Match Report – by Andrew Grant

This was an 8th v 9th clash. Weather dry and a wee bit breezy (no excuse though for the missed kicks). This was a day we could get so much right. And we did ! We are ‘alive and kicking’
Some say ‘Kicks win games’ some don’t! Well my goodness this certainly was a game when A&C can look back and perhaps feel a tad fortunate victory was theirs. In what should have been a more comfortable win, instead with missed kicks, we ended up enjoying a more competitive match. Belsize Park was welcomed to Weedon Lane following their previous victory in Regents Park. That was the second half that I think was actually a dream, or nightmare when Belsize managed to win 45 - 9 following a close 1st half (10 -9). There was no repeat and delighted to report we remain ‘Alive’ and although ‘Kicking’ there is no doubt whatsoever that that it needs to be a whole lot better.
A&C attacked the clubhouse end 1st half with fresh hope and a great deal of focus on line outs. Belsize may have been a bit stiff following their coach trip from the big city, however to be frank I have never seen Jacques O’DRISCOLL run as fast as he did ,when he burst through(like Roadrunner) a Belsize defence incapable of preventing a run -away opening try in all 2mins (MISSED CONVERSION - 5-0). All credit to Belsize who immediately shook them-selves down and replied with a strong forwards converted try (5 - 7). After a period of strong tackling from both sides on 23mins it was Robert Hughes (Outside Centre) who ran strongly through a sleepy Belsize defence to ensure A&C returned to lead ( MISSED CON-VERSION 10 -7). Maximising their conversions Belsize again managed to keep up with an-other converted try following good forwards pressure and finish. (10 -14). Robert though was not done and in front of Dad and a brother or 2 he again took control cutting through again what was becoming a more strained Belsize defence. (MISSED CONVERSION - HALF TIME - 15 - 14)
A&C retired to their Changing Room whilst Belsize remained on the pitch to debrief. The plan really being that we needed to score more from kicks and maintain our strong tackling and attack. A simple attack, doing simple things with little risk. It was also the case that our line-out success needed to be maintained and that our ‘leaping salmons’ needed to keep leaping with Joe BATT continuing to be consistent with some fine throws. We should really have been further ahead.
Only 5 mins had passed when and like a 'bat out of hell ‘ it was wee Joe BATT who effortlessly and with precision flew in to score a try (UNCONVERTED 20 - 14). And then and what should have been the killer score it was the quiet man of A&C, The James Bond of our side Dan KINGSLEY who tormented the Belsize defence with some dressage style footwork scoring another try (UNCONVERTED - 25 - 14). Captain Josh FINCH (he is quite James Bond too and a car to match) got on the try scene too and on 66 mins, dazzled the defence line before powering over for a further try ( CONVERTED - Alex BOWER) 32 - 19. Well done Alex you will go far. It really was an exceptional period in the game.
Making it an exciting finish Belsize were expected to and did apply some sustained pressure on the A&C defence. A converted try was eventually secured with a few minutes left. (32 - 26)
Could we close out to victory? Yes we did although always a nervous time. Some memories of previous conquests and a whole lot of learning. Our confidence was such we sought the opportunity of a further 3 points from a Ben POTH penalty. Alas it went slightly wide and after a short standoff on the Belsize try line the final whistle was blown.

Highlights
• Luke GIBSON (big lad just like his Dad) immersing himself in the 1st team culture and running the line. Hope you can kick?
• Alex BOWER from the bench kicking the only conversion (in front of the posts) and skipping through making the gains on numerous occasions
• Andrew TOOLE replacing the irreplaceable Charlie DOYLE (back spasm) after only 10mins as prop. With Scottish grit and the bendiest body in rugby he ensured our scrums were steady when they may not have been - thank you
• Losing both Dave FRANCIS and Noah JARVIS following head contact and ensuring momentum maintained - strong bench and great team effort.
• Line out was fantastic - thank you!!

Amersham and Chiltern RFC (1XV)
1. Louis BAILEY
2. Joe BATT
3. Charlie DOYLE
4. Kieran BOOTH
5. Jacques O’DRISCOLL
6. Jordan SCOTT
7. Josh FINCH
8. Dave FRANCIS
9. Conor SEGRE
10. Noah JARVIS
11. Peter HUGHES
12. Robert HUGHES
13. Dan KINGSLEY
14. Robert HILL
15. Ben POTHERCARY
16. Andrew TOOLE
17. Aidan CALDWELL
18. Alex BOWER
Next Week - It’s the rearranged visit of Harpenden to Weedon Lane. It’s the warm up in advance of another Scotland victory against England in the 6 nations. All more than welcome and looking at my weather app it will be ‘Light cloud and a moderate breeze basking in 9 degrees. Little chance of rain and an opportunity to witness a home victory against a good Harpenden side. See you there.