Aston hosted a full programme of games on Saturday including a practice match between the clubs at Under 16 level. This was to mark the official opening of the Charles Gilbert extension to the new changing rooms at Sunnybank Avenue. The cutting of the ribbon was performed by Gary Street, a former, distinguished player of Aston who is now coach to the England Women's Rugby XV who,under his tutelage, have won four Grand Slams and made the Rugby World Cup Final in which they narrowly lost to New Zealand.

Spartans arrived at Aston with their reputation for having strong forwards and a fearsome scrum going before them and Aston expected a battle up front. With Spartans playing down the slope these expectations were soon met as The Spartans' pack ran Aston off the ball at a rate of knots in an early scrum. This told Aston they needed to work at full steam to hold their ground in this area of the game and despite being under pressure in the early play, Aston's excellent front row of John Fallon, Steve Knibbs and Adam Baldock ended the game with five against the head whilst the Spartans' back row and scrum half had problems clearing the ball from the base of the scrum, being harried by Chris Cheney.

During the first quarter of an hour Aston spent much time in their own half but managed to relieve the pressure with good defence. After strong Spartans' attacking Aston made it back to the half way line only for Spartans to launch a sweeping surge from their right touchline to the bottom left hand corner where John Roden crossed for a try after 15 minutes. The try went unconverted but Spartans had five points as Aston had failed to get their cover defence working in time.

Aston's fortunes took a turn for the better and they pressed close to their opponents' line. They were awarded a penalty which the alert Tom McNamee took quickly and he was successful in getting the ball to the line. However, the referee was unsighted and the try was not given.

On 23 minutes Barry Maksymczuk slotted a penalty for Aston from in front of the posts to narrow the score. The wind made catching and fielding the ball difficult but Rob Chesner at full back had a solid afternoon and made some timely interventions in a tidy performance whilst the tackling of his team mates was committed.

Half time saw the score at 3-5 and Aston's winger, Dave Foster, took his leave in an ambulance with a neck injury during a prolonged interval. Aston had already lost Ben Pittam to injury but replacements were more than ready for the fray.

Just two minutes into the second half Barry Maksymczuk was presented with a penalty kick a few metres from half way. Given the very windy conditions spectators and players alike expected a brave attempt but a failure. They were wrong as the long distance effort just had the legs to reach the posts and clear the bar. Aston held a one point lead!

Spartans were undaunted and fought back with determination, occupying Aston's 22 for a period which saw failed penalty and drop goal attempts from the attackers. Lea Ross, for Aston, was, perhaps undeservedly given a yellow card and Aston missed his hard work for the period. When he returned Aston quickly had the upper hand as Spartans threw all they had into the game but could not come up with the ideas and moves which could break the Aston defence.

Aston's grip continued to tighten but Spartans had one last throw of the dice and established a good position upfield from which they won a kickable penalty. This could have decided the game in their favour but, in the prevailing conditions, it was a lot to ask of the kicker and the ball sailed wide to Aston's relief

Aston are away to Leek on Saturday, 17th September.