Handsworth 112 - 0 Aston Old Edwardians

This was always going to be a test for Aston as Handsworth were easy winners in the first encounter and have gone on to top the table with a brand of rugby which, though very simple, was carried out with great effectiveness and enthusiasm. The Aston scrum was under pressure throughout and the home team got most of their own ball from the lineout. Given that Handsworth were quick to the breakdown and backed up with the urgency of men who wanted the scoring pass, the visitors endured a fairly torrid second half against the significant slope. Lots of passing and excellent support of the runners are hard to deal with and the Handsworth backs were often able to make the extra man as they dealt with this part of the game so well.

Aston had periods of the game when they competed well but never threatened to cross the whitewash. They did play in the Handsworth 22 but not for long enough. The half time score was 55-0 so the halves were evenly balanced in terms of points but Aston certainly played better in the first half. Gareth Given put up a creditable show in the back row, Arron Finnegan came on near the end and made his presence felt and Darren Morris made a great charge down the middle, carving up the opposition. All team members got plenty of tackling practice, unfortunately.