A Nick Elliott penalty ten minutes from time clinched a match for AEI that for long periods had been in the balance. Despite widespread flooding around Leamington, the pitch was in excellent condition and the main factor affecting play was the strong wind into which AEI played during the first half. AEI did start the brighter side but a number of early handling errors in the backs let them down and gave away good possession. However, the handling skills eventually came together and winger Rich Pinks scored in the corner after a break by Paul Thompson. Things soon went from good to better for AEI when, following a excellent line out take by Mark McDonough, the ball was spun out for full back Tim Sly to dart into the line and score between the posts. Nick Elliott scored the conversion. Just before half time Old Leams scored a try from a well worked lineout move which left AEI leading 12-5 at the break.
Despite the wind at their backs in the second half, AEI found it difficult to make any inroads into Old Leams’ territory and possession for the AEI backs seemed to dry up completely. Old Leams tied the score when AEI second row Neil Waddoups, playing on the wing for Old Leams, scored a try against his own club (and a costly try at that). This set up a tense final twenty minutes but eventually, following some AEI pressure on the Old Leams line, the decisive penalty was conceded.