Match Report: 16.9.23 Fullerians RFC 1XV 15 v Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV 41

Fullerians RFC 1XV 15

Tries: 2
Conversions: 1
Penalties: 1

Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV 41

Tries: 6
Conversions: 4
Penalties: 1

Half-Time 3 - 31

7 days flies by but it’s always excellent timing to visit New Field on a fresh and clear late sum-mer/early Autumn kind of a day. With the ground extra firm, the grass a subtle shade of brown and a Fullerians side without a win the scene was set for our high riding Chiltern team to gallop to victory.

And gallop they did. With what is becoming a regular, vocal and increasingly stylish away support (Led by Mr Crimp) - forgot to take a photo.

A&C were fast out of the gates and throughout the first half focused on speed, pressure and tries.

Step up Captain Scott. Never needing an invitation to cross the try line Jordan led by example with a magical pick-up at the rear of the scrum following a power drive and turn over ball. A brief gallop, high knees and a withering early Fuller defense ensured initial parity in score was a thing of the past. (0-5). Alex unable to convert from out wide.

Already with the momentum and after more impressive build-up play it was wee Chris Joyce, our once chatty hooker who tip-toed unnoticed to be given the ball before nudging himself over in the corner (0-10). Again a tough one for Alex to convert.

Traditionally Chiltern may have thought the job was done however with lessons learned oppor-tunity knocked once more for Captain Scott. With continuing Chiltern pressure Jordan ensured a sound catch and drive with the result being our third and his second try. (0-15). Although Alex could have been 3rd time lucky he wasn’t and it was trusted and reliable Ben Pothecary step-ping up and nailing the conversion comfortably (0-17).

Fullerians remained plucky and determined in attack. With a reliable line out and some persis-tence they managed to respond with a penalty (3-15). Chiltern though remained focused on excit-ing and fast paced rugby. As has been the pattern and not to be out done it was the silent but deadly Dave Francis who after more sustained build up play bulldozing his way over to score the bonus point try just by the posts (3-24) with an easy Pothecary conversion. With half time then approaching it was the warmest welcome back for our wonder wing Lloyd Anderson who in the try tradition of the Roadrunner and with steam from his feet cutting through easily to score our 5th. Duly converted by an impressive Ben.

Half-Time 3 - 31

The job did seem done although there clearly remained some pride to play for.

Fullerians started with more purpose and after some rare attacking managed to score their first try. (10-31). With Chiltern appearing to conserve some energy for next week Fullerians managed to restore some pride with a second try again after a period of some decent possession (15-31).

However, with some great game management Chiltern secured a kickable penalty and Ben duly slotted that (15-34). The finale and a suitable end to a game which had some great running rugby.

One is never enough for Lloyd and with some great service from all, the ball was hurled to the wing for Lloyd to then again he dazzled with his footwork and executed beautifully with his speed. (not bad for an old man Lloyd ) full time (15-41)

Highlights

• My man of the match was full back Ben Pothecary. Outstanding kicking both from hand and the kicking tee.

• Lloyd Anderson - it was as if you never went away.

• Andrew Fluker bringing his New Zealand flair to the scrum - half role. You went away and now your back. Always welcome.

• Dave Crimp in the most amazing designer black braces and black jeans and ankle boots. I’d never get away with that no matter what
age I am.

Team:

1. Callum NEWTON
2. Chris JOYCE. 2nd try
3. Charlie SWERLING
4. Kieran BOOTH
5. Ollie CATO
5. Warwick SOUTH
6. David FRANCIS 4th try
7. Jordan SCOTT - (C) 1st try, 3rd try
8. Andrew FLUKER
9. Dan KINGSLEY
10. James MORRISON
11. MacKENZIE SOUTH
12. Alex BOWER. 1 conversion
13. Lloyd ANDERSON. 5th try and 6th try
14. Ben POTHECARY. 3 conversions. 1 penalty
15. Joe BATT
16. Douglas MacGREGOR-SMITH
17. Aidan CALDWELL

Next Week: Kick off at 3pm and home to the Old Habedashers of Borehamwood. A bit of a bo-gey club to us away from Weedon Lane they have had a good start to the season and will adorn our clubhouse with very bright blazers and red jeans. We will need Dave Crimp and his friends to be as well turned out as possible. Should be a cracker!

Andy Grant