Amersham Rugby Programme 04-03-23

£5

AMERSHAM & CHILTERN

REGIONAL 2 THAMES LEAGUE

REGIONAL 2 THAMES LEAGUE

SEASON 2022-23

SEASON 2022-23

SATURDAY 4 MARCH 2023

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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

Chiltern

Amersham and Chiltern RFC

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

Peter Gibson 07535 241750

1ST XV HEAD COACH

Rich Hoskins 07813 827621 1ST XV TEAM MANAGER

Andy Grant a.granty@gmail.com

CLUB CAPTAIN

Jack Kenyon 07775 902681

PAVILION AND GROUNDS

Richard Bobbett 07768 505427

MATCH SECRETARY

Jamie Reeve 07889 705715

Saturday 6th May 2023

Black Tie Ball

7pm until 2am

Champagne reception

3 course meal

Live Band

DJ until 2am

Tickets are £75 a head Tables are for 10 or 12 people

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!

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Try visiting biffa.co.uk and discover how you could recycle more.

Does your Business need to protect its cash flow from rising costs?

Would a free cost/value audit appeal, to ensure you're not wasting cash on any categories listed below? Contact Jennie Cahill at jcahill@buyingsupport.co.uk

REGIONAL 2 THAMES LEAGUE TABLE

REGIONAL 2 THAMES FIXTURES 2022

MATCH REPORT

Match Report – 25th February 2023

Beaconsfield RFC 1XV vs Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV

Beaconsfield RFC 1XV - 14 Amersham & Chiltern RFC 1XV - 35

Tries:2

Conversions: 2

(H/T 14 - 7)

Tries: 5

Conversions: 5

Pride of Bucks Chiltern Break Free to Ensure Charge for the Title Continues

‘I want to break free; I want to break free. I want to break free from your lies You’re so self-satisfied I don’t need you I’ve got to break free God knows, God knows I want to break free’.

QUEEN 1984

Rearranged from just before Christmas (due to the frozen pitch), we enjoyed the short trip down to Windsor End to provide an opportunity for our local rivals to claim a prize scalp and seek revenge for the earlier defeat in the late September sun (25-16).

The boys enjoyed some ‘elevenses’ in the comfort of the Beaconsfield Beech House, dressed in their pre-match ‘stash’ and relaxed in the big leather armchairs eating croissants and chatting to the locals. “Prematch bonding”, they said. “The proof would be in the pudding”, I said and we would see what sort of start they made. With pressure on both sides (for different reasons) there was much to play for.

MATCH REPORT

front up and charge. Relentless in style with poise and panache their forwards and backs linked up to storm over the line for their opening converted try under the posts. (7-0).

Beaconsfield fighting for their lives in Level 6 and Chiltern pushing for life back in level 5. A&C were taking nothing for granted and travelled with their new flag in their bag. Red and white, dynamite and the pride of Bucks all displayed resplendently in the changing room. It’s amazing the effect a flag can have.

So refreshed and relaxed with 3rd against 11th what could go wrong!

It only took 2 minutes for Beaconsfield to

There was definitely something in the air and the vocal home support were encouraged that today could be the day for greatness. With some minds appearing still to be reminiscing their breakfast experience, a high penalty and mistakes that count meant a period of decent jousting with a continuing Beaconsfield menace. Not therefore a surprise that on 29 minutes after yet more Beaconsfield marauding another clinical try under the posts resulted and the cheers could be heard for miles as their lead was extended to a well-deserved (14-0). Although concerned our re-frame was very much that it would make the afternoon more exciting.

And then with just a few minutes to half-time

MATCH REPORT

the tempo was raised and the atmosphere changed. With this it was the impressive Tom Fawssett taking charge and being a big lad, with mountainous thighs proved too hard to fell, with the first of our fight back tries. Tom secured the conversion (14–7) and ensured a more positive outlook for the upcoming second half. Clearly Rich Hoskins and Dan Pearson fed the team copious amounts of Jaffa cakes and Haribo’s (the ones I left) and had a word at half time. Just 5 minutes in, and it was Vice Captian Jordan Scott, in a number 8 kind of way exploiting the space (just like the parting of the Red Sea) charging over for our 2nd try under the posts. Tom again converted (14–14).

