Amersham Rugby Prog 6-4-24

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

Amersham and Chiltern RFC Rugby Management Season 2019-2020

Amersham and Chiltern RFC Rugby Management Season 2023-2024

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

AMERSHAM & CHILTERN

AMERSHAM & CHILTERN

Sportsman’s Dinner

Sportsman’s Dinner

FRIDAY 17 MAY 2024

FRIDAY 17 MAY 2024

Dean Richards Leicester Tigers, England & British Lions

Dean Richards Leicester Tigers, England & British Lions

Legends are made at Welford Road and few Leicester Tigers are bigger than Dean Richards. A talismanic presence, characterised by loose shirt and rolled-down socks, ‘Deano’ always seemed to be in the right place at the right time - one phase ahead, or two behind!

Born in Nuneaton, Dean made his senior club debut as an 18 year old in 1982 away at Neath, where they reserve a special Valleys welcome for the English. Dean quickly became a fixture at No8 (Leicester ‘G’ shirt), and was the youngest Tiger to play in the John Player Cup Final in 1983. He went on make 314 appearances for Leicester.

He made his England debut in 1986, the first of 48 caps, playing in Grand Slam triumphs in 1992 and 1993. He also played in six Tests for the British Lions in Australia and New Zealand. And, all this whilst working as a Hinckley policeman.

In 1998, Dean moved from player to Director of Rugby at Leicester, winning the title in his first four years. Subsequently, he moved to Grenoble, Harlequins and Newcastle Falcons. But, for his legion of fans, the image of the ‘G’ shirt, together with the ‘Deano Deano’ chant, will forever be part of Tigers lore.

We also welcome A&C’s very own Steve Williams, 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, three course meal and two bottles of A&C’s finest wines per table:

• Tables of 8-10 are £520-£650, or individual tickets at £65 for mixed tables

• Doors open 7:30pm; Gents: lounge suit or blazer and tie, Ladies: formal to match

Tickets go fast, so BOOK AND PAY NOW as below, and confirm your booking and payment to jennie.cahill@icloud.com or call 07894 293 905.

• bank transfer: ACRFC Trading, 1265 5713, 40-24-17, with SD/your name as reference

• at the clubhouse bar: with A&C member card, credit/debit card or cash

Allan Janes are proud to support Amersham and Chiltern RFC

We are a leading firm of solicitors based in High Wycombe and provide legal services to a wide range of clients in Buckinghamshire, the Thames Valley, London, and beyond. We have expertise in all company and commercial matters, including Commercial Property Dispute Resolution, as well as personal matters including Residential Property and Conveyancing, Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence, Employment Law, Wills, and Trusts and Estate Planning. We aim to deliver value by offering pragmatic and cost-effective advice to all our clients, big and small, personal or commercial.

For more details, please contact:

enquiries@allanjanes.com or 01494 521309

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£80 per person

Tables of 10 or 12 Saturday 8th June BLACK TIE BALL

6.45pm - 1.30am - Champagne Reception - 3 Course Meal

LIVE BAND: AUDIOTONIC

DJ until 1.30am

OLD AMERSHAM GIN BAR PHOTO BOOTH BLACK JACK TABLE

LIVE AUCTION

RESERVE YOUR TABLE WITH JENNIE CAHILL e-mail: jennie.cahill@icloud.com or on 07894 293905

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!

FAMILY FUN WEEKEND - 7th & 8th September 2024

THE ARNHEM LUNCH 21/28 September (TBA)

MINIS FESTIVAL Sunday - 6th October 2024

DINNER Saturday - 12th October 2024

FIREWORKS Friday - 1st November 2024

BOXING DAY MATCH v OLD BERKHAMSTED BOYS TBC

MINIS DEVELOPMENT FESTIVAL Sunday - 2nd March 2025

PRESIDENTS LUNCH TBC

COMEDY NIGHT Friday 7th March 2025

BALL Saturday - 7th June 2025

Anyone who would like to get involved in making all the Centenary Celebrations happen, please contact Jennie Cahill on 07894 293905 or Jennie.cahill@icloud.com.

A&C RFC CENTENARY

2024 is a significant date in the club’s history, our Centenary. The first ever match was played on Boxing Day in 1924 between a Chiltern team and a team of Berkhamsted 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 country to embrace Mini and Junior rugby and now provide sporting and social opportunities to 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

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Wishes al l the 2024 teams good luck!

‘‘Sport for all’ – whether the team wins (which they do like to do) or loses, the children are taught to learn from their last game – ‘it’s about giving children ownership over their sport’”

THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE 2020-21

“This rural co-ed prep school pulls off the near impossible – amazing results for both 11+ and next schools while retaining a village school vibe”

MUDDY STILETTOS REVIEW 2023

See our school in action

OPEN MORNING

Friday 10th May 9am – 11am

STAY & PLAY

Friday 17th May 9:30 -11am

Chesham Preparatory School Independent education for boys and girls aged 3 to 11

Match Report - Saturday 23rd March 2024

- 27

Penalties -1

Half-time:15-7

“Digger Day !” MATCH REPORT

Penalties – 0

‘ Belsize create a swarm and ensure there is yet another sting in their tale’

‘Bzz-bzz-bzz-bzz, honey bee, honey bee

Bzz if you like, but don’t sting me

Bzz-bzz-bzz-bzz, honey bee, honey bee

Buzz if you like, but don’t sting me Bzz –bzz’

‘THE BEE SONG’ – ARTHUR ASKEY 1938

wishes Amersham & Chiltern RFC every success for the new season

High Wycombe

Following our previous match against Marlow and a convincing home win (68-3), it had been a relatively dry week amongst some of the dampest in recent history.

