What a fitting end to the 2025/2026 season for everyone involved at Amersham and Chiltern RFC.
We are all joining our touring veterans and are off to the seaside (Southend-on-Sea) on what
should be a hot, sunny day for our finale and hopefully a reward for securing a play-off place to
retain level 5 status. For matters to be in our own hands, we need to beat the Saxons before
enjoying some chilled beers and ice creams.

You can also be there, as there are still some places on the coach for our supporters.
Please e-mail our Chairman, Andy Saunders ( andy@crazykippax.co.uk ), and let him know
how many seats you wish. Each seat requires a £20 contribution (Return). Coach leaves
A&C Clubhouse 11 am prompt (Meet please Saturday 11/4/26 by 10: 45am)

It all started way back in the late summer heat of September 2025, on a well-watered home pitch,
as we welcomed the Southend Saxons to Ash Grove. Being another side that likes their home
comforts, it seemed like the ideal opening fixture and therefore even crueller when, despite being
in the ascendancy, A&C lost narrowly in the dying minutes 24-29. That narrow loss at home
summed up our season, as too many matches were close home losses, resulting in our exciting
run-in.

It is important, though, to understand the importance of the events when we faced the recently
crowned unbeaten champions of the league, Colchester. A club well prepared for Level 4 rugby
with their own fantastic facilities to support rugby in the Colchester area. We hope to also provide
facilities for rugby in the Amersham and Chiltern area in the near future. This was therefore a shot
at nothing and an opportunity for us to get over the tough defeat away to Westcliff and pitch
ourselves against the well-deserved league champions.

And so to the action…..
The sun was out, and the sky was blue. The breeze, though, was decidedly Scottish, and of
course, there was undoubtedly something in the air. 11th vs 1st, with 2 matches remaining. At this
time of the season, injuries would have been an issue for both sides, and there was an undoubted
hope that some of the Colchester players were still celebrating their promotion and that they would
take some time to warm up after a long bus ride. The previous loss at Westcliff could have made
our relegation likely, but with an unexpected win by A&C, there would once again be hope and a
final showdown at the seaside.

Plucky A&C had given it a good go in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, losing 38-12, and
were keen to impress at home. With only 5 mins gone, it was our own right wing, Josh Fisher,
sprinting through a lacklustre defence for the opening try. Conversion missed by full-back Louie
Mould. (5-0). With continuing momentum, it was Michael Everett who completed a sustained
forward attack by scoring a second try. Again, a missed conversion (10-0). A&C then enjoyed a
sustained period of possession and territory. With Colchester’s defence continually tested it wasn’t
long until scrum half Alex Bower exploited a gap and scored the 3rd try under the posts. A ‘hurrah’
for Louie as 3rd time lucky, he converted it (17-0). We must have made Colchester angry. They
came back at us well and, after a decent spell, managed to win a series of line-outs and, by using
their backs, scored their 1st try in reply. Conversion missed (17-5). Colchester kept attacking, and
A&C impressed in defence. Eventually, though, the pressure told, and Colchester secured a
second try - again missed conversion (17-10) - HT.

With a significant home crowd and on the day of our President’s lunch, A&C didn’t disappoint.
Playing towards the clubhouse, they began the 2nd half with confidence and a high tempo,
continuing to force Colchester into mistakes. A kick to the corner and a wonderful maul then
produced the 4th and bonus point try from our own Saxon Warrior - Max Morphey. Conversion by
Louie (24-10). Only a few minutes later, the 5th try was delivered and his second of the day by
Alex Bower. Conversion missed (29-10). Colchester never gave up, and as the champions they
are, they applied pressure and fought back, scoring a deserved 3rd try and conversion. Full-time
29-17. A&C live to fight another day, and Colchester’s 20-game winning run ended. A good day all
round, Mr President!

Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV - 1. Doug McGregor-Smith 2. Charlie Swerling 3. Max
Morphey 4. Harry Bradshaw. 5. Jordan Scott. 6. Mike Everett. 7. Josh Finch. 8. Dave Francis. 9.
Alex Bower. 10. Ben Harris. 11. Michael McKenzie-Crook. 12. Dan Kingsley. 13. Sammy Sinclair.
14. Josh Fisher. 15. Louie Mould. 16. Kazeem Oliyunde. 17. Camerson Shaw. 18. MacKenzie
South