season and being denied the opportunity to prove themselves a second time the boys were ready to start the season in style. For saying that it was the first game of the season the team gelled extremely well from the offset with the forwards acting like beaters scaring off the opposition before unleashing the gundog like backs to hunt down and destroy with some unstoppable runs. This forced Ashfield to make an early mistake when one of their team, in an attempt to clear the ball from deep within their half, unleashed the world's biggest banana kick. Distracted by the ball sailing back over their heads on course for their own deadball line Ashfield failed to notice Tony "The Rocket" Laven steaming his way toward it, grounding the ball superbly and giving Belper their first 5 points of the season. This was almost immediately followed up by a second try from Jason "Pellet" Taylor on the wing, unfortunately as Pellet was unable to see above the towering grass he failed to notice he'd "scored" five metres short of the line. Another try came soon after from Chris Endecot giving us a further 5 points. Ashfield responded in kind keeping the score pretty much level throughout the whole game. However not having made the most of their first half advantages such as the wind and Ashfield seeming disorganised, Belper were unfortunately pipped at the post 32-29.

Further points came from Gaz Dakin; Brian O'Garam both scoring tries and James Emslee converting. Tony Laven also scored one more try making him the clubs leading try scorer so far for the season.

The merry band of adventurers were not disheartened though, having played the best damned rugby they could in the conditions on the day, they were filled with a feeling of hope and promise for the coming season. Plus with two more fixtures to come this season, it won't be long before we stuff and mount ourselves an Ashfield Swan.

1 Andy Ryan	9 Grant Nicholson
2 Peter Smith	10 James Emslee
3 Tony Laven	11 Noel Woodward
4 Simon Blount	12 Andy Barrow
5 Phill Holmes	13 Brian O'Garam
6 Chris Endecot	14 Justin Taylor
7 Gary Thompson	15 Morgan Day
8 Gaz Dakin	16 Leon Griffiths