Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Prog 13-1-24 by ACRFCTrading

OFFICIAL PROGRAMME

AMERSHAM & CHILTERN CHILTERNRUGBY.COM

£5 REGIONAL 2 THAMES LEAGUE

REGIONAL 2 THAMES LEAGUE SEASON 2023-24 SEASON 2022-23 SATURDAY 13 JANUARY 2024

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Chairman’s 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. For 2023-24, our First XV will once again play in the ‘Regional 2 Thames’ league, which contains teams from both the London and South-West Division. Six of the sides have changed from last year so it will be interesting to see whether our high finish last year can be replicated. 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 plays in the snappily titled Counties 3 Tribute Berks, Bucks and Oxon South league. This is a Level Nine league, with a good proportion of local fixtures (Drifters, Farnham Royal, Marlow, Windsor): we hope that this will improve availability, which was an issue in 2022-23. The Seconds play a number of 1st XVs, some from clubs that we have previously faced at first team level. Their fixtures alternate with the First XV, so please give them your support if you aren’t travelling away with the 1s. Like most clubs we are always looking for new players. We hope to resurrect our 3rd XV this year, on an occasional basis. 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; Director of Rugby: Pete Gibson; Minis Chairman: Rob Elms; Junior Chairman: Richard Clifford

Amershamand andChiltern ChilternRFC RFCRugby RugbyManagement ManagementSeason Season2019-2020 2023-2024 Amersham 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

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Burns Supper

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The evening will begin with the Piper procession to lead us to our tables We will be welcomed by our Master of Ceremony The Haggis piped presentation and address The Selkirk Grace by our Chairman

FRIDAY 26th JANUARY Our Feast: We will enjoy our traditional 3 Course Meal including the Scottish Starter of Haggis, neaps and tatties.

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Our Entertainment: Immortal Memory

A Toast to the Lassies |

(incl half bottle whisky) per table

A reply from the Lassies

’Sangs and Clatter’ Closure and the call for ‘Auld Lang Syne’ A Final Toast to the Chair, by our President

Horse and carts from 11pm With places already in demand we encourage everyone to book in as early as possible. Bank transfers can be made to; ACRFC Trading Ltd Sort Code: 40-24-17 Account Number: 12655713.

Reference: Guest’s surname / Table lead surname Card payments can also be made behind the bar with reference to Guest’s surname/table lead surname. After payment is made please confirm this to Andy Grant by e-mail: a.granty@gmail.com

The formal build up has started now for our Burns Night celebration on Friday 26th January 2024. A few tables still remaining...

Many guests have already secured their place. Owing to demand though we can host yet more as we all prepare to don some tartan and get ready to embrace some Scottishness once again.

To give you a flavour of what’s in store just picture this: A piper welcomes us as we gather prior to being piped to our tables. Andy Grant warms you with a traditional Scottish welcome as Master of Ceremonies. Stuart Fordyce sings Grace prior to our Haggis being piped in and thoroughly addressed by Steve Tobin. A Little Street Kitchen prepares the feast ‘Outlander’ style with an awesome 3 course Scottish feastie all can be washed down of course with a complimentary whisky from the half bottle blend on each table. We then provide our own entertainment with Phil John offering his ‘toast to the lassies’ and his partner Vicky relaying the reply. Then it’s an open mic for anyone who desires to sing, recite and make merry. I have promised Stuart a wee song this year. Once again, you thought Christmas was great! Well you’ve seen nothing yet. Registration is easy. Pay by card at the bar individually with your surname as reference or send it electronically to our club’s bank account:

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The Kenyon Family wish Amersham & Chiltern RFC a successful new season

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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n r e lt i h C & m a h s Amer SPORTSMANS’ DINNER

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PRESIDENTS LUNCH

SUMMER BALL

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Special guest speaker: WAYNE BARNES

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REGIONAL 2 THAMES LEAGUE TABLE

