For the second year running AEI ran out victors in this traditionally close fixture. AEI were boosted by the return of a number of players, all anxious to put themselves into the selectors minds for next weeks crunch local derby game. After a tense opening, the game developed into a classic contest of Old Leams stronger pack versus the speed and slick passing of the AEI backs, and AEI were first on the score sheet with a try by centre Rich Pinks. An Old Leams penalty made the halftime score 3-5.
AEI wheeled out the big guns in the second half with the introduction of prop Jocky Corbett as a steadying influence. The AEI backs continued to make best use of spasmodic ball, and winger Terry Bott scored in the corner following a speculative chip through by Rich Pinks. A quickly taken penalty by Bott then sent Paul Eaton in for a 50m sprint to the line (we never doubted he’d make it!) to seal the match, although a late Old Leams try made it a nervous last few minutes for AEI.