As the coach of Wales Deaf first started the Adi Powell memorial fixture back in 2000, it was only fitting that his current team would challenge for the trophy on this occasion.
Wales Deaf were bolstered by a few additions who wanted to be part of the day in the shadow of the RFU HQ. These players included a South African and a Lithuanian international player.
All the guys who supported Wales Deaf on this momentous occasion were outstanding in their effort and gave a much needed helping hand to a WDRU squad reduced to only 16 on the day.
Blighted with injury and promotion battles, it became difficult for the deaf to raise a team that would be able to challenge what eventually turned out to be, a very good group of players. The initial XV to take the field were all qualified deaf players. They started with a real battle in the trenches.
The Adi Powell team threw everything at the boys and eventually broke down a massive defensive effort to score the first 7 points of the game with some outstanding depth running and great handling.
Wales Deaf took this blow in their stride, and hit back soon after with an impressive chip from the multi talented tight head prop (Yes!) Chris Ratcliffe, which led to a flash of red touching down in the corner.
The game turned around at 17 - 12 to the Adi Powell XV. The coach Steve Commander pointed out a number of facts to the team that lifted their efforts, the most motivating fact was that they were competing with a number of players who compete in the English Premier League.
Realising they could compete at this level meant that the deaf gave an outstanding effort in the second half which saw some quality inter-play, great handling and exceptional heart in what has to have been one of the best games of Rugby ever undertaken by Wales Deaf.