Match Report – by Andrew Grant

Despite a high spirited first half, with good A&C pressure from both forwards and backs it became a second half where that spirit was quickly soaked up, within the mud of the of ‘Fortress Croxdale Road’ pitch. Post match – with a scene more reminiscent of Culloden Moor on a wet day, there is no doubt this was indeed a battle royal with Old Habs just managing to grab victory from the jaws of defeat.
With a considerably lighter pack Chiltern were always going to be challenged in the scrum especially. The older Habs heads compounded the weight advantage to ensure a decent number of penalties and possession. Fortunately though the experience and ability of their forwards was not matched within their backline meaning that our strong and fast backs could make the gains and apply equal if not more pressure in return.
The weather looked more promising early on. Even upon arrival it was dry although overcast. The clubhouse was prepared for a Christmas Luncheon and with a real fire Val Doonican would have been proud of ,crisply glowing in the lounge bar. It wasn’t long until the members arrived in Christmas jumpers to enjoy the pre-match fayre. I’m not sure if goose or duck was on the Christmas menu but on looking out the window it became apparent that we also had visitors who had travelled all the way from Canada to watch the match. Upon closer inspection we discovered how they show their gratitude. Lots of thanks to Chris and Julie for filling some bin bags with goose pooh (it’s green rather than brown a bit like mashed up spinach). It would made quite a mess and smell and made the day even tougher for all.
To the action – Nice little start playing up the hill when after some decent Chiltern play a penalty was secured and Olli Choules showed off by skilfully hitting off the post with ricochet over for 3pts (0 – 3). 20 mins later and after some forward domination, particularly in the scrums, the pressure told and after securing their own penalty Old Habs drew level (3 – 3). Now! the rest of the first half was impressive as the plan is to always hit back quickly, and we did. It was Dan Kingsley, on 34 mins, with a face like the Joker, at centre, who wonderfully stole an interception pass from the half way line, before sprinting up-hill through a bit of sloppy mud and goose pooh to score a converted try under the posts (3 – 10). 6 mins later and again up-hill after great rucking and linked back play it was the brothers Hughes linking up with King Robert, charging through the English ranks and with Brother Peter in support praying for the ball whilst taking no prisoners as he scored an unconverted try in the corner. (3 -15). Half time arrived and considering we were down hill in the 2nd half all was looking good.

Until – the rain fell more and natives began to rumble with some post-luncheon support. With a concerning Chiltern penalty account the referee’s decision to award a penalty try to old Habs was clearly not part of the Chiltern plan. This followed more scrum pressure ,which was now resulting in a frequent slide backwards. I think longer studs needed. (10 – 15) on 62 mins Noah Jarvis arrived on scene to bolster the back line. He ran on superbly but within seconds (I think because he was the only player that you could see the colours of his strip) he was, I think harshly, yellow carded for an armless tackle. I saw the loving embrace even though it only lasted for a couple of seconds. That forwards engine room of Old Habs fired up once more and in 67 mins and unconverted try was scored in the corner after again forward coordinated play (15 -15)
Given the conditions and effort from both teams this would have been a fair result although still disappointing for A&C given they started 9pts ahead in the league. However in true Formula 1 style with 2 mins left some fantastic A&C defence and an Old Habs knock on was rewarded with an Old Habs penalty in front of the posts. A bit of a Lewis Hamilton moment really, but ultimately our own fault. Lesson to be learned is listen and do what you are told at half time. (15 -18).
So a game that was there for the taking and next week we go again against a strong Harpenden side back at Weedon Lane. Hopefully conditions for once will be dry and conditions less of a leveller without wind or mud. All more then welcome.

Highlights
• Establishing at last the Ollie Choules sleeps with his kicking tee under his pillow
• Dave Francis and his rallying calls undoubtedly worthy of William Wallace
• Noah Jarvis for being able to walk on and off the muddy pitch without getting any mud on his strip.
• Welcoming back Jack Kenyon on the wing from injury and applauding his takes under the high ball and running . A true mudrunner
• The efforts and thangs for the pre-match goose pooh collection. I’m sure one will be in the cooker for their next Christmas lunch.
• Just knowing it wouldn’t be left at 15 – 15.

Amersham and Chiltern RFC (1XV)
1. Louis Bailey
2. David Cole
3. Charlie Doyle
4. Kieran Booth
5. Jacques O’Driscoll
6. Joe Batt
7. Dave Francis
8. Jordan Scott
9. Ben Harris
10. Ollie Choules
11. Peter Hughes
12. Dan Kingsley
13. Robert Hughes
14. Jack Kenyon
15. Lloyd Anderson (captain)
16. Ed Griffiths
17. Will Drewett
18. Noah Jarvis