Match Report – by Andrew Grant
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It’s always daunting coming up against some Saxons on their home turf. Even when it’s firm but a tad soggy and slippy. However how things have changed since we last met a couple of months ago. Southend-on-Sea have now become the UK’s newest City and their Saxons side have climbed to 5th in the league. Previously A&C and Southend played out a hard fought match with the Saxons narrowly securing a 17 – 24 win. Chiltern had travelled with confidence following their comfortable win over Eton Manor (4th) last week. Southend though were intent on their promotion push and catching a hick-cupping Eton Manor, but obviously wary of the recent A&C win . All was to play for with conditions dry, the lights on and a lightish wind overhead.
The traditional Warners Bridge Park site was well prepared. Not a branch sat on the pitch as the final raking took pace prior to kick off. A big lunch was being hosted specially for the arrival of the Chiltern Cherubs and set within a club house so traditional it reminded me a Scottish Castle and Laird hosting the local city dwellers within the Rugby Club banqueting hall. I’m sure there were a few drams and pheasant being enjoyed as a jester entertained the Chairman and President. One thing was for sure that the membership, family and friends were there in numbers and ready to enjoy a seat in the stand, dance to the pre-match music (high tempo) or a place relaxing on the Southend sun terrace.
And so the action – In summary it seemed the Saxons, with all their historical amazing Germanic efficiency, had 5 tries, scored by 5 guys with loads of possession, surging and chipping away in response. Chiltern started well with some excellent rucking, fast tempo and good distribution to both forwards and backs. Momentum was good and they were growing in confidence until a Saxon plucked a ball, shared it with his team-mates and ensured a fast flowing attack and opening try. In 10 mins A&C were on the back foot and in 20 mins they were a further converted try down after more Saxon pincer movements (12 – 0) prior to half-time and again after waves of Chiltern attacks Noah managed to secure 3pts from a well-earned penalty in front of the posts (Half-time 12 – 3).
With some encouraging words from Mr Hoskins and Mr Smith it was recognised there was still a need to ‘trust the system’ and ‘chase your feet’. From chatting with some of the city locals they seemed surprised that such a gallant young side were behind when Saxons had scored tries during their only 2 times of pressure.
So for the 2nd half, and the hope that we could bounce back, maintain possession and pressure to produce the points needed. We didn’t and sadly despite some noticeable performances from Peter and Robert Hughes the Saxons with cool efficiency took all chances and maintained discipline to add quality tries to what was a well-deserved but hard –earned win (31 – 3).
My consolation is that whenever I play golf against someone a wee bit better than me I always play the last holes the same or better than them. We played some good stuff, but under Saxon pressure the mistakes occurred and the many opportunities were lost. Good competitive game to watch with a bit of a rubbish result.
So we returned to the banqueting hall showered and refreshed. The pheasant and mead wine had been replaced with probably one of the finest Thai chicken curry’s I’ve ever had and some Guinness. Saxons Peter and Victor and Celtic Andy supped some well-earned Guinness and we all left after a superbly hosted and competitive match.
Thank you Southend we had a great couple of games and good luck for the rest of the season.

Highlights
• Southend Saxons RFC Clubhouse and ground – grass with lights, stand and club house unique in design – a pleasure to visit
• Man of the match – Peter Hughes – although not fully fit he still cut through on the wing at pace
• I’m still convinced Robert Hughes scored in the first 10 mins – apparently short and held on – come on referee!
• Harry West – welcomed to coach travel with the 1st team with fun, a quiz (well done Joe) and a cold energetic evening run.

Next Week
We welcome 2nd place Sudbury RFC to Weedon Lane. On our trip to the land of Gainsborough a couple of months ago , league leaders at the time Sudbury, nilled us whilst amassing 36pts. Some well-worked tries and place kicking were the order of the day. We will need a large vocal crowd and the knowledge that many a fine team have visited only to feel not quite as fine afterwards. A Sudbury win would really kick us on into the spring weather and some chilled beers on the terrace.

See you there!!

Amersham and Chiltern RFC (1XV)
1. Doug MacGregor-Smith
2. Joe Batt (VC)
3. Charlie Doyle
4. Kieran Booth
5. Will Drewett
6. Jason Kilbey
7. Josh Finch
8. Aidan Caldwell
9. Conor Segre
10. Noah Jarvis
11. Peter Hughes
12. Dan Kingsley
13. Robert Hughes
14. Craig Whyte
15. Alex Bower
16. Louis Bailey
17. Bill Hughes
18. Harry West