After a surprising and disappointing home loss a couple of weeks before against Hertford, Shelford provided a timely opportunity for our boys to impress our ever-expectant home crowd and hopefully secure our first home win of the season. I even heard some say that it would be a joy to secure the win with a comfortable margin, making up for the many near misses endured to date.

Seventh placed Shelford travelled to Weedon Lane in good heart despite us having secured a hard-fought double over them last season. They had had recent notable successes with most recently a close 2-point win (45 – 43) against 4th placed Sudbury and then a hard-fought draw (29-29) against North Walsham, no easy task.

In selection we welcomed Will Price (Back Row) and Michael Everett (bench) back after injury. Both teams and spectators fell silent prior to kick off in remembrance and advance of the approaching Armistice Day.

And so, to the action......
Interesting Shelford started the best and after only 4 mins gained the initial ground and secured a penalty they chose to kick (offside). Would it they chose to kick (offside). Would it be the case they would try and build some points? At that point there had been no concerted efforts to score a try. (0-3). In response Amersham impressed both in tempo and with play across both back and forwards. Set plays in scrum and lineout were also secure marking a significant difference from 2 weeks ago.
Surprisingly and after extensive defensive efforts from Shelford it was Centre and kicker Harry Stevens finishing off confidently a great backs attack for our opening try and conversion – 25th min (7-3). A&C continued to have most of the possession and just before the break it was No8 Kaz Olayinka scoring the 2nd try following a lineout and maul impressively forcing Shelford back with little resistance. Harry kicked the conversion well (14-3). Set plays in scrum and lineout were also secure marking a significant difference from 2 weeks ago. Frustratingly though with some slack play and defence some demons re-emerged with Shelford scoring a converted try prior to the H/T whistle. (14-10).

Traditionally Chiltern have not played the first 20mins of the second half well and therefore the team talk clearly had to address matters. It seemed to work with winger Michael MacKenzie- Crooks cutting through the Shelford defence with a sprinkling of cut-ins and acceleration. This time a tricky conversion slotted impressively by Harry (21-10). We didn’t have to wait long for our 4th bonus point try which was scored by a marauding Doug McGregor-Smith who was fresh on from the bench.
Again, some great mauling by all. (28-10) and comfortable. Shelford wouldn’t roll over and deservedly scored their 2nd try on 56 mins (converted) - (28-17). With some anxiety in the heart, I’m delighted to say that after a period of competitive stuff from both sides it was A&C pulling away with a 5th try from MacKenzie South our other winger finishing a collective move in style. Terrific conversion again from Harry (35-17).

5 points secured with an away trip, next Saturday to Rochester to take on Medway a few points above us. All to play for and the smiles have returned.

Team – 1. Charlie Swerling 2. Joe Batt (VC) 3. Max Morphey 4. Harry Bradshaw 5. Will Drewett 6. Jordan Scott 7. Will Price 8. Jordan Scott 9. Ben Harris 10. Dan Kingsley 11. Michael MacKenzie-Crooks 12. Noah Jarvis 13. Harry Stevens 14. MacKenzie South 15. Sammy Sinclair 16. Douglas McGregor-Smith 17. Michael Everett 18. Josh Fisher