Ashley Down welcomed newly promoted Smiths Industries to Lockleaze for the opening game of the seasons league programme and kicked off on a pleasant but breezy afternoon. Ashley Down immediately put Smiths under pressure who quickly conceded a penalty and Luke Plummer put Ashley Down in front with a straightforward kick. Almost immediately from the kick off Ashley Down were on the attack again and were giving Smiths a difficult time, this time it was second row Ben Guy who finished off a forward drive to touch down. Luke Plummer's conversion put Ashley Down 10 points up with less than 10 minutes on the clock and a few minutes later Luke Plummer converted a second penalty to increase the lead to 13-0.

Smiths were looking somewhat shell-shocked after this whirlwind start but to their credit they began to force themselves back into the game and began to show some of the form that had gained them promotion; for 15 minutes they camped themselves in the home team's half. Only determined defence prevented them from scoring and a bit more composure may have allowed them to reduce the arrears. Ashley Down were reduced to 14 men following a yellow card but but despite this setback they were looking more dangerous but were unable to change the scoreline before half time.

Smiths kicked off the second half, now playing down the slope, but again it was Ashley Down who looked the most threatening and with both the scrum and lineout working well were dominating possession, However, after 20 minutes a flowing handling move to the left which looked likely to bring a score was brought to a halt with an interception and the Smiths right wing was able to out sprint the cover defence from 80m to score an unconverted try wide out.

Smiths now found themselves back in the game but despite having the elements in their favour it was Ashley Down who were looking the better side and were unlucky not to increase the lead when the forwards trundled over the line but the unsighted referee was unable to award the try. However, a few minutes later the pack again were making ground and Ben Guy cleverly offloaded the ball to wing forward Sam Gilmour 10m out who found a gap to score wide out on the left. Luke Plummer's conversion drifted wide but a few minutes later Luke Plummer made amends by adding a further 3 points with a well taken drop goal.

With the score now standing at 21-5 and only a few minutes remaining the game was now won but Smiths were to have the last word and on a rare excursion into the Ashley Down half some slack defence allowed them to score a second try from the last play of the game. The conversion was missed and the game ended with hard fought 21 – 10 win to Ashley Down.

A well deserved victory to open up the league season against a lively side who made life difficult at times. After such a good start it was slightly disappointing that we were unable to make the game safe until later in the second half although Ashley Down never really looked like losing. Credit should be given to Smiths for playing a full part in an entertaining game.