‘CHILTS – pride of Bucks, fly the flag as plucky Aylesbury – ‘have a go’

Aylesbury RFC 1XV - 22

Tries: 3
Conversions: 2
Penalties: 1

Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV – 26

Tries: 4
Conversions: 3
Penalties: 0

Half Time: 14-14

With a warm welcome to Aylesbury RFC and playing within the beating heart of our Bucks Rugby Club, table topping A&C travelled with a much-changed side to face a 6th placed Aylesbury side undoubtedly also intent on victory.

With a significant number of travelling fans and of course Huw and Paul ‘dynamite’ in red and white after a lunch time feast, the expectant crowd were not disappointed as they witnessed a very enthralling match.

Who would come out ‘top of the pops’ or in rugby terms to be the current ‘pride of Bucks’?

After an opening 20 mins of some probing thrusts, potent runs and sprinkling of goal line pressure it was in fact Aylesbury who made the early gains and were rewarded on 24minutes with a well-deserved opening try and conversion. In a Ryder Cup kind of a way it was pink that was the first on the scoreboard (7–0).

After the home crowd cheers went up A&C consolidated matters well and after only 5 minutes made some terrific gains in Aylesbury’s 22, and true to form Jordan Scott beat a gutsy defence to score near to the posts and allow for an easy conversion (7–7). In a yo-yo kind of way Aylesbury responded well and with a now quite strong wind on their backs they made the gains to score again only 5 minutes later securing the conversion (14–7). The scene was set to ensure parity at half-time with full-back Ben Pothecary coming into the line and crossing for an equalising try, beautifully converted by winger Tom Fawssett.

Half Time: 14–14

For the 2nd half the wind didn’t get the message to keep blowing in the same direction and began to swirl a bit randomly. Appropriately A&C kept the ball in hand and as fitness levels began to drop it was big Tom Fawssett who made a terrific line break, diving over the line for the 2nd half opener (14–19). A Tough conversion.

Aylesbury could have then taken a penalty and kicked to the corner, but instead secured the 3 points (17–19) to stay close.

Already though, Amersham were cranking up the pressure and it wasn’t long until the fresh legs and strength of replacement James Morrison received a pass before easing his way through the hard working Aylesbury defence to secure the decisive try (17–24) another fine conversion from Tom making it (17–26).

With pride still to be earned Aylesbury deservedly roared along with their home support to eventually score a consolation try with seconds remaining. Conversion missed.

Chiltern win (22–26). So, it wasn’t what we did, and it was the way that we did it and we did get the result.
Great game all round.

Highlights:
• Alex Bower, stepping into No9 and being man of the match – great shout and very well deserved.
• Captain Jack – our very own Josh Finch returning from the bench, from a shoulder operation, and landing some top, top tackles.
• Noah Jarvis returning to centre after a short lay off – some firm strappings saw him through
• James Morrison – super-sub executing a wonderful bonus point try.
• 5 out of 5 ain’t bad!!!

Next Week: A weekend off to lick our wounds and rest our weary legs. The Rugby World Cup has reached the more exciting stage with what would have been a terrific final Scotland V Ireland on the tele. I can only hope.

Following week, we are on the road again this time to league new boys Chobham RFC (6th). Surrey based and started well. We travel though with pride. See you there.

Team:

1. Doug McGregor - Smith
2. Joe Batt
3. Charlie Swerling
4. Charlie Bourne
5. Kieran Booth
6. Callum Newton
7. Dave Francis
8. Jordan Scott
9. Alex Bower
10. Dan Kingsley
11. Bojan Cecaric
12. Noah Jarvis
13. MacKenzie South
14. Tom Fawssett
15. Ben Pothecary
16. Cameron Wilson
17. Josh Finch
18. James Morrison