Match Report – 21st October 2023... A&C 1XV v Hemel Hempstead 1XV

Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV 30
Tries – 4
Conversions - 2
Penalties – 2

Hemel Hempstead (Camelot) RFC 1XV 13
Tries - 1
Conversions -1
Penalties - 2

Half Time: 15 - 13

The Saturday afternoon climate was in fact far from perfect when the local Knights from Hemel were welcome visitors to Ash Grove. An early season and eagerly awaited Bucks V Herts clash as 3rd placed Camelot clearly relished the opportunity to topple leaders A&C. With a healthy and expectant away support (blue and white striped blazers) and a decent home support (given the Scottish weather) the scene was set for a closely fought game. Rain and wind undoubtedly can be a leveller when it comes to moving around the oval shaped ball.

As predicted the 1st half proved to be highly competitive. Although A&C had most of the possession it was clear that in turn they had the highest count of dropped balls and scrums against. In turn with the possession Camelot did have, they had more control playing a less expansive game.

Deservedly it was Camelot who scored the opening try following some decent early pressure on the Chiltern line. Easily conversion (0 – 7).

Chiltern responded well initially winning and kicking a penalty, Ben Pothecary, (3 – 7) and knowing they would have the wind and the rain on their backs in the 2nd half they started putting some great play together with some challenging ball retention. Following some persistent pressure Callum Newton scampered through with little challenge for A&C’s opening but unconverted try (8-7).

With some decent momentum building A&C then started upping the pressure with some great discipline and ball play. With the defence appearing to drop off prop Callum Newton again took advantage for a powerful run in for our 2nd try, again un-converted (15 – 7). Third time lucky and a gift for Ben Pothecary. With a spell of poor defence, a round table meeting was convened under our posts and a rallying call made.

A positive for the Knights of Camelot and managed to make things interesting again with 2 successful penalties being secured before half time (15 – 13).

With brief spells of sun and a healthy breeze A&C were always confident that Camelot could be put to the sword. It wasn’t immediate but much like a Rocky movie there was a period of sustained effort in attack where Camelot craved a try response.

Although never quite on the ropes A&C did excel in defence only to then turn that defence into attack with a quite superb intercept break from defence by winger James Lewis to score a try (converted Ben Pothecary) in front a cheering clubhouse crowd (20 -13). A further penalty kick secured by Ben (23-13) prior to Dan Kingsley (stand-off) completing another bonus point finishing an excellent forwards /backs move for our final converted try (30 – 13).

We look forward to our return fixture at Camelot on Saturday 3rd February 2024 which will again be in Winter although hopefully dry and pleasant like in early spring when some champagne rugby will prevail.

5.11.23: Away to the peaceful and angelic field of St Benedict’s School and those Old Priorians of Perivale Lane. The new 3rd placed team keen to have a crack at A&C. All supporters welcome as we seek to maintain our 100% record this season and repeat the double on Old Priorians achieved last season. Could be damp so make sure you all by our new woolly bobble hats. 2pm KO.

Team:

1. Callum Newton
2. Joe Batt
3. Doug McGregor-Smith
4. Ollie Cato
5. Kieran Booth
6. Dave Francis
7. Josh Finch (Captain)
8. Jordan Scott
9. Jack Kenyon
10. Dan Kingsley
11. James Lewis
12. Alex Bower
13. MacKenzie South
14. Lloyd Anderson
15. Ben Pothecary
16. Charlie Swerling
17. Harry Bradshaw
18. Noah Jarvis