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Chairman’s Welcome
Massive Ash Grove Welcome to all our sponsors and supporters today on this final day of January. Not quite the balmy spring day we had the last time we hosted our guests today Sunbury. I have my fingers crossed for a similar score to last season, with both teams sitting in similar position to the end of January last year.
I will let our Director of Rugby, Peter Gibson, cover the playing side of the day. I would like to rally you all behind the club and behind my Chairmanship for what could be a challenging but exciting couple of years.
Rugby as a whole is at a crossroads. The national game is thriving, but professional clubs are all in the red, and the community game lurches from one hiatus to another. Traditional County structures are being merged and we live with the demise of the game in state schools.
However, I am happy to report that Amersham & Chiltern RFC is in rude health. We have continued to regrow our minis and juniors sections back to pre-Covid levels, our Colts are flying, our Women’s section are playing and having fun winning games. Our senior section is attracting our students back to the club and our teams are playing at the highest levels we have ever played.
This is only possible because of our sponsors and our volunteers. It costs £100,000 to run a senior section of a club in Level 5 of the league the 1st XV are in. We are competing against teams in the same league that are spending double what we do. We have aspirations to make it into National Leagues which will require more funding and deeper pockets. This ambition was beyond us until now.
However, we have a strong and robust plan to make Ash Grove into an exciting new hub for community sport in Amersham that centres around rugby but that is open to all. We will have more facilities, longer opening hours and provide a range of sports that cater for a wider demographic in the local area.
We hope that you can join us on this journey and continue your amazing support. The club is your club. Make it work for you. I have loved what it offers since I joined nearly 20 years ago. Our second century needs to be one of progress. It may feel slow at the moment, but slow progress is still Progress.
I will be keeping an eye on the score from afar. Apologies I can’t be with you but have a great day with your host for the day Peter Osborne.
Andy Saunders
President: Peter Kenyon; Chairman: Andy Saunders; Hon Sec: Ralph Hayward; Hon Treasurer: Chris Tavender; Membership Secretary: Sandra Hitchman; Director of Rugby: Pete Gibson; Mini Chairman: James Stacpoole; Junior Chairman: Rob Elms
Chairman – A&C RFC
From humble beginnings
Over 30 years ago Michael Clark bought a removal van and that van has now turned into a national award winning organisation.
Long recognised as Buckinghamshire’s premier Removal, Storage & Document archive company Clarks of Amersham now has 18 vehicles, more than 50,000 sq ft of warehouse space and over 50 employees. We like to feel that whatever service you are buying we treat you as if you were part of our own family.
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Today we thank Peter Osborne for his continued generosity for sponsoring the 2026 Sponsors Lunch.
Peter has been a central volunteer at A&C RFC for many years in various roles including President and is an avid fan and supporter of ‘The Chilts’.
He is well known for his fundraising and commemorative work. He set up the 200 club over 25 years ago and this has raised money for numerous maintenance and improvement projects.
Peter Osborne is a partner in the Osborne Samuel Gallery which is located on Cork Street London, specialising in Modern British painting and sculpture.
The Osborne Samuel Gallery is a principal sponsor of the club.
Thank you Peter for your unwavering support, we appreciate everything you have done and continue to do.
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MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS CAN HIRE OUR FABULOUS CLUBHOUSE AND FACILITIES... WE CAN OFFER...
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• fully equipped licensed bar
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• main hall with up to 160 sit-down capacity
• Grayburn Lounge area with up to 30 sit-down capacity
If you have any further questions, please get in touch. Thank you.
Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club Administrator Tel: 01494 725161 events@chilternrugby.com
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Today we thank Tim Cooper, Daniel Cooper and Sean McAndrew for their generosity in sponsoring the table wine for today’s Sponsors Lunch.
Dayla drinks is a fourth generation run company that started in the early 1800’s as Hollands Ales. Named Dayla in the early 1970’s this company is now known for its distribution of drinks.
Since taking over from his dad Richard (Dick) Tim has been at the helm and his son Daniel and Daughter Kaz work alongside him.
Tim has been an unfaltering supporter of A&C RFC for many years and we thank him for his generosity and continued support.