17 minutes in, and with our fitness beginning to tell Tom again proved too difficult to put down (big hips this time) and with some nimble foot work and a grunt or two secured the 3rd try. Once again it was converted (14–21).

Beaconsfield really offered nothing in reply and momentum remained with the away side. With a bonus point incentive and only 9 minutes left it was human dynamo Conor Segre from scrum half who came dancing through before scoring the 4th try in some style.

This time specialist kicker and always good humoured full-back Ben Pothecary lined up the conversion before slotting confidently through the middle to maintain the 100% conversion success rate. (14-28)

The cherry on the top then came only 2 mins later when Jordan Scott again finished beautifully from some superb running and breaks. Tom again converted and victory secured (14-35).

Quote of the day: ‘Generous to give such a head start and make it a lot more exciting. Fitness and confidence showed and great to keep our title campaign on the road as we represent Bucks for promotion’ – from a

wily wee man in a hat donning a Chiltern woolly hat wearing wellington boots and smoking a roll-up.

Next Week: League Leaders Hammersmith and Fulham are welcomed to Weedon Lane following defeat at the hands of a resurgent Cobham and fearing a double defeat at the hands of the Chiltern Cherubs. With their lead now reduced to a mere 7 points with victory we have a chance to make it a nail biting finale with a 3-way fight for promotion. All clearly very welcome to watch (and cheer).

Team:

MATCH REPORT

1. Louis Bailey

2. Andrew Toole

3. Doug McGregor - Smith

4. Charlie Bourne

5. Will Drewett

6. Warwick South

7. Josh Finch ©

8. Jordan Scott

9. Conor Segre

10. Dan Kingsley

11. Tom Fawssett

12. Noah Jarvis

13. Mackenzie South

14. Bojan Cecaric

15. Ben Pothecary

16. Kai Davies

17. Michael Everett

18. Alex Bower

Unit 3, Binders Industrial Estate, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 6LJ

FROM THE TOUCHLINE

by Huw Thomas

It’s Hammersmith and Fulham today. They are very welcome, as is Fraser Tod, whom Bucks RFURS have sent along to keep order.

Our visitors are top of the league and, to be fair, odds-on to win it. We are third, but only because our points difference of 135 is three less than Cobham’s, so yeah but, no but, we’re really like second equal. In a competitive league, there is an unlikely but feasible sequence of results that could see us finish in first place, but for today the boys are just going to do their best to win this game. We could do it; we beat them 19-20 at their place in November, so why not?

The boys have every right to be full of confidence, anyway. February saw them win four games out of four, three of them away, and all with a bonus point. The RFU have certainly taken notice, naming Amersham and Chiltern as their Level Six Team of the Month. It’s a great accolade for the squad and the coaches. In fact, it’s not just February - we have won eleven of the twelve games we have played since the end of October. We are a more than decent side.

For the record, February began with a 17-24 win at Windsor. We then beat Aylesbury at home 3328, before winning 6-26 at Old Priorians (a great game and a thriller, 6-7 with ten minutes to go). Last week, I was in Cardiff watching a dull affair between two poor sides (my team undoubtedly the poorer) but hearing that Chiltern had won at Beaconsfield 14-35 brightened my mood immensely. I learn from Andy Grant’s match report, available elsewhere in this programme, that Beaconsfield started ferociously, and we were 14-0 down, but we weathered the storm and blasted back to victory with five goals of our own (tries provided by Tom Fawssett x 2, Jordan Scott x 2 and Conor Segre). It’s always good to come out on top against our nearest and dearest.

Most if not all of you reading this in hard copy will have been at the President’s Lunch today. I hope that you have enjoyed what is always a splendid occasion. I am sure that they will have been thanked already but the club is very grateful to organisers Scott Jarrold, Nick Hayes and Tony Tagent for putting the event together.

