Amersham and Chiltern RFC: 13
Tries: 2
Conversions: 0
Penalties: 1

Cobham RFC: 17
Tries: 2
Conversions:2
Penalties: 1

Half Time: 3 - 10

My New Year’s resolution is not to be happy or sad in any of my emotions for the coming year. I will be contented in all that I do. I’m going to be down the middle, steady and calm in all that I do. And so our first league game of the season for a month fell on a wet, windy and muddy day.

It could have been quite depressing, then again exciting to be back in action after the festive season. I, though, was merely content to be back, ready to see how Chiltern would perform after such a long lay-off. No drama, although after the success away at London Irish was quietly optimistic that a home win would result.

We welcomed Cobham RFC to Weedon Lane. Our Initial meet this season had resulted in a narrow win for A&C on their 4G pitch. Since then, on the same points and occupying 3rd and 4th in the league, with similar points difference, there was an expectation of a close game from the outset. We were not to be disappointed.

A&C kicked off attacking the field end with the wind on their backs. After only 5 minutes it was Cobham on the attack with some strong rucking and after some sustained pressure a pickup and sprint to the line resulted in a converted try under the posts (0–7).
Chiltern responded well with some excellent place kicking using the wind advantage coupled with strong set play in the scrums and lineout to put pressure on an effective Cobham defence. It was not until 22 minutes when at last Cobham were penalised for off-side in front of their posts. Oscar Heath confidently secured the penalty kick (3–7).

A&C continued to secure most of the possession although with a creeping penalty count alongside a spate of handling errors possession on too many occasions was conceded to a challenging Cobham side. Their efforts were then eventually rewarded with a straightforward penalty under the posts on 38 minutes. With the wind in their faces Cobham had worked hard for their half-time lead and left A&C reflecting on a bitty first half lacking their usual killer instinct.

As the weather slowly improved, becoming brighter and a tad fresher A&C started with intent and for the next 20 minutes appeared to be clicking into gear. In turn Cobham appeared to be tiring with an increasing number of penalties and sustaining more and more Chiltern pressure.
Only 3 minutes in and the A&C forwards generated the momentum before unleashing some fine back play. At Centre it was Oscar Heath who took control finding space and accelerating for a try in the corner beside the Clubhouse. A tough conversion left unconverted narrowly missing the right hand post. (8–10).

Only 7 minutes later A&C won a deserved penalty but resulted in a rare miss to the left from Oscar. The pressure remained with Cobham seeming unable to respond and again with some initial forward gains prior to the release of the attacking backs it was McKenzie South who took the opportunity to break through scoring another fine try in the corner. An even tougher kick on the touch line was also missed by Oscar (13-10).
With only 7 minutes left Cobham were stirred into life. It reminded me of my favourite scene from Braveheart when William Wallace’s army were on the ropes following a significant period of English attack. Somehow, they found the strength and passion to mount a potent period of attack and were rewarded with a forward’s try which left a straightforward conversion. (13-17).

Opportunity therefore lost through two tough conversions and a missed penalty. Two tries each and another hard-fought game to bring in the New Year. Plenty of oil will have been poured on our rusty limbs and there was enough good stuff going on to believe there will be a return to our pre-Christmas standards.

Quote of the day: ‘”Although disappointed with some player self-reflection there was enough good stuff going on out there to believe we can get back on the horse. It’s a long season and we can undoubtedly have a winning run again” – Jordan Scott (Vice Captain)

Highlights:

• Our pitch draining well and allowing a decent match considering the level of rainfall

• Our new flags staying upright in a strong wind.

• Sponsors day at the club and the provision of an exciting hard-fought match which is a great advert for the league

• Kieran Booth both in the loose and within an effective lineout and dominant scrum

• Some great kicks Dan Kingsley

• Tom Fawssett with a bulldozing charge and cling-ons on his hips – shame about the final pass

• Ben Harris welcomed as always from his studies in Nottingham and another fine performance.

Next Week: The highlight of our season and our away trip to a Royal Park. Regents Park, the home of our hosts, Belsize Park. A&C and will be intent on doing the double. Not really a better time to get winning again. Coach being provided leaving club 11am for a 2pm kick-off. Supporters more than welcome.

Team:

1. Louis Bailey
2. Joe Batt
3. Doug
4. Will Drewett
5. Kieran Booth
6. Warwick South
7. Josh Finch ©
8. Jordan Scott
9. Conor Segre
10. Dan Kingsley
11. Bojan Cecaric
12. Noah Jarvis
13. Oscar Heath
14. MacKenzie South
15. Tom Fawssett
16. Andrew Toole
17. Michael Everett
18. Ben Harris