Saturday 2nd September 2023. Grasshoppers RFC 1XV 26 A&C 1XV 41. Match Report by Andy Grant

Grasshoppers RFC 1XV 26

Tries: 4
Conversions: 3

Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV 41

Tries: 7
Conversions: 3

And so it was that the 2023/2024 season started with a trip to newly promoted Grasshoppers and their home at Syon Lane, Isleworth. A day for plenty of water bottles, sun hats and tubes of suncream with both teams primed after decent pre-seasons.

It would be a test on the 4G pitch ‘joining in his games’ at the impressive facilities provided by media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his local Sky team.

Amersham fielded a fairly familiar side from the previous season and with, again, home grown talent being the theme. We were looking forward to the speed and consistency offered by the 4G surface. We also knew that the first 10 mins was important to make a strong impression and the boys certainly didn’t disappoint.

A mere 2 mins after kick-off and it was Noah Jarvis accepting a crash ball and scoring the first try of the game (0-5) - unconverted.

Minutes later MacKenzie South finished a ‘classy backs’ move by scoring down the blind side (0-10) – unconverted again. A decent first 10mins and everything going to plan with some tough unsuccessful conversions.

Just when we thought the foot would be pressed on the jugular (we have practiced this) it was Grasshoppers with an inspired ‘Kung Fu - Grasshopper’ film moment ensuring they turned the tide and scored their opening try following an impressive maul and execution (5-10).

The fast tempo of both sides continued and again A&C looked to pull away. This time it was Conor Segre wasting no time with a quick kick and go before putting on the burners and blazing a trail for the 3rd Amersham try (5-15) - unconverted.

Grasshoppers though dug in and again using their forwards from set play continued to do the damage resulting in them scoring 2 further tries and securing a well-deserved first half lead (19-15)

With a bit of a reset, some focus and a playing of some Scottish Jacobite war songs in the changing room our A&C cherubs seemed energised for the 2nd half ahead.

Charlie Bourne, with the build of a Grand National stallion needed no second chances to pluck the ball and then gallop through to score the try and quickly regain the Amersham lead. Again uncoverted. In fairness, it was another tough one but there was a concern given we all know ‘kicks win games’ (19-20).

With the momentum Callum of Newton family fame wasted no time in securing a great catch and drive before going over for our 5th try. Tom Fawssett took over kicking duties from Noah and slotted the easiest kick of the day (19-27).

This time and with a decent breeze on their backs A&C kept the pressure on and it wasn’t long until wee Chris Joyce (our music man) followed Callum’s lead with another catch and drive led by our front row. Again, Tom secured the conversion (19-34).

It now felt the game was won with Grasshoppers suffering injury and a wee bit of naughtiness. The pressure mounted prior to Jordan Scott bursting through after a quick penalty taken by Conor, a pass to Joe Batt and then a release to Jordan to lift his knees high and secure our 7th and final try. A hat-trick of conversions from Tom and (19-41) would have been a decent final score.

Grasshoppers though were determined to finish with champagne style play and reward a decent home crowd. They were eventually rewarded after some tired rugby from both sides with a consolation final try ( 26-41)

Highlights:

• Dave Crimp - Legend and Chair of Trustees being the most stylishly dressed man in the sun and splendour of Isleworth. Befitting of a
catalogue model.
• An air-conditioned bar and lashings of chilled cider on draft
• Wee Tim Hayes making his return to the 1sts from the bench and landing the most potent rib-tickling tackle on the biggest guy on the pitch.
• A now slip and ripped Jonathan Rice leaping like a salmon with increased zest and energy
• Big Max Morphey on league debut making the gains every time he got the ball -he’ll only get better.

Team

1. Max MORPHEY
2. Chris JOYCE - Try (catch and drive)
3. Callum NEWTON - Try (catch and drive)
4. Charlie BOURNE - Try
5. Jonathan RICE
6. Warwick SOUTH
7. David FRANCIS
8. Jordan SCOTT - (C) - Try (side to side Conor took quick penalty to Joe Batt)
9. Conor SEGRE - Try (tap and go)
10. Dan KINGSLEY
11. Bojan CECARIC
12. Noah JARVIS - Try (crash ball in the 22)
13. Alex BOWER
14. MacKenzie SOUTH - Try ( backs love and back down the blind side)
15. Tom FAWSSETT - 3 X Conversions
16. Joe BATT
17. Cameron WILSON
18. Tim HAYES

Next Week: Kick off at 3pm and home to Leighton Buzzard. Buzzard. They lost 17 -34 in their opener to Aylesbury so we will undoubtedly be hoping for a win.