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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.
After promotion last year, our 1st XV play in the Regional 1 South East league of the RFU’s London and South-East Division. This is Level Five of the RFU pyramid and provides a standard of rugby that is very testing for a club from a relatively small town like Amersham. We are proud to compete here.
Thanks to the vagaries of RFU administration, our 2nd XV is in the South-West Division, and play in the Counties 2 Tribute Bucks, Berks and Oxon South competition. Like the 1st XV, they were promoted last year.
The Third XV play in an informal competition for Bucks third teams, usually under lights on a Friday evening. They provide competitive but social rugby for those who cannot commit to weekly league matches and training.
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, or get in touch through the club website. 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. Last year we won the County Cup at every age group. 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 Ryan Westmacott (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.
Along with the rugby, we have a full calendar of social events, details of which can be seen elsewhere in this programme, on the website, or on the posters in the clubhouse. Whatever your level of interest in rugby, it’s a great club to be a member of, and we’d love to have you join us.
Huw Thomas Chairman
President: Peter Kenyon; Chairman: Huw Thomas; Hon Sec: Ralph Hayward; Hon Treasurer: Chris Tavender; Membership Secretary: Sandra Hitchman; Director of Rugby: Pete Gibson; Mini Chairman: Ryan Westmacott; Junior Chairman: Richard Clifford
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repeat of Chiltern’s first ever match
Mar A&C Mini Dev Festival for our many future stars
Mar Comedy Night meal & loads of laughs
Mar President’s Luncheon A&C’s poshest lunch
The Centenary Fund
For the next100 years
The centenary of our great club will be marked by many events at the club during the season 2024-25. We are an ambitious, friendly and successful community club providing an exceptional and inclusive rugby and social experience to all our members of all ages and backgrounds.
We are entirely dependent on the support of our members and many generous sponsors. The annual cost of running a big sports club is considerable and we always need to spend large sums on clubhouse and ground maintenance.
The Centenary Fund has the target of raising £200,000 and we hope that members past and present will support this project - it will make so much difference to our club and benefit all our members. The Fund will be used exclusively to support key projects around the club, including:
• Clubhouse refurbishment and upgrade
• Extended patio area with multi-weather surface
• Pitch and floodlight improvements
• Resurface north car park
• Improved gym facilities
• Expanded solar panelling
Please support the club by donating at JustGiving/The Centenary Fund - and please tick the Gift Aid option as the club receives an additional 25% on top of your donation.
For donations over £1000, please pay directly into the Fund’s bank, complete a Gift Aid declaration and let me know via email. Fund bank: Amersham & Chiltern RFC, sort 40-2417, account 2266 4879. Any queries, please email.
Peter Osborne Chair, The Centenary Fund posborne@osbornesamuel.com
£1000, please pay directly into the Fund’s bank, complete a Gift Aid know via email. Fund bank: Amersham & Chiltern RFC, sort 40-244879. Any queries, please email. Fund posborne@osbornesamuel.com
Centenary Report
What a Wonderful day
We couldn’t have done it without you all
As we reach the halfway point of our Centenary Season and reflect on the wonderful Centenary match held on the 28th of December, we would like to recognise the people that make the magic happen.
Special thanks to Peter Osborne for organising the day with the assistance of Jennie and to Richard Bobbett for refereeing, it wouldn’t have happened without you. Thank you to Berko for joining in the celebrations too and making it a day to remember.
But of course, the stars of the day (apart from the players obviously!) are the world turners who ensure you are all catered for and are so often forgotten.
So as this year comes to a close, we recognise our unsung heroes to whom we must say the biggest thank you.
Huw – who does So Much no one knows about. The amazing Molly and all her team especially Andrea and Steph.
And of course, A Little Street Kitchen run by Leela (who flew in at 5.30am that morning) and her fabulous team.
We thank you all for all your hard work throughout the year, when everyone else has a choice of what to do with their day you turn
up and make the magic happen and do so amazingly.
We also would like to take this opportunity once again to thank all our loyal Sponsors, Supporter’s, Coaching Staff, backstage staff and volunteers, players, families and friends without whom this club would not be the fantastic place it is.
