(commentary from our correspondent in the field Mark Podbury; pictures taken by Mr Nick Lawson)
A&C A2s vs Bracknell A2s (First Half commentary)
Amersham and Chiltern choose to kick to start. Good early work at the ruck sees us with a score just left of centre in the first minute. Post a scrum, Bracknell breakout ball in hand to equalise. During the next phase of play we see probably the best scrum from Amersham, pushing hard and making good ground, followed by some great passing play from one touch line to the other. The ball though must be getting a bit slippery, with both sides missing what could be termed reasonably easily catches under little pressure.
First match ends all square, with most of pressure coming from Amersham and if not for some balls to ground could be well away, but Bracknell playing well to stay in match.
Half time 1-1.
A&C A2s vs Bracknell A2s (Second Half commentary)
From the Bracknell kick-off our fullback catches confidently, and we retain possession for long periods of play. Bracknell though defending well. A quick break and we are through to score the first try in this half. Then after some increased Amersham pressure we score our final try to finish the game after dominating possession.
Full time 3-1.
A&C A1s vs Bracknell A1s (First Half commentary)
Straight from kick-off the ball lands in the lap of Bracknell’s largest player, a big lump of a lad that could bode ill for the match. Regardless the first score comes out of a scrum with James initially stopped on the left, but some slick passing back into the centre sees Cam go over for the try. Bracknell then came within a yard of a score, but a determined A&C defence eventually turn over the ball. Amersham are bossing the scrums at this point, and thought they had scored their second but instead another scrum called. Amersham are in a detemined mood, with any loose ball pounced on by an Amersham player ahead of the now 'under-the-pump' Bracknell team. Bracknell though have a great opportunity to shift the momentum with big looping passes going out to their left winger, but the chance goes begging as a missed catch sees ball go to ground with Chiltern onto it like flash and soon dotting it down for the second try. From out of nothing and against the run of play, a ball gets passed on to the right wing and after a foot race Bracknell score.
Half time 2-1.
A&C A1s vs Bracknell A1s (Second Half commentary)
Amersham take the initiative from the start and apply a concerted amount of pressure on the left wing. We score in the corner another very direct run by James gets us front foot ball. After a thunderous clearing kick from Bracknell, Nathan picks up the ball, sidesteps his man and runs the length of the pitch, to finish a composed performance by Amersham.
Full time 4-1.
Play stops with all boys on the half way line, standing silent, head bowed in honour of those that have sacrificed so much for us.
Final Mixed Game - a more fractious affair. (First Half commentary)
Both teams by now are getting a wee bit tired and a little snarky. The first half is a slightly more fractious affair with neither team making much headway. We score first, but to Bracknell's credit, our score gives them new impetus and they quickly level the game. The Chiltern defence is then under a sustained period of pressure with Bracknell close to scoring a couple of times, but our defense stands resolute. All Bracknell's effort goes for naught as the attack breaks down and the ball ends up coming back for a scrum, which our Forwards have commanded all day. Just before half time we score once more with some good swift passing through the middle.
Half time 2-1.
Final Mixed Game (Second Half commentary)
With a wholesale change of personnel, we start brightly with the ball getting out to the wings on a regular basis. With several scrums on our right, we, as spectators, are hoping it does not come out on the blind side as their left wing has been a threat all day. Our 14, identifying the danger, calls for help from our outside centre but fortunately Bracknell are never afforded an opportunity to exploit the weakness as we continued to dominate the scrums. After coming close on a couple of occasions we score again from a strong run on the right with a sharp pass back in to the centre. In the final minutes we see some lovely play out from the middle with Dan making a darting run before being brought down by two Bracknell players with one performing a seat belt tackle. Not ideal, but a fitting end to a well contested set of matches by 2 competitive sides.
Full time 3-1.