A rampant AEI Rugby too strong for Standard. 

In their opening game of this seasons campaign Rugby’s AEI team proved too strong for their Coventry rivals bringing home a very convincing 43 to 13 victory for the home team.

A nervous start saw Standard, who had won the toss and elected to play with the strong wind, put an early try on the scoreboard. AEI quickly broke back with a try of their own from Jim Marney. Standard were next to score regaining the lead after AEI veteran Chris Hague gave away a penalty in front of the sticks. Just before halve time AEI regained the lead as Jonathan Jenkins kicked on through chasing his own ball for a certain try before being over taken by AEI speedster Stuart Little who pick the ball up and went over uncontested for his 1^st points in two seasons.. AEI going into the halve time break leading 10-8.

Now playing against the strong wind in the second halve Standard defended gallantly but were powerless against a AEI backline that seem to penetrate at will with 1^st another try from Jim Marney who was later denied a hat-trick in a judgement call from the ref.  Markus “Crash” Clarke finished up a forwards/backs move receiving the ball in open play from front row Sean Fitzpatrick to go over after a dash down the line. Standard then briefly hit back with a push over try but it was all too late and AEI rack up another 2 tries with a great solo effort from French import Irwin Maximus followed by a team running putting new kid on the block Jonathon Jenkins over for a try on his debut for the AEI.

Team captain Pete Prichard said “this is just the sort of start to the season we wanted, This season we have good numbers of old players returning as well as few promising new players, although I am actively seeking new players to join Rugby’s most social club I think this is the best looking team AEI has fielded for many seasons and I am very happy with our form going into AEI’s first season back in the Warwickshire Cup. With this venture back into the cup I am hoping the club will provide a more competitive environment to encourage new membership while retaining the friendly club atmosphere that AEI Rugby is well known for”

Halve time Score 10 AEI - 8 Standard

Full time 43 AEI – 13 Standard

 Man of the match, Irwin Maximus