FOR ALL THE LATEST FIXTURES, RESULTS & STATS VISIT: CHILTERNRUGBY.COM

REGIONAL 2 THAMES FIXTURES 2023-24 02 Sep Grasshoppers

09 Dec Leighton Buzzard

09 Sep Leighton Buzzard

16 Dec Fullerians

16 Sep Fullerians

06 Jan Old Haberdashers

23 Sep Old Haberdashers

13 Jan Aylesbury

30 Sep Aylesbury

27 Jan Chobham

14 Oct Chobham

03 Feb Hemel Hempstead

21 Oct Hemel Hempstead

17 Feb Old Priorians

04 Nov Old Priorians

02 Mar HAC

11 Nov HAC

16 Mar Marlow

18 Nov Marlow

23 Mar Belsize Park

02 Dec Belsize Park

06 Apr Grasshoppers

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MATCH REPORT Match Report - Saturday 16th December 2023 Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV 50 v Fullerians RFC 1XV 7

‘We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year Good tidings we bring to you and your kin We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year.’ FROM THE 16TH OR 17TH CENTURY - SUNG BY CAROLERS WHEN FIGGY PUDDING WAS FASHIONABLE. COMPOSED BY ARTHUR WARRELL IN 1939 AND INSPIRED BY THE ORIGINAL MEDIEVAL MELODY.

Our pre-Christmas cracker on the fields of Sham. Always a warm welcome provided to our friends from Fullerians and delighted to welcome the great and the good to our now famous supporters’ lunch. With plenty of chat and lashings of festive ale we all looked forward to the big day and most importantly the big match.

With a highly rated young and ambitious referee from London being drafted in we were all confident that a hard fought, competitive, and compelling match would result. Fullerians have traditionally fought hard for victory, but this season find themselves at the bottom of the league and were still licking their wounds from a

MATCH REPORT

significant home defeat earlier in the season as the Chiltern travelled impressively to secure the bonus point win by half time (15 - 41)

This time, Chiltern established momentum early on until easily pulling away for a welldeserved win. Keiran Booth scored the opening try, converted by Monty Weatherall, welcomed

TMATCH ROPER REPORT HCTAM

back to the club (stand-off) from his travels in Canada. Jordan Scott (No8) then scored try number 2 again duly converted by Monty. In the 2nd half Charlie Swerling tip-toed over with winger James Lewis soon adding another with a zippy finish. Jordan

then added another with James Lewis again slipping through a tired defense. Both converted by Monty prior to Chris Joyce (Hooker) joining in with a brace of tries resulting with a big smile on his face.

MATCH REPORT

Team

10. Monty Weatherall

1.Doug McGregor-Smith

11. James lewis

2. Chris Joyce

12. Noah Jarvis

3. Charlie Swerling

13. Lloyd Anderson

4. Keiran Booth

14. MacKenzie South

5. Harry Bradshaw

15. Ben Pothecary

6. Dave Francis

16. Joe Batt

7. Josh Finch

17. Jack Gurney

8. Jordan Scott

18. James Morrison

9. Alex Bower

For the full album of match photos from the Fullerians game please click here… www.chilternrugby.com/photos/1xv-vs-fullerians-1086450.html

MATCH REPORT

Match Report - Saturday 16th December 2023 Old Haberdashers RFC 1XV 15 v Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV 41 Amazingly this was a match (top of the table v 8th place) that survived the winter storms as the buildup was dampened with deluge after deluge day in day out. Traditionally the old Hab Dabs are said to enjoy their pitches moist and certainly in the past Chiltern have lost their footing on the soft Croxdale Road Fields. Chiltern had enjoyed a convincing 57-6 home win previously and with Old Habs undoubtedly licking their lips at the weather we travelled daring some cautious optimism. The home support had been rallied and had feasted prior to kick off. With cheer

leaders in place and a pitch deceptively firm with no sign of a single goose and the club house fire place glowing battle commenced. With a nervy start it wasn’t long until Chiltern settled into the game and with their confidence building, they ensured a bonus point win although always concerns regarding the 3 tries conceded. Tom Fawssett penalty (0-3). Try from Jordan

MATCH REPORT

Scott, a driving maul and conversion by Tom (0-10). Another Jordan Scott try with a driving maul (0-15) and then half time. An Old Habs try (5 - 15) and then another Jordan Scott converted try in response (5-22) with a tap and go 5 metres out. Old Habs sneak in another try to keep things interesting (10-22).

