Hemel Hempstead RFC 1XV v Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV
‘Chiltern temper Hemel as they use their heads to increase lead at top’
Saturday 3rd February 2024
Hemel Hempstead RFC 1XV: 3
Amersham and Chiltern RFC 2XV: 22
Half-time: (0 - 5)
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Think you’ve had the last laugh
Bet you think that everything good is gone
Think you left me broken down
Think that I’ll come running back
Baby you don’t know me, ‘cause you’re dead wrong
Stand a little taller
Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone
What doesn’t kill you makes you a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn’t mean I’m over ‘cause you’re gone’
Stronger - 2011 - Kelly Clarkson
‘The boys done well’ on the Chaulden Lane plain, in the heart of Hemel Hempstead, in an eagerly anticipated rumble in the suburbs, as the best of Bucks took on a fresh challenge of Herts 4th placed Hemel Hempstead. In October a decent Hemel side had lost 30 -13 during a lively encounter at Weedon Lane and there was a strong sense that the now home side had a wee sniff of turning the tables on an increasingly confident Chiltern outfit.
And so, it was with a 2.15pm kick off and busy clubhouse that the players took to the field, whilst many spectators took up their positions like tribes in the home and away roped off arena.
I was delighted not to be the touch judge for this one and remain very grateful to young Charlie Swerling for enduring the frequent and very honest advice and comment from sections of the crowd.
To the action - wind in our faces and a healthy uphill challenge greeted Chiltern in the 1st half. A fairly lengthy period of no scoring rugby then took place as both sides poked and prodded at each other. Legally of course. It seemed an age until there was some stuff landed. Allegedly it was a deliberate head on, head on, our own Aaron Lewis just before a loss of temper and a loss that provided increased opportunity for Jordan Scott to open the scoring, running through a tame defence into the corner (0-5). Half-time and looking forward to the wind on our backs 2nd half.
Hemel responded early on in the 2nd half and after some pressure secured a penalty kick opportunity (3-5).
Joyce kept the momentum going with a beautiful spin off from a rolling maul to score our 2nd try (3-10). Soon after it was the Jordan/Joyce couple again holding hands and bursting through a tiring Hemel defence (3-15).
Aaron Lewis was unsuccessful with all conversion chances. Joyce again with the speed of Bolt hooked round his little legs before scampering through for the bonus point win and at last a kickable conversion (3-22).
Job done and a comfortable win after a slow start.
Team:
1. Joe Batt
2. Chris Joyce
3. Max Morphey
4. Olli Cato
5. Harry Bradshaw
6. Jacques O’Driscoll
7. Josh Finch
8. Jordan Scott
9. Alex Bower
10. James Morrison
11. Jordan O’Sullivan
12. Noah Jarvis
13. Aaron Lewis
14. Bojan Ceramic
15. Ben Pothecary
16. Harry Pollard
17. Tim Hayes
18. Callum Nolan - Hutchinson
Team Sponsors
