Match Report – by Andrew Grant
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The sun was out and the sky was blue, no bobble hats on and spectators in a queue. Cold lager - no soup with shorts and flip-flops adjourned. How much could we make on the 1st half cash builder before the second half chase was on?
Some A&C supporters had also travelled with their sun roofs open and windows down. Always up for a wee trip across the fields to Bedfordshire opposed to savouring the M25 and A12 to Essex. Our favourite Boy Band members (Messrs Bobbett and Fletcher) also attended early for the Ladies Day lunch resplendent in shirt, ties and blazers. As if the sun and heat wasn’t enough they tucked into some steak with lashings of ginger beer - no doubt.

I had no idea I would start thinking about one of my favourite TV Quiz shows – The Chase. Why would I think about it on such a glorious sunny day? Well I did and primarily owing to a wide countryside style pitch accommodating quite a significant slope. The toss would be interesting.
We lost I suspect, as we ended up playing the 1st half down-hill and with the desert wind on our backs. It did seem quite an advantage so we had to get quite a few points with some ‘push backs’ later perhaps. 20pts is normally competitive, 30 though would be too good. Anything less than 20 could be tricky to hold on to.

Our rugby roadshow buzzed into Wrights Meadow for what was always going to be a hot, sweaty and exciting encounter. The Buzzards had had some noticeable success on their own turf by way of defeating the high flying Southend and Eton Manor clubs. Conscious also of our location being very close to the Great Train Robbery we did not want any robberies taking place today – thanks.
So with a notable 1st half advantage the pressure was on us. Step up Joe Batt, following good pressure straight from kick-off and a series of decent rucking it was Joe picking up near to the line and securing our opening try after 16 mins sustained pressure. From near to the touchline Noah Jarvis felt the sun on his face and smelt the sun cream from the bench before stroking a majestic conversion right through the middle of the goal. The home crowd was just as surprised as the away supporters (0-7). Just 6 mins later it was lock legend Jacques O’Driscoll at his marauding best to gallop through the Buzzard’s defensive line for a second try. Again this was converted by an inspired Noah and again from a bit of a tricky angle (0-14). Like a metronome in rhythm Chiltern struck again 6 mins later with a 3rd. This time Charlie Doyle picked up and challenged the Buzzard’s pack to stop him. They didn’t and with some cling-ons on the starboard bow scored again allowing Noah to maintain his 100% record of conversions (0-21). There was still time for more!!
Momentum was then lost with the Buzzard’s managing to venture up hill to a higher altitude. They were duly rewarded by the referee who was undoubtedly enjoying the uphill challenge. A penalty to LB soon resulted which was missed by the LB stand-off. Half time (0 – 21)
I reckon LB were confident there would be a 2nd half response. They were helped when our centre Scott Kilbey was sent to the cooler for what appeared to be rucking. He returned 10 mins later and I believe he was told that he was in fact innocent. Nevertheless set the scene a little for a challenging 2nd half for the Cherubs. On 60 mins LB were gifted by an interception try that should never have been. A tough conversion attempt (obvious to everyone including the kicker) missed and only the 5 points achieved (5 – 21). Scarily about 3 mins later and again from the downhill the Buzzards were energised and secured another unconverted try (10-21). These missed conversions and penalty were costly. One final try was achieved on 70 mins and converted to make it (17-21). A&C held out though confidently and should have pulled away with a number of penalty and advantage opportunities. A great 2nd have effort all things considering.

A good win. 2(two) new cherubs blooded and they were terrific. Others stepping up and our selection of the most experienced gutsy and impressive. We were running up that hill quite a bit for little reward but everyone had to run up with us. Made my day!!

Highlights
• Debuts for Ollie Webb (No6) and Charlie Keith (Prop) both only 18yrs and both outstanding players. Fantastic effort!!! (Photo)
• Will Swerling is my Man of the Match. Some great running down that wing and a smile that got bigger as the match went on. Great attitude!!
• Ben Rooke offering to run the line for me so that I could watch and analyse more – thank you and I’ll get you that coke (soft drink) and some sweeties next week.
• Witnessing the Hughes Brothers (Robert and Peter) as Robert advised others not to pass to his brother. They are both in contention for most tries and Robert at this time is injured. That’s competitive!
• Glorious day of sunshine and sun cream whilst having the hottest changing room in the world. But these radiators will be turned off from 1/4/22 when the bills go up.

Next Week
Shelford RFC (Away). Currently top of the league and centurions (106pts). They are still though licking their wounds from their visit to Ash Grove and managed to hold on to a (25 – 29) win. It’s only Cambridgeshire so supporters more than welcome.

Amersham and Chiltern RFC (1XV)
1. Charlie Keith
2. Joe Batt
3. Charlie Doyle
4. Charlie Bourne
5. Jacques O’Driscoll
6. Ollie Webb
7. Josh Finch (Captain Josh)
8. Ed Griffiths
9. Conor Segre
10. Noah Jarvis
11. Peter Hughes
12. Scott Kilbey
13. Alex Bower
14. Will Swerling
15. James Morrison
16. Andrew Tooley
17. Bill Hughes
18. Craig Whyte