9.9.23: Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV: 63 V Leighton Buzzard RFC 1XV: 21

[b]Tries Leight-on - brave Buzzard are the prey as Chiltern strike 9 times for a hot hot victory[/b]

Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV: 63 V Leighton Buzzard RFC 1XV: 21

Half-Time: 28 - 0

Goodness me it was a hot day. Reminded me very much of the weather I was used to playing rugby in as a young man on the fields of Braidholm, Clarkson RFC (Now GHA), Glasgow, Scotland - NOT!

And so it was with a busy clubhouse and lunch we all celebrated the ‘ceremony of the ties’ as our wonderful U13s stepped through and into the land of ‘bigger boy’ rugby. We wish them all the very best.

We also welcomed back Leighton Buzzard RFC to Weedon Lane, after last season’s return to the Midland leagues. Ironically the last time they played here last was one of the coldest, windiest and wettest days of the season. Would the 30+ temperatures make a positive difference? We would have to wait and see.

With more very welcome youth support and their parents it was the case that A&C came out of the blocks in style. MacKenzie South promptly opened the scoring finishing a strong backs surge with a try at the clubhouse end.

Soon after it was our spotlighted Captain Jordan Scott, fresh from his tie presenting and words of wisdom, lifting his knees high and powering his way through a wayward defence for our second try. To complete the 1st half dominance Noah Jarvis again exploited a fragmented defence and with little resistance scored a 3rd try with 10mins remaining till half-time. Step up a determined Dave Francis to ensure a handsome lead at half-time who with bodies bouncing off him made the power play for the 4th try and bonus point. Needless to say all beautifully converted by an in-form Tom Fawssett.

(Half Time: 28 - 0)

With our cohort of U13s running our water supply, offering encouragement and close assessment of injuries the 2nd half began in the same vein. Step up wee Tim Hayes turning on the rocket burners and sizzling through for the 5th try. Up step Callum Newton who seized control of a ruck before running unopposed for the 6th. Noah then finished off a great attack for the 7th for his second try of the game and very soon afterwards MacKenzie South secured his second try of the game. To complete matters Captain Jordan and not to be out done got his second too to complete a resounding win in Mediterranean conditions. Bravely LB stuck at it and managed 3 tries all converted as consolation. Every try converted and a final score of (63 - 21).

The victory however was not without a casualty . Conor Segre our wonderful scrum half pulled up and was stretchered off with an ankle fracture and ligament tears. Operation this week and all our thoughts and best wishes very much with him. He was instrumental in this resounding victory.

Highlights:

• Debut for winger James Lewis. A recent graduate from Loughborough and a Chiltern Cherub he jinked, side-stepped, ran backwards,
jumped like a gazelle and marauded his way through many of the opposition on several occasions and somewhat managed not to score. I
suspect that will change very soon
• Joe Batt starting again at Hooker and threw in beautifully.
• Andrew Toole , relentless in defence and adding much needed Scottish grit to a very English Chiltern side.
• Ben Pothecary - switched to stand-off and with some belting kicks controlled the nerve centre with ease and panache.
• Tom Fawssett - 100% for kicking and looked good too.

Team:

1. Max MORPHEY
2. Joe BATT
3. Callum NEWTON -try
4. Jonathan RICE
5. Will DREWETT
6. Andrew TOOLE
7. David FRANCIS - try
8. Jordan SCOTT - (C) -2 x tries
9. Conor SEGRE
10. Ben POTHECARY
11. James LEWIS
12. Noah JARVIS - 2 x tries
13. MacKenzie SOUTH - 2 x tries
14. Tim HAYES - 1 x try
15. Tom FAWSSETT - 9 x Conversions
16. Charles SWIRLING
17. Chris JOYCE
18. Jack KENYON

Next Week (Saturday 16th September):- Kick off 3pm and away to Fullerians. A niggly bad tempered match last year on a heavy waterlogged pitch. This year we have the fixture early so unbeaten we travel with confidence to perform in the dry with firmness of pitch. It would be great if you could come and support.

Andy Grant