Match Report – by Andrew Grant
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It hasn’t been a year and it was last Christmas, a mere 4 months ago. It also didn’t surprise anyone that A&C would make the journey to Cambridge, in the genuine hope of levelling our 2 match series with what would have been an unexpected win against deserving league leaders Shelford RFC.
At the beginning of December there was a terrific match played out at Weedon Lane whereby the ‘Peacocks of Shelford’ earned the right to attract attention by raising their tail and displaying their train proudly following a narrow 25 – 29 win. 4 months on and with Shelford top of the pops on 102pts and A&C on 56pts and a mere 7 league positions below it would surely take heroic efforts from our young, fit and confident squad.
And so we arrived after a peaceful, reflective kind of coach trip. There was no loud chatter merely a sense of purpose and a quiet confidence that we could return to Derek triumphant. I noticed some of the boys were wearing flip-flops – very modern, very cool! Again we were blessed with a fair number of cherubs, blended with some hard-nosed experience and grit ,led by our very own Captain Josh Finch - of course. Physio Paddy was also on hand to strap, pad and rub the boys in preparation for the impending battle on the 4G Davey Field.
We also had one of our favourite boy band members travelling with us, Past President Chris Smith. Chris represented our club superbly and may even have sung a song enjoying very much the hospitality offered at the pre-match feast. The club was busy and many tables taken up. The stand would therefore be heaving and the touchline crowded in what felt a celebratory festival type atmosphere. To be from A&C you were really quite out -numbered.
Shelford were fresh from a comfortable victory last week over title rivals Sudbury. There was a carnival feel with some fine pre-match entertainment offered by Shelford Women and Wymondham Wasps Ladies. The sun again was out with a gentle breeze. Beer was flowing and even ice-cream was being licked as Shelford Women cruised to a 34 -0 win. I was then met by Angus our Cambridgshire referee for the day. A fellow Celt from the land of the Irish and who was by all accounts probably one of the best referees in the world. He refereed well.
So now for the action. Shelford kick off, pitch flat and the 4G watered and smooth. From the outset competitive with A&C gaining most possession and both clubs intent on faster ball and slick redistribution. Although defending well it was always the case that Shelford with size and speed would threaten the Chiltern defence. After 10 mins and a wee bit of a bombardment, a converted try was secured (7 -0). The crowd duly responded, not just in shouting encouragement but with distinctive chants ‘SHELFORD’ being most popular with a very occasional higher pitched ‘CHILTS’ in reply. These are our future stars. The next score was therefore important and we were not sure how our team would respond. On 20 mins it was after quite a spell of Chiltern pressure that after strong forwards rucking No8 Jordan Scott picked up and dived over for a converted try (7 -7). 5 mins later after some more Chiltern pressure a penalty was awarded and Noah confidently slotted through the posts (7 – 10). We were ahead and playing well.
The crowd now seemed a bit frustrated and we could have just made them angry as 4 mins prior to half-time Shelford managed to get a rare bit of pressure but scored an unconverted try to take a first half lead (12 – 10). 5 mins before the whistle and in what appeared biblical scenes the weather changed and dark clouds gathered and high winds blew. The snow then fell. Of concern though was that the head wind would be in our faces in the 2nd half. Not something that was expected or planned for. Fingers crossed it was merely a high-powered shower
Shelford’s changing room door was firmly closed at half –time, A&C plotted a second half challenge. Sadly though the first 15 mins of the 2nd half was when our match was lost. With the remnants of very localised ‘Storm Shelford’ still blowing itself out this was when Shelford took the opportunity to raise their game and tempo to score from a penalty and also 2 further converted tries (29 – 10). The crowd seemed happier. Possession was secured well and for this time Shelford showed a little of why they were Top of the Pops. They secured their 4 try bonus to loud applause and A&C now focussed on scoring again and claw something back. With the weather now calm again the fightback was on. Penalty secured and expertly kicked (29 – 13) by Noah, the chants were heard again with an increasingly nervous tone.
I think the players felt it, as with only 5 mins left and poor discipline Chiltern mauled from the 5m lineout only to be stopped from scoring by a naughty Shelford lad pulling them down. Try likely and penalty try awarded. Every single forward is still currently claiming that one, Charlie Doyle being the loudest (29 – 20) – Final Score

Highlights
• Debut for Louis Hughes. 19yrs old and initiated. Fine job on the wing with some glorious second half gains.
• Welcome back Jordan Scott after a wee one match reflection time leading a marauding pack to near glory and being our Man of the Match.
• Collective highlight of a young and ambitious A&C side running the league leaders close X 2”
• Great welcome and hospitality from everyone at Shelford RFC – Good luck next season and congratulations.

Next Week
Super Saturday at the club. President’s Lunch – 3 home games all washed down with a Players’ Dinner. Old Haberdashers RFC visit and we are looking forward to victory to make-up for a very disappointing narrow defeat in the mud, wind and rain of a January day. Your support will be so appreciated!!

Amersham and Chiltern RFC (1XV)
1. Doug MacGregor-Smith
2. Joe Batt
3. Charlie Doyle
4. Kieran Booth
5. Jacques O’Driscoll
6. Ollie Webb
7. Josh Finch (Captain Josh)
8. Jordan Scott
9. Craig Whyte
10. Noah Jarvis
11. Louis Hughes
12. Dan Kingsley
13. Harry West
14. Will Swerling
15. Conor Segre
16. Andrew Tooley
17. Bill Hughes
18. Rob Hill