Match Report – by Andrew Grant

Not enough luck or breaks and too much pain with no complaining (except Dave Francis). Running the line affords a wonderful opportunity to be close to the action. It also gives opportunity to be on the opposite side to the referee and it was the case that A&C lost up to 14 points following some strong forward play, given no reward from the referee as he would have been unsighted. Please Charlie DOYLE next time can you shout up at the referee to come and see the grounding and at the same time stop the hands slipping under the ball to give that feel of being held up. Oh! The dark arts of forward play. I’m also delighted our very own Peter OSBORNE witnessed Charlie’s heroics and really just a shame Peter wasn’t the referee. It all could have been so different!
So. Ideal rugby conditions on a well prepared pitch. Spookily the pitch had a bit of a A&C Railway Pitch feel about it with one of those deceptive and quite substantial slopes both across it’s length and breadth. It would be a pitch Brentwood would understand and probably use to it’s advantage.
Brentwood kicked off and from the start the playing patterns seemed clear. Brentwood with some big boys in their pack set their stall out with a direct kind of game, with their stand-off well and truly pulling the strings. With some really strong running through the centre the Brentwood forwards made some substantial bursts through with strong passing and dynamic running. A&C on the other hand were strong in defence but on occasion Brentwood made their gains and with some free running and good pressure. So A&C attacking on the wings and wider with Brentwood sticking to the centre and direct route. Great tackling from both sides (8th and 7th in the league)

In just 5 mins Brentwood slotted their first penalty. (3 - 0) and then again only 4mins later they were given a simple opportunity to double their lead (6 - 0). It wasn’t though until 25mins and running down hill that Brentwood scored a converted try after strong forwards running and excellent breaks. (13 - 0). On 20 mins and again through the same forwards linking another converted try was secured (20 -0). Brentwood deserved the lead and in fair- ness probably expected to given the undoubted advantage playing downhill gives. Then who pops up but Joe BATT. Marauding Joe went on a Tsunami style surge taking all out in his way as he scored under the posts, just before the half-time whistle. (20 - 7). A fair score for what was already a compelling and entertaining match up.
With Brentwood now ‘ running up that hill’ there was undoubted hope that A&C would now have the upper hand for the next 40 mins. And so it was to be. On 55 mins a pumped and driven Dave FRANCIS did what he does and with cling-ons on the starboard bow touched down superbly (20 - 12). Ben POTHERCARY sadly missed a kickable conversion and that could have been significant psychologically. On 64mins it was that turned out to be a killer blow and that was some excellent and direct play up the hill again resulting in some sustained pressure and a further Brentwood converted try. (27 - 12). A&C though were not finished. Captain Josh (Josh FINCH) rallied the troops and also managed to get Dave FRAN- CIS shouting encouragement like a wild wolf in the mating season. It was an impressive show (73mins) prior to Aidan Caldwell, Dave FRANCIS style bursting through with impressive footwork to score a fine unconverted try (27 - 17).
With strong pressure and relentless attacks on the Brentwood line A&C pushed to secure maximum bonus points or even a win. Led by Charlie DOYLE on both moves Charlie dived elegantly to touch down prior to the influx of bodies to ‘muddy the waters’. If only the referee had been on my side.

Highlights
Man of the Match - Dave Francis
• Welcoming as coach virgins Alex BOWER Craig WHYTE and celebrating Craig’s fine de- but at scrum half. Alex even made dinner with granny and cleaned his plate by all ac- counts.
• Being inspired by Dave Francis and his emotional shouting to rally the troops and scare the local children. A true modern day William Wallace.
• Conor stepping up, supporting the team travelling away to cover the bench carrying a wee achilles injury. - thank you
• Charlie DOYLE managing to trick the referee into not seeing his tries try scoring efforts. Not enough emotion for me although I will always know he scored. Well done Charlie and still delighted we got you a big pair of shorts that fit.

Amersham and Chiltern RFC (1XV)
1. Doug MacGregor - Smith
2. Joe Batt
3. Charlie Doyle
4. Johnny Rice
5. Charlie Bourne
6. Aidan Caldwell
7. Josh Finch
8. Dave Francis
9. Craig Whyte
10. Alex Bower
11. Peter Hughes
12. Noah Jarvis
13. Robert Hughes
14. Robert Hill
15. Ben Pothecary
16. Louis Bailey
17. Kieran Booth
18. Connor Segre