Saturday presents the Shelford collective with a fantastic opportunity to start the 2008/09 season with bang! Pre-season training has seen a record number of players at the Davey Field and with a noticeable upwards pressure from the Colts, the Development team and close-season signings, the 1st XV have had to work hard to earn Saturday's starting jerseys.

 With the exception of Aki Lea, who returns to Blighty on Monday 15th, Shelford will be at full strength this Saturday and are aiming for a significantly better start than in previous seasons, when early results have made it almost impossible for us finish in those all-important top two league places.

However, having been promoted last season, "new boys" Haywards Heath will be out to spoil the party. They will be keen to get a win under their belts as soon as possible and playing at home, they will present a stiff challenge for us.

Another campaign is about to begin and you can feel the blood pumping already! As always, the Shelford Boys look forward to your support throughout the season.

Team for Saturday:

1, James Saunders 2, Kramer Ronaki 3, James Armitage

4, Edward Mills 5, Dave Macaulay

6, Scott Jackowski 7, Tony Bergovich 8, James Ball 

9, Alex Birkby (C) 10, Dafydd Lewis

11, Phil Bullen-Brown 12, Richard Davies 13, Dominic Jones 14, Edward Gough 15, Chris Glynn 

Subs: 16, Andrew Hutchinson 17, Dave Archibald (FR) 18, Sam Tovo   

Coach: Sam Tovo Manager: Kane Astin Physio: Angela George