Witham offered front row players but this offer was turned down. Mavericks clearly enjoyed the uncontested scrums as it gave their younger faster backs a better springboard for attacks than they would otherwise have had. The first 15 minutes saw both sides exchange possession and territory evenly. Mavericks made the first breakthrough, spreading the ball wide and finding enough space for their fast winger to exploit. Witham hit back and were soon in the Mavericks 22. When the ball went loose, John Cox scooped it up and under pressure offloaded to Joe Cook, who surged through the defence to score. Mavericks managed to score again through their backs but Witham were in charge at the breakdowns. Late in the half, the forwards got Witham close before the ball was sent to Sam Holloway who beat his opposite number to score. The last play of the half was almost identical with Holloway giving the hosts a 15-12 lead.
A couple of injuries forced changes in Witham's structure and this allowed Mavericks to take the lead, finding a gap that should have been closed. Witham exerted loads of pressure and eventually got Holloway clear for his 3rd try of the game. Witham's older squad was suffering in the heat but were manfully protecting their lead until, with only minutes remaining the visitors crossed to retake the lead. Witham made a final surge to take the game but being so heavily committed to the attack left them vulnerable. A final counter attack gave Mavericks a more comfortable scoreline.
Had the offer of a loaned prop been accepted, this would have been an interesting encounter. Going uncontested leaves players feeling robbed of a true contest.
As front row players had been offered, an appeal was successfully lodged, giving Witham a 39-0 win.