Twenty years ago today the world changed and both teams stood silent before kick-off at Deacons Field, the sacred home of Harpenden RFC. A near full Grand Stand housed much of the home support. As they took their seats ties were loosened and T-shirts were displayed as the sun broke through on a humid and hot day. After the silence of remembrance there was an almost immediate noise with sounds of loud support for their local heroes.

A&C had been shrewd though by sending club dignitaries Peter Kenyon - Digger (Mr President), Huw Thomas (Mr Chairman) and Chris Smith (Past-President & RFU Council Member) behind enemy lines. Although far from undercover in their resplendent blazers and ties they ensured A&C representation at the Harpenden RFC Centenary Lunch. Of course this luncheon added considerably to the home supports enthusiastic chanting. A&C also welcomed debuts to the following Kai Davis (Hooker), Doug McGregor-Smith (Prop), Will Drewett (2nd Row), Andre McFarlane (Wing), McKenzie South (Wing) and Jorge Gomez (Bench – back row)

Harpenden Kicked-off with a generous wind behind them. Full of enthusiasm and running A&C took pride in an impressive initial spell of attacking defence eventually emerging over the half-way line to attack around the 12th minute. After a little softening of the Harpenden defence it was Robert Hughes taking the ball at speed in the centre and like a hot knife through butter cut through for an impressive opening try. A few oohs and sighs were heard within the Grandstand with Kelly Brown (ex – Saracens and Scotland Captain) impressed and asking who the opposition was?. It was an impressive start and beautifully converted by Conor Segre (Scrum-half).

Then followed a little spell of naughtiness on both sides. The Harpenden (No 1) saw yellow along soon after with our very own Andre McFarlane (wing) deliberately knocking on in his attempt to prevent an attack down the wing. Harshly the referee also sought to take the view he prevented a certain try. Duly penalised and with conversion the scores were now level (7-7). After another period of intensity from both sides it wasn’t until the 39th minute that Harpenden again pressed and were rewarded with an unconverted try just before half-time (12-7)

With quite a large re-stock of water only 4 mins into the second half it was A&C Captain Lloyd Anderson (Lloydy) who really set the cat amongst the Harpenden pigeons when he hopped, skipped, jumped then sprinted through a crowd, over half way to score the most scintillating try. With the scores level at 12-12 we knew then this would be a close one in the sun. Harpenden though responded well and gave their support more to shout about with a converted try (19-12). Following-on from where he left off last week after another fine backs attack Robert Hughes again surged through ensuring parity once more (19-19) with a calm conversion by Noah Jarvis.

It was then the excitement started to build. Nip and tuck from the start it was Lloyd Anderson again that found the way to terrify the Harpenden players and support with probably one of the most entertaining and impressive runs ever seen on Deacon’s Field. A challenging but successful conversion by Noah ensured with just under 20 mins to go A&C were in the lead. The lead was then

extended through indiscipline from Harpenden and from under the posts Noah ensured the lead was extended to 10pts (19-29). Harpenden soon afterwards gained 3pts from a penalty (22-29)

With an ever optimistic home crowd and with a bench consisting of Saracens Academy students there remained hope that there was time to fight back and even take the lead. With only 7 mins remaining Harpenden, after a sustained period of pressure, crossed the line for a converted try (29-29)

A&C had come too far and again pressed deep within the Harpenden half. Superbly led by Dave Francis (No 8) with his frequent charges and security under the high ball, in sheer desperation the Harpenden No10 committed a high tackle with penalty and yellow card resulting. Jason Kilby enjoying his freedom from being hooker and to now being in the back row also ensured the A&C pack pressure was maintained. Noah again slotted the penalty opportunity (29-32)

Although well within the Amersham half as full-time approached A&C continued to tackle well offering little hope of success. Prior to the whistle and at the point full time was announced A&C failed to kick the ball out of play. Soon after a penalty and more Harpenden pressure there was an inevitability about a further Harpenden try being scored.

And so from the jaws of victory a gutting defeat was secured, but all achieved by a young, dynamic and powerful A&C team well up for the challenges this league will offer. Harpenden were undoubtedly prepared for defeat and left yesterday relieved and knowing A&C are looking forward very much to welcoming them to Weedon Lane in due course.

Man of the Match – Dave Francis