[size=large]Match Report – 25th February 2023
Beaconsfield RFC 1XV vs Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV[/size]

Beaconsfield RFC 1XV - 14

Tries:2
Conversions: 2

Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV - 35

Tries: 5
Conversions: 5

Half Time: 14 – 7

Rearranged from just before Christmas (due to the frozen pitch), we enjoyed the short trip down to Windsor End to provide an opportunity for our local rivals to claim a prize scalp and seek revenge for the earlier defeat in the late September sun (25-16).

The boys enjoyed some ‘elevenses’ in the comfort of the Beaconsfield Beech House, dressed in their pre-match ‘stash’ and relaxed in the big leather armchairs eating croissants and chatting to the locals. “Pre-match bonding”, they said. “The proof would be in the pudding”, I said and we would see what sort of start they made.

With pressure on both sides (for different reasons) there was much to play for. Beaconsfield fighting for their lives in Level 6 and Chiltern pushing for life back in level 5.

A&C were taking nothing for granted and travelled with their new flag in their bag. Red and white, dynamite and the pride of Bucks all displayed resplendently in the changing room. It’s amazing the effect a flag can have.

So refreshed and relaxed with 3rd against 11th what could go wrong!

It only took 2 minutes for Beaconsfield to front up and charge. Relentless in style with poise and panache their forwards and backs linked up to storm over the line for their opening converted try under the posts. (7-0).

There was definitely something in the air and the vocal home support were encouraged that today could be the day for greatness. With some minds appearing still to be reminiscing their breakfast experience, a high penalty and mistakes that count meant a period of decent jousting with a continuing Beaconsfield menace. Not therefore a surprise that on 29 minutes after yet more Beaconsfield marauding another clinical try under the posts resulted and the cheers could be heard for miles as their lead was extended to a well-deserved (14-0).

Although concerned our re-frame was very much that it would make the afternoon more exciting.

And then with just a few minutes to half-time the tempo was raised and the atmosphere changed. With this it was the impressive Tom Fawssett taking charge and being a big lad, with mountainous thighs proved too hard to fell, with the first of our fight back tries. Tom secured the conversion (14–7) and ensured a more positive outlook for the upcoming second half.

Clearly Rich Hoskins and Dan Pearson fed the team copious amounts of Jaffa cakes and Haribo’s (the ones I left) and had a word at half time. Just 5 minutes in, and it was Vice Captian Jordan Scott, in a number 8 kind of way exploiting the space (just like the parting of the Red Sea) charging over for our 2nd try under the posts. Tom again converted (14–14).

17 minutes in, and with our fitness beginning to tell Tom again proved too difficult to down (big hips this time) and with some nimble foot work and a grunt or two secured the 3rd try. Once again it was converted (14–21).

Beaconsfield really offered nothing in reply and momentum remained with the away side. With a bonus point incentive and only 9 minutes left it was human dynamo Conor Segre from scrum half who came dancing through before scoring the 4th try in some style.

This time specialist kicker and always good humoured full-back Ben Pothecary lined up the conversion before slotting confidently through the middle to maintain the 100% conversion success rate. (14-28)

The cherry on the top then came only 2 mins later when Jordan Scott again finished beautifully from some superb running and breaks. Tom again converted and victory secured (14-35).

Quote of the day: ‘Generous to give such a head start and make it a lot more exciting. Fitness and confidence showed and great to keep our title campaign on the road as we represent Bucks for promotion’ – from a wily wee man in a hat donning a Chiltern woolly hat wearing wellington boots and smoking a roll-up.

Next Week: League Leaders Hammersmith and Fulham are welcomed to Weedon Lane following defeat at the hands of a resurgent Cobham and fearing a double defeat at the hands of the Chiltern Cherubs. With their lead now reduced to a mere 7 points with victory we have a chance to make it a nail biting finale with a 3-way fight for promotion. All clearly very welcome to watch (and cheer).

Team:

1. Louis Bailey
2. Andrew Toole
3. Doug McGregor - Smith
4. Charlie Bourne
5. Will Drewett
6. Warwick South
7. Josh Finch ©
8. Jordan Scott
9. Conor Segre
10. Dan Kingsley
11. Tom Fawssett
12. Noah Jarvis
13. Mackenzie South
14. Bojan Cecaric
15. Ben Pothecary
16. Kai Davies
17. Michael Everett
18. Alex Bower