An understrength AEI were again left pondering “what might have been” in a one-sided fixture whose only bright point was once more the effort displayed by the 13 players who were able to participate.
Facing up to a confident, younger and thus far unbeaten Southam second team the 12 AEI men (once again bolstered with 2 extras through the generosity of the opposing team) made the brighter start; fierce counter-rucking won the AEI a scrum inside the Southam 22 and quick hands down the line lead to one of the guest wingers touching down in the corner.
Unfortunately this was the highlight of the game for the AEI and much of the remainder of the game was spent in tackling practice. The lack of a full back meant that a Southam line break or use of the extra man inevitably resulted in a score and once the visitors realised this, the game was effectively over as a contest.
Despite the odds, the AEI refused to simply surrender and Clint Nykamp excelled in the midfield, breaking up numerous Southam attacks and threatening with his own incisive running.
Halftime heralded the arrival of Gareth Bott at full back but injury conspired to keep the sides uneven – an injury to lock Terry Rowland meant that AEI were never able to achieve parity of numbers.
The AEI season thus far has been one blighted by injury and unavailability forcing players out of position. The captain is hopeful that the AEI will show its true form and ability when he can field a side where the players have the luxury of playing in favoured positions with equal numbers for the duration of the game.