Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV v Grasshoppers RFC 1XV 6th April 2024

Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV: 53
Tries: 9
Conversions: 4

Grasshoppers RFC 1XV: 19
Tries: 3
Conversions: 2

Half-time: 36-0

Forget all the hype and the pent-up excitement of what was viewed as a ‘day of destiny’. What some said was going to be a defining day for Chiltern, with an opportunity to ensure the ultimate success at level 6, was in fact a very traditional day as many our patrons and guests enjoyed the hospitality of our very own Club Chairman ‘Digger’ and the appropriately named ‘Digger Day’ celebrations.

In addition, this was a day when we put ‘wee Dan the man’ Dan Pearson, our loved Backs Coach, under the spotlight sharing his little ways, thoughts and ambitions within the match day programme. We salute both, but especially Dan who for 2 seasons has been an important part of our continuing success and especially our promotion to level 5.

During lunch our ever smiling Chairman, Huw, had a significant smile on his face as he accepted the Bucks Referee’s award for Amersham and Chiltern being voted by the referees of Bucks to be the most hospitable, friendly and good looking players, coaches and team manager in Bucks. Personally, I thought that award was never in doubt and was a welcome vote of joy prior to what was going to be an undoubtedly nervy opening to a match.

On a dry day with a stiff wind blowing from the club house towards Vicar Paul’s Chateau and gardens, the scene was set for the last league game of the season. This was to follow a very warm welcome to the players and coaching staff of Grasshoppers RFC. We had not seen them since the opening game of the season when A&C were victorious (26 – 41).

On a day of discovery, we found the following:

1. A winning toss can be very important. We started with a strong wind on our backs and this meant we had considerable momentum first half. Our tempo was impressive and our energy immense. The ball was moved well and our backs were well and truly present. Backs and forwards linked up impressively and poor Grasshoppers did not know what had hit them. Attacks were relentless and impressive and although the crowd were on their feet (there is no stand) they made sure their cheers were loud and constant.

2. My legs were bare and open to the elements. Complimented by the crowd from the start my impressive muscular legs were commented on throughout the match. There was plenty of opportunity to see them run at speed from the posts back to the half way line as I ran touch. And finally…

3. We discovered our backs and saw them perform. Like galloping gazelles, they made the gains with some slick passing and entertaining attacks.

To the action…

A dominant Chiltern first half from the start. In the 3rd minute, our scrumhalf Alex Bower opening the scoring skipping through a fragile and tired Grasshoppers defence. Strong wind in their faces and an extensive period of defence. This was duly converted by Callum (7-0).

In the 8th minute, centre, Dan Kingsley, romped through for his opening try and again this was duly converted by Callum (14-0).

In the 18th minute Alex Bower, once again sniping at scrum time and surging over for his 2nd try and our 3rd try, again converted with the strong wind behind us (21-0) and very comfortable.

In the 28th minute, Jordan Scott picking up at No 8 and reminding us all why he is the league’s highest point scorer. Try number 4. A fine score although unconverted (26-0).

On the 34th minute, winger Jordan Warner-Sullivan finished off a sound back’s move and scored a well-deserved try after constant pressure. Again unconverted. (31-0). And then on the half-time whistle. ‘don’t stop me now, Dan Kingsley, I’m having such a good time I’m having a ball’, scored his 2nd try to ensure a well deserved 36-0 half time lead.

Could that wind be so important.

So with the winds in our faces attacking an expectant clubhouse crowd Dave Francis gave a grunt, had a groan and eased past a hopeful defence for his opening try on 49 minutes. Callum potted a neat conversion (43-0).

On 58 minutes Bojan, our Serbian flyer, did one of his elusive deceptive runs scoring his opening try, although unconverted (48-0).

On 64 minutes, a plucky Grasshoppers responded positively with some decent running and handling feeling the wind on their tails and scored a terrific opening try in response, duly converted (48–7) and then again only 4 minutes later securing another with strong running from a clearly hobbling centre – class! 48-14 with conversion.

Bojan though turned the screw again on 74 minutes with another fine run in try (53-14). A hat trick of tries was then secured in response following a cheeky little interception and strong run in from halfway (53-19).

A well-deserved win and promotion although the work continues. A particular well done though to both 2nd place Belsize Park and 3rd place HAC. With both we did not manage a win and only earned a single draw with 3 defeats. That is of great credit to both sides.

This week - we are off making a return trip to the home of Southend Saxons RFC in the Papa John’s Cup. Fresh from their hard fought victory away to Beckenham (19-22) I’m sure they are looking forward to locking their horns with the newly crowned ‘Pride of Bucks’.

Supporters are more than welcome on the ‘Sunshine Coach’ leaving the Clubhouse 10.45hrs.

Team
1. Doug McGregor-Smith
2. Joe Batt
3. Pat Nash
4. Ollie Cato
5. Jacques O’Driscoll
6. Dave Francis – 1 try
7. Josh Finch
8. Jordan Scott – 1 try
9. Alex Bower – 2 tries
10. Callum Hutchinson – 4 conversions
11. Jordan Sullivan – Warner – 1 try
12. Noah Jarvis
13. Dan Kingsley – 2 tries
14. Bojan Ceracic – 2 tries
15. Ben Pothecary
16. Chris Joyce
17. Mattia Mengotti
18. Aaron Lewis