Thank you all for a fantastic 2024…..
If you would like to contribute to the running of this club, we have a special Centenary Fund.
To find out more and to contribute please click on the link below with many thanks for your continued support. www.justgiving.com/campaign/thecentenaryfund
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REGIONAL 1 SOUTH EAST LEAGUE
MATCH REPORT
storm (Darragh). Travelling time about an hour with no toilet stops or sneaky McDonalds. My frst time visiting Billing Road and the impressive Sir Humphrey Cripps Pavilion. We were joined by some proud parents (father of Max) and (mother of Harry) to name a couple. Our committee was repre-sented by Huw
(Chairman) and Mr Crimp (Chair of Trustees). Mr Crimp deserves considerable praise as this was his frst rugby outing since breaking a leg. We all hoped any luck would fow the way of the Chilts.
ONs were in good form, their results since Christmas 2 wins in 2 weeks. You wouldn’t have thought there were a few places between their positions in the league. From the off matters were keenly contested with some endto-end action.
Surprisingly it was ONs opening the scoring on 11mins after some sustained A&C pressure. Strong defence from ONs and a helpful slight downward slope managed to keep A&C out. It was quick move from the backs and an impressive kick from hands down the touchline that led to the opening try and conversion (7-0).
Stronger in attack and again some power play from the forwards meant a 2nd try for A&C again successfully converted by Ben (14-14). An entertaining 1st half and 2nd half where expectations were high owing to a nice downward slope for the away side.
Alas it wasn’t to be. Replacements started appearing and the sky grew darker. A&C were now dominant and really taking control. It wasn’t long until some strong carries and poor tackling that we had scored our 3rd try, taken the lead but missed the conversion (14-19). With A&C soon conceding a penalty in front of the posts, ONs managed to go over under the posts and kick the conversion (21-19).
“Digger Day !”
A&C though continued to put the early efforts in making the gains up the slope and applying fur-ther pressure. It wasn’t long after that some great forwards pressure meant a try under the posts and successful conversion from Ben Pothecary (Full Back) (7-7).
We got the feeling way may have angered ONs as they upped the tempo and started shouting to each other louder. With a better rhythm to their phases and some slick handling they went over for their 2nd try, comfortably converted (14 - 7). All credit though to A&C who upped their game also.
A&C then conceded another (High tackles mainly) as the pressure mounted. This time 3 pts se-cured (24-19) after 61 mins. 5 mins
later and again another high shot and referee warning for A&C. Another 3-pts kicked (27-19) - felt like self-inficted wounds and alas a familiar tale. A deserved yellow card then followed for another. ON soon scored another try and the game was won (34-19). I’m delighted to say though and all credit to those still on the pitch with our 4th and bonus point try being scored with a mere 3 mins to go. Well-deserved for a (34-24) fnal score.
Team
1. Razvan Dranca
2. Joe Batt
3. Max Morphey
4. Harry Bradshaw
5. Jacques O’Driscoll
6. Jordan Scott
Lunch
Lack of discipline at a crucial time. Some dropped off tackles when tired and some line out losses at what could and should have been try time cost us. Take hope though -m it’s all part of the in-duction process to level 5.
I’m sure this week’s home challenge facing league leaders Oundle RFC will be absolutely no dif-ferent.
See you then.
7. Michael Everett
8. Kazeem Olayinka
9. Ben Harris
10. Alex Bower
11. John Barrett
12. Noah Jarvis
13. Dan Kingsley
14. James Morrison
15. Ben Pothe-cary
16. Doug McGregor- Smith
17. Andrew Toole
18. Aaron Lewis
FROM THE TOUCHLINE
by Huw Thomas
First, I must offer a huge welcome to all the Sponsors attending today’s Sponsors Lunch. We are so grateful for everything you do to support our club. Thanks go to Ruth Brockett for pulling today’s event together so expertly.
