In the traditional intra club season opener, the fathers and their sons took on a select XV and fought out a tough draw. The game was a celebration of the resilience of some of the elder statesmen of the AEI (and their fecundity) and gave the AEI “family” an opportunity to shake off the dust of inactivity and polish up some of the rusty skills they will need throughout their foray into league rugby this season.
Both sides were keen to secure bragging rights as well as their positions for the upcoming fixtures and went into each tackle with enthusiasm and no quarter asked or given. Both sides were inevitably a touch undercooked in defence after a four month break and this allowed both sides to create scoring opportunities which unfortunately went begging, largely due to handling errors.
First blood went to the Select XV, J Jenkins slicing through the Father/Son back line to score under the posts and then confounding that skill with a wayward conversion. The Father/Son XV were not to be outdone and took the half-time lead when C Handley was on hand to burrow over in the corner; Father/Son captain G Bott demonstrated how to convert from near the touchline.
The second half was another see-sawing affair of possession and territory and near misses, L Tresnicky signing off his short but eventful career in the AEI ranks with a signature bullocking charge which was only held up by desperate defence. However the Father/Son XV extended their lead when G Bott was able to dance through some despairing tackles to score but was unable to convert his try.
Given the closely fought nature of the match it seemed inevitable that Select XV captain N Yeung should also score, after fine work from his forwards allowed him to dive over in the corner from close range. J Jenkins must have been paying attention to G Bott’s earlier successful conversion and slotted his attempt to tie the match.
All participants and spectators thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon’s exertions which made for some very proud, albeit bruised and sore, parents. Thanks to B and S Salter for providing the inspiration for the fixture and allowing the AEI “family” to grow that little bit larger.