The Isles won the toss and decided to play with the wind at their backs with the East getting the kick off. Straight from the kick off the Isles showed that they were not going to let the bigger, more experienced forwards of the East to dictate play. The Isles men on more than one occasion showed great determination in their tackling and managing to steal and turnover the East forwards, allowing their backs to stretch their legs. The first try came from an East scrum, Erik Laughton off loaded to Knighter who in turn pop passed Link Snr who broke the gain line and made good yardage only to be stopped just outside the Isles 22, he did however manage to pass the ball to Andrew Crom who showed good pace and balance to outstrip the Isles defence and score, Erik Laughton converted.
Shortly afterwards the ball was kicked forward after some good forward play, this resulted in a foot race between Andrew Crom and Link Jnr which Andrew won and scored another try, Andrew converted his own try.
The Isles forwards had the bit between their teeth and showed the East forwards that they weren’t there just to make up the numbers, after a scrum Fletcher picked the ball up and took it on, set up a maul, this resulted in some nice work from the Isles pack which managed to gain several yards, they released their backs and David Wild scored a very well worked try for them, Link Jnr converted. Five minutes from half time and Brian Link popped up for the East to run in his first try in the internal league. The conversion was missed.
Half time 

East 19   Isles 7

After some tactfull substitutions at half time, the Isles immediately won ball and released Sinky who went on one of his many runs supported by red eyes Thompson, they made good ground up only for the East forwards to steal a couple of balls and charge back up the pitch. There were a couple of chances for the East to score only to be stopped in their tracks by some sterling defence by the Isles.
The East back row showed the Isles a clean set of heals from a scrum which resulted in Kevin Groonie scoring, Erik Laughton converted.
The Isles forwards then proceeded to quite literally march up the park on more than one occasion and would have scored a couple of tries had the ball not been held up. After some good forward play Fletcher showed that there is life in the old dog yet, by showing the East lads how they used to play in the nineties and scored a determined try out wide. The conversion was unsuccessful.
The pace of the game seemed to pick up and some scrappy play followed, until a ball against the head was won by the East and this allowed Rambo to make good yardage, Kevin Groonie as always, was there in support, the ball was set up in a maul, spun wide to allow Rambo to score under the posts. Erik Laughton converted.
Another rumble from Sinky and red eyes Thompson saw the ball deep in the East 22. The Isles could smell the try line. The forwards controlled the ball well, allowing Link Jnr time to organise the backs, after some good hands, Magnus Flett scored for the Isles. The conversion was missed.

Final score –East 33 and Isles 17.

The score doesn’t really reflect the game as either side could have won, the East showed more experience, whilst the Isles showed true determination and handled everything that the East could throw at them. After the game in the clubhouse, Pansy Snr dressed as Shakin Stevens, but was reluctant to sing us a song.
Thanks to Stoff Snr for refereeing.

BM