Fishes washed up on debut

Newport were served a first day warning of how tough life at the highest level of regional rugby will be as they fell to a 27-0 defeat at Peterborough.

It was hardly the debut the Fishes would have wanted in Midlands One - but they could have few complaints about the result as they were run ragged by their hosts.

It was a result that brought back memories of last season's 62-31 defeat to the same opposition in the Intermediate Cup.

"They looked undercooked, with a lack of match sharpness, and made numerous basic errors which put them under constant pressure despite Peterborough not being as strong as when we played them last season," said spokesman Chris Bristow.

"Newport's forwards were usually second to the breakdown and particularly in the first half, lacked mobility and were very flat with little intensity or passion," said spokesman Chris Bristow.

"The backs made numerous handling and passing errors, and the team was a shadow of the winning play-off side.

"Newport had at least a couple of chances to score tries, but at this level fewer chances are likely to be created and those opportunities need to be taken and kicks at goal need to be converted."

Two penalties and a converted try saw Peterborough gain a 13-0 half-time lead as they started the game with high intensity and aggression.

And Newport were masters of their own downfall as things got worse after the break, a dreadful pass out from the base of a maul costing possession - with Peterborough clinically taking the opportunity to register a second try.

A third followed soon after to round off the scoring, Jamie Simpson spurning the chance of a late consolation try for the Shropshire side.

Luctonians thrashed Scunthorpe 53-0 to open their Midlands One challenge at Mortimer Park.

They ran in eight tries to demolish their opponents and make it a perfect start to the campaign.

"We could have scored at least two more tries, but this was the start we needed," said spokesman Robin East.

"The players never looked back after the first 15 minutes and never released their grip on the game.

"It is early days, but we have two points under our belt, which has boosted the club. Having said that, Scunthorpe were a poor side compared with their usual standard."

Luctonians raced into a 31-0 lead with Australian Nick Byran, Ollie Williams, Peter Smith, and Andy Garrod, all scoring tries.

After the break Williams scored his second of the game with Paul Hulland, Charlie Meredith and replacement Ollie King running in the other four tries.

New Zealander Blake Korteray kicked eight points with a conversion and two penalties, with vice-captain Richard Henwood kicking the extra two points.

By Chris Hudson