Tel: 01494 868818

• 24 Hour Attendance

Belsize were going for the double of wins over Chiltern and were focussed on maintaining their 15 match winning run.

Traditional, Alternative and Green Funerals

Regents Park pitch becoming unplayable. And with such a successful run without an effective scrummage it was a shrewd move to book the ‘plastic fantastic’ at the spiritual home of our beloved Wasps FC.

Fax: 01494 868832

• Pre-Payment Plans

The scene was set for the top of the table battle between the 2 best sides in Thames 2.

• Home Visits by Appointment

With every drop of rain that falls, apart from a peanut growing (US President Carter – a once peanut farmer from Georgia) there does create a chance of their usual Royal

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Both sides were well-supported and stood on opposing sides of the pitch. A scene befitting of Culloden 1746.

MATCH REPORT

As predicted Belsize offered little resistance in the scrum although seemed to store their energy for effort within the maul. Both sides offered solid defence with A&C having the lions share of the possession, although Belsize offered slightly more in defence alongside their sparky back line.

With parity in line-outs and a referee (who I suspect had been a back) eventually recognising scrum superiority, it was a case of Belsize taking their chances and managing to keep the Chiltern attacks out.

An extra 5 mins and with a little more calmness this should have been a day that the league was won. Instead I was wondering why rugby bothers with scrummaging when the spirit of running into space and pop-passes can be so effective.

No lasting disappointment though as Amersham and Chiltern remain in possession of the remote control.

With the correct buttons pushed on Saturday against Mid-table Grasshoppers, Amersham and Chiltern can secure our final win of the season and be crowned well deserved Champions 2023/2024.

And so to the action …

A&C kickoff and an opening 50/20 kick from stand-off Monty Weatherall. Opening pressure sadly ineffective, created an opening try from Belsize (goal line maul) 5-0. Missed conversion. Penalty to Belsize secured (8-0).

On 30 minutes a 2nd try Belsize again from maul duly converted (15-0).

MATCH REPORT

10 minutes later and good A&C pressure results in a Monty Weatherall try under the posts (15-7), converted.

Half time.

A&C have a decent wind on their backs second half. Opening pressure from A&C and multiple infringements from Belsize re their crumbling scrum. Penalty try (15-14).

Belsize respond with a further converted try (22-14) and then secure the bonus point 4th try (27-14) missed conversion.

MATCH REPORT

Jordan Scott then responds as Number 8 with a well executed converted try (27-21).

Continuing A&C pressure and breakaway run from wee Tim Hayes down the wing. A claim of foot in touch and it was all over yards from the try line. Well-deserved Belsize win and a proper sting in the tail. And so Belsize Park did to us what we did to Hammersmith and Fulham last season. A league double over the league leaders yet no cigar.

It’s all in our hands now for Saturday and hopefully we know what buttons to press.

This week it’s Top versus 6th. We haven’t faced Grasshoppers since the opening game of the season. We opened with a 2641 away win. We are home and on grass. Conditions will be damp and we have a scrum very well suited for the conditions. See you there.

Thomas Cooke

FROM THE TOUCHLINE

by Huw Thomas

The last league game of the season and it’s still all to play for! A glance at the table shows how tight everything is at the top, but at least we know what we have to do. If we beat Grasshoppers today, we will be champions and promoted to Level 5. If we lose and Belsize Park win, as we must assume they will, then they will pip us to the title: no pressure, lads.

Our last home match against Marlow was a wonderful day. It was the occasion of the President’s Lunch and a brilliant social event, but also the day that our 1st XV chose to turn in their best performance for some months. Marlow were despatched by 68-3: Jordan Scott scored three tries, Harry Bradshaw two, and Jack Gurney, Alex Bower, Noah Jarvis and Tom Fawssett one each. Callum Nolan-Hutchison crossed for the last one, topped off with his ninth conversion.

Two weeks ago, however, Belsize Park brought us back down to earth with a bump. With the title on the line, they beat us on the artificial pitch at Wasps’ Twyford Avenue ground, 27-21. We went behind early on but clawed or way back into it, with the score 15-14 early in the second half (a try from Monty Weatherall and a penalty try from a scrum). Two more tries from the home team put the game beyond our reach, but a late converted try for Jordan Scott meant that we finished within six points and secured a losing bonus point, which could be very important when the dust settles.

