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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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THE ROB MAXEY CUP –
This year, in our special Centenary season, we proudly introduce The Rob Maxey Cup, awarded to our Volunteer of the Year in memory of a man whose dedication to ACRFC left a lasting mark. Rob, along with Juliet, was a tireless supporter of the club for many years, and Juliet continues to honour his legacy with unwavering commitment. Rob’s cousins Cathryn, Bruce and Alison were always deeply aware of the depth of Rob’s devotion to Chiltern and we are very grateful for their generosity in donating this special trophy.
In its inaugural year, there could be no more deserving recipient of the Rob Maxey Cup than Andrew Grant. For those of you who don’t know (and you should), Andy has been the manager of our 1st XV for the past five years, a period in which they have been extremely successful. Andy would be the first to say that most of that comes down to the efforts of the players and coaches, but they would counter by acknowledging the importance of the support he has provided. Knowing that the bus will be on time, that the clean kit will all be there and that they won’t have to run the line themselves, all allows the boys to concentrate on the game. They may not always say it but Andy is one of the main guys they play for.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Game day aside, Andy makes a significant contribution to the club as perhaps its most elegant wordsmith. Delicately crafted match reports and the Spotlight articles that tell you more than you might want to know about the our various personalities all flow from his pen. Behind the scenes, he also acts as our Disciplinary Officer, balancing his frustration with the actions of players (“why can’t they just behave?”) against the vagaries of what sometimes seems an arbitrary regime, all with thoroughness, empathy and kindness.
That he takes on this Disciplinary role is even more extraordinary when you consider that by day, Andy is a DCI for the MPS, specialising in Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation. You might think that in itself is enough of a contribution to society, but Andy still wants to give. The world needs more Andy Grants, and we’re beyond lucky to have the one there is.
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REGIONAL 1 SOUTH EAST LEAGUE
Match Report - Saturday 22nd March 2025
Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV - 29 Old Northamptonians 1XV - 29 Half-time (19-22)
Chiltern dodge a deserved 5pts to bank a hard earned and timely draw
Arnold Funeral Service Match Day Lunch
‘Survivor’ by Destiny’s Child 2001
I’m a survivor (what?)
I’m not got’ give up (what?)
I’m not gon’ stop. (what?)
I’m gon’ work harder (what?)
I’m a survivor (what?)
I’m gonna make it (what?)
I will survive (what?)
Keep on survivin’ (what?)
On a big day, in fact weekend for the Amersham and Chiltern membership I think it’s fair to say that there was a significant level of optimism, excitement and happiness as we settled in for a weekend of tension, hopeful joy and lots of applause.
We lunched with the President, cheered on the 1XV, sent best wishes to Slough for the 2XV and then offered valuable sup-port to our U14s, U15s and U16s on Bucks Cup finals Sunday. A busy club over the 2 days and a largely successful one too. Well done to everyone.
For those of you keenly tuned into the weekly match reports the scene was set for the remaining 2 games in the Regional 1 London and Southeast league (level 5). With Bedford Athletic bottom and Harpenden now, 2nd bottom they both sat in the relegation places. With only one point separating Harpenden and A&C a win or indeed some losing points in their game away to Southend could well have done us some damage. Points therefore against a 4th place ONs was a must and the more the merrier.
MATCH REPORT
Our President (Boy Band member - Digger) was in fine form and with plastic glasses at the ready a vibrant home support ensured an encouraging atmosphere all around the white fence of stardom. Many past players had also returned, like salm-on ,to their mountain rivers in the highlands of Scotland. Although not laying any eggs they were nevertheless able to con-sume copious amounts of alcohol and catch up with friends and family. Everything was in essence in place for a great day. Just needed a great performance.
And so to the action…..
A&C started well although some buttery fingers from the first 2 kick-offs took off the shine. Early indications also of solid set plays with a firm scrum with the 2nd rows leaping high and plucking the ball from the air well. Both
sides used their forwards well with ON’s trying harder to kick start their backs into action. A&Cs backs were quieter and this became a bit of a theme as the match progressed.
A young referee took charge from Peter Gibson’s home City of Christchurch New Zealand. He spoke the same as Peter and is a referee of high standing in NZ. The English RFU are therefore fast-tracking him through their processes so perhaps he will be able to come and speak at our next centenary dinner. ONs got the scoreboard ticking over slotting an early penalty in the 7th minute. Only a couple of mins later A&C fought back with hooker Joe Batt scoring his 1st try of 3 finishing off a very impressive early maul. Converted by winger Tom Fawssett (7-3).
