Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV V Old Priorians RFC 1XV - 17 February 2024

We welcomed Old Priorians to Weedon Lane to hopefully continue our impressive season at the top of the league.

Following only a single point win back in October 2023 (10-9), 5th placed OPs would have fancied their chances again, I’m sure. With the weather dry and an expectant crowd Chiltern started with the wind on their backs playing away from the Clubhouse.

Prior to kick-off we hosted a wonderful Sponsors Lunch as much as a thank you to our many sponsors who ensure grass roots rugby is maintained so well in Amersham. With our crowd swelled a wee bit and some momentum in style and results the scene was set for another wonderful match up at Weedon Lane.

And so, to the action.

OPs take the lead kicking a straightforward penalty after a high tackle. Ben Pothecary to the cooler. Jordan Scott then fills his boots after a great penalty kicked into the corner by Aaron Lewis and a quality maul. Decent conversion secured by Aaron (7–3).

OPs make some more gains and again take the opportunity to kick another penalty (7–6). The powerful baby rhinoceros, Chris Joyce, then springs into action with a rampaging run down the wing. Callum Hutchinson narrowly missed the conversion. (12–6).

‘Don’t stop me now’; Jordan Scott then secured his 2nd try following a great kick to touch by an impressive Ben Pothecary and then finishing off another impressive Chiltern maul. Callum conversion (19 -6).

OPs responded well with a decent try after their No7 picked up and ran through an unintentional gap in the mighty Chiltern defence. Missed conversion (19–11) and half-time.

Relentless opening to the 2nd half by Chiltern playing against the wind to the expectant clubhouse end. MacKenzie South was first to cut through the OP defence with high knees and a smile. Aaron’s conversion was just short (24–11).

Jordan Scott then secured his hat-trick again following an impressive maul and a disintegrating OP scrum. Aaron again converts with an impressive touchline slot (31–11).

Flood gates opened as Jack Kenyon with a hop, step and a jump was over in the corner following a hugely impressive scrum (36-11). Aaron missed conversion slightly to the left.

Noah Jarvis then released from the bench for impact, and he did not let us down. Over he went for a (41-11) lead. OP then managed to respond a little with a converted try (41-18). Noah again was relentless in his running and against an awfully tired defence was over for a double duly converted (48–18) Full time.

Next week: another week off as much as to encourage the English supporters to shout their team on against the mighty Scots. Goodness me they need that support. Then the following week we are away to play HAC RFC – currently in 3rd and follows a 7-7 draw at home. That should be a cracker! See you there!

Team:
1. Charlie Swerling
2. Chris Joyce – 1 try
3. Pat Nash - debut
4. Harry Bradshaw
5. Jacques O’Driscoll
6. Mattia Mengotti - debut
7. Josh Finch (Captain) – dislocated shoulder
8. Jordan Scott - 3 tries
9. Tim Hayes
10. Callum Hutchinson
11. Jordan Sullivan - Warner
12. Aaron Lewis
13. MacKenzie-South – 1 try
14. Jack Kenyon – 1 try
15. Ben Pothecary
16. Joe Batt
17. Kieran Booth
18. Noah Jarvis – 2 tries

Match Report written by Andy Grant, 23.2.24

To see all the photos from the game follow this link:
https://www.chilternrugby.com/photos/1xv-vs-old-priorians-1093072.html