Amersham Rugby Programme 15-10-22

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Chairmans Welcome

Welcome to Amersham and Chiltern’s online match programme. A particular welcome to the players, officials, and supporters of our visitors, and especially to those clubs who will be coming us for the first time.

This year, following a reorganisation of the structure by the RFU, our First XV play in the ‘Regional 2 Thames’ league. This competition contains teams from both the London and South-West Divisions, allowing us to renew some old friendships as well as to play some different teams. Level Six of the RFU pyramid will continue to provide a standard of rugby that is very testing for a club from a relatively small town like Amersham. We are proud to compete here.

Our Second XV is completely in the SouthWest Division and plays in the snappily titled Counties 2 Tribute Berks, Bucks and Oxon North league. This is a Level Eight league, where the team was last year, but the reorganisation means that it will be a much tougher proposition than it was. The Seconds now play a number of 1st XVs, some from clubs that we have previously faced at first team level. The Third XV play in the Herts and Middlesex Merit Table 3 South and provide competitive but social rugby for those who cannot commit to weekly league matches and training. One, both or neither of them may be at home today.

Like most clubs we are always looking for new players. If you would like to join in, at any level, please contact our Director of Rugby, Pete Gibson. Alternatively, go old school and ask at

the bar, or speak to anyone involved with one of the teams. You will be very welcome.

As well as our adult sides, we run extraordinarily successful Mini and Junior Sections, providing rugby for age groups from Under 6 to Under 18. The club is absolutely buzzing on a Sunday when training and matches take place. If you have a child who would like to try rugby or one who already plays, please contact Rob Elms (Minis) or Richard Clifford (Juniors) - or just bring your boy or girl along.

If you have five minutes before the game starts, please flick through the other pages of this programme and check out our fantastic sponsors. They are all great local companies; without their support it would be very difficult for us to continue. If you could use any of them, and mention where you saw their name, you would be doing the club and the game a real service.

I really hope that you have an enjoyable day with us today. If you do, and you want to come back, please pick up a fixture card from the bar. Anyone and everyone you might want to contact is listed there. If you’re really modern, the information is also on our excellent website.

Huw Thomas Chairman

President: Peter Kenyon; Chairman: Huw Thomas; Hon Sec: Ralph Hayward; Hon Treasurer: Ross Bugden; Commercial Committee Chairman: Scott Jarrold; Director of Rugby: Pete Gibson; Minis Chairman; Rob Elms; Junior Chairman: Richard Clifford

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2 THAMES LEAGUE

BURSARIES AT THE BEACON

The Beacon are committed to broadening access to the school, and the wonderful opportunities available to Beacon boys, by offering means-tested school fee assistance.

The Beacon bursary scheme offers: Discount of up to 100% on school fees, including curriculum trips.

Bursary applications are open to boys entering in Year 3.

Bursaries awarded are subject to the

compassionate or personal circumstances.

Confident

Collapse as Chiltern Remain

to Secure Bonus Point Win

‘For me, I really like corn, what do you like about corn? It’s corn, a big lump with knobs, it has the juice (it has the juice), I can’t imagine a more beautiful thing (woo)

‘Didn’t we have a wonderful time the day we went to’ Cobham. A wonderful day and no lunch on the way as if we had it would not have been under a pound – you know.

from the home team and again blessed with many A&C Supporters as well as our super fans Messrs Huw and Digger.

Cobham had had the choice of 2 of their wonderful pitches. One grass and one 3G. 3G was chosen to encourage their fast and mobile style. Little did they know that this was the Chiltern

hallmark and only

time would tell if this was to be a decision as costly as Mr Kwarteng’s.

From kick off there was absolutely no concerns from Cobham regarding their ‘artificial’ choice. After only 6 mins and some early pressure, some wide running following an attacking lineout secured the opening try for ‘Cob’. It was certainly a ‘big lump’ crashing over and quite a few woops were heard. (7-0) Confident conversion and no sooner had we started Cob were in the lead and looking good.

A&C knew early on they were in a match and began to try and put together some decent moves and possession. On 12 mins and just as they seemed to be finding their feet Cob’s centre cunningly moved up and accepted the pass from our very own Ollie Choules, before enjoying the run in from 22 yds to go under the posts. Easy conversion (14 – 0). Their juices were flowing, butter melting in their mouths, and Cob were brimming with confidence and hope.

On 17mins and following a deliberate knock on Cobham’s momentum was checked. A yellow card meant A&C could benefit from them being a man down. Following some great forward pressure and

rucking from Chiltern it was Jordan Scott emerging from the base of the scrum and sprinting through from the 22 to score our opener. Ollie stepped up confidently and halved the Cobham lead (14 – 7). Chiltern had now landed.

Cobham though showed some terrific fighting spirit and deserved the 3 points from a penalty on 25mins. Extending their lead to 17 – 7. With little between the teams Callum Newton did his best to make matters more interesting by also receiving a yellow card for views shared with the referee. Off

to the cooler he went. No damage done though and half time came and went 17-7.

