Amersham Rugby Programme 29-10-22

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Amersham and Chiltern

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

Recycling. We’re on the ball.

We

TABLE

MATCH REPORT

By Andy Grant

dry and sunny

travelled

Croxdale

home of the

in their blue,

and magenta,

blazers it was

to counter it with the steady arrival of our firsts dressed in ‘Amersham black’

they showed off their new travelling sportswear.

only

months

that our most successful diver, Tom Daley, had acknowledged that his knitting had been a significant focus for his successful Gold medal bid. With knitting being a core skill of the Haberdasher this caused concern. A concern that would never be mentioned in the hope it would never be relevant. After a mere 3 mins A&C took the lead following a knock-on from our kickoff and the resulting slick back’s move for Noah Jarvis to execute the opening try. Alas after a bold attempt from the sides it was unconverted by Ollie Choules. (0–5)

With downhill advantage Old Habs began to retain some decent possession and with their centres beginning to make some yards it was only 6 mins later that some forward advances earned them their opening and converted a try (7-5). Again Habs maintained their control of possession and exploited the benefits of the slope with some fine kicking to the corners. On 22mins and with a slick interception at centre, a short sprint resulted in their second try and conversion from under the posts (14-5). It then only took 10 mins of concerted Habs pressure to result in a further try and conversion (21–5). It was so important that Chiltern got some momentum back and

after some strong and persistent rucking it was pocket dynamo Tim Hayes on 34 mins receiving a fine pass in the back line before going over in the corner for the A&C reply. Tough conversion missed (21–10). They were hating ‘running up that hill’ and were ‘bushed’ with half-time fast approaching. Sadly Callum Newton was sent to the cooler for a ‘tip tackle’ 3 mins before halt-time. Unnecessary and unhelpful especially as the resulting penalty increased the Old Habs lead again.

Half-time (24–10).

Heads held high Chiltern were confident that with a slope downwards, their laboured legs would be able to go a little faster. The chase was therefore on and Old Habs could be caught. Alas though, and critically, momentum was maintained by the home side and with a little indiscipline by a few, our previously low penalty count began to increase. On 43 and 48 mins two very straightforward Old Habs penalties were converted (30–10). We do like to make it tough. From 58 mins onwards things then got very interesting. Tempo up and the significant Chiltern travelling support got vocal. Again it was the elusive Tim Hayes tip-toeing and accelerating through the legs of the big boys scoring a fine try (30-15) again

a tough conversion missed. Only 5 mins later and after some more fine rucking and retention it was Ollie Cato finishing some fine forward pressure and providing Ollie Choules with a successful conversion (30-22). The Haberdasher crowd were restless. And then Ollie Choules himself made matters very interesting finishing another forwards/backs combination with a great try and provided himself with another

MATCH REPORT

successful conversion opportunity (30–29). 5 mins left. All bets off and Chiltern dictating and then…

Penalty to A&C on the 5 metres line –scrum had been immense – line outs ok and a lot better than last week (wasn’t difficult). Lineout chosen and missed at the back – surely it was a dream? That was our moment. Heads down and a last wee bit of play and Old Habs took their final opportunity for another penalty to round of a 33–29 victory at the end.

Quite a game and another great game of Rugby Union. Well done to both sides

Quote of the day – ‘penalties and conversions win matches’; the A&C Supporters Trust Highlights

• Terrific referee for the 2nd week running – every little helps.

• Welcome back to Andrew Fluker. After a wee bit of time away has returned to the Chilts and made an impact from the off replacing Ben Pothecary after another troublesome leg at full-back early on.

• Tim Hayes – 2 further tries and some immense tackles

• Welcome back to Warwick McKenzie who was marauding freely and making the hits brilliantly.

• Well done also to Bojan Cecaric our Serbian International returning after successful national duty

Next Week – maintaining joint 3rd we welcome Fullerians 1XV to Weedon Lane. 3rd V 8th. Pretty much another local derby and the previous club of our Head Coach Rich Hoskins.

Team

1. Louis Bailey

2. Joe Batt

Charlie Keith

Ollie Cato

Keiran Booth

Callum Newton

Josh Finch ©

Warwick South

Conor Segre

Ollie Choules

Tim Hayes

Noah Jarvis

Dan Kingsley

Bojan Cecaric

Ben Pothecary

Michael Everett

Tom Fawssett

Andrew Fluker

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 our old friends Fullerians. After seven games, they are solidly mid-table with three wins and four losses. All their games have been close affairs, their victories coming against Belsize Park, Old Haberdashers and Old Priorians, all good sides. We have four wins and three defeats so far, so it should be a very competitive match. Coach Rich Hoskins is clear that our boys need to be up for it.

Our last home game saw us entertain Belsize Park, to lunch and on the pitch. We dominated possession and territory for most of the first half but some stout defending by BP and some poor execution (coupled with a curious reluctance to pass) on our part meant that Oscar Heath’s brilliant try was our only reward. Park made better use of the wind in the second period and scored three good tries without reply. We had our chances and the 19-7 scoreline probably flattered them, but it was a sobering experience, made worse by the loss of Oscar, probably for the rest of the season.

