From the start Woodford caught the Old Boys asleep, and started the game well, scoring two unconverted tries in the first ten minutes. After some regrouping under the post’s, the Old Boys decided this was a game that could be won, and decided to take the game to the opposition, rather than waiting for the next attack.

The fly half Perry Reeves re started well and gave the Old Boys forwards a chance to compete for the ball. The forwards combination of Paddy Bash, Billy Mullen and Mickey Bristow’s combined well to gain important yards and secure ball deep in the Woodford half. From this position scrum half Ian Hannaway delivered with pin-point accuracy excellent passes to release the centre’s combination of Neil Tetner and Jean Pierre. After some well timed inter play, John Mole was able to break the Woodford defence, and score under the posts to score a great try, which was duly converted by Reeves.

Woodford however, were not without response, and broke the resolute defence of the Old Boys pack to score just before the half time whistle.

With the score at 7-15 the Old Boys confidence grew, as Woodford despite good possession, where unable to break the gain line in the second half. Old Boys prop Bob Knapp turned the ball over on the half way line, which caught the Woodford defence off guard, and the ball was recycled quickly, to winger Simon Peace who scored in the corner. With the scores at 12-15 the Old Boys opted to kick a penalty after Woodford were deemed off side in their own 22, and Reeves squared the game.

The encounter by this time was becoming very heated with both sides commiting everything they could. This resulted in the Old Boys losing two of their front row after some particularly colourful loose play.

With the Old Boys skipper shouting himself hoarse, and the ever present support from the touch line the Old Boys stood firm under the ensuing onslaught, and won a penalty just inside the Woodford half. Alex Hughes stepped up, and slotted a perfect kick to make the scoreline 18-15.

Being ahead for the first time in the game with 12 minutes to go the Old Boys defence was pushed to the hilt, with some excellent cover tackling by Jonny Davis and Jamie Davies required to stop Woodford scoring.