Match Report - 2nd December 2023: A&C RFC 1XV versus Belsize Park RFC 1XV

Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV – 31
Tries: 5
Conversions: 3
Penalties: 0

Belsize Park RFC 1XV - 33
Tries: 5
Conversions: 4
Penalties: 0

Half Time: 12-26

‘Bogey’ – one over par or a piece of dried mucus from inside the nose. It can be something or someone that people are worried about, perhaps without cause or reason or something that causes fear amongst a lot of people. Within the Scottish language a ‘Bogie’ is a Goblin. When it comes to Bogeymen than I’m glad to say that they are indeed imaginary although evil in spirit or being, used to frighten primarily children.

There are 2 clubs in this league that we affectionately call our bogey sides. Belsize Park especially at home and the Old Habedashers of Borehamwood undoubtedly away.

And so the bogeymen came and conquered. It was though quite a match.

Competing well, alongside Jack Frost and later in the match with the Misty Moon (what memories), Weedon Lane was eventually smothered in a sinister winter fog.

Top place versus 3rd, history known, a tense crowd waited with gloves on in eager anticipation.

Belsize were on fire. With no hint of minibus stiffness or Metropolitan line fatigue they were relentless in attack making the first 20 mins very much theirs. Three unanswered tries and lots of back slapping they set their stall out with purpose. Many a team would have buckled at this point. (0-19)

Under the spotlight David Francis that day,(previously known as Dave) it was he ( I think someone made him angry) who showed the initial leadership needed to front up and respond with our opening try (7 -19). The behind the posts chatter was clear from Belsize. Great start and some silly mistakes especially making Dave angry.

And so, momentum was then maintained and impressively it was Bojan Cecaric, needing no invitation, and smoothly avoiding contact, who exploited the space with the 2nd A&C try in response (12 -19).

Things were interesting.

Until Belsize showed why they can never be under-estimated as they built again, punishing some weak defending, to stretch their lead with a converted try (12-26).

Not the plan at half time.

Then you guessed it someone made David angry again and after a marauding raid and run it was ‘spotlight David’ again answering the Chiltern call with a fine individual try (17-26).

All to play for. Belsize though were determined to maintain their lead and this made the last 20 mins very interesting indeed. As Chiltern upped the tempo they managed against the run of play to score the most valuable of tries and conversion. Some said that score would be decisive. (17-33)

And yes, against most sides it would have been, but all credit to the boys they were now in the mood and looking the league leaders they deserve to be.

Within 14minutes of sheer magic Lloyd Anderson and Tom Fawssett partnered up and became the biggest crocodile ‘you ever did see’. The Bogeymen became defenceless and whilst not running away as such certainly rolled over with a bit of tickling. Two tries in quick succession from Lloyd with two classy conversions from Tom set up the high drama finale. (31-33)

Following what some thought was a harsh forward pass call from the resulting scrum Chiltern earned a deserved penalty to win. Entirely kickable and the bogeymen struck!!

What a game!

This week: Fullerians at home. No Bogeymen expected. See you then. Not one to be missed.

Merry Christmas!

Summary:

7 minutes Belsize try and conversion (0 -7)
15minutes Belsize try (0 -12)
21 minutes Belsize try and conversion (0 -19)
28 minutes A&C try Dave Francis and Noah conversion (7 -19)
42 minutes A&C try Bojan Cecaric (12 -19)
44 minutes Belsize try and conversion (12 -26)
50 minutes A&C try Dave Francis (17-26)
52 minutes Belsize try and conversion (17 – 33)
55 minutes A&C try Lloyd Anderson and conversion Tom Fawssett (24 – 33)
69 minutes A&C try Lloyd Anderson and conversion Tom Fawssett (31 – 33)

Last kick of game missed penalty A&C Tom Fawssett – to win (unlucky son)

Team
1. Doug MacGREGOR-SMITH
2. Chris JOYCE
3. Charlie SWERLING
4. Kieran BOOTH
5. Harry BRADSHAW
6. Dave FRANCIS
7. Josh FINCH (Captain)
8. Jordan SCOTT
9. Alex BOWER
10. Dan KINGSLEY
11. James LEWIS
12. Noah JARVIS
13. Lloyd ANDERSON
14. Bojan CECARIC
15. James MORRISON
16. Joe BATT
17. Jack GURNEY
18. Tom FAWSSETT

Full match photo album available in the website gallery