MATCH REPORT
ONs weren’t going to sit back as keen to snatch the 3rd place from the final visitors to Weedon Lane, Sudbury. After some good pressure they scored their opening try on 15mins (7-8). Then up pops wee Captain Finch with a leaders swerve and dummy. Jinks his way through and dives under the post for a straightforward conversion on 21mins - (14-8). A&C continued to turn the screw with excellent ball retention and defence before adding further with another Joe Batt controlled try on 28mins (19-8). ONs on 34mins finished off some strong running with a converted try
MATCH REPORT
(19-15). They then upped the tempo and really pushed for a try prior to half-time. They were duly rewarded and secured a good conversion (H/T. 19-22).
2nd half A&C got more control and started well playing towards an ever-optimistic clubhouse. Joe Batt secured his 3rd and wide smile on his face as he barged his way through arms in the air. Alex Bower stepping up to secure the conversion (26-22). Significant opportunities came and went for both sides with the mystery of the ball being touched down or not being a theme.
Team
Both sides had decent cases for touch downs with a referee that just seemed to be on the wrong side. Decisively though A&C missed a kick from hand to the corner which just could have one it from the resulting maul. It was kicked long, and the opportunity was lost. ONs were then clinical with Captain Josh taking a yellow for the team as ONs scored a penalty try (26-29). Step up big Tom Fawssett to secure a well-deserved draw (29 -29) and 3pts secured in a wonderfully entertaining drawn game.
So Super Saturday (Digger Day) brings another home game to Weedon Lane with the visit of 3rd place Sudbury. Previous winners at their place for our baptism into level 5. I promised we would beat them at home in the last game. Matters remain in our own hands with us requiring 1pt. We are though 4 pts ahead of Harpenden who welcome their local rivals Tring who I suppose will like nothing more to ensure Harpenden’s relegation.
It will be another exciting day. See you there.
1. Doug McGregor-Smith 2. Joe Batt 3. Max Morphey 4. Harry Bradshaw 5. Jacques O’Driscoll 6. Andrew Toole 7. Josh Finch (Captain) 8. Jordan Scott 9. Conor Segre 10. Alex Bower 11. Tom Fawssett 12. Dan Kingsley 13. Kasper Strugar 14. James Morrison 1 5. Ben Harris 16. Charlie Swerling 17. Kazim Olayinka 18. Noah Jarvis
Sunday’s Bucks Cup Finals were a fabulous celebration of youth rugby—and it simply wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors.
What a great day at A&C , thank you to everyone who took part and huge congratulations to all three of our A&C sides who took to the pitch—what a showcase of talent, teamwork and tenacity!
U14s kicked things off with an impressive 18–5 win
U15s battled to a 27–27 draw, taking the win on tries scored!
U16s narrowly lost out 15–17 in a hard-fought contest
Every team gave it their all—and the support from the A&C community was absolutely brilliant.
A massive thank you to everyone who came down to cheer the teams on. Your energy made all the difference!
Hosting such a well-attended event in our Centenary year was a really special, and we’re proud to have welcomed players, families, and supporters from across the county for a day of brilliant grassroots rugby.
To all of our sponsors—thank you. Your support makes events like this not just possible, but memorable. Your backing helps us invest in the next generation of players, strengthen our club community, and continue building something special here at A&C RFC
A heartfelt thanks to:
Savills– our main sponsor for the day
Wells Farm Dairy
Nena Craft Bakery
Plus Finance UK
Ward & Burke
Cafe on the Common (Mission EmployAble) matters group amersham
Engage
Campion Willcocks
Your sponsorship is more than just a logo—it’s an investment in members, sport, and our rugby community. We’re so grateful for yours.
Today’s match against Sudbury is the last game of the 2024/25 league programme, when promotion and relegation will be finalised. Chiltern are tenth in the twelve-club Regional 1 South East League table, with two teams to be demoted. We are four points clear of Harpenden in eleventh, with six wins against five and a better game-points difference (by 85). Realistically, Harpenden can only overtake us if they beat Tring with four tries and we get nothing from our game. So, after eight months and twenty-one games (plus warm-ups), it all comes down to this: if we win or even if we get two points today, we stay up; if we get one point, we probably stay up; if we get nothing, then staying up depends on how Harpenden do.
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Everything being in our hands doesn’t make the task any easier, however. Sudbury are a fine side, and they play some great rugby. They currently lie third in the table and will be doing everything they can to consolidate that position today. We went to them on the first day of the season and lost 43-17, a real eye-opener for our players in terms of what this league required. We have learned much since then and are undoubtedly a better side now than we were in September but make no mistake that today will be a more than stern challenge. Whatever the outcome, we offer a warm welcome to Sudbury’s players, officials and supporters.
