On a day that resembled the ‘BBQ summer’ we were promised Dixonians kicked started there season with a great display of running rugby. Dixonians started superbly scoring a try within the first 5 minutes of the match. Alex Mcintosh touching down to achieve his season goal of scoring one try. Robbie Holden, who seemed to have invested in some kicking boots over the summer, added the extras. A few minutes later Robbie added a penalty after some good tackling in the loose had resulted in the visitors being penalised for holding on. One of the problems last season was Dixonians tendency to concede straight after scoring, which happened again here with Shrewsbury kicking a penalty following some poor decision making. However with the backs making holes every time they got the ball it was not long before Rob Bell touched down to extend the lead. Robbie adding the extras. Again Shrewsbury were allowed back in the game by scoring a try despite Dixonians dominating in territory and possession. Following last season’s performance it was only a question of how long it was going to take Peter Madden to score a try, which he duly did after a typical run from deep inside his own half. Robbie adding the conversation from out wide.

The beginning of the second half gave the game to Dixonians with 2 tries coming within the 1^st 10 minutes. The first was a spectacular effort that started from inside their 22 and was finished by Jon Shankland following an audacious flick pass from Rob Derbyshire. The second was created by a break from Paul Rotheram before popping off to Noal Spillane sprint over the line. The comments of him resembling a Hippo running to water were harsh but not far from the truth. Both were as, ever converted, by Robbie, who later added another penalty. But not before Shrewsbury had again been allowed a soft try due to some poor tackling in midfield. By now heat was taking its toll with many players cramping up which resulted in Dixonians going down to 14 men due to the lack of subs. However it did not stop Madden getting his second with a solo effort cutting in from the right wing with Robbie adding the extras. The final points were disappointingly added by Shrewsbury who scored through a chip and chase. This was however a great start to the league campaign with the play by the backs a particular highlight with Ref being overheard as saying they could be the best in the league!