10mins into the 2nd half and really a decisive moment when Cob were rattled by a double discipline matter. A yellow followed for a professional foul with then the same player red carded for externalising his thoughts. Not a good move as we know and Cob down to 14 men.

Positive response though and to ensure an exciting finish Cobham secured a further penalty making it 20–7 with only 26 mins to go.

Time to bring on the big guns and no bigger than the young Charlie Keith to rampage and make the gains needed.

With little encouragement it was Charlie picking up the loose ball and diving over the line. The fight back was on as Ollie again converted 20-14.

With only 6mins to go it was then the smallest man on the pitch that set the match alight. At scrum half and with a quick look up it was another teenager and ex-colt Tim Hayes who nimbly changed direction at least 3 times leaving the sole defender

stranded for another try under the posts. Ollie again converted and Chiltern led 23–21.

MATCH REPORT

So for the finale – Cob again gave themselves a chance and it was looking good with a fairly lengthy but straight penalty sailing safely through the centre of the posts. The Cobham crowd felt good though relieved.

However never bet against Noah who with near biblical powers and with the energy of a Duracell battery took on some cling-ons and scored the winning try. Ollie’s conversion never in doubt! (23–28)

Highlights

• Travelling South for a change on the M25 to Surrey - no more trips to Essex.

• Bonus point secured and 100% re conversions – conversions win games!

• Bojan Cecaric leaping like a salmon twice and plucking the ball in the air from the restarts

• Return of the Veo Camera – Rich now understands its value

• Tim Hayes looking up before 3 changes of direction whilst scampering round a single defender

• Superb hooking by late call up Harri Doyle and debuts to Casper Jack, Aaron Lewis and Mike Everett.

• Probably the best sandwiches we have ever had apres combat. Beyond M&S!

• Gibo’s impromptu late-night party after we all thought ‘no party tonight’. Best way to win.

Please see the pictures in the Gallery on the website.

TEAM:

1. Louis Bailey

2. Harri Doyle

3. Charlie Swerling

Casper Jack

Keiran Booth

Callum Newton

Josh Finch ©

Jordan Scott 9. Tim Hayes 10. Ollie Choules

Tom Fawssett

Noah Jarvis 13. Dan Kingsley

Bojan Cecaric

Ben Pothecary

Charlie Keith

Mike Everett

Aaron Lewis

Next Week:– (Consolidating 3rd place we get a weekend to rest and recuperate following Gibo’s late night party. Saturday 15/10 we return to Weedon Lane and welcome Belsize Park 1XV who share 8th with Cobham.

Old Amersham Hotels are ready to welcome you to our breathtaking venues across the Chiltern Hills.

Whether it is a hearty pub lunch by the fire at the Kings Arms, a cosy night in a luxurious suite at the Crown Inn or a stylish celebration under the glittering chandeliers of the Kings Chapel we’d be delighted to have you!

FROM THE TOUCHLINE

by Huw Thomas

Today we welcome the players, officials, and supporters of Belsize Park, one of the few fixtures we have kept from London 1 North. Last year’s games went with home advantage and the sides were well matched. This term, although they have only won two from five, Park have been in some close-scoring affairs, as have we. A couple of scores either way and our league positions could easily have been switched. When you consider that Belsize Park gave runaway leaders Hammersmith and Fulham their closest game so far, make no mistake, today’s game will be a tough one for the men in claret.

We have played two games since my last missive. The 25-16 score line against Beaconsfield perhaps suggests a closer match than it really was. Tries from Ben Harris, Noah Jarvis, and Jordan Scott, together with four successful kicks at goal from Ollie Choules, had put us well in front by the time Beaconsfield scored a consolation try with the last play of the match (some say a penalty try, though I thought I saw Aled Lewis get the ball over). It’s always good to get one over on our nearest and dearest, but they will be waiting for us the week before Christmas.

For our last game, two weeks ago, we went to Cobham in Surrey. As far as anyone knows, this was the first time we have played them, though I will be proved wrong if any of our older members can remember playing Old Surbitonians. A much-changed side started sluggishly and, with only a try from Jordan Scott to show for our efforts, we were still down 20-7 with 26 minutes to go. However, Chiltern got stronger as Cobham waned. Tries from Charlie Keith and Tim Hayes got our noses in front before we gave the lead back by conceding a penalty in front of the posts with the game nearly over. Cue Noah Jarvis, who did his best impression of a dancing bulldozer to get over the line in the dying moments. Ollie Choules converted to make the final score 28-23. It was a great win, and special mentions must go to debutants Harri Doyle, Caspar Jack and Michael Everett. Aaron Lewis also played his first game for us: it was unfortunately curtailed by a quick injury, but there’s a player there.