4. Harry Bradshaw 5. Jacques O’Driscoll 6. Jack Gurney

Ben Pothecary then cut through for another converted try (10-29) and bonus point secured. The Jordan Scott & Tom Fawssett show continued with another converted try (10-36) Jordan finishing and Alex Bower snipe. A hat-trick of tries then achieved by old Habs (15-36) prior to a Joe Batt special to finish matters off. A great day and fantastic hosts as always.

7. Josh Finch

Team

15. Tom Fawssett

1. Doug McGregor-Smith

16. Harry Pollard

2. Joe Batt

17. Warwick South

3. Charlie Swerling

18. Noah Jarvis

8. Jordan Scott 9. Alex Bower 10. Ben Pothecary 11. James Lewis 12. Aaron Lewis 13. Lloyd Anderson 14. MacKenzie South

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

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Mike Raffety wishes Amersham & Chiltern RFU many Champagne moments throughout the season.

BUYERS AND SELLERS OF FINE & RARE WINES For Champagne and Fine Wine orders, investments or advice, contact michael@turville-valley-wines.com 01494 868818 www.turville-valley-wines.com

FROM THE TOUCHLINE by Huw Thomas Happy New Year! We should have good conditions for the visit of Aylesbury today: firm, dry ground and no more than a gentle breeze. I hope you’ve wrapped up warm, though. The two teams are at different ends of the table but that won’t count for much. It’s always a real battle against our neighbours and Chiltern only just scraped home by 22-26 the last time they met, at Ostler’s Field in September. Aylesbury had a good win against Chobham last week, so it could be close again. Today’s referee is Mike Hudson, who is a member of the Bucks Society but also on the Premiership panel. We knew Mike when he was on the way up and it will be good to see him again. I hope the players can keep pace. Last week, we had an impressive victory at Old Haberdashers. They have been something of a bogey team for us in the past and not many of the lads had ever won there, so it was very pleasing to finish 15-44 up against a team that included three Cambridge blues. We scored six tries, one for Ben Pothecary and one for Joe Batt, with Jordan Scott managing to get on the end of things for the other four (which makes 18 for the season so far!). Tom Fawssett added four conversions and a penalty goal. Sadly, we lost Jack Gurney to a nasty looking Achilles injury, but it was good to see Warwick South back on the field as his replacement. In our last home match, on 16 December, we entertained Fullerians, and we were too strong for them, winning 50-7. James Lewis and Chris Joyce both got two tries each, with Kieran Booth and Charlie Swerling also crossing the line. You know who also got a couple. Fullerians never gave up, but it was a ruthlessly efficient performance from the men in claret. The game was marred by a knee injury to Dan Kingsley, who may miss much of the rest of the season as a result – such a shame, he was playing brilliantly. We have also lost Kieran Booth for a significant period. He has hurt his shoulder again, though not this time playing rugby (best not to ask Rich Hoskins about it). We wish both of them speedy recoveries. They will be missed and the strength of our squad will be severely tested without them. The Second XV have (another) Saturday off today. They are still at the top of the table, with some huge wins under their belts, but Henley also keep winning. It looks as though the competition won’t be decided until early March, when the two teams play each other at Ash Grove. Just keep going, boys. HUW

THE TEAMS SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER 2024, KICK-OFF 2.00pm