Grasshoppers come to us today with very little to lose. They have had what must be regarded as a very successful season: having come into the league at the beginning of the year, they are currently sixth. We won 26-41 at their place on the opening day, but they have had some good results since, beating Belsize Park for one. They are in good form, with big wins against Chobham and Fullerians recently. It will be a tough game, but we bid their players and committee members a warm welcome to Ash Grove, as we do to today’s referee, Joel Taylor from Bucks RFURS.

Finally, as many of you will be aware, today is Digger Day! Our President, Peter Kenyon, and our club captain, Jack Kenyon, will be hosting another lunch for 150 people, this time largely made up of their business clients at Arnold Funeral Service. Olllie Cato will not be joining the throng until after the game, but I understand that he has special dispensation, given that he is playing in the second row this afternoon. As with all our sponsors, we are immensely grateful to Arnold’s for everything that they do for the club.

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UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

DAN PEARSON

I can’t believe our league season is nearly over and I can’t believe ‘The wee man’ – as I call him is soon to depart Amersham and Chiltern RFC to take up new opportunities elsewhere. A confirmed rugby nut I travel to meet him up hills and down dales to the ultimate ‘new town’ and home of the original Wimbledon FC , Milton Keynes. We take up position nearby one of the many roundabouts and I soon realise why one of the many MK nicknames refers to it being ‘Polo Mint City’. In a break from the rain we both sit down wearing our A&C bobble hats and warm up our meeting singing a couple of wholly inappropriate rugby songs. Nobody else can hear us! Thank goodness.

Daniel has the heart of a lion and the skin of a baby. It’s a pleasure to be in his company although the grass is a tad damp and we have damp patches on our bottoms.

Daniel John Pearson (Dan)

to his mates was born only a few years ago and is in essence a youth. Newly married and a regular user of moisturiser, he keeps his hair short and has a wardrobe full of rugby ‘stash’. He’s rather not say where he was born or in what year as he explains he is intensely private and has little trust of the police. ‘Andy it’s for you to find out – by all means interview me but I’m only looking outside your eyes and certainly not at them’. Dan seems quite threatened so I go easy –to start! I do like a challenge.

season 2023/24. He joined us from Milton Keynes as he wanted to be a ‘Chilt’ and will

don’t push him. At under 15 he was mass exodus (10 boys) to the Big undoubtedly Rugby is

He did some work for Wasps too. He likes nothing more than supping on a Budweiser – the original Czech version touches his button as it reminds him of stag nights and spy movies. He then offers some of his favourite crisps in a little bowl to share. He explains that the ‘kettle’ cooking brings out the intense salt and vinegar flavours. I must say they certainly pack a punch – just like Dan.

Violence is something he enjoys watching and not dishing out, especially during his Sopranos box set. He backs this up with many a watch of the True Crime documentaries on Netflix. Dan explains that he would have loved to be a real life Detective and that Cluedo was another of his favs. ‘Colonel Mustard in the library with the lead piping he says’. I love his enthusiasm although I would always strive to eliminate the Reverend Green as early as possible. Daggers sadly also tended to be used far too often.

Dan is a busy boy and therefore his audio books are regularly piped into his wee ears via his ear pods.

Family holidays are very much based in Norfolk (Winterton-on–sea). It’s his little bit of California and loved by him and all his family.

When it comes to wishes it’s easy for him. ‘Chiltern to be Champions and win promotion’ he says with a smile and hopeful expectation. He is currently the Ops Manager at MK RFC and enjoys nothing more than eating mozzarella cheese alongside a Turkish meat platter.

If he had another wish and was queuing up for gifts from God he would ask for more hair on his head. ‘Andy my head is always cold and that’s why I have a number of woolly hats to wear. I’d really like lots of curly hair and look more like Jeremy Clarkson. He has long legs too’ and he’s rich!’. I wish him well.

We begin to pack up our hamper and wave to some of the cars and buses going round the roundabout. Dan has enjoyed our time together and explains that his love is working within communities, encouraging and developing sport, especially rugby.

We have been undoubtedly blessed to have him at Amersham and Chiltern and we all wish him all the best. Keep in touch Dan and stay warm young man!

Thank you for the music and the songs we’re singing! We salute you Dan Pearson!

Unit

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Chiltern Stash

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT THE A&C CLUB SHOP

ODDBALL HATS

ADULT £15 CHILD £13 SCARVES

2 DESIGNS: CLARET OR STRIPPED £17.50

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sizes: Y-XS YS YM YL £25.00 (RRP £35.82 SAVE £10.82)

sizes: XXS XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL 4XL £33.25 (RRP£46.32 SAVE £13.82)

CLARET & WHITE PLAYING KIT ALL BACK IN STOCK!

SUNDRY ITEMS

BASE BALL CAP £10

BEANIE HAT £15 – DUE IN MID DECEMBER

MOUTH GUARDS £12.50

TRAVEL MUG £5

WATER BOTTLE £7.50

A&C CLUB TIE £15

LAPEL PIN £5

CUFFLINKS £10

CAR STICKER £2

GOLF TEE £1

PERSONALISED 2023/24 SEASON CHILTERN STASH

This season

The NEW Club Shop features the NEW Samurai range of Team Gear & Leisure Wear featuring the new Samurai logo.

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 SHOP THE NEW COLLECTION