A game played in great spirit and much endeavour from both sides. It started with an interception from a telegraphed pass allowing Ross Hannaford to intercept and cross for a good try after only 3 minutes. This was easily converted by Curtis Neil giving the Old Boys a simple lead. The Stags were fired into play and after ten minutes Reuben Hinds made a great break to create the situation for Danny Parry to go over for a try converted by Dan Trigg. Just 7 minutes later Danny Parry scored again, after picking up a loose ball at a line out but Dan Trigg missed with the conversion.
Straight after the break the Stags extended their lead when Frazer Montague finished off a period of pressure following a quickly taken penalty. Just 8 minutes later after a period of desperate defence the ball went out to Tom Reynolds who showed his serious pace from just outside his own 22 to score a great try which Dan Trigg converted. At 24 – 7 the game seemed to be sewn up but with various changes and uncontested scrums it was not yet over. Just 5 minutes later following a period of intense pressure Matt O’Connor cut a lovely line to score and Curtis Neil added the extras. 5 more minutes and possibly the man of the match Ross Hannaford finished off a good inter-passing movement to score his second try.
The Old Boys kept coming and Luke Dilley was next over the line with some strong running to level the scores at 24 each. A draw seemed likely but in the closing minutes the Old Boys were awarded a penalty which was kicked into the corner and following another period of intense pressure Andy Fern managed to get over to give the Old Boys a 24-29 victory which on balance was just about the correct outcome.