What’s on at Amersham & Chiltern
SATURDAY 31th
SPONSORS LUNCHEON
A&C MINI DEV FESTIVAL
SUNDAY 1ST
SATURDAY 7th
SATURDAY 28th PRESIDENT’S LUNCHEON MARCH
What’s on at Amersham & Chiltern
SATURDAY 11th
FRIDAY 24th
VETS TOUR TO SOUTHEND
MINI AWARDS DAY
SUNDAY 12th
JUNIOR AWARDS EVENING
SENIOR PLAYERS AWARDS
FRIDAY 22th
SATURDAY 25th
SENIOR OVERSEAS TOUR
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REGIONAL 1 SOUTH EAST LEAGUE
AMERSHAM & CHILTERN 1XV
2025 / 2026 SEASON
MATCH REPORT
Saturday 31st January 2026 - 2pm - Ash Grove - Amersham
Amersham and Chiltern 1 XV - 22 v North Walsham 1XV- 3
(H/T 5-3)
CHILTERN PITCH PERFECT AS NORTH WALSHAM HIT A FLAT
I write the songs - Barry Manilow 1975
‘I write the songs that make the whole world sing I write the songs of love and special things I write the songs that make the young girls cry I write the songs I write the songs’
I resited defaulting to “Happy New Year by Abba, as I’ve probably used it before as much as anything else. Our first match of 2026 was even more notable than that. It was the first match of Andy Saunder’s reign as Chairman and was a victory. It was only the 4th win of our 2025/2026 season. It was a match that saw our very own Viking, Prop Max Morphey, go up against the might of the collective North Walsham Vikings, and it resulted in another away defeat for the 5th-place side, who remain very much reliant on home fixtures. This really is quite a league with only 10 points separating us in 11th to Sudbury in 5th. It really is all to play for.
The Vikings had had a long voyage from their North Norfolk base, hungry for an away victory. On a January day, they had not expected to play on such a wonderful pitch that, despite enduring a heavy natural watering in the days leading up to the match, had overnight transformed into a chilled but perfectly formed playing surface. This gave A&C the confidence of much-needed success as they prepared for battle.
For the 1st 20mins, and of concern, it was the Vikings who swarmed in wave after wave of attack. At a brisk drum beat, they tested the Amersham defence with potent runs and sustained rucking. There were no signs of travel fatigue, and
MATCH REPORT
there was clearly a desire to build an early lead to then take some pressure off. The Amersham defence, though, was equal to all attack offerings and, like scud missiles being shot down, each attack was thwarted, resulting in a penalty or knock-on. These were opportunities that would be regretted in due course. As the tide turned, though, it was A&C who opened the scoring on 30 minutes with Prop stalwart, Charlie Swerling, finishing an excellent marauding attack with the opening try (5-0). With A&C seeing more of the ball and the Vikings more subdued, they kicked a penalty just before half-time (5-3) to set up an exciting 2nd half.
MATCH REPORT
With Chiltern attacking the Clubhouse, it only took 6 minutes for Wing Sammy Sinclair to slickly break the defence and score our 2nd try - converted by Full-back Louis Mould (12-3). With some North Walsham indiscipline, Louis then kicked a penalty to extend our lead (15-3). By the time 78 minutes came, the game was won with Rob Hughes (Hughes dynasty) marking his welcome home with 3rd try, converted by Louis. (22-3).
A well-deserved win and a fascinating league
This week we are away to 2nd place Letchworth Garden City. Not too far to come and support, and it will undoubtedly be a lovely muddy pitch just like always. Hopefully it will be a leveller and if our form is maintained, it could lead to our 2nd away win. Ever the optimist - see you there. (Ko 3 pm)
3 tries were disappointing as no bonus point was achieved. There were, though, 3 other gifted opportunities which would have amounted to 6 tries. Dave Francis at No8, having run through with ease twice, somehow either throws the ball to the opposition or trips over it. And then with Chiltern breaking through the line, only for the player to be pulled back on 3 occasions, not to be given a penalty try. I’ll never know why it wasn’t awarded.
MATCH REPORT
A&C 1XV - 1. Alfie Holland 2. Charlie Swerling 3. Max Morphey. 4. Harry Bradshaw. 5. Jordan Scott 6. Robert Hughes. 7. Josh Finch (C). 8. David Francis 9. Ben Harris. 10. Alex Bower 11. Dom Ashwell. 12. Harry Stevens. 13. Dan Kingsley 14. Sammy Sinclair. 15. Louis Mould Subs 16. Dave Cole 17. Mike Everett. 18. Noah Jarvis
MATCH REPORT
Saturday - 17th January 2026- 3pm
Letchworth Garden City 1 XV - 31 v Amersham and Chiltern 1XV - 12 (HT 5-0 )
LETCHWORTH EVENTUALLY BREAK FREE AS CHILTERN NOW UNDER PRESSURE
Queen and David Bowie - 1981
‘Pressure
Pushing down on me
Pressing down on you
No man ask for Under pressure
That burns a building down
Splits a family in two
Continuing with the Queen theme, we now need all to ‘pray tomorrow gets me higher’ as A&C prop up the league in 12th, a position we hoped to avoid, but now we have arrived, we need to rise away from it. This away match was always going to be a tough one.
Letchworth has had another outstanding season, doing battle with the top side. Last year it was the impressive Oundle, and this year perhaps a bit wobblier Colchester. Many feel the expecta-tion of level 4 rugby could be too much for Colchester and Letchworth. We hoped that could be the case, and certainly after a hard-fought and entertaining 1st half, there was very little between the sides.
