Peterborough RUFC beaten on opening day, but the second XV dish out a big beating and the women start with a handsome win

Alfie Lewis, Tom Kemp and new signing Charlie Gray crossed for Borough, with Byron Van Urden adding two conversions, but overall it was a disappointing first performance after what had been a positive pre-season, according to new director of rugby Pete Kolakowski.

Kolakowski said: ”There were some good moments and some well-worked tries, but we didn't consistently reach the standards we expect of ourselves, particularly around work rate and physicality.

"Alfie Lewis had a strong game, while it was also great to give Eddie Anderson his opportunity at this level. He's another young player with a lot of potential and certainly one to watch. Charlie Gray and Dec O'Neill also both went well on bebut.

“Credit must go to Shelford. They were a well-drilled, organised and physical side who deserved their win. On that showing, I would expect them to be challenging around the top four at the end of the season.

“For us, the message is straightforward. If we want to be in contention at the business end of the season, we have to raise our standards. Our work rate and physicality need to improve, and that starts on the training pitch this week.”

There was a very different result for Borough’s second XV, who produced an excellent performance to beat Stamford College Old Boys 82–10 in a friendly.

Liam Shields, Ian Williams, Josh Lynch, James Prewer, Ben O’Connor, Andrew Dewdney and Stu Day were among those putting in big performances.

Borough Colts were also in action, losing 28–12 to Oundle in a hard-fought game. Ross Milne and Harry Bennett scored the tries, while Ollie Clarke produced a standout performance, showing an exceptional work rate in defence.

Kolakowski added: “Attention now turns to Old Coventrians away next weekend. It's an early opportunity for the 1st XV to respond and show what we're about away from home. There will be a hard week of training ahead, and we'll be looking for a much stronger performance next Saturday.

"There is genuine competition for shirts, and a number of players from the second XV have put their hands up for first XV selection.”

Borough Women opened their NC 1 Midlands (East) season with a handsome 38-0 win over Cheshunt. Captan Georgina NIcholls ran in a hat-trick of tries and kicked four conversions. Sophie Singleton Sells crossed on her debut, while Rhianna Regan and Poppy O’Driscoll also touched down for a team that included five debutants.