Bristol's first game of the season looked set to be a key one - Exeter. Having finished in 2nd and 3rd the previous year, these two teams were closely matched, and to increase the pressure on the boys in maroon, the Showgame had predicted Exeter to claim Bristol's 2nd place in the league this year. The stage was set for an exciting match, and what a stage it was. Depite the slightly dubious pitch dimensions (rectified with cones), the day was glorious. The sun shone and there was barely a breath of wind.

        Bristol started the match on offence, and managed to convert the first point. Exeter came straight back with a well worked pull play. The game continued in this manner, both teams staying within a point of each other. Bristol's dump-swing allowed them to retain possession with ease, but their defence was uncharacteristically loose early on (barring a Harry Young layout), allowing Exeter to steal a break, which Bristol then earned back. Bristol just took the half at 8-7, with the game shaping up to be even tighter than the same fixture in the previous year. After the half, Bristol, starting on D and conceded a break early on, putting Exeter 9-8 up. Again Bristol refused to accept this, and fought back to take the lead in the trading. Emerging stats leaders included "The Janitor" Paterson, ultimately recording 4 assists and MacLeod with 4 scores.

        The game was tied at 12 all when the hooter went, and Bristol managed to win that point and set the cap at 14, with one point up on their opponents. For Exeter's offence, Bristol came out in a modified Junk zone, and smart wing play from Audinet created a turn. He kept his calm and Bristol started to move the disc through the hands, working their way up the pitch. Eventually, the moment came and a Captain's assist to debutant Royer-Gray completed an important victory. Bristol will have to push on from this game and keep improving, but it puts Division 1 Nationals very much within their reach.