AEI finished off their season with an emphatic victory over a side with whom they drew earlier in the season. The scene was set from a scrum in the opening minutes when the ball was spun through the backs, winger Paul Thompson made a good break and Tony Chronnell popped up to score in the corner. Within five minutes AEI were further ahead with Thompson the provider again (!) this time setting up Nick Elliott to stroll through between the posts. Never content, Nick Elliott then got a second try, following a dummy-scissors in the centres, to confirm his position as top try scorer of the season.
With the AEI pack in total control in the scrums and their backs seemingly able to create openings at will, a large score looked on the cards but, although AEI continued to score regularly, the floodgates never opened. Further second half tries went to Paul Thompson, Paul Eaton, Tony Chronnell (again) and Mark McDonough in his last game as captain. Indeed, it was a match of farewells with Nigel Dale and Paul McLernon saying their goodbyes and heading off for retirement and university respectively.
The post match celebrations took on a rather Gallic flavour with French maid’s outfits and a garlicky Oswald being some of the highlights, although the naked car park dash of three of the backs (OK: Pinks, Yeung and Dale) will live long in the memory of some passers-by. An excellent night was had by all and a club record of eight players actually made it into the SAME curry house!