Puts people on streets
Refrain - Um ba ba be - um ba ba be
De day da
Ee day da
That’s OK
With only 10 points between 12th and 6th, the bottom half of the league remains keenly fought. The youth of Old Northamptonians (9th) continued their winning ways with a 47-19 win over 8th-placed Westcliffe. Hertford then also had a surprise win against today’s opponents, Sudbury, 33-21, to swap positions with us and hope they are now also in winning form.
MATCH REPORT
For A&C, our focus is now purely on us. Over the final few weeks, we have Sudbury (6th), Medway (7th), Colchester (1st) at home and Hertford (11th), Westcliff (8th), Shelford (10th), Southend (4th). It really is all to play for.
And now to the action ….. The pitch was in decent nick, although a little more worn and quite wet to the touch. Letchworth also has quite a distinctive slant to its pitch, which creates a bit of a downhill/ uphill dynamic. We travelled with our new Chairman, Andy Saunders. At times we walked the touchline together with me sprinting when needed and Andy commentating appropriately (of course) and loudly. There was a single try in the 1st half with Letchworth benefitting from ineffec-tive tacking down the left with the winger seemingly unopposed. 50-50 possession. Chiltern’s
defence was strong apart from that single slip, and our set plays were poor. Lineouts were erratic, and the scrum was challenging but improving. I think there were half-time nerves. The local support was not very chatty (HT 5-0).
We started the 2nd half strongly, pinning the Letchworth defence effort to their line. Frustratingly, again, it was the left-wing weakness on 48 minutes, and an easy and relieving 2nd try, that caused the home support to be more engaged with the Amersham support - converted (12-0). The floodgates then opened. Speed down the left again, poor tackling, 3rd try and conversion on 51mins (19-0), and the game is
won. A 4th then put the cherry on the top on 60mins (24 - 0) be-fore Noah off the bench finished well at centre for a more than well deserved opener from Amer-sham (24-5). Like killing a wasp, Letchworth made sure in their yellow and black hoops and swat-ted once more on 73 minutes with another try duly converted (31-5). Mighty Max Morphey wal-loped the Letchworth defence on 79 minutes for our second try, duly converted by Louie Mould (Full Back)Final score 31-12. As a touch judge, my leggings received positive feedback from their Centrethank you.
Next Week - Home to Sudbury. It’s a long way to travel and, therefore, always to have a home advantage. Like North Walsham, Sudbury are always strong at home and tend to struggle away. Recent away trips have led to losses at Hertford (33-21), North Walsham (25-6), Southend (5320), Westcliff (28-15), and Shelford (45-43). They did, though, beat us at their home 66-17. Clearly all to play for. See you there.
A&C 1XV - 1. Doug McGregor-Smith 2. Charlie Swerling 3. Max Morphey. 4. Harry Bradshaw. 5. Jordan Scott. 6. Robert Hughes. 7. Josh Finch 8. David Francis 9. Ben Harris. 10. Dan Kingsley 11. Dom Ashwell. 12. Harry Stevens. 13. Sammy Sinclair14. MacKenzie South. 15. Louie Mould— Subs 16. Alfie Holland 17. Mike Everett 18. Noah Jarvis
VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE
Pete Gibson - January 31st, 2026
21-23 Little Marlow Rd, Marlow 01628 898 866
The second half of the season is well underway. We are looking forward to the evenings drawing out and some drier pitches for training and playing on. Expectations remain high for all senior teams as we come into the business end of the season.
this is that younger players when they finish playing 1st XV / 2nd XV rugby is to continue to enjoy the game for what it is at a more social level.
1st XV Update: It’s been a turbulent season so far with many great performances and just too many near win opportunities. As of today, we are sitting twelve in the league. Played 15 – lost 11 , won four.
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The next game is planned for Friday 27th Feb vs Chesham at Weedon Lane.
The last league game against Letchworth Garden City was once again a very close affair with a half-time 5-0 lead to the opposition. Chiltern competing well and giving themselves plenty of opportunities.
The second half started well but two swift back-to-back tries by Letchworth turned the screw, and we were then playing catch up rugby. Final score 31-12.
A very good run of games is coming up against teams that we can absolutely compete against, Sudbury today is the start, and we will be gunning for them.
Hertford on Sat 14th Feb (Away)
Shelford on Sat 28th Feb (Away)
2nd XV Update: Absolutely outstanding performance so far in the Counties 2 BBO East League. Sitting second in the league with 50 points as of today, one point behind local rivals Beaconsfield with 51 points.
On Saturday 14th of February, the top of the league clash takes place away at Beaconsfield. Let’s take as much support as possible to this match. This game will be a cracker.
Everything is to play for in the second half of the season. I’m 100% confident that the players, coaches Phil John and Dan Burke and skipper Dave Cole will bring the “Winner’s Trophy” back to Weedon Lane.
3