Huw

THE TEAMS

SATURDAY 4 MARCH 2023, KICK-OFF 2.00pm

AMERSHAM & CHILTERN

1. Andrew Toole

2. Joe Batt

3. Louis Bailey

4. Kieran Booth

5. Will Drewett

6. Warwick South

7. Josh Finch

8. Jordan Scott

9. Coner Segre

10. Dan Kingsley

11. Bojan Cecaric

12. Noah Jarvis

13. MacKenzie South

14. Tom Fawssett

15. Ben Pothecary

16. Kai Davies

17. Michael Everett

18. Alex Bower

HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM

1. Andrew Rogan

2. Scott Van Berckel

3. Jacob Poulton

4. Alex Spicer

5. Alex Hart

6. Tom Proctor

7. Pete Clark

8. Josh Smith

9. Ben Dugdale

10. Ross Anderson

11. Matt Killeen

12 Joe Carolan (C)

13. Ed Haynes

14. Tim Russell

15. Pete Morris

16. Zac Underwood

17. Rich Vaughan

18. Bryce Morgan

Referee: Fraser Tod (Bucks society)

PLAYER PROFILE

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: BOJAN CECARIC

Recruited to Chiltern through his brother, whilst his brother was bathing in a jacuzzi in a local health club. A chance meeting with me and an open invitation to attend training the following Tuesday night. A star was born to our club that Tuesday and Bojan Cecaric has never looked back.

Unassuming but deadly, Bojan has undoubtedly made a huge impact this season. With a blisteringly deceptive widely gated style of running and a balance to die for, Bojan has been slicing through defences with ease and poise. Perfectly balanced and secure under the highest balls he has both set up and executed tries week in, week out.

What makes him tick? What are his inner thoughts?

And most importantly how much does he love the Chiltern Dynamite?

25 years of age and a West London boy, with more than a hint of Serbian fire, Bojan is a stone mason by trade, a 6 capped Serbian Rugby Union International and not bad at the league code either.

Born at an early age in London of Serbian parents he spent a quarter of his childhood in the Serbian countryside, picking buttercups and making perfume mixing water with rose petals in the foothills miles and miles from the Serbian capital, Belgrade. A son of a village (translated to mean Wet Mountain) he lived in a mountain community like that of Heidi and John-Boy of Walton

Bojan earned some extra-money hiring out raincoats to weary hill walkers eating yorkie bars and

Sports wise, initially he was exposed to football through his father (semi-pro in Bosnia). His mum though managed to try and save him by showing him a few moves she knew in Judo. By all accounts her reputation as a ‘Judoka’ was impressive and Bo was a fast learner as he learned his trade. By the time he was 11yrs old he was rugby ready and has never

Now an Acton boy he has been plucked to A&C from Wasps FC. He enjoys feasting on Wagamama beef Ramens, washed down with an orange Fanta Zero. Between courses and before a kiss he enjoys crunching his way through a cheap packet of prawn cocktail crisps (cheaper the better) and then refreshes his palette with some skittles. He is not a grabber of skittles. He doesn’t throw them in his mouth. Instead, he’d rather place them individually on to his tongue and savour each one. Yellow is the best with a bit of lemon zing. ‘Just like a little sun in his hand’.

Bo holidays in Marbella. With a family apartment and Fanta Lemon coming out of his ears, he is relaxed and reflective. He listens to the music of Hamilton the musical

and wearing his favourite colour trunks (navy blue) he walks in flip flops displaying his six-pack with aplomb.

In 5 years’, he hopes to be sleeping. This is when he is at his most relaxed and reflective. He thinks that the British Police are the best in the world (well said) and that this season (his first) has been beyond his wildest expectations.

Bojan, we salute you! What a season and what a man!

BY ANDY GRANT

CH I LT ER N STASH

The new Cl ub Shop, i n conj uncti on wi th Samurai Sports can be accessed vi a the cl ub’s websi te www. chi l ternrugby. com under the shoppi ng tab and usi ng the l i nk: http: //www. samurai cl ubshops. com/amer shamchi l ternrugby

The shop i s a maj or step forward for the cl ub and has a great range of l ei sure and sportswear of excel l ent qual i ty.

Other items are avai l abl e from behi nd the bar:

Cl ub Ti e £15

Lapel Pi n £5

Cuff Li nks £10

Key Ri ng £5

Thermal Mug £7. 50

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.

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

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