We also welcome the players, offcials and supporters of Oundle RFC to Ash Grove. Oundle are running away with the league, with 79 points from a possible 80 to date. We have improved signifcantly since losing up there in October; a win today would be something of a surprise to the rest of the league - but hope springs eternal.
This is our frst home game in over a month, so there’s a lot to tell you about (briefy). The Saturday before Christmas saw a long overdue victory over our nearest rivals Tring, by 33-12. The boys played exceptionally well, the highlights perhaps being debutant Josh Fisher’s two tries and Max Morphey’s magnifcent charge down, chase and score. Tring outclassed us at their place, and it was so pleasing to be able to say that we were clearly the better side this time.
On the Saturday after Christmas the club celebrated its centenary with a game against the resurrected Old Berkhamstedians, our frst opponents on Boxing Day 1924. The round-robin format, incorporating the returning students Wanderers side, was a real success. Coach Grinch Hoskins forbade any of the 1st XV to play and the mixed-ability club team narrowly lost both matches, but rugby (and the bar) was the winner. There was a big crowd for the day, and it was especially nice to see Josh Lewsey, and his family, back in the clubhouse.
Welcome to Arnold Funeral Service Match Day Lunch
The Hertford game set for 11 January was lost to the weather and we will now entertain them on Saturday 22 February. Since then, we have had two long trips and two defeats, 26-3 to North Walsham and 34-24 to Old Northamptonians. We were well in contention in both games for the frst hour and the outcomes were disappointing. The four-try bonus point achieved last week may prove to be very useful in the fnal analysis. We currently lie eleventh in the London and SE Regional 1 table, with two games in hand over Harpenden, who are four points ahead in tenth. We also still have the home game against Harpenden to come. No one knows how many teams will go down, so there’s everything to play for.
Due either to opponents crying-off or bad weather, the 2nd XV didn’t play a game between 30 November and 17 January. This took its toll on availability (ever our nemesis) and the team has lost both games played in the last two weeks, 17-40 to Maidenhead and 3-29 to Slough 1st XV. We have slipped back to mid-table, perfectly respectable for the frst season back at this level. Rams today will be a tough test.
The 3s remain unbeaten, unless of course they lost last night’s foodlit match at home to High Wycombe. If you came along to watch, you will already be aware that it’s a highly convivial way to spend a Friday evening. You can try it (again) next Friday, 7 February, when our Women’s XV play their inaugural match – quite possibly a signal event in the club’s development.
THE TEAMS
SATURDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2025, KICK-OFF 2.00pm
AMERSHAM & CHILTERN 1XV
1. Razvan Dranca
2. Joe Batt 3. Max Morphey 4. Harry Bradshaw 5. Jacques O’Driscoll
Jordan Scott (C) 7. Michael Everett 8. Kazeem Olayinka
Ben Harris
Alex Bower
Tom Fawssett
Noah Jarvis
Dan Kingsley
James Morrison
Ben Pothecary 16. Doug McGregor-Smith 17. Andrew Toole
Aaron Lewis
Ref: George Berry, RFU
OUNDLE
1. Harry Morley
2. Grant Snelling 3. Matt Collins 4. Will Cardall 5. Matthew Waring 6. Kieran Frost
7. Joe Bercis
8. Conor Gracey (cc)
9. James Fear
10. Rayner
11. Joe Sagoe
12. Samson Ma’asi
13. Lucas Paulien-Camy
14. Mateaki Ma’asi
15. Harry Bureau
16. Charlie Frankham
17. Craig Tandy
18. Ben Young
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UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT RAZVAN DRANCA
Razvan is a big boy yet he is sophisticated, calm and collected. Gentle yet powerful with some saying gifted with the softness of a big brown bear.
Raz has been welcomed with very wide-open arms this season after a smooth transfer from Camberley RFC (an already established Level 5 side). ‘A&C have always been dear to my heart Andy; he says with sincerity and a big smile’.
He does find it funny rather, than informative thankfully.
He eats vegetarian food especially carbonara soaked in fake meat with a deluge of cheese –‘any cheese will do Andy!’. ‘I’m a modern man and love Pink as a colour’ - it says a lot about a man especially big ones.
