Third XV
Matches
Sat 28 Jan 2017  ·  Merit Table 5
Old Grammarians 1XV
17
18
Amersham & Chiltern
Third XV
Tries: L Donnebaum, S KilbeyConversions: D KinseyPenalties: D Kinsey (2)
Threez Squeeze Barbarian Grammarians

Threez Squeeze Barbarian Grammarians

Doug Smith6 Apr 2017 - 09:12
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Chiltern close in on the Title with win over closest league rival

Excuse me a moment whilst I pour myself a glass of sinew-stiffening homemade Sloe Gin, and then sit back as I recall the recent adventures of the mighty third fifteen, a team that I think always looks after the pill well, and does like it up 'em.
Amersham and Chiltern 3rd XV travelled to Old Grammarians RFC in a top of the table Merit League 5 clash on Saturday. Old Grammarians had given us a good hiding in the reverse fixture in October, and Chiltern arrived expecting a tough afternoon.
Chiltern received the kick off, playing up the slight slope in the first half. After some scrappy exchanges, Chiltern found themselves in the Grammarians 22 with a succession of line-outs close to the line. After about 4 in quick succession Chiltern finally went over from a well executed catch and drive that saw Luke Donnebaum fall over the line for a try which went unconverted.
This sparked Old Grammarians into life, and quickly from the restart their outside centre ran over a couple of tackles to score a try which went unconverted.
Both teams received a yellow card in this period- firstly the grammarians 9 got the team yellow card for persistent paddle hands in their own 22, then Sion Owen, in his first game back from injury needed a breather so flipped one of the opposition through 90 degrees in a tackle, 10 minutes in the bin. It was also about this period of the game when Richard Gazzard flattened their outside centre, only to be dumped on his head a couple of minutes later by the same player, who in his defence was sporting a very resplendent moustache, ending Gazzard's involvement with concussion. Old Grammarians also managed to miss a kickable penalty so the scores were level at 5-5 at half time.
The first 15 minutes of the second half went scoreless, until Chiltern, realising that all points were vital, kicked a penalty to go 8-5 ahead. Grammarians then piled on the pressure from the restart, and quickly scored in the corner, unconverted. 10-8. With a slick reliable line Chiltern were able to kick for territory and pinned grammarians back. Another penalty made it 11-10 to Chiltern, Kinsey then had a drop goal attempt that ended up closer to the corner flag than the posts. Some hard running from Luke Antos, Owen and Matt Neil kept Chiltern going forward, allowing Scott Kilbey to score a try under the posts from a sustained period of pressure which was converted, 18-10. Grammarians weren't finished and scored a well worked backs move with their full back cutting a great line in-between their fly half and centres, some sloppy tackling allowing a score under the posts, converted. 17-18.
With less than 5 minutes remaining on the clock, Chiltern kicked the restart deep, but a long clearance kick and outrageous bounce brought play back to the Chiltern 22. A few more phases later and a penalty was awarded to Grammarians wide out on the 22. Their kicker audibly declared 'I can get this' so they elected to kick for the posts, with what was to be the last kick of the game. Fortunately for Chiltern the ball missed the posts by a considerable distance, leaving Chiltern to breath a big sigh of relief.
Grammarians were very hospitable hosts and I hope that both sides get promoted so we can play them again next season. The post match food was very pleasant and the bar prices very reasonable. Also, expansive clean changing sheds were very welcome, no travel vaccinations required for this one unlike one of the other clubs we have visited this season where I do believe they filmed the scene where Ewan Mcgregor dives into the toilet in trainspotting.
Great to see Cookie back from injury, Henry Bowcock back from his travels and Man of the match Sion Owen who was immense on his return from injury last season. Great to see our travelling supporters, who we enjoyed a glass with afterwards.
Roll on the next match.
-
Match report words - Dan Kinsey
Match Photo - Cookie

Match details

Match date

Sat 28 Jan 2017

Kickoff

14:00

Meet time

12:00

Competition

Merit Table 5

League position

1
Amersham & Chiltern 3XV
2
Old Grammarians 1XV
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Principal Partner - Osborne Samuel
Club Partner - Dayla
Club Partner - Arnold Funeral Service
Club Sponsor - Patrick Esson Osteopathy
Club Sponsor - AngloDutch