Witham Stags and Essex Arch Bishops served up a thoroughly enjoyable vets encounter, played in exactly the right spirit from first whistle to last — competitive where it mattered, but with plenty of mutual respect throughout.

The Stags made the perfect start, taking the lead inside two minutes. Pete Thompson showed great awareness to intercept a pass and sprint 50 metres to open the scoring, with Ian Wilkinson adding the conversion.

Essex Arch Bishops responded well and were rewarded on 12 minutes, driving over from a well-organised maul in the corner. The conversion was missed, but it was a reminder that this would be no walkover.

Witham began to find their rhythm again midway through the half. Pete Thompson crossed for his second try on 27 minutes, finishing another sharp attacking move, and Ian Wilkinson again converted. Just before the interval, Rich Ward added to the tally, going over for a well-earned try following sustained pressure, with Wilkinson’s conversion sending the Stags into the break in a strong position.

The visitors came out with intent after half-time and struck early with a converted try, before adding another score on 50 minutes to close the gap and keep the contest firmly alive.

Credit to the Stags, who stayed patient and composed. Hank Clements went over to restore some breathing space, Ian Wilkinson converting once more. As legs tired and space opened up, Clements capped a strong second-half showing by crossing again in the dying minutes to close out the scoring.

A good, honest vets run-out played in the right spirit throughout, with both sides enjoying the contest and the chance to get another game under the belt. A solid afternoon for the Stags, rounded off with a deserved 33–17 win and plenty of smiles long after the final whistle.