AEI continued their winless start to the season with another defeat away to Broadstreet but were encouraged by the performance of the 13 players who were able to take to the field.
With several key players missing through injury and other commitments, the AEI were grateful to Broadstreet for the loan of two players to even up the sides. Buoyed by this unexpected generosity, AEI made by far the more positive and incisive start with makeshift winger Lee Clark continuing his 100% league record by scoring in the first half after good work from both the pack and the backline.
Further scores by Karl Lawson and Rory Macdonald gave the AEI a 17-7 lead at halftime and thoughts were turned towards a first victory of the season. However a quick score by Broadstreet followed by the departure of injured fly half Gareth Bott meant that the AEI were leading 20-14 with half an hour remaining but with only 14 men on the pitch.
Resolute tackling by all concerned inevitably lead to several players sustaining knocks and when Karl Lawson failed to recover after chasing down the Broadstreet winger, the writing was on the wall for the AEI. Broadstreet made full use of the 2 man overlap and were able to run out comfortable winners, running in 4 unanswered tries in the final quarter.
Whilst the AEI will be disappointed not to have registered their first win of the season, the players can take heart from the battling display in the face of adversity and much greater cohesion between all the players demonstrated this week. Special mention goes to man of the match Terry Rowland who, in only his 3rd game at lock, exemplified the spirit of the AEI with a tackling display which belied his slight frame.
A friendly against Southam next provides much needed respite from the rigours of league rugby and a chance for some absent friends to make their first appearances of the season.