Holiday wise he likes nothing more than stripping to the minimum and flip-flopping around his home town and birth place of Suceava in Romania. Wizz Air transports him there on the cheapy tickets. This keeps his slim as there is little food provided, and drinks are passed round in a
We meet within a sauna within a health facility local to the Wokingham area. Razvan enjoys this time as he gets to wear little, whilst enjoying the comfort of flip-flops. We find a table and drink carrot juice together.
Surprisingly he opens by explaining his love for ‘Taylor’ – yes! He is a Swifty and gets frustrated when she doesn’t sing on the changing room play list. He was also there, yes! at Wembley for the Era tour with many fellow admirers who enjoyed being lifted up and sitting on his shoulders for a decent view.
TV wise he is an avid watcher of ‘The Office’, both UK and US versions.
communal flask. match.
Being Romanian, sadly like many others from afar, Manchester Utd is the football team he is drawn to – ‘they were the only team we knew in Romania he says’.
I share my experience of watching Ally McCoist score for Rangers in the 80s, away, against Steau Bucharest. Raz does not hesitate in pointing out he is too young to remember that!!
Now interestingly when it comes to his passion – Rugby! He is a fan of the Bristol Bears. He explains that he has also played before at Ashton Gate their home ground and share with Bristol City FC. This was a part of the Bristol Varsity
He played stunningly well! Spookily Romanians have a love and deep fondness for the brown bear and having witnessed a couple in the foothills of
Transalvania I know how ‘Cheeky cheeky’ they can be. They were obviously girls, big and strong and very effective bin emptiers.
Razvan has a single wish and that is to continue to have no injuries and to feel ‘sprightly’ on Sunday mornings. I explained that wish is common for anyone aged over 50. He also wishes very much of course that A&C remain challenging within level 5.
When not sweaty either on the pitch or in the spa Raz works as a Manager for Insights. He explains how insightful he is about most things and that he has a gift to be able to simplify the complicated within an algorithm prior to drawing lots of triangles, squares and of course circles. This drives sales and makes him a decent income. Must be a Consultant!!
He would rather not disclose his age, but his moustache is coming on and he has the thighs of Hercules. He moved from Romania to the UK in 2002 and wishes very much that he settled in Scotland and aquired an accent like mine J. He is very wise!
After the next 10years he sees himself living somewhere sunny without a care in the world. He would like to still be playing and still be able to run as fast as me. He will always be a watcher from the sidelines if not playing. A future linesman?
Prior to departure from the spa we arrange to reconvene at the gym soon for a session of his favourite deadlifting weights – can’t wait! He also suggests a quick game of Pokemon trump with his set of cards. He is a keen collector and gamer.
A mighty prop and marauder Razvan you are already a seasoned Chilt and we all salute you.
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SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS
Independent Prep School
Why do we need Sponsors and Advertisers?
Boys Aged 3-13
The rugby club is run as a charity and in a good year the income from subs and the clubhouse events and sponsors means we just about break even.
This season we celebrate 100 years of our active presence in the local community. The senior club was founded in 1924 and just as importantly we were one of the pioneer clubs who started mini rugby 50 years ago. We continue to provide a wonderful rugby experience for players and supporters of all ages.
Peter, pictured here, always in his A&C attire, chatting on match dayIN ALL AREAS
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 the solar panels, the new car park and of course the borehole. All of these investments make it possible to start the season.
Incidentally with our energy costs increasing dramatically we need to focus on ways to become more energy efficient. Pitch maintenance is another big expense, with an extra £20,000 spent this summer on more ground’s maintenance work and nearly £30,000 on clubhouse repairs. We continually invest and the Centenary fundraising offers a great opportunity to make more progress. 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.
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 and their coaches too.
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.
Ruthie Brockett, our Sponsorship & Publicity Manager, will be delighted to hear from you with ideas and suggestions. Please contact her on sponsorship@chilternrugby.com.
Pre-booked Appointments Required SAT 30 SEPT 9:00 - 12:00
Most importantly we want our members to enjoy using the products and services in this programme.
