The Old boys old boys knew they would have to produce a special performance to topple a Sittingbourne side that were appearing in the final for the 3rd year in a row. On paper Old G's had a strong side with the wise heads of Stu Coleman and Paul Mitchell, who was playing his 2nd game this weekend, joined by the returning Mick Davey in the front row backed up by an engine room consisting of Andy Day and the fence hopper Mark "Oaf" Armitage. The loose forwards were clearly focussed on big runs and powerful play with Darrell Conlan being joined by Ayub Pangarker and Martin Povey. All of this power would need good management and that came from Sam Fenton at 9, John Poulson at 10 with Steve Thompson (also playing his second game) and Dave Boyer in the centres meant any clean ball was always going to be exciting. Gerry Tuck, leading try scorer Martin Langley and Gareth "LA" Edwards made up a competent back 3 that could be deadly in attack and defence.
Some big names featured on the bench too with Tom Hammerton, Nick Bratton, Nick "Gump" Stevens, Lee Wilson and Jim Fenton. Mike Hodge was ruled out with injury despite his best efforts.

Sittingbourne showed their class straight from the kick off by putting pressure on their own kick and forcing errors from the old boys, it didn't take long for them to convert errors into penalties and within 5 minutes they had an opportunity just inside the 22 that they could resist kicking. 3-0.

This woke Old G's up and the defence tightened, some big runs from both sides especially Povey and Oaf who are known to love the contact. Dave Boyer and Mr T in the centres were trying to find gaps in the 'bourne defence but they held on well. 23 minutes into the game Sittingbourne found a gap and exploited it, running through a couple of tackles they were able to dot down under the posts, conversion was successful. 10-0

With half time fast approaching (30 minute halves in the vets final) Old G's had to give a push from the restart, John Poulson put it high down the middle of the park, the forwards gave chase and a few massive hits later an error from Sittingbourne resulted in the first of many yellow cards and a penalty infant of the posts, Poulson accepted the invitation and slotted the kick. 10-3 at half time.

The half time team talk was simple but effective; they are tired, we are not! Push hard and we will win. Subs were made and fresh legs were ready to inject some extra energy into the game. 5 minutes in Nick Stevens came on for Stu Coleman in the somewhat unfamiliar front row...

Fired up and reenergised Poulson restarted the game. However, Sittingbourne showed that they weren't done yet and put the pressure onto the old boys straight away pushing their way forward into Old G's territory. Cue a pass to Martin Langley who proceeded to dance his way around everyone and run the pitch in the process, his 5th try for the vets this season! Poulson was his usual reliable self and pushed the kick over to tie the game. 10-10.

This didn't ease the pressure as much as the old boys will have wanted and 'Bourne pushed forward and again forced a penalty in kickable range a few minutes later. Once again it was sent over 13-10, pressure back on, 16 minutes to go!

Not long after the restart the Old Boys turned the ball over and Dave Boyer stepped up, showing us that Langley isn't the only one who can dance through tackles he pushed his way 50m over the line and under the posts, Poulson stepped forward and slotted the extras. 13-17 with 10 to go.

Old G's needed to hold strong for 10 minutes but deciding that this wasn't going to be all that fun Sam Fenton dived off his feet at a ruck and was sent to the bin for an 8 minute rest. Hodge quickly reshuffled the team from the side line and spent the whole 8 minutes shouting instructions to Boyer. Despite a few hairy moments by the time Fenton could get back on the old boys were holding strong, every scrum felt like it could be the last until the ball was finally kicked into tech and the official blew the final whistle. They had done it! Cue celebrations from the Old G's support who had been fantastic throughout!

Final Score 13-17!

The Trophy was presented to Jim Fenton, the oldest player in the side and the one who had sacrificed his own game time to ensure the win happened.

Well done to Sittingbourne for being a great opposition and giving us a final to remember!