In a game relocated at Rugby due to flooding, AEI blew hot and cold in the wind and rain.
Claverdon kicked off with the wind behind and exerted constant pressure for the first fifteen minutes, but AEI’s defence held firm. Unusual tactical kicking by Stack Stephens at scrum half caused some questions to be asked, but AEI retained their composure throughout. Having weathered storms on the pitch and from the clouds AEI began to win some consistent possession and territory. From a line-out on the half way line, the three quarters were unleashed by Paul Eaton at outside half. Guest Tim Udall on the wing ended a smooth handling move with a sweet reverse pass to full back Nathan Yeung who opened AEI’s account.
AEI continued to gain good possession and from another line-out Paul Eaton made an innovative chip over the Claverdon defence, which he gathered himself. His pop pass launched the immense Nick Elliott who barged his way to the line. Elliott looked in sparkling form in his second match back from injury. The conversion was landed by Jock Corbett into the wind.
Further pressure from the home side resulted in a series of penalties close to the Claverdon line. It took big Steve Neal to breach the opposition to score another try just before half time, at which point AEI looked to be cruising.
At half time injuries forced changes for both teams, disrupting the pattern of play. Claverdon started the half more lively, forcing AEI into an early error. Worse was to follow as they scored a converted try from the resulting line-out. Although the wind was in their favour, AEI struggled to find their first half continuity, significantly finding it hard to win any line-out ball. Possession and territorial advantage were balanced evenly for most of the half but with 10 minutes left Claverdon exploited an uncharacteristic defensive lapse to score their second converted try.
With the result on a knife edge, both sides stepped up a gear to try to secure the victory, Chris Hague being particularly influential and the defensive boot of Yeung relieving AEI on several occasions before the final whistle eventually blew.
Colin StephenS