That Chiltern have put themselves in control of their own destiny is largely due to a fine run of form since midFebruary, when we have lost once in five games. The wins at Shelford and Bedford Athletic were outstanding efforts, and we played well to beat Harpenden at home, but the boys had to dig especially deep to draw with Old Northamptonians in our most recent game a fortnight ago. Cheered on by a large and let’s say convivial President’s Lunch crowd, Chiltern were the first to four tries (one from Josh Finch and three, yes three from Joe Batt) and looking at a five-point win for a while, but ONs pulled it back to lead 26-29 with only a few minutes left. Happily, the referee awarded the home side a penalty, which Tom Fawssett coolly slotted to make the scores level. Some frantic play left both sides with opportunities to snatch victory, until wiser heads prevailed, and Chiltern put the ball into touch to settle for the three league points on offer. News that Harpenden had lost confirmed the sagacity of that decision.
High Wycombe
We were meant to have two senior games at home this weekend but the 3s Friday night fixture against Aylesbury was sadly called off. Nevertheless, their resurrection (and unbeaten record) has been an important development this season and we look forward to it continuing next year. The 2nd XV have also had a good year, consolidating their position in Counties 2 BBO after last year’s promotion. They are away at Henley today but have arranged an early kick-off, to be able to get back and cheer on the 1s. Good lads!
As well as our guests from Sudbury, I need to finish by welcoming Arnold’s and all their guests to our annual Digger Day. As I’m sure you know, Peter Kenyon is our President and does a huge amount for the club. I hope you have a great day.
Huw
THE TEAMS
SATURDAY 5th APRIL 2025, KICK-OFF 3.00pm
AMERSHAM & CHILTERN 1XV
1. Doug McGregor Smith
2. Joe Batt*
3. Max Morphey*
4. Harry Bradshaw*
5. Jacques O’Driscoll*
6. Andrew Toole
7. Josh Finch (Capt)
8. Jordan Scott
9. Conor Segre
10. Alex Bower*
11. Tom Fawssett
12. Dan Kingsley*
13. Kaspar Strugar
14. Bojan Cecaric
15. Ben Harris*
16. Charlie Swerling*
17. Kaz Olayinka
18. Noah Jarvis
* Denote Home Grown Player
Ref: Callum Hill (RFU)
SUDBURY
1. Tom Barry 2. Charlie Gardiner
3. Tom Dain
4. Will Rodda
5. Jack Dachtler
6. Sam Bixby (C)
7. Harry Watkins
8. Henry Cowling
9. Liam Leeson
10. Sam Rust
11. Louie Boydell
12. Jake Sumner
13. Dave Brennan
14. Sean Smith
15. Frazer Beckett
16. Sam Green
17. Ollie Stowe
18. Ewan Lawton
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UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
PETER ‘DIGGER’ KENYON
I know that many people believe Peter’s name is actually ‘Digger’. In fact if you have ever read ‘Tom Brown’s school days’ by Thomas Hughes I’m sure there was a ‘Digger ‘in one of the classes. If there was not then there should be. So whilst under the A&C spotlight I need to make clear and formally announce that our much loved ‘Digger’ was in fact christened Peter after St Peter, guardian of the pearly gates and therefore entirely right that he should become the most famous and weirdly popular undertakers in the whole of Bucks.
A private man and knowing that his surname ‘Kenyon’ as in ‘Kenyon International’ is known worldwide he very cunningly works under the cover of darkness using the name ‘Arnold Funeral Care’ For the referees he is a valued advertiser across the rear of their reversible tops. For the players his name tends to take prominence on their buttocks. He therefore welcomes many scrums to maximise publicity.
Being ‘Digger Day’ I take my torch as he has requested we meet up at night in a local cemetery. I have a flask to share, alongside some left over Halloween Haribos. I also have a small
hip flask and a cricket bat in hand in case of any low flying bats. Digger is more comfortable than me as he we sit outside an impressive mausoleum under moonlight.
A 1959 London child Peter was a very calm and extremely good-looking baby. He always drew in admirers who peered into a very grand 4-wheel drive style pram. Always excitable even as a child it was discovered that a dummy dipped in bitter got him off to a deep dreamy sleep. He has been an aware winning Funeral Service Director for many many years. He enjoys singing hymns in the bath and always appreciates an imaginative sermon. Before he dies, he wants to ensure he has a last supper. Although partial to steak and chips, he feels it is more important to have company of at least another 12, preferably rugby players seated around a large circular table.