Last week we went over to Old Haberdashers, a game which, in your correspondent’s admittedly one-eyed view, we should have won. Defending against wind and slope in the first half, Chiltern scored two good tries through Noah Jarvis and Tim Hayes. Habs scored three of their own, however, converting all three and adding a penalty to turn round with a 24-10 lead. We dominated the second half, chalking up another three tries through Tim Hayes again, Ollie Cato and Ollie Choules. Two tries were converted, but we managed to give away three more penalty goals, so, despite having scored five tries to three, we still lost 31-29. Two bonus points and Habs telling us that this was their best team and best performance of the season were no consolation.

The mood of the squad was lightened by the news that the Second XV had won their game against Faringdon 1st XV, the team’s first victory of the season. Jonny Rice’s men have had a tough start to the new year, but availability is improving and let’s hope they’ve turned a corner. Today, the RFU’s idea of a more local competition sees them travelling to Oxford. Finally, today sees our annual Vets Day extravaganza, as coordinated by Peter Williams. This morning, a couple of dozen brave souls will be playing a game of walking rugby. Strangely, quite a few less intrepid people will be joining them for lunch and to enjoy the free beer laid on by Chris Smith, Dave Crimp and Jonathan Moughton, all of whom have recently passed significant milestones – Happy Big Birthday, guys! Huw

AMERSHAM

CHILTERN

FULLERIANS

Hobbs

Clark

Smith

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT LOUIS BAILEY

Some say Louis Bailey is an A&C legend. An A&C born and bred cherub. He was a mini, a midi, a junior and a colt. It’s my great pleasure to throw the spotlight onto probably one of our finest front row dynamos.

weeks as a Civil Engineer, with particular expertise ironically, in the design and build of water works.

HATES: Louis is admittedly very, very, intolerant of slow walkers and slow drivers. You certainly wouldn’t want to bump into Louis, so I won’t be

AStoke

Mandeville baby Louis literally burst onto the scene a mere 21years ago. Always a ‘big boy’ Louis has undoubtedly been at his noisiest as a baby with his initial calls for milk, leading quickly onto Farley’s Rusks then Chicken Vindaloo. Louis’s strength remains the focus in his stare. The look that goes beyond a boxer’s stare at weigh-in time, he has been known to bring tears to the eyes of the many front row opponents who dare to cuddle up to him on a Saturday afternoon. A quiet man to us, we know Louis does his talking through telepathic thought and control. Something he has perfected over many years. It’s therefore quite an honour to have some time to chat to the ‘big lad’.

LIKES: Louis absolutely adores playing rugby, he sees it as a wonderful release from his week’s challenges. Not really one to bring on the water works, he spends his

whilst walking or daring to drive slowly. Watch out Louis is about!

FAVOURITE DRINK: Guinness (poured by Derek). He is Irish and therefore qualified. I am entitled to pour Louis whisky. Louis does not drink coffee as a Brazilian coffee, to him liking, is still to be found.

LOOKS FORWARD TO: The weekends and sucking in the fresh air playing for Chiltern. This is how he relaxes and being only 21 years of age relishes a long lie in before visiting the kitchen and surveying the cupboards and

the fridge for food. He is a growing boy!

ADMIRATION: Ellis Genge and Kyle St Claire both now of Bristol Bears. Probing deeper for reasons why, it is their ability to flatten others, that truly inspires Louis.

IN FIVE YEAR’S TIME: Louis hopes to be in his own home whilst still representing our First Team. Progressing to Project Manager he will by then have built some of the most wonderful water works in the world. He may also live in Scotland, in a castle and be the Lord of the Manor with lots of Scottish people pouring him whisky. Derek will be chef with Guinness on tap. Who could ask for anything more.

BY ANDY GRANT

Industrial Estate, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 6LJ

OSBORNE

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Amersham Audi. Proud sponsors of Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club.

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.

Thank you for all your support.

Peter Osborne Director

OSBORNE SAMUEL GALLERY

Jeff Probyn

We are delighted to welcome Jeff Probyn as our Guest of Honour. But, of course, us rugby lovers will always picture him as one of that glorious Triumvirate with ‘Mad Dog’ Moore and ‘Judge’ Rendall. Jeff started his early playing career at Old Albanians, before moving to Wasps FC, where he won the English Courage League in 1990. He played in the Wasps front row on many occasions with our own Alan Simmons and he remained a loyal servant of Wasps until retirement. He had a fearsome reputation as a scrummager, earning the prized tag of “awkward b*****d”. He won 37 England caps, as well as representing Barbarians and British Lions in 1989.

After his playing days, Jeff was a member of Club England, the RFU Committee. He was the manager of the England U21 team from 1994 to 1997, and later returned to the RFU council and sat on the Club England group that elected Clive Woodward as England coach. He is a regular on talkSPORT and a columnist in The Rugby Paper. Jeff is also an Honorary President of Wooden Spoon, the charity of British and Irish rugby.

We also welcome our very own Steve Williams, well known as one of the most exciting live performers on the comedy club circuit to keep us entertained.

As well as the excellent entertainment, the price includes a welcoming glass of beer, four course meal and two bottles of A&C’s finest wines per table:

• Tables of 8-10 at £400-£500, or individual tickets at £50 per person for mixed tables

• Doors open 7:30pm; lounge suit or blazer and tie

Tickets go fast, so BOOK NOW and PAY NOW as below, confirming your booking and payment via email to jennie.cahill@icloud.com or call her on 07894 293905.

• bank transfer: ACRFC Trading, 12655713, 40-24-17, with SD/your name as reference • at the clubhouse bar: with A&C member card, credit/debit card or cash

Here’s to another great night at Amersham & Chiltern. Thank you for your support.