Blue and White day opener leaves us feeling blue!

A potentially tough day for newly promoted Bexley as we face a newly relegated Sheppey in our opening Kent 1 fixture.

A beautiful autumn day saw are large crowd turn out for this fixture on 'Blue and White day'. All the regulars were there (all three of them); Howard and Lizzie questioning Laurie's commitment to the cause after he went AWOL in the pre season fixtures. Mrs Joe was also there, and after last seasons revelations, it was no surprise to see her now in calf. That's the end of that sort of thing now Joe!

An early penalty was scored by Jack Mills, with the ref setting an early example by yellow carding Sheppey for laying over the ball. This was soon reciprocated by Sheppey, and a further seven points were added after a dropped ball gave them the opportunity.

The next phase of the game saw Bexley starting to exert some pressure. Good hands resulted in a terrific break for Matt 'Jarv' Jarvis (aren't rugby nicknames clever). Having set out his stall earlier on, the ref had no option but to yellow card Sheppey again for killing the ball. Jack slotted the ensuing penalty.

Sheppey went further in front after a charge down gifted them the opportunity of a converted try.

Things bode well on the discipline front for a change for Bexley. A minor kerfuffle broke out in front of our skipper's nose, which only caused him to bellow "discipline". No forwards got further involved, leaving the thronging masses pleased if not a bit non-plussed. Jon Light obviously took this bellow to mean the Bexley equivalent of the 99 call. Rushing, in from his wing (yes wing), he rushed all the way over to push the errant Sheppey player to the floor; even though he was already on the floor! I think this less than macho display of machismo meant the forwards wished they just went windmilling in as usual.

This must have been still in Neil Davis's mind, as he obviously forgot the example set by the ref, and promptly got himself yellow carded for killing the ball. Down to fourteen men, Bexley could not stop an unconverted try from Sheppey.

The 60th minute saw the start of the Bexley fight back. An impressive line move gave Jim Moore the chance to run at the opposition, and use one of his trade mark hand offs. The only thing more destructive was surely Cameron's intervention in telling the Sweaties not to commit hara-kiri. Jake Voce bagging five points for Bex, with Jack converting.

But either early season lack of match fitness, or the step up in level, was proving telling for Bexley. Poor tackling leading to another converted try for Sheppey.

A thrilling climax was in store for massed throng. Jim Smith broke through, and confusing any would be tacklers with a stunning Coco the clown juggling impression set up Joe Fernyhough for a five pointer; converted by Jack. Three points would ensure a deserved losing bonus point. Sadly it was not to be; the final score being 20-29.

Whilst the score was obviously not as Bex would've liked, I think considering where both teams were last year, this can be considered a good result. Apart from a couple of lucky breaks for Sheppey, Bexley would've got at least a bonus point. So we at least know we can live at this level. But if we are to prosper, we have to realise that all games are going to be at least as tough as this.

I thought we were promoted to Kent 1 though, not the bloody Championship. But I have learnt my lesson after getting my bum smacked for not reserving the ref a parking space. I hope I appease the referee's for future games by organising them their own shower. Please don't tell them that Lord Nottage of Erith is providing it.