Match Report – by Andrew Grant

Peacocks are flightless yet are high flying in 2nd place as the nickname of Shelford RFC. Although very much welcomed to Weedon Lane they undoubtedly did some jiving but regardless were so very nearly plucked, washed, basted and served for pre-Christmas dinner in the company of our sponsors, membership and friends.
Yes! That’s right – Peacock, and peafowl generally are entirely edible and in fact is a delicacy in India and South Asia. Similar to chicken in taste and delightful especially if washed down with Derek’s chocolate brownie and a glass of Chianti.
Colour clash also. Here was me thinking the Peacock’s would be playing in Blue and Green (a dodgy combination in Glasgow) yet in fact they emerged wearing our very same claret and white. We were prepared and yes!! It was time again for GOLD!!!!! – always believing! And Spandau Ballet first on our pre-match playlist.
Not for the first time this season it was A&C first out of the blocks from kick-off. Unleashed after 5 mins and similar to a bucking bronco it was Peter Hughes with a scintillating run along the touchline and scoring a fine, but to be unconverted individual try (5 - 0). It took only 5 mins for the Peacock’s to loosen off after their minibus ride from South Cambridgeshire and after some sustained pressure replied with a converted try (5 – 7). That wasn’t enough though and like a big slap in the face they scored another converted try (5 – 14) and started to strut a little although no tails displayed - yet.
It was looking already that our young team would be about to get a tough day at the office. Just on cue and after strong pack pressure a further, this time an unconverted try was scored (5 – 19). We remained though with considerable hope. A single minute before half-time a Shelford player chose to dump tackle big tall Jacques O’Driscoll (quite a feat) and was duly ordered to cooler. We were also had playing into quite a substantial head wind, the benefit of which we would surely secure in the 2nd half. The next score was indeed crucial.
It only took 3 mins into the 2nd half when yes!, that man again and in an Allan Wells kind of way accelerated through, scoring in the corner. Alas the conversion again missed. (10 – 19). Momentum was now very much with A&C and when 2nd Row Jacques O’Driscoll, picked up the ball and ran through under the posts (with a few cling on his starboard bow) and a conversion from Ollie Choules we knew it was very game on! (17 – 19). A little bit of naughtiness from Shelford then allowed Ollie to kick a fine penalty for Chiltern to take a well-deserved lead (20 – 19) only then for Shelford to respond in 65 mins with a converted try under the posts (20 -26). – spoil sports
All to play for it was wonder winger Peter Hughes again cutting through the Peacocks defence to make for nervous finish for Shelford. Try in the corner (25 – 26) and with the breeze and angle just a wee bit difficult for wee Ollie.
To end the match and with a great deal of release Shelford chode to kick a penalty (25- 29) to secure a narrow victory. Great match! Played with a great spirit!!!

Highlights
• Big Charlie Doyle with his specially ordered huge white shorts, making the gains and securing our scrums. He’s definitely getting fitter
• Jacques O’Driscoll back to his marauding best with significant gains at 2nd row
• Jordan Scott immense in the back row and back to full fitness
• Bill Hughes welcomed back from injury with strong performance in back row
• Peter Hughes unstoppable on the wing.

Next Week (11/12/21) – we are off to Old Haberdashers for a Charles Dickens sounding traditional fixture befitting of Christmas. We travel in 8th position to an Old Haberdashers side 9pts behind in 10th. Supporters more than welcome to ensure we get back on winning ways.

Amersham and Chiltern RFC (1XV)
1. Charlie Doyle
2. Andrew Toole
3. Doug MacGregor-Smith
4. Kieran Booth
5. Jacques O’Driscoll
6. Billy Hughes
7. Jordan Scott
8. Dave Francis
9. Conor Segre
10. Alex Bower
11. Peter Hughes
12. Noah Jarvis
13. Robert Hughes
14. Dan Kingsley
15. Lloyd Anderson (captain)
16. Jorge Gomez
17. Ed Griffiths
18. Ollie Choules