Sadly, I must close by telling you that this week’s game will be preceded by a minute’s silence for Paul Stanley. Although he was a highly regarded in his official in his own right, we at Chiltern probably knew Paul best as the Appointments Secretary for Bucks Referees for many years. As match secretary, I’d often have to ask him for someone to take charge of a game at short notice, and I can’t remember a time when his ‘shaking the magic ref tree’ failed to produce someone. He really was one of the main people who make rugby happen, something we recognised by making him one of very few honorary members of our club. Paul will be greatly missed, and our deepest sympathies go to his widow and family.

Huw

THE TEAMS

SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER, KICK-OFF 3.00pm

AMERSHAM & CHILTERN

1. Louis Bailey

Joe Batt

Charlie Swerling

Tom Grammenos

Kieran Booth

Dave Francis

Josh Finch (C)

Jordan Scott

Tim Hayes

Ollie Choules

Oscar Heath

Dan Kingsley

Nathan Jarvis

Tom Fawssett

Ben Pothecary

Ollie Cato

Callum Newton

Conor Segre

BELSIZE PARK

1. Matt Russell

Max Self

Dan Hughes

Chris Stark (C)

Cam Cowley

Sam Harry

Sam Bennett

Henry Petch

William Lawn

George Humphreys

Alex Godley

Ed Coombs

Hugh Nicholson

Cam Laurenson

Ollie Lee

Ed Cattermole

OIlie Davidson

Henry Tagg

Mr Steven Farnell (Bucks RFURS)

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

TIM HAYES

Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV Debut Season at the tender age of 18years old.

Born and bred A&C, Tim has come up through the age groups to achieve stardom at A&C’s 1st Team level.

Tim Hayes is no greater advert for showing you don’t have to be huge to play rugby. The smaller built players can be the toughest of the lot. Four games in already, and he is a multiple try scorer and assister. Not a bad return and in fact dynamite in true Amersham and Chiltern tradition

We asked, what makes the wee man tick? How does he make his not-so-long legs move so fast? How can his finer-framed shoulders and arms take out the biggest and the best?

Coming as no surprise Tim’s main like, at the moment, is post-match beers. Apparently, his dad has told him that beer is the best fuel for speed and strength and when mixed with ‘Derek’s Curry” this is what provides the explosive effect witnessed on Saturday afternoons.

When it comes to his love, and as an 18yr old lad he is very, very, clear on that front.

A Sunday roast with all the trimmings to make him big and strong. Again, that energy theme to make sure of high impact both at training and on match day.

We then move on to what he hates. It’s not a word we like, and not a feeling we encourage, although in

funny and it’s not clever’. Top marks Tim and couldn’t agree more. Interestingly Tim also a

Not expected really given that mushrooms are a key component in a Derek Curry.

It’s a texture this really and as it’s a fungus he feels the feel of a mushroom is just too much like a snail - fair shout really.

Finally, we discuss his future ambitions and with this wonderful world at his feet and

passionate heart Tim plans of scoring lots of tries and felling a few big lads as he tours Australia and New Zealand. Our very own Crocodile Dundee and Peter Gibson all rolled into one. Tim Hayes take a bow, safe travels, keep growing, we are very lucky to have you.

Andy Grant, 1st Team Manager

development design innovation

OSBORNE

Amersham Audi.

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SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS WHY WE NEED YOU

The A&C Rugby Club is run as a charity and in a good year the income from subs and the clubhouse and sponsors means we just about break even. We have been active in the local community for close to 100 years. Our loyal members are very supportive and over the years we have done various fundraising schemes to improve every aspect of the club. The clubhouse itself was the biggest and others have followed such as solar panels, the new car park and of course the borehole, without which we would not have been able to start the season on Saturday 3rd September 2022. Incidentally our energy costs are set to increase dramatically so we need to focus on ways to become more energy efficient. Pitch maintenance is another big expense, with an extra £25,000 spent this summer on much needed grading work. We have also upgraded our floodlights at an additional cost of £45,000.

Peter, pictured here, always in his A&C attire, chatting on match day

We now estimate that we need to spend some £80,000 on club house refurbishments. One reason for doing this is to make the club house the kind of place people will want to use for events, from private parties to corporate away days. And, of course, our sponsors and advertisers, as well as our members, are always welcome at the club for lunch on home match days.

So, without the support of our sponsors and advertisers it would just not be possible to contemplate the level of capital expenses we face every year. We have a huge responsibility to our members and to the wider community, we get no external support even though we are one of the biggest sports clubs in the area and provide outstanding pastoral care and specialist coaching to players of all ages. We recognise that in return for the fantastic support we get we need to work with our sponsors and advertisers to see how we can help them.

Jennie Cahill will be delighted to hear from you with ideas and suggestions. Please contact her on 07894 293905 or jennie.cahill@icloud.com. Most importantly we want our members to use the products and services in this programme.

Peter Osborne Director OSBORNE SAMUEL

Thank you for all your support.