The first try was an improbably early one from crowd pleaser Sebastien Chabal, and it was not long before fellow back-rower Magnus Lund also crossed, scoring his second try of the pre-season. Having already impressed this reporter with his ability to appear at just the right time anywhere on the pitch, newcomer Elvis Seveali'i scored a well deserved try of his own. Fifteen points to nil, but still no kicks had been slotted through, but Valentin Courrent easily converted Elvis' try to notch up his first two points of the game.

There were two more first half tries - a characteristically easy one from returning Lion Mark Cueto, also converted by VC, followed by a slide across the line from fellow lion Andy Sheridan, who lost his shorts in the process! Courrent upped this one to a 7 pointer too.

So, at 21-0, half-time was a time for reflection and not nerves. The missus pointed out that the players shirts were silky this year and wondered whether the non-playing rabble would be able to get our hands on them (in the shop!) or if they were for pitch use only. I spent a while looking for new advertising hoardings for Guinness (corner flags and at the base of the posts) and for McAffee (only one small hoarding from last year).

There was a slight delay to the second half because Elvis had not left the building. He arrived on pitch as Doncaster were about to kick off, one sock up and one sock down. Not much to worry about though, as he had another terrific half, scoring the first try of the period. Certainly he is one to watch this season.

Robert Todd notched up the 7th try of the game, Wakley the 8th and a very confident looking Charlie Hodgson converted them all, and then rounded off an excellent performance by scoring one of his own and promptly converting it.

Roll on Newcastle