AMERSHAM & CHILTERN

AYLESBURY

1 Doug McGregor-Smith

1 Jon Davies

2 Joe Batt*

2 Luke Murley

3 Charlie Swerling*

3 Ben Knight

4 Charlie Bourne*

4 Alex Inglis

5 Jacques O’Driscoll*

5 Gareth Wehrle

6 Harri Doyle*

6 Owen Golding

7 Josh Finch (C)

7 Mike Phillips

8 Jordan Scott

8 Liam Beer

9 Alex Bower*

9 Will Baildon

10 James Morrison*

10 Alex Shearer

11 James Lewis*

11 Owen Potts

12 Aaron Lewis

12 Evan Wakelam

13 Lloyd Anderson

13 Tom Chrich

14 Mackenzie south*

14 Matt Dennis

15 Tom Fawssett

15 Jonty Charlier

16 Chris Joyce

16 Dan Partridge

17 Bo Cecaric

17 Max Beckley

18 Tim Hayes*

18 Ben Amos Referee: Mike Hudson from The Bucks Society

* = home grown players

Thomas Cooke Chartered Accountants

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT CHARLIE SWERLINGH (PROP-EXTRAORDINAIRE) I find myself on a rainy windswept day yomping somewhere in the Chilterns in typically Scottish weather. Charlie though should be easy to find. He’s a big lad, Chiltern through and through and a hell of a nice chap. I’ve to spend some time on a farm today so I have a flask and sandwiches for 4 so we can enjoy some soup and sandwiches together in the rain. I find Charlie propping up a farm outbuilding. He explains that he does this twice a day when with the family but struggles to maintain this effort when at home in London. Being a prop, he finds that his shoulders and arms benefit from this heavy strain along with maintaining what is clearly an ageing structure. I ask him to come away and rest for 15 minutes so that we can eat and chat. Bless! Charlie Oliver Swerling is a millennium baby and a Gemini. Born in the hamlet of High Wycombe in May in the

year 2000 he explains that as soon as he could walk and then prop his ambition was to break through level 6 and become a level 5 rugby player at Amersham & Chiltern RFC. He’s a ten year stalwart of the club and explains that when he played elsewhere for a year (South London) he matured immensely as both a man and rugby player. He is also a big part of a rugby family dynasty ‘The Swerling’s’ with brother Will (Top Cop by all accounts) and Josh blossoming in the U14s. Dad’s also vitally important as cuts all our hedges (thank you). Charlie has also accepted additional club roles as Colts Coach and Social life Manager for the senior squads. I’m beginning to understand why he needs such high energy levels and athleticism. As we share some of my home-made Scotch broth wee Charlie, some say Bonnie Prince Charlie, begins to feel comfortable opening up and sharing his hopes of one day playing international rugby for Scotland.

I must confess I wasn’t expecting this but began to understand when he explained his love of visiting and spending time on the streets of Edinburgh. ‘The beer tastes better Andy, and the girls are strong and patriotic’. ‘I really like that in a nation’. How can you not respect the fella? He looks for any opportunity to visit. I explain that I can help him as have contacts. We move on to discuss another passion and this is of the Tesla car. He really wants one and adores the sound of silence. Charlie is a Guinness fan although feels uncomfortable regarding the morning after if he has drunk a few. I explain it is the iron and the roughage and not to let the colour or consistency put him off - so much to learn. When he gets a minute or two to snack his choice tends to be a sausage roll. Although not confirmed by him strong hints given that the Greggs offer (4 for 3) is the ultimate treat. In true Chiltern tradition Charlie loves red and white. ‘It makes me dynamite Andy, how can I not love that colour combination’; ‘Indeed’, I reply.

Although a super-fan of both Glasgow and Edinburgh he does have a love of Leicester Tigers with some even saying Bonnie Prince Charlie is a young Dan Cole. All I can say is that that may be the case. He is certainly a merry old sole and although still a puppy has big hands and feet. Big proportions mean you will be a big man! Speaking of big men, it is Rich Hoskins our Head Coach who inspires him. Rich is Charlie’s hero. That’s why if he had only a £5 left he would put it towards sharing a KFC bargain bucket with him. In the next year Charlie hopes to be able to grow a proper beard rather than display what could be described as a ‘pubic transplant’. He also feels most comfortable in silk boxers although enjoys the reinforcement offered by budgie smugglers on the field of play (A&C ones of course). You really don’t want to twist or have twisted anything down there.

Charlie is a teacher and is regularly inspiring the young in physical education. Charlie does not believe in shouting and enjoys blowing whistles and ringing bells. He also describes himself as being a traditional teacher in that he is grumpy in the mornings, gives lines as a punishment and enjoys rubbing the chalk off of blackboards. He loves his knees, and these are the favourite parts of his body. I must say they do look good in a pair of shorts. He injured one quite badly a year ago so understands the need to look after them. They do look in fine shape Charlie.

