Richmond sagged under Shields' early onslaught and the game was effectively over with a three goal burst in the opening ten minutes.

Before time Adam Lough (3), Billy Sowter, Richy Foster and man of the match Mark Harrison registered on the scoresheet.

Foster's first half performance was excellent and Jordan Bell shone in his first start of the season.

Once Richmond settled they proved more difficult opposition and deserved their smartly struck goal to reduce the deficit to 1-3 at one stage.

Whilst Shields' performance wasn't their best it provides a platform to build on – though next stop Stockton will provide a sterner test.

North Shields 2nd XI started sluggishly away to Stockton by losing an early goal.

But as the game wore on, increased pressure with Douglas commanding the middle of the pitch and distributing the ball clinically to the Shields attacking duo of Piper and Anderson, led to Shields pulling two goals back before half-time, only to have Stockton return the score to honours even.

The second half saw man of the match Peter Anderson taking control of the midfield with a final score 4-3.

Shields goals were scored by Cryer, Ormston, Piper and Anderson, giving the Tyneside team the start to the season that they had hoped for.

Following on from last week's impressive win, Shields 3rd XI took on Northumbria St George's 4ths and shorn of a couple of their more experienced players, lost the match 2-0.

The first half was a tight affair with neither side carving out any clear-cut chances in front of goal.

George's were in control of the game in the midfield and it was largely down to resilient defending by James Cooper, James Fenwick, Daniel Langman and man-of-the-match Brian Kimber that the scores were level at half-time.

In the second half, a mistake by the Shields keeper allowed George's to score their opener from a weak effort following a penalty corner.

Without the more experienced heads, Shields became stretched as they searched for an equaliser.

Having committed plenty of players forward, Shields were caught out on the counter-attack as George's broke quickly and earned another penalty corner.

This time, a sharp strike low to the keeper's right found the target and George's took a 2-0 lead they never looked likely to relinquish.

Off the field Shields have been invited to attend the British Athletics Writers Association dinner on October 25 to receive their £12,500 award from Norwich Union.

Amongst the attendees will be Olympic gold medallists Darren Campbell and Sally Gunnell - who will sit on the panel to judge Shields' bid for the £50,000 Gold Award.

Exciting times indeed for a club still in its infancy, having formed as recently as 2003.

As always, any reader interested in joining the club can contact us via www.northshieldshc.co.uk

Just turn up at our training/coaching sessions at John Spence High School on Tuesday nights from 5.30pm.