Back on 9/11/24 A&C secured their first league win of the season with a narrow 11-7 win over Shelford at Weedon Lane. Since then, Shelford have made it to a secure 5th place whilst we have felt the full level 5 challenge down the bottom.
Despite the league positions there were good vibes oozing through our veins following some decent Chiltern rugby against top of the table Oundle then Letchworth Garden City.
Well done to our lone travelling supporter Mike Harris (Doctor Mike) who ventured onto the coach knowing he had secured exemption from any ‘Naked Run’ later on. Also, a big thank you for sharing his Peroni mega pack of beer, quenching the thirst of our valiant players and 1st Team Manager.
Another ‘shout out’ to our latest Chiltern Cherub, Joel Kingsley (younger brother of Chiltern veteran V/C Dan who made his deserved 1st team debut on the bench. More of that later. As the lone debutant and his tender age (with innocent smile) we exempted him also of any later nakedness. The occupants of Weedon Lane were therefore spared any club traditions.
Just as luck had it Shelford welcomed the local farmers for a pre-match luncheon. Owing to over 200 descending for their local feast any scarecrows had to stay in the fields. Fair to say there was quite an atmosphere, friendly but clearly some nerves following Shelford’s previous week loss against bottom side Bedford Athletic. The visitors warmed up well, ready for the challenges a large and loyal support provides.
And so to the action…..
We started with purpose with some fine kicking from hand by Centre Aaron Lewis and secure lineouts from 2nd rows Jacques O’Driscoll and Harry Bradshaw. It wasn’t long until the early A&C pressure began to tell and when the backs were unleashed Shelford struggled to contain. Jordan Scott benefitted from the opening lineout maul going over for a well-deserved opening try with Aaron then converting well from out near the touchline. (0-7).
With some welcome cheers from a decent travelling support (well done Dr Harris and many others incl wonderful sponsorship guru Ruth and Mrs Bradshaw) the home supporters found some voice to cheer the opening Shelford penalty after a bit of off side. (3-7).
With the temperature beginning to rise on a pretty dull and cold day it was Max Morphey (prop) who again dominated our rampaging play with an aggressive run, barging the defence back to score an impressive 2nd Chiltern try. Once again soundly converted and it was clear we meant business (3-14).
It was important that Shelford kept the scoreboard ticking over and therefore too the opportunity to kick another successful penalty (6-14).
Approaching half time and after some decent pressure a fine move through the centre and the opening Shelford try was scored to make matters more interesting. This was not going to be as straightforward as we hoped. (13-14).
Of concern was then a further penalty conceded duly slotted for what looked like a H/T lead for the home side. Perhaps fate – when Chiltern after some further pressure within the Shelford 22 in fact took the opportunity to seize a half-time lead (16-17)
I was performing well running the line with a knee still in recovery but holding up. I was also entertained by Chair of Trustees, Dave Crimp providing expert analysis. Always hopeful and never expectant. He did have a glint in his eye.
I stayed on the far side in the peace and quiet far away from the home stand. Who would score next? It was Shelford – again taking the opportunity to kick a penalty and regain the lead. That was in fact to be their last score of the day.
There were some hard hits going in from both sides – all fair. 9 mins into the 2nd half and after some Shelford pressure Doug McGregor-Smith (prop) was adjudged to have tackled high and dangerously and was red carded.
With 14 men it all could have become a bit of a struggle and a great game potentially subdued if Shelford had pulled away. Nothing was further from A&C’s minds and as Shelford pressed more it was in fact Chiltern who took 2 penalty opportunities to win a hard fought, entertaining a good-natured match. Of special mention again is that of Joel Kingsley who secured a shocking pass from his big brother after a wee juggle before almost going over in the corner. Quite an impact.
Still much to do with our remaining matches next week it’s Hertford at home. They are currently 5th and will travel to Weedon Lane expecting to win and do the double over us. 40-15 winners back in October 24 we will be determined to win the return leg as we continue to try and move out of the relegation zone. Forget Twickenham – Scotland are good and hopefully see you next week for what should be another Chiltern cracker!!!!!

1.Razvan Dranca 2. Joe Batt 3. Max Morphey 4. Harry Bradshaw 5. Jacques O’Driscoll 6. Josh Finch © 7. Michael Everett 8. Jordan Scott 9. Ben Harris 10. Alex Bower 11. Bojan Cecaric 12. Aaron Lewis 13. Dan Kingsley 14. James Morrison 15. Tom Fawssett 16. Doug McGregor-Smith 17. Andrew Toole 18. Joel Kingsley.