Dreams wise he only has one that reoccurs. Although a tough one to explain he apparently has moving images of me, of all the people, stealing all the post training food. Charlie is no Joseph and clearly does not possess a dream coat. I also deny it and make ‘no comment’ regarding this. I’ve loved spending time with Charlie today with our soup and sandwiches. As a reward I gave him a hand propping up the other side of the farm building. I am bigger than him and reach the parts he can’t reach. Charlie even at your tender years you are already a club stalwart. Bonny Prince Charlie, we salute you! BY ANDY GRANT

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CHILTERN STASH The new Club Shop, in conjunction with Samurai Sports can be accessed via the club’s website www.chilternrugby.com under the shopping tab and using the link: http://www.samuraiclubshops.com/amershamchilternrugby The shop is a major step forward for the club and has a great range of leisure and sportswear of excellent quality. Other items are available from behind the bar: Club Tie £15 Lapel Pin £5 Cuff Links £10 Key Ring £5 Thermal Mug £7.50

A&C RFC CENTENARY

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2024 is a significant date in the club’s history, our Centenary. The first ever match was & C HBoxing played Day in 1924 between a Chiltern team and a team of Berkhamsted I LT M on E HA Old Boys. The club was formed shortly after and apart from the war years (when incidentally a third of our players were killed in action) the club has always been at the heart of the local community. Nearly 50 years ago we were amongst the first clubs in the Tcountry to embrace Mini and Junior rugby and now provide sporting and social EN 4A R Y 1 9 2to opportunities all ages. In spite of being one of the biggest and best value sporting organisations in the area we are entirely self supporting. We are a charity and every year spend significant sums maintaining the infrastructure of the clubhouse and grounds. As well as subscriptions we are dependent on the support of our wonderful sponsors and advertisers, without whom the club would struggle to stay afloat. Our Centenary celebrations will run throughout the 2024/25 season. As events are firmed up we will share the details with you. A number of people have already come up with good ideas. In particular we want to use the occasion to raise significant funds to make the club as a whole, and the clubhouse in particular, more sustainable. Key events will include a Centenary dinner in October 2024, a December replay of the first club match against a Berkhamsted XV, and a match against a County XV with players chosen from all the Bucks clubs. Traditional club events such as the Minis Festival and the Presidents lunch will all continue as usual with a Centenary theme. There will be a Centenary ball at the end of the 24/25 season. A new logo will be designed for the Centenary and this will feature on a range of special Centenary playing and leisure kit. We are now looking for people to help make this happen. We need volunteers from all sections of the club to join the Centenary committee and to take ownership of key events. We have formed a task force with Jennie Cahill, myself and others who will convert ideas into actions over the coming months. If you would like to join us please contact Jennie, on 07894 293905 or jennie.cahill@icloud.com and we will arrange another meeting and look forward to working with you.

Thank you for being part of our Club and for all your support. On behalf of the centenary working group Peter Osborne

AMERSHAM & CHILTERN WOULD LIKE TO THANK ITS SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT THROUGHOUT

OSBORNE SAMUEL M O D E R N A N D C O N T E M P O R A RY A RT

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SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS WHY WE NEED YOU

he 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. In fact, our Centenary Season is 2024/2025. Our loyal members are very supportive and over the years we have done various fundraising schemes to Peter, pictured here, always improve every aspect of the club. The clubhouse itself in his A&C attire, chatting on was the biggest and others have followed such as solar match day panels, the new car park and of course the borehole, without which we would not have been able to start the season on Saturday. Incidentally our energy costs have increased dramatically, and we now have a renewed focus on ways to become more energy efficient and sustainable. Pitch maintenance is another big expense, with an extra £20,000 spent this summer on top of the £35,000 spent last year in addition to the upgraded our floodlights. We now estimate that we need to spend some £100,000+ 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 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

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CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT Chiltern Stash THE A&C CLUB SHOP ODDBALL HATS

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