John Cooke-Rogers, Jack Brough, Jamie Rudd, Thomas Watson and Josh Beech were all named within the NLD Squad announced for the visit of Staffordshire.

The first 40 minutes were a tight affair as neither side could break the deadlock with some excellent defence from NLD and a strong physical running game from Staffs.

The first score of the game came courtesy of Melbourne Josh Beech who ran a strong inside line from wide left, slicing through Staffs defence and once behind no one could catch the speedy winger.

Each player gave a great account of themselves, as the County attempts to build on the success of last season having reached the Jason Leonard Final (Division 2) and been promoted to Division 1 this season, facing East Midlands and North Midlands in their first two competitive cup matches.