Both teams respected a minute’s silence before kick-off in memory of Jack Portland who died over Christmas, having played for Chiltern through mini, junior, colts and senior teams.

After the holiday layoff, both teams were rusty and a scrappy first 10 minutes saw Chiltern predominantly on the front foot, capped with a penalty from Andy Fluker. As Chiltern started to settle scrum half Ted Reus and centre Aaron Doyle left the field with injuries which disrupted us further and we got to half time 3-15 in the lead following a pick and drive try for No.8 Tom Blackburn and a well worked blind side try for flanker Andy Zair after neat hands from second row Tom Grammenos. But, Andy Zair was shown a yellow card for a contentious high tackle just before half time which didn’t help fluency.

Having chosen to play with a strong wind behind them in the first half, Chiltern hadn’t used the conditions to best advantage and the score was too close for comfort. However, as has been the case a number of times this season, Amersham & Chiltern produced a scintillating display of disciplined running rugby against the elements in the second half.

Aggressive forward play, ignited by Andy Zair’s return to the pitch and a searing break from Zane Turner galloping most of the length of the field. Prop Alex Harland made big carries into the midfield and created space for fly half Joe Butler to dance over from 20 metres for a try, converted by Andy Fluker. On 49 minutes tight head Lewis Edwards capped an increasingly dominant forward display with a try and the bonus point was secure, with Chiltern leading 3-27.

Just before the hour, blind-side Jordan Scott, who moved into the centre to cover injuries, combined with Josh Davies to send the latter over; and the pick of the Chiltern tries saw slick interplay between skipper Tom Grammenos and lock Dean MacLennan releasing Gareth Wehrle to break several tackles, draw the last man and pop to Jordan Scott for his try under the posts. Andy Fluker converted and Chiltern were now in total control at 3-39.

Chiltern’s superior fitness became very evident, as they took complete control of the match; but Luton never gave up. There was still time for Joe Butler to score his second try on 72 minutes, converted by Andy Fluker, and a late consolation try for Luton to bring the final score to 10-46.

Given the disruptions to injuries during the game, the poor weather conditions, playing under unfamiliar floodlights, and the first match back after a long holiday break, Chiltern played with zip, power and creativity.

All 18 players were used and all had decent game time as a tight and skillful squad is emerging, and being pushed by several 2nd XV players deserving 1st XV recognition, especially after their 0-59 demolition of Oxford Harlequins away on the same afternoon.

Chiltern face a stern test next Saturday as we entertain Thurrock, who are riding high in the league and in good form. It will give us the chance to avenge the narrow defeat in Essex earlier in the season.