Match Report by: Andy Grant
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So the Saxons came to visit Weedon Lane. Traditionally of warrior background, now anglicised, they travelled in peace and in bulk in line with their Germanic heritage and Southend roots.
9th v 7th in Division 1 London and South East North and level on points we knew this would be a close one, and indeed it was. Thank goodness we had Ollie Choules at stand-off playing ‘that sax’. instrumental in most moves Ollie was an undoubted titan, dictating play and stretching the Saxons from the outset.
From Ollie’s kick- off and after a fluffed attempt at a catch A&C were on the offensive attacking relentlessly the Saxons line. After only a minute and after silky handling by our backs it was Colt Coach and A&C hero Robert Hughes taking a crash ball before marauding over the try line. The Saxons, heads bowed, could only watch Ollie as he kicked the conversion with precision. 7-0
Sadly only 4 mins later the Saxons found their warrior style, advancing from all angles to score a carefully worked try through their backs in the corner. That is if the ball had been touched down. It was undoubtedly a cracking move with all the hard work done prior to the Saxon having a ‘Scottish moment’ managing to spill the ball as he dived through the air. A spooky kind of mist then descended as the referee awarded a try and in a weird way the clear spillage was not acknowledged by a single Saxon and bravely accepted by our gallant players. Ironically this was probably rugby at it’s best, but realistically not really good enough despite what was terrific rugby play by the visitors. The mist remained in place and the conversion was missed. A little justice perhaps. 7-5
Once awoken from their haze it was A&C almost immediately again on the attack. Sustained pressure that resulted in a kickable penalty. Saxophone in hand Ollie tunefully slotted the penalty. 10 – 5.
On 17mins the Saxons again pressed using their bulky pack and multiple gains by their back row. It wasn’t long until space was made for their speedy winger to jink through and accelerate over the line for a converted try. 10 – 12. Then on 28 mins they pressurized again resulting in an un-converted try. 10 - 17
With a minute before half-time the Saxons really did begin to impress and fuelled by their earlier fortune and some excellent play they delivered another converted try to turn the screw and ensure a reflective half-time team talk by coaches Rich – a Roo and Mike Smith 10 -24
Re-charged with energy drinks and a selection of Haribo it wasn’t until 27 mins into the second half that No8 and new boy big Aiden Caldwell (He’s a unit!) bundled his way over the try line in front of an animated gallery. Again Ollie made music, orchestrating a fightback with a calmly struck conversion 17 – 24 the fight back was on.
And well I never this was the moment that despite our consistency at losing ball on our lineouts we nevertheless rallied with energy and conviction. It was infectious. So infectious that a lame Jack Kenyon in almost Lazarus style got off his bed and with hop , step and jump broke the Saxons midfield for one of his crazy runs. The attack was on only to flounder in the excitement with a few butter fingers. Scrummaging immense they turned the screw only to beaten by time. A relieved Saxons and disappointed A&C left the field to loud applause from an appreciative crowd. It was a great game, played in a terrific spirit and ironically the first Saxons try ,(that wasn’t!), the only difference between the teams.
Highlights –
• 1st Team debut for Alex Bower at Centre. 18yrs of age and already a utility player, playing centre and wing with distinction. A proud day for Alex family and another Sham Baby born.
• A welcome to Kaleem Niazi who is probably one of the oldest looking 18yr olds I’ve ever seen. A&C’s biggest shorts also not big enough in true Charlie Doyle style (4 X extra large) – well played.
• Ollie Choules particularly masterful at stand-off orchestrating and playing sweet music as we pressed relentlessly in the second half.
• Conor Segre our energetic powerful scrum half, making the gains and energising a back line so full of promise.

Next Week – We’re off on the big coach to Whittome Field, Great Cornard, Sudbury, Suffolk, the home of top of the table Sudbury RFC. Supporters for this one in particular are very welcome (I hear the Suffolk cider is exceptional). With nothing to fear and a wonderful second half behind us it should be a cracker. Please e-mail the club if you with to join us - club@chilterrugby.com . It is always an entertaining day out.

Amersham and Chiltern RFC (1XV)
1. Louis Bailey
2. Stuart Rogers
3. Kaleem Niazi
4. Will Drewett
5. Charlie Bourne
6. Andrew Toole
7. Josh Finch (C)
8. Aidan Caldwell
9. Conor Segre
10. Ollie Choules
11. Andrew McFarlane
12. Alex Bower
13. Robert Hughes
14. Jack Kenyon
15. Max Dugdale
16. Callum Newton
17. Kieran Booth
18. Ross Bugden