Belsize Park RFC - 12
Tries - 2
Conversions - 1

Amersham and Chiltern RFC - 22
Tries - 3
Conversions - 2
Penalties – 1

Half Time: 0 – 15

Well, well, well, it was quite a build-up and quite a day. After many days of rain and wind Saturday morning was no different. Mid-afternoon on the Friday the pitch inspectors of Regents Park had detected a dampness in the royal soil and after considering the 24hr weather report felt the additional moisture to come would cause some damage to the pitch’s calm serenity.

All credit to the opposition who quickly flicked through their other pitch directory and unbeknown to them selected A&Cs favourite London pitches in Acton, the home of Wasps FC. Any club that displays Alan Simmons name as Wasps Captain and Dave Crimp as an ace Stand-Off was bound to rub off on us.

It was 4th V 7th in the table, and after a home defeat in October 2022 (7–19), A&C were determined to avoid the double and push towards 3rd place. The rain had also stopped and the pitch was surprisingly firm.

Oscar kicked off with the wind on his back. Not the strongest wind but sufficient to have some influence. A&C started strongly with some good place kicking by Dan Kingsley and strong rucking with Tim Hayes on tip toes distributing the ball well.
Chiltern also had the dominant pack and although early signs looked promising in respect of the lineout, it wasn’t long until Belsize appeared to work things out and put pressure there.

On 7 minutes and following some quick ball work from the ruck and some slick handling by the backs it was winger McKenzie South, who running into space and over the line scored the opening try. Tough touchline conversion from Oscar which had the distance but fell narrowly wide to the right. (0 – 5).

Belsize were now finding it tough to get the distance in their kicks as the wind picked up and the clouds cleared. Belsize also continued to work hard by trying to run out from their own 22. Tiring stuff against a hard-working and resilient Chiltern defence.
0n 30 mins it was a Dan Kingsley special at stand-off making the break and passing 3 defenders before an inside pass to Noah Jarvis for a try under the posts. Straight forward conversion by Oscar (0-12).

On 39 minutes and after some terrific hits Warwick South adjudges to have been a wee bit high so off to the Cooler he went for 10 minutes.

Belsize pressure turned up before half-time but to no avail. Penalty to Amersham on 42 minutes and well kicked for a (0–15) A&C half-time lead.

With no wind on our faces the pressure was on to retain the lead. However, the wind was still blowing and developing into a bit of a howl. Good early pressure from Chiltern showed intent with some great forwards and back play.

Belsize soon after kick off ended up losing their play maker stand-off through injury. With Warwick returning it just wasn’t enough, eventually Belsize’s efforts paid off (53 minutes) with a try near to the posts. East conversion (7–15).

The comeback was on. Callum Newton off the bench to strengthen matters. Oscar Heath also injured and sadly off with a recurrence of the shoulder injury that kept him out for 6 weeks earlier in the season.

On 55 minutes the second Belsize try was scored in the corner. A missed conversion and the momentum was with them (12–15), until Dan Kingsley had the last laugh scoring the decider and Noah Jarvis converting in front of his Mum. Final score; 12-22.

Quote of the day: “Well done Wasps for hosting and at such short notice. With so many past Wasp players at A&C this was always going to be a place that felt a wee bit like home”

Highlights:

• Away win at an always challenging Belsize Park RFC fixture, with some additional challenges given the weather and need to find a pitch after early Regents Park cancellation.

• Après Festive season rustiness gone.

• Big Defence! – Doug McGregor–Smith, Warwick South, Jordan Scott, Joe Batt and Kieran Booth

• Dan Kingsley – silky runs and all with a big smile.

• Tom Fawssett again shaking those hips with some marauding style.

• Dave Crimp running the line superbly and George Grammenos, Chief Rabble Rouser, keeping our spirits high.

Next Week: Home Game against our favourite away game hosts (not) those Old Haberdashers. 4th v 10th in the table. We always look forward to the home game and all on ‘Digger Day’ for some added spice and I’m sure a drizzle of sunshine to warm us up a little. Always a day to remember.

Team:

1. Louis Bailey
2. Joe Batt
3. Doug McGregor - Smith
4. Will Drewett
5. Kieran Booth
6. Warwick South
7. Josh Finch ©
8. Jordan Scott
9. Tim Hayes
10. Dan Kingsley
11. Bojan Cecaric
12. Noah Jarvis
13. Oscar Heath
14. MacKenzie South
15. Tom Fawssett
16. Callum Newton
17. Michael Everett
18. Ollie Choules