Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Programme 29-10-22

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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

Sportsman’s Dinner

Jeff Probyn

Wasps, Barbarians, England & British Lions

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.

This season The NEW Club Shop features the NEW Samurai range of Team Gear & Leisure Wear featuring the new Samurai logo. The range launches on 5th September and all new items will continue to launch from now until the end of October.

To visit the shop go to www.Chilternrugby.com & go to the ‘Club Shop’ tab at the very top of the home page or use this link: www.samuraiclubshops.myshopify.com/collections/Amersham-Chiltern-Rugby

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MATCH REPORT

Saturday 5th November 2022

‘Once bitten and twice as shy, I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye Tell me baby, do you recognize me? Well, it’s been a year, it doesn’t surprise me’ LAST CHRISTMAS, WHAM 1984

It had been a while since the elite teams of Amersham and Aylesbury had played against each other either competitively or on a friendly footing. On paper the betting indicated A&C to be decent favourites. 11 points separated them in the table and Chiltern had discovered their fizz only last week against Fullerians. Every time I go to Aylesbury I’m sure the Clubhouse gets

a little longer. It was a damp day and the artificial pitch did its job. Firm underfoot, no mud/puddles with a level high bounce. Floodlights on and conditions all set for what was always going to be a eagerly contested match.

On the lady referee’s whistle A&C kicked off. For the first 20 minutes of the match there were no scores or clear opportunities. Aylesbury’s pack were competitive

Match report by Andy Grant

Aylesbury run Amersham close, as decent lead vanishes to then become a bit of a nail biter

although expensive with penalties. Their backs seldom seeing anything of the ball.

They were also content with keeping the ball amongst themselves with a strong pack focus and a quiet back line starved of possession. Chiltern on the other hand had some decent tempo. Forwards and backs worked well together pulling the Aylesbury pack around. This would undoubtedly mean a tiring pack and as time progressed it seemed A&C would eventually take control. Well they didn’t. And it was in fact Aylesbury who on 20mins managed to surprise the crowd with a well worked converted try (7–0). A bit of flash in the pan and at that time unlikely to be repeated.

Chiltern now seemed to have been poked and managed to develop more opportunities as space began to open amongst the hardworking and decent Aylesbury defence. With sustained forward and backs’ pressure on the Aylesbury line it was Callum Newton, strong in attack scoring well with a well worked try. Noah duly converting and all level (7–7).

Again, though Chiltern ramped matters up and with a fine backs’ move and run it was Noah Jarvis romping through on 40 mins

for a well-executed try just before half time (7–12).

Chiltern seemed ready to pull away. Uncomfortably close A&C remained confident they could turn the screw. Equally Aylesbury’s pack dug in further making for a stop and start almost close combat style game, as opposed to some more entertaining running rugby involving their backs.

Not until the 74th minute did Aylesbury secure a penalty and duly kicked it to reduce the lead and focus then on a converted try (10-12).

Bojan Cecaric would have none of that however, and he finished off a terrific backs attack to score Amersham’s third try of the day (10–17).

With an Aylesbury pack still focussed on a converted try they continued to disrupt A&C’s rhythm. Almost predicted and only a minute left the converted try was duly delivered to the delight of the vocal home support (17–17). They felt a draw had been achieved and indicated that they never thought the match would be so close.

To Amersham’s credit from the resulting kick off and breakdown, some more Aylesbury indiscipline was rewarded with the final penalty being given to Amersham. Noah Jarvis did not hesitate in placing the ball and stroking a straight kick right between the posts (17–20).

MATCH REPORT

Far too close and a deserved Amersham win. With the return fixture being back at Weedon Lane there will be an expectation and opportunity to ensure entertaining rugby and a return to some sparkle.

QUOTE OF THE DAY – ‘Local derbies are always tough, we lacked some our usual bite, something Aylesbury seemed to have plenty of ‘. An anonymous A&C supporter

Highlights

• The return of Dave Francis to our bench making his trademark impact

• Noah Jarvis, calmness personified as he magnificently kicked the winning penalty, it was never in doubt.

• A welcome back to Uni Student Alex Bower. Covering stand-off securely and with some style.

• Andrew Toole – covering prop and again bending his core into some absolutely amazing positions.

• Casper Jack - leaping salmon and made it to work on time again – 2 weeks running.

• Well-deserved win in the end although a little too close for comfort.

• Another good referee – 4th week running ☺ thank you although I still don’t understand why some players call lady referees Sir. It’s Ma’am!