Digger recognizes that he eats and drinks far too much. ‘I don’t know where I put it all Andy’. Digger is quite wee, but by all accounts a bit of a street fighter and a handy little hooker in his day. He is not a fan of films and would rather someone watches a film whilst he does something else. Apart from singing ‘Abide with me’ and ‘will your anchor hold in the storms of life’ he adores ‘Do it yourself’ by Fast Freddie. In keeping with his favourite drink alongside bitter, he loves the colour claret. I know in policing we use ‘claret’ to describe blood. ‘Loads of claret at the scene of the murder’. Digger gets his vast amounts of energy from eating copious amounts of milk chocolate digestives. He dunks them and can fit three whole ones in his mouth at the one time. He shows me this party piece as a bat flutters above.
In summer especially he is regularly seen sunning himself all over North Devon. He feels he gets the best view of South Wales and gets sufficient
privacy to wear his A&C budgie smugglers. A regular in the rugby club gym alongside another well-known athlete, Richard Bobbett both have a wonderful ambition to be fit enough to play in one more rugby season. We giggle!. Digger loves being our President and especially being one of our ‘Boy Band’ members. Always smartly turned out he has every club jacket, shirt and tie. He is very well read and on average answers at least 6 questions correctly in University Challenge. Historical fiction is his joker round at a quiz night. He amazingly does not know any of the characters in ‘Oliver’ .I explain that I had been Mr Bumble as a youth with the aid of a pillow to make me look fatter (it was a few years ago). I explain that Oliver was sold to an undertaker and had to sleep in a coffin (Much loved Leonard Rossiter). I stop short of singing any of the songs. I
am stunned. Moving on we speak about our club Captain Jack Kenyon his son. He acknowledges his hard work and general excellence. That was never ever in doubt although unlike Jack Digger does wear his socks. Digger is Apolitical. He has no interest whatsoever in politics. I applaud him quietly. Player wise he has special fondness and respect for our own Ben Pothecary, Ed Wainwright and the mighty Peter Gibson.
So why is he so generous on ‘Digger day’? Well Andy it is just evolved from a humble and small beginning whereas Arnold Funeral Care we host a gig and sponsor A&C at the same time. Our club has given my family and me so much since he was a junior player. It is my way of saying a big thank you.
Well well well – there is not many people I was sit in a graveyard for and I am proud to call Digger my friend.
Peter ‘Digger‘ Kenyon we salute you!!
We salute you!!
Unit 3, Binders Industrial Estate, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP15 6LJ
SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS
Why do we need Sponsors and Advertisers?
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 day
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.
Most importantly we want our members to enjoy using the products and services in this programme.
Thank you for supporting our great Club.
Peter Osborne Director OSBORNE SAMUEL GALLERY
Entertainer
Entertainer
Entertainer
ADVERTS IN OUR ON-LINE MATCH PROGRAMME – 1st XV GAMES
11+ Home Matches to be played throughout the 2025/26 Season
Sent to all our Club Members (approx. 2000)
Full Page: £600 + VAT - Half Page: £350 + VAT -Logo link on Club Website
PLAYER SPONSOR: £450 & VAT
Sponsor your favourite playing position in our 1XV Online Programme, i.e., Full Back
LARGE PITCH-SIDE HOARDING FACING THE CLUBHOUSE or SIDE OF 1XV PITCH:
Facing the Clubhouse: £1200+VAT plus £500+VAT production cost
One pitch-side advertising board size 4000mm x 720mm
Logo link on Club website
Plus featuring in our Sponsor Spotlight in our newsletter and on our social media, FB, X and Instagram
PITCH-SIDE HOARDING: FACING THE PITCH SIDE: £600 plus £350+VAT production cost
One pitch-side advertising board 2000mm x 600mm
Logo link on Club website
Plus featuring in our Sponsor Spotlight in our newsletter and on our social media, FB, X and Instagram
CENTENARY SCOREBOARD: £100
SENIOR/WOMEN/COLTS
XV
KIT SPONSORFOR NEXT SEASON 25/26
Your logo on the shirts/kit worn by the Senior XV for all their games
Plus, a company feature in our Sponsor Spotlight in our newsletter which goes to all Members and on our social media, FB, X and Instagram Logo link on Club website
SENIORS/WOMEN
MATCH DAY SPONSOR: CLUB PACKAGE £2,000 + VAT
Please enquire for more information.
MAIN SPONSOR OF THE MINIS DEVELOPMENT FESTIVAL/EVENTS
