A new look 3XV, playing in London Merit league 6 after being 'expunged' from BBO last season, didn't start well. A bad loss to Berkhamsted followed by a defeat to a weak Mill Hill 2XV didn't bode well. But after the Rugby World cup had finished and everyone focussed back on the league , something happened. We went on a 9 game winning run. With 4 massive away wins in a row at dark, dank venues with just enough men. We were starting to get noticed and feared in the league. This played out as teams played more and more ringers against us in the return games.
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The 3XV were promoted up a league after finishing second and we really should have won the league having beaten league winners Cuffley and were the only team to win all our home games (9). We also reached the final of the Cup competition. So yes, a successful return after a difficult season previously for 3s and 4s. What was evident this season was a growing , unstoppable team spirit that developed over the first half of the season and continued until the last game. There were some spectacular wins, 73-0 against Hemel and 63-0 against Berkhamsted. The 23-15 win over Cuffley was such a hard win, they were the most aggressive team we played and we upped our game and matched them, and beat them. So many players mention this game. I really think we have a team that can compete at the next level we face.

Here are some of the 3XV players' best bits:

Sam Allen Played 10 games and was a regular feature at loose head in a pack that dominated the league. Scored a cheeky try for the 2s.
Rob Baxter Played 19 games and was on the winning team 14 times. Normally tackling and disrupting but also went into the 2nd row with great effect.
Jack Claridge After missing September out, went on to play 15 times with 13 wins. Tackling was immense and scored 3 tries.
Graeme Coles Played 11 games and was the team enforcer. Playing back row, great in the loose and seems to have an ability to get under the opposition's skin. Took many for the team and really was pretty bashed up by the end of the season! Important presence on the pitch in the tight games.
Cookie Hooker and team singer played 6 games. Injury kept him out for more games but always there for the boys !
Luke Donnebaum Played 10 games, 2 MOM and came back from a serious looking ankle injury mid season. Bagged 3 tries and played in all areas of the pack. Another enforcer in the back row.
Andrew Grant Played 10 games and scored 4 tries , all in similar manner, dragging players along with him and over the line. 20 stone of prime Scottish beef shoring up that Chiltern pack. He loved every minute of it.
Jerry Green Our most senior of pros played 7 games and was on the winning side 7 times. Responsible for pre-match inebriates and linctuses'.
Jonny Keen Played 6 and scored 3 tries. Lost 2 pairs of boots home and away to Old Ashmolians. Injury near the end of the season kept him from playing more, important presence on the pitch setting up tries as well as scoring.
Matt Neill Played 12 games and scored 4 tries and a conversion. Wound the opposition up with his long hair and try celebrations. He once asked if he could put his hairspray in the medi-bag.
Scott Jarrold Played 6 games and scored 2 tries. Referees' do not like him ! Takes everything and gives nothing, love having his winning attitude in the team.
Sion Owen Played 3 games with one try before dislocating his knee against Verulamians. Back next season hopefully.
Jamie Reeve Played 12 games and was a regular feature in the dominant Chiltern front row. Being able to play Loose, Tight and Hooker, saw him poached for the 2s a few times.
Felix Stankard Played 7 games and was on the winning side 7 times. Excellent jumping in the lineout and turnover work in the loose.
Es Brown Played 12 games with 3 tries. Crash Bang Inside Centre who gave the team confidence when he was playing, was just as effective in defence.
Richard Gazzard Played 8 games with 4 tries. Quick to the break down, likes to tap and go. Kept momentum going in tight games and probably the best tackler in the team.
Dan Kinsey Played 17 games with 128 points. Scored 4 tries and kicked accurately all season. Great partnership with Es in attack and defence.
James Marlow Played 8 games at wing, pacey runner with lots of potential for next season.
Paul Sitzberger Played 13 games with 2 tries. Long hard pass and quick play kept us on top in games. Lovely big kicks for touch kept pressure on in key games.
Ed Wainwright Played 19 games with 10 tries and 3xv Player of The Season. Scored some unbelievable tries, kick and chase a speciality. Brought in some good new young players.
Mike Whitty Played 10 games with 2 tries. Was first choice fullback, great under the high ball and joining the line in attack.
James Wilson New Player played 7 games, quick around the pitch with good technique and tackle count.
Matt Wilson New Player played 7 games. When playing 9 had a quick accurate pass but also effective in the centres.
Jamie Anderson Colt player played 6 games and was Man of the Match playing Fly Half against Hitchin. Played in the Cup run, great kicking from tee and hands.
Jamie Gordon Played 5 games and scored 4 tries. Continues his great return for games played and tries scored. Most dangerous when collecting from deep and running at the opposition.
Ed Green Played 9 games and scored a try. Divided his time between the 2s and 3s and can play most positions. Solid performer and always pleased to have him in the team.
Josh Walton New Player. Played 3 games and scored 2 tries. Quick around the pitch and a hard tackler , can play back row and hooker.
Neil Aves Tore his Achilles in the first game and that was the end of his season. Has just completed rehab and could be back next season.
Harvey Gould Played his last game for Chiltern against Berkhamsted before retiring. Thanks for the last few seasons, the original enforcer for the 4s and 3s, it's been a pleasure playing with you.
Alex Liggett Likes to play at least one game a season for the 3s. See you next season for maybe more.
Josh Porter \ Stephens Played in the first and last games of the season for the 3s. Scored our try in the Cup Final and was Man of the Match. We would have won if he hadn't got injured !
David Choules Had a game for the 3s at scrum half with son Ollie at Fly Half.
Tom Fletcher Played the last 2 games of the season, looked hungry for more next season !
Phil John Played 4 games and scored 2 tries. Great running from deep, seems to glide past people.
Jack Kenyon Played a couple of games and I think he liked what he saw, maybe be more next season.
Scott Kilbey Played a couple when available, regular 2s player who is always appreciated at 3s level for his pace and commitment.
Jason Kilbey Played a few games and was in demand at 2s like his brother. Picked up a yellow card early in the season for a bit of brawling, always gets stuck in.
Andy Milner Only the one appearance but looked fitter than ever, maybe more next season?
Jonny Rice Another 2s player that likes a run out for the 3s now and again, always setting up or scoring tries.
Brian Richardson Dangerous has been clearly busy with other things. Next season for the full comeback ?
Bryn Roberts Played a couple , back for more hopefully next season.
Chris Royals Has gone down the refereeing route but stepped back into playing again and scored a great try.
Perez Jack Great to have him for a game, and yes he nailed a few people.
Doug Smith Played 19 games and absolutely loved every minute of it !
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Next season, I need everyone back ! We are going up a league and the standard is higher and this means that we must get better. There are some juicy games in prospect , Southgate and Chesham are our old adversaries from the 4XV a couple of season ago and it would great to get 4 wins in those ties.
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Keep fit over the summer boys, there will be pre-season training in August and a couple of friendlies in early September. The League season starts mid-September.