After a hard, but successful pre-season campaign and with a number of individuals playing for the Shelford 1s for the first time in National 2 South, Shelford entertained newly promoted Jersey Boys at the Davey Field on the first league weekend of the 2010 / 2011 season.

The Jersey team was barely recognisable from the side Shelford faced two seasons ago in London One, as they had recruited heavily in the interim. The Jersey boys were physically much bigger than their Shelford counterparts both in the pack and the backs and therefore this was teed up to be a very challenging and physical encounter.

Shelford’s forwards continued to batter away at Jersey’s defences and a further penalty by Glynn allowed the hosts to regain the lead. Shelford had their best try-scoring opportunity of the half from turn over ball, when scrum half Charlie Baker made a 60 meter dart down the left touch line. His progress was halted by what looked to be cynical play by the Jersey full back who appeared to lead into the tackle with his legs. Despite the Shelford faithful calling for red card to be shown, two yellow cards appeared; one for each full back, Glynn’s for inciting the fracas that ensued. A penalty was awarded to Shelford and in the last play of the half, fly half James Dye bisected the uprights making the score Shelford 12 – Jersey 8 at the interval.

The second half was a more lack lustre affair from the Shelford XV. Playing uphill and into a wind that appeared to have changed direction at half time, Shelford struggled to make their initial numerical advantage count. Despite a well-taken try by Chiwanga in the left corner, Jersey looked the more accomplished unit throughout the second period. They had more possession and territory and despite valiant defensive efforts by the Shelford XV, these factors were decisive in determining the result. The Jersey pack proved impossible to stop once they got close to the Shelford line and a series of pick and drives gained them their second try of the match. A third try came shortly after, as Shelford were outnumbered again on their left flank, allowing the Jersey right winger to touch down in the corner. This gave the visitors a slender one point lead and despite several opportunities in the last 5 minutes, Shelford were unable to snatch victory away from the Jersey boys.