Belper welcomed the new season with a real scalp, despite missing a number of regular 1st teamers and a mix of players having not played together for some time Belper put in a true gritty performance which gave Injured Captain Dakin a real boost for the new season.

Belper recieved the kick off but were soon on the defensive following an early knock on, with Royces looking keen to take the ball on, the visitors nearly opened the scoring when the ball was moved through the hands in the backs and a missed tackle from Tennick allowed his opposite number to gallop towards the try line, but centre partner Emslie tackled back pulling Royce's 12 down metres from the line with Tennick treading on Emslie's leg for his troubles.

Emslie played on and his strong running was causing the Royces backs all kinds of trouble. Belper's forwards had driven deep into the royce's 22 and with the ball being spun wide by Naylor, Emslie crashed into contact and with Watson and Holmes supporting well Naylor picked up, dummied a pass wide creating himself a gap to step over the line to score the opening try of the game.

Royces picked up their game and started to ask Belper's defence some serious questions but they stood firm and good work from Holmes, Inns and England saw the visitors thwarted time after time, a good tackle from Smith on the wing saw the ball spilled and Belper took on the attack with Ryan driving Griffiths up field and set up the ruck, the ball was spun wide through the backs to Emslie who burst through two tackles then sprinted 40 yards to score in the corner 10 - 0 half time.

The second half saw Royces come at Belper but Belper stood firm and despite the visitor's efforts Belper scored a further 2 tries from Naylor and Holmes, Naylor scoring following a penalty move seeing him collect the ball wide of the forwards then dummy and dance over the line to score under the posts with Blackwell converting, then Holmes scored a 90 yard wonder try following a charge down.

Belper's injured Captain watching from the sideline applauded his side's efforts and said he was looking forwards to players coming back and the heating up of competition for places.