Perth-Bayswater's new look first grade, missing ten players from last year's premiership winning team, had a slow start to the season with a close, unlucky 19-18 loss to Nedlands at Pat O'Hara Reserve. The lack of combination and experience in the team showed in the first half, the scrum experiencing problems against a much improved Nedlands pack, and the lineout failing to gel at critical times.

Nedlands were first on the scoreboard with a penalty goal for a head high tackle, then an unlucky sideways bounce eluded the Perth-Bayswater defence and Nedlands grabbed the loose ball, shooting over in the corner for a try and an 8-0 lead after 15 minutes. A penalty goal to fullback Mark Gaskin 22 minutes into the half opened Perth-Bayswater's account, then another Perth-Bayswater error gifted Nedlands with their second try when a long lineout throw-in five metres out went astray. It was snaffled by Neddies' flanker and he dived through to score for a 13-3 lead. The high paced cut and thrust continued under the experimental law variations, producing greater continuity but also regular free kicks from referee Sean Popplewell. There were penalties as well, and after 35 minutes Neddies landed a goal following a head high tackle, and a second from right in front for offside just before the break. But Perth-Bayswater finished the half strongly on attack and prop Aleema Arthur broke through to score out wide on the fifth phase from a tap penalty for the premiers to trail 19-8 going into the break.

Nedlands dominated the early stages of the second spell with as Perth-Bayswater's lineout continued to have problems. However, Perth-Bayswater lifted and almost scored from a forward drive but it was spoiled by a professional foul. Unfortunately flyhalf Nathan McCort, who had an off day with the boot, missed the sitter penalty. Black went straight back on attack and wing Nathan Hunt scored from a quick tap and dart to close the gap to 19-13 after 20 minutes. Perth-Bayswater dominated most of the remaining play, and from a penalty scrum with minutes to play the ball crossed the width of the park several times to find hooker and captain Ash Murphy thundering down the touch line for a try mid way between posts and sideline. McCort's conversion attempt went well wide and the defending premiers stayed tantalisingly close at 19-18 as Nedlands kept out of danger, and the game finished a minute later.

Some rustiness in the first game of the season is expected and this match being the first together for most of the players, it is not surprising that the team had some teething troubles. In the end they were unlucky to lose with a couple of easy kicks going astray, but if the team can play badly and still almost win, then the signs are there that they have the potential to make the finals as combinations develop and they gain more continuity and cohesion.

In other games, seconds lost to Neddies 48-14, thirds went down 23-10, fifths lost 48-3, but showing the strength of the club's future Under 20s defeated Nedlands Gold 10-8 and Under 18s defeated Neddies 32-12.