NEXT WEEK – maintaining 3rd we are at home for the visit of Old Priorians. 2nd vs 3rd place in the table, with only 4 points difference between us. This really is a game that could define our season, especially with an away trip the following week to table toppers Hammersmith and Fulham. Team 1. Louis Bailey

Joe Batt

Callum Newton

Ollie Cato

Kieran Booth

Casper Jack

Andrew Toole

Jordan Scott ©

Tim Hayes

Alex Bower

Jack Kenyon

Noah Jarvis

Dan Kingsley

Bojan Cecaric

Tom Fawssett

Dave Francis

Dave Cole

James Morrison

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 our 1st XV takes on Old Priorians in a clash between second (them) and third (us) in Regional 2 Thames. They have won seven of their nine games so far this season and amassed four points more than our thirty-one. Chiltern will need to be at their very best to close the gap.

Two weeks ago, we played some great rugby in defeating Fullerians 43 -19. Four unanswered tries (Tim Hayes with the first two, then Josh Finch and Tom Fawssett) saw Chiltern leading 22-0 at half time. Charlie Keith added a fifth soon after the restart but then Fullerians came back strongly, using their impressive power at forward to score three of their own before the end of the game. Chiltern’s superior speed and handling continued, however, so that the Fullers’ scores were interspersed with two more from the home team, Noah Jarvis crashing the whitewash, and Tim Hayes duly completing his hat trick. It was a splendid spectacle. Unfortunately, the same could not be said about last week’s encounter with Aylesbury. The artificial surface at Ostler’s Field could do nothing to mitigate the malign influence of a very strong cross wind and some squally rain. The game became a very tetchy and bad-tempered affair, and the referee did well to keep thirty players out of the disciplinary system. Chiltern were never behind and looked odds-on for a reasonably comfortable win at 17-7 ahead with ten minutes to go, courtesy of tries from Callum Newton and Noah Jarvis. However, Aylesbury rallied, and a penalty and a converted try in quick succession levelled the scores. Chiltern were given a shot at redemption when awarded a penalty just inside the opposition 10m line. Noah calmly stepped up and slotted the goal, to ensure that the marginally better of the two sides won. There are no games next Saturday, and the following week (26 November) we will be away at Hammersmith and Fulham, the league leaders. In fact, because of the way the fixtures have been set, and because of an enforced change in the Windsor game, today will be the last home game for the 1st XV until the New Year (Cobham at home on 7 January 2023). We are away at Beaconsfield on 17 December, and I do expect to see most of you there, but please come up and support the 2s in the intervening period. Look out also for news about the post-Christmas Wanderers game on 28 December, when Derek promises to provide a variety of non-turkey fare. Huw

AMERSHAM & CHILTERN

PRIORIANS

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

JOSH FINCH – 1ST TEAM CAPTAIN

Some say Captain Josh Finch is an international man of mystery. He does not drive an Austin and he powers a Jag.

On the rugby pitch he shakes and is not a stirrer. As a cat lover he has pussies galore. His universal password always contains a 0 0 and a 7. He wanted to be a Sparrow rather than a Finch and Josh should have been Jack making him a Pirate of the Carribean. Josh is our Captain and therefore referee liaison. He is charming with a northern edge to his accent. His name is Josh - Josh Finch and there remains a vacancy in His Majesty’s Secret Service. However, he is far too busy to apply.

Today, we put Josh in the spotlight. Josh is a member of the Man V Food A&C eat a lot Team. Alongside Peter Gibson and Rich Hoskins he has the ability to clear multiple plates of food. He therefore has no favourite food he loves it all!

Josh likes to sip Lemon Tea as he finds it refreshing and helps to keep his teeth lovely and white. A zesty personality he is one of the founders

of our well known drinking game ‘Lemon

Josh pauses when considering if he is capable of hate. He explains that he is not, in fact, he is a lover rather than a fighter. We love you too Josh XX. He is a lover of pork scratchings as he likes the salt and the crunch. He believes very much that a strong jaw provides great looks and therefore he sees the crunching as valuable exercise for his jaw and is convinced he is still getting taller. Bless our

will have reached 6’5” in height and have a jaw to die for.

He regularly watches Braveheart and this is a film that makes him cry. A fan of face painting Josh is regularly seen at Murrayfield with the St Andrews Cross painted on. He really loves Scotland as a country and it’s people. Thanks Josh from me.

In 10years time Josh is convinced he will be a millionaire and eating sushi for lunch. He

Lastly and finally who is his favourite Celebrity? He doesn’t have one he has no time for celebrity. Thank you Captain Josh. We appreciate you for being you.

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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.

Thank you for all your support.

Peter Osborne Director OSBORNE SAMUEL GALLERY