Saturday 23rd September A&C RFC 1XV v Old Haberdashers RFC 1XV

Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV - 57

Tries - 8
Conversions - 7
Penalties - 1

Old Haberdashers RFC 1XV – 6

Penalties - 2

Half Time: 14 -6

On a mighty fine day for rugby we welcomed, once more, the ‘Old Habedashers’ of old Borehamwood to Weedon Lane. Our visitors included their dignitaries and supporters, a few of who were resplendent in their blue, white and magenta striped blazers. Over lunch tales of daring do’s and rugby scandal were shared with good humour and enthusiasm.

For me any Old Habs fixture is one of some anxiety. I have witnessed 2 close and quite last minute defeats at ‘fortress Croxdale Road’. With a traditional ‘big boy ‘pack and heavy pitch you’d be amazed just how effective a ‘big boy’ pack can be. Memories though, do have A&C in the ascendancy especially as again we could relive the madness of the last game of last season and celebrate again our last combat at Amersham which resulted in a festival of fun with a resounding A&C win (78–34).

After 3 games unbeaten, a home fixture and Old Habs it’s fair to say there was home expectation of another ‘Scottish style’ festival of champagne rugby.

And so to the action…….

After 15 minutes; 1st try, and our top try scorer Jordan Scott, pushed over from a scrum to score the opening points. Converted confidently by our, looking good, full-back Ben Pothecary (7–0). An energetic start by both sides it was always going to be interesting to assess fitness levels as the game progressed. A&C training twice a week with the Old Habs being the ‘highest ranked non-training team in the country’.

At 18 minutes; a bit of off-side from A&C resulted in a penalty for Old Habs (7–3). At 22 minutes; yellow card issued to our back row Dave Francis for an unfortunate high tackle. Off Dave went to ‘the cooler’ for 10 minutes.

On 30 minutes Jordan struck again and after some sustained Chiltern pressure around the 22m mark he picked and went following good forward work. Converted by Poth (14–3). On 38 minutes, after some more Habs pressure, they were awarded with a 2nd penalty (14-6)

Half-time: 14 – 6. A competitive first half

From the start of the 2nd half probably following the guzzling of an excessive number of ‘Tangfastics’ an energised Chiltern side started ramping up the tempo.

Orchestrated by our very own ‘Four weddings and a funeral’ star and scrum half, Jack Kenyon, almost immediately on 45 minutes our 3rd try was scored by 2nd row Kieran Booth. Well timed as A&C were now down to 13 men, 14 men permanently. It was the forwards who kept gaining ground with powerful runs through the heart of the defence. Working our way to the try line for the mighty Kieran to touch down after some ‘fast feet’ and upper body manipulation. Unconverted by Poth, a tough one (19-6).

With Chiltern clearly inspired and standing together on 2 minutes and with try number 4 Dan Kingsley selling the dummy pass and at roadrunner pace ensured yet more sustained pressure resulted in several penalties against Old Habs. To complete matters and after some great inter-linking play between forwards and backs, Dan finally executed getting to outside of his opposite number and stepping around the full back to score under the posts. Converted by Poth (26–6).

On 65 minutes practiced his penalty kicking successfully stretching the lead further (29-6).

Now on 67 minutes, the 5th try was scored by Jordan Scott, as he re-emerged refreshed from some ‘thinking time’ in the Cooler and following yet more dominant scrums and penalties it was a great turn-over from MacKenzie South, that resulted in Ben Pothecary kicking the ball deep into the 22m. After a secure line out, the forwards kept it tight, and Jordan Scott was again the man to bury his way over the line for his hat-trick and team hugs and kisses. Most amazing conversion by Poth. I stood in awe (36–6).

On 69 minutes there was more heroics as with our 6th try our wee and very nimble footed James Lewis came to life. With our forwards winning their collisions in midfield and the ball spraying out wide for Outside Centre Alex Bower to break the line, with the cutest of chip overs he then beats the full back and James Lewis runs on a fair distance, collects it and scores for his first try. Converted by Poth (43–6).

Then on 76 minutes it was our 7th try and second for James Lewis who with relentless pressure on the Old Habs scrum, allowed winger James to be put into space, beating 3 defenders before breaking away and scoring to the left hand side of the posts. Again a wonderful conversion by Poth (50–6)

Cherry on top with the final play and 8th try for another hat-trick from James Lewis, same of the same, and converted (57–6).

Great game; tough on Old Habs but a great day and now we will travel in January 2024 to break that away hoo-doo.

Highlights

• Ben Rooke – made an A&C and debut in our mighty back row for the 1sts – we salute you and your proud parents.
• Jordan Scott – Hat-trick hero
• James Lewis – Hat-trick hero
• Callum Newton – outstanding!!!
• The 2nd half – need I say anymore.

Next Week

Aylesbury (in 6th place with 12 points) away on the Bucks 4G. I’ve had my hair cut and looking good in front of the RFU CCTV cameras. Always one for the neutrals. A genuine derby as the unbeaten league leaders A&C (20 points) visit Ostler’s Field. Sure to be some dynamite as we travel with our flag in hand. Our supporters as always more than welcome.

Team

1. Callum Newton
2. Chris Joyce
3. Charlie Swerling
4. Ollie Cato
5. Kieran Booth
6. Ben Rooke
7. Dave Francis
8. Jordan Scott
9. Jack Kenyon
10. Dan Kingsley
11. Lloyd Anderson
12. MacKenzie South
13. Alex Bower
14. James Lewis
15. Ben Pothecary
16. Doug McGregor-Smith
17. Joe Batt
18. Bojan Cecaric