Match Report – by Andrew Grant
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It was a big St George’s kind of day, in fact a big weekend when A&C made the trip to Norwich. Lots going on, for example – it was the 32nd anniversary of me joining the Metropolitan Police. It was the last match of the season. It was St George’s Day and of course it was taking place in the city still loved for being the home of the quiz show ‘Sale of the Century’. I can still hear that wordless theme tune being played on the organ. ‘Eyes skinned’ for Alan Partridge!!!!!! Norfolk made a change from Essex. We have spent a lot of time in Essex this season.
We travelled with optimism of victory. Norwich had had an initiation of fire way back during our first game of the season as we welcomed them to Weedon Lane and London 1 North with a bit of tough baptism (64 – 13). We also travelled with fancy dress packed and theme. The theme being St George’s day (hence the song lyrics chosen – Puff ) there was an undoubted English feel to proceedings. Captain Josh had a china tea cup and saucer on standby, with others having their very unique take on English heritage. Fortunately I had managed to negotiate a ‘Grant Exemption’ which recognised others from lands far away should be able to blend in their own country’s dress to the festivities. I therefore turned into a Viking Raider whilst Gibo wore a South Pacific style short skirt beautifully considering he has such large thighs. It was a very diverse weekend.
There was no mention of the evening’s plans en-route. Focus very much on rugby understanding that we had to ensure we were grinning later. And so to the game.
Hot sunny day! Our Boy Band members who had travelled to feast and make merry were ‘Digger’ our very own President and past Chairman Richard Bobbett. Lots of chat and lots of excitement as the Lions and their membership enjoyed the pre-match luncheon. Lots of stripy blazers and red jeans.
Decent opening and a fast tempo. Norwich appeared to have some different players since the season opener. A couple stood out. At scrum half they had their coach. (come on Rich!!! You know you can) and a utility all forward positions player/coach (arrived from the Premiership - Newcastle ) . He was a big lad, a prop who played back row too. There was roar and an enthusiasm from the home crowd who also managed to position their fans all around the pitch – there was no escape. It only took 10mins for Norwich to attack and score the opening try of the game. A poor conversion attempt saw an early lead (5 – 0). On the 18th minute it was a delight to see A&C No 8 Jordan Scott pick up and penetrate the try line in style to equalise. Noah Jarvis with the sun on his back then converted in style (5 -7). A&C were comfortable with the pressure with many trade-mark tackles securing penalties and preventing any Norwich reply. That was though until the 33rd minute when again Norwich worked hard again to retain possession and they were rewarded with another unconverted try (10 -7) On the 37th minute it was Noah with slick side-stepping who crashed over for our second try of the day. Again a slick conversion made all the difference to the scoreboard (10 – 14). These conversions do mount up. Half-time
Great game! Calm halt-time chat. Confidence building. Some of the crowd getting chattier with the pints flowing. Bring on the ‘Batt out of hell’ Joe. He had read the script and on the 60th minute found himself in space before scoring a fine try. Again it was Noah converting with one of those never in doubt kicks.(10 – 21). There was then some bench movements. One forced when Ben Pothecary, probably one of the finest full-backs in the league, was absolutely crunched head on. I think I heard every rib crack although delighted to say is now recovering well. We also unleashed Bill Hughes from the bench who again lulled the opposition into a false sense of security by doing something stupid before excelling at speed and with a sprint over the try line (77 mins) (10 -28). Approaching the final whistle and end of season festivities We obviously allowed Norwich a final try and make the score closer. (15 – 28). 3 tries to 4 and 0 conversions to 4. Kicks win games as they say.

Highlights
• I counted them out and I counted them all back. A weekend away and no casualties – except Ben’s ribs on the field of play
• Witnessing naked middle aged men playing British Bull Dogs on the main pitch after the game. Some high risk tackling and bits flying around. Might be a Norfolk thing.
• Glorious day weather wise and lasting after-match festivities between both sides. Great hospitality, a shared bus trip to the City centre and a wonderful Irish Bar and Nightclub experience
• Robert Hughes fine video of our mini – tour- really should be on the club website.
• Meeting Schneider – You’ll have to find us!!
• Many many many others but tour rules apply of course.
• This season – Great effort. Young squad – great fun – some tears and some joy – more to give – with a smile and a look forward to a restructured league – new players – better pitches and facilities and continuing success. All this quality rugby on our doorstep.

See you all next season

Andy

Amersham and Chiltern RFC (1XV)
1. Louis Bailey
2. Joe Batt (VC)
3. Charlie Doyle
4. Kieran Booth
5. Jacques O’Driscoll
6. Ollie Webb
7. Josh Finch (Captain Josh)
8. Jordan Scott
9. Conor Segre
10. Dan Kingsley
11. Peter Hughes
12. Noah Jarvis
13. Ben Pothecary
14. Will Swerling
15. Jack Kenyon
16. Andrew Tooley
17. Bill Hughes
18. Craig Whyte