RICHMONDSHIRE got their season off to a perfect start with a 27-12 home victory against Barnard Castle.

In almost perfect conditions and with a crowd of more than 30 supporters, the home team took to the field full of confidence and belief in themselves following an intense pre-season.

From the kick-off, Richmondshire's forwards took the game direct to Barnard Castle and strong running and a man of the match performance by Jamie Rhodes saw the flanker score under the posts - new stand-off Dave Warner narrowly missing the kick.

From the restart, the Richmondshire forwards again dominated the play and when the ball eventually came out to the backs, veteran second row Richie Smith - playing for the first time ever at outside centre - scored in the corner.

Dave Warner again missed the kick, but five minutes later his efforts were rewarded with a try next to the posts, which he again failed to convert.

Player-coach Danny Campbell directed play with conviction at scrum half, and when he made the call for a crash ball Richie Smith came inside to score again this time under the posts. This time there was no mistake from Warner as the hosts went to half time with a 22-0 lead.

After the restart, the referee tried to even the game out and made some controversial decisions against Richmondshire.

Even with this, strong running by Gav Cole who has lost a lot of weight from last season, continued to put Castle on the back foot.

As the half wore on, Richmondshire continued to stick to their gameplan and this resulted in a try by the younger Rhodes brother Tim, as the hand off of the match saw him go over for a try.

Richmondshire should have scored more points but the direct running and great handling skills of Kevin Donaghue failed to pay off. In the last ten minutes, Barnard Castle scored two tries - one of which was converted.

This was probably down to the lack of game time on Richmondshire's part but it was reward for Barnard Castle who really stuck at it when they were given such a torrid time by the Richmondshire pack.

Next week bragging rights for the season are up for grabs as Richmondshire are away to Wensleydale in the local derby, this will be the test for Richmondshire to see how far they have come as this time last season saw them being beaten by 50 points by their local rivals.

* Thirsk Rugby Club is encouraging local rugby fans of all ages to come along to its annual open day, which will take place on September 27.

The club, based at Thirsk Athletic Club, on Newsham Road, has junior teams from undersevens to under-14s, two senior mens teams and a veteran team.

Highlights of the open day will include a local derby between Thirsk senior men's team and Northallerton at 4pm - and the club's under-11s and under-12s teams will play touring side, Chosen Hill, from Gloucestershire, at 2.30pm.

There will also be plenty to entertain spectators, with a bouncy castle, BBQ, bar and raffle throughout the afternoon.

James Duggleby, chairman of Thirsk RUFC, said: "Last year's open day was a huge success and we're hoping that this year's event will be even bigger and better.

"Thirsk Rugby Club is going from strength to strength, with junior, senior and veteran teams, but we're still keen to get as many new players as possible, and new starters are always welcome, whatever their experience or ability. The club also has a strong social side, so families and friends can get involved too."

The open day starts at 2pm.