Aston Old Edwardians 28 Old Saltleians 5

Aston had managed a one point victory in the away fixture at Water Orton in November when Old Salts were doing well and Aston had their problems with injury. There is seldom a great gulf between these local rivals and the expectation was for yet another close encounter. With Aston struggling somewhat towards the foot of the table and with Salts reassuringly safe in fifth place, Aston probably had the greater motivation in the contest. Salts were also without Blake Bennett at fly half due to a new arrival in the family.

Aston had the advantage of the slope and, after an initial thrust into the Salts' 22, they were pushed back into their own territory very quickly. There followed a whole series of midfield exchanges before Aston shipped a ball to centre Josh Walker who punched a hole in the defence to go in under the posts, leaving an easy conversion for Chris Cheney.

With George Copeland dealing well with Salts' kicks and running them back Aston maintained the pressure and Chris Cheney was able to kick another penalty from forty metres. Aston's scrum and line out did well, providing plenty of ball and with Brad Meeson at ten using the boot intelligently, Salts were pegged back close to their 22 for some time.

A great touch from the fly half led to a powerful rolling maul from the line out but, eventually, could not produce points. It drew a penalty and Chris Cheney's kick hit the post only for him to get another chance on the stroke of half time. There was some confusion about whether it had gone over and, consequently, it was ruled out, leaving Aston ten points to the good at the break.

Both sides had scrapped it out with the usual vigour and there were sixteen grafters among the forwards. Aston expected Salts to come out with all guns blazing but, for the next fifteen minutes, Aston played at their best. They were precise in almost all they did and this produced a fluency in attack which kept pressure on the visitors.

Chris Cheney notched another three points with the boot and, in short order, he found himself lining up a secont attempt which he duly despatched between the uprights. From the restart Aston swept upfield and Brad Meeson's link enabled Joe Williams to show a clean pair of heels until he was tackled close to the line. The ever hard working Lea Ross was on hand to pick up and score what was an impressive try. Chris Cheney continued to show his interest in woodwork by hitting the bar with his conversion attempt.

Salts made a strong fight back but could not sustain it and Aston were soon on the charge again as Joe Williams got into space on a long run. He timed his pass well to George Copeland who ran in under the posts and Chris Cheney converted. This purple patch from Aston was about to make a volte face and, to the great credit of Salts, they had the rest of the game, keeping Aston severely shackled until the final whistle.

An excellent cross kick from Salts rolled and found a good touch and Salts turned the screw with some speedy and agressive drives. Eventually, after some skilful interplay, their right winger, Luke Turner made it across the line for a much deserved try in the corner, which went unconverted.

The unrelenting attacks resumed and Salts all but scored again. However, the attacker was prevented from getting the ball down by intelligent work from Michael Tate who had a successful afternoon. Aston's forwards were under heavy pressure now as play remained in their 22 but capable clearances from Brad Meeson helped to stem the tide until the end.

There were others worthy of note for Aston. John Fallon and Ian Turner grafted away at prop and Conah Davies and Ben Harris in the back row did likewise but a sterling effort from Dad's Army candidates Martin Franklin and Paul Horrocks defied the calendar.

Match report by Brian Kelly