I resisted defaulting to “Happy New Year by Abba, as I’ve probably used it before as much as
anything else. Our first match of 2026 was even more notable than that. It was the first match of
Andy Saunders reign as Chairman and was a victory. It was only the 4th win of our 2025/2026
season. It was a match that saw our very own Viking, Prop Max Morphey, go up against the might
of the collective North Walsham Vikings, and it resulted in another away defeat for the 5th-place
side, who remain very much reliant on home fixtures. This really is quite a league with only 10
points separating us in 11th to Sudbury in 5th. It really is all to play for.
The Vikings had had a long voyage from their North Norfolk base, hungry for an away victory. On a
January day, they had not expected to play on such a wonderful pitch that, despite enduring a
heavy natural watering in the days leading up to the match, had overnight transformed into a
chilled but perfectly formed playing surface. This gave A&C the confidence of much-needed
success as they prepared for battle.

For the 1st 20mins, and of concern, it was the Vikings who swarmed in wave after wave of attack.
At a brisk drum beat, they tested the Amersham defence with potent runs and sustained rucking.
There were no signs of travel fatigue, and there was clearly a desire to build an early lead to then
take some pressure off. The Amersham defence, though, was equal to all attack offerings and, like
scud missiles being shot down, each attack was thwarted, resulting in a penalty or knock-on.
These were opportunities that would be regretted in due course. As the tide turned, though, it was
A&C who opened the scoring on 30 minutes with Prop stalwart, Charlie Swerling, finishing an
excellent marauding attack with the opening try (5-0). With A&C seeing more of the ball and the
Vikings more subdued, they kicked a penalty just before half-time (5-3) to set up an exciting 2nd
half.
With Chiltern attacking the Clubhouse, it only took 6 minutes for Wing Sammy Sinclair to slickly
break the defence and score our 2nd try - converted by Full-back Louis Mould (12-3). With some
North Walsham indiscipline, Louis then kicked a penalty to extend our lead (15-3). By the time 78
minutes came, the game was won with Rob Hughes (Hughes dynasty) marking his welcome home
with 3rd try, converted by Louis. (22-3).

3 tries were disappointing as no bonus point was achieved. There were, though, 3 other gifted
opportunities which would have amounted to 6 tries. Dave Francis at No8, having run through with

ease twice, somehow either throws the ball to the opposition or trips over it. And then with Chiltern
breaking through the line, only for the player to be pulled back on 3 occasions, not to be given a
penalty try. I’ll never know why it wasn’t awarded.

A well-deserved win and a fascinating league

This week we are away to 2nd place Letchworth Garden City. Not too far to come and support, and
it will undoubtedly be a lovely muddy pitch just like always. Hopefully it will be a leveller and if our
form is maintained, it could lead to our 2nd away win. Ever the optimist - see you there. (Ko 3 pm)

A&C 1XV - 1. Alfie Holland 2. Charlie Swerling 3. Max Morphey. 4. Harry Bradshaw. 5. Jordan
Scott 6. Robert Hughes. 7. Josh Finch (C). 8. David Francis 9. Ben Harris. 10. Alex Bower 11.
Dom Ashwell. 12. Harry Stevens. 13. Dan Kingsley 14. Sammy Sinclair. 15. Louis Mould Subs 16.
Dave Cole 17. Mike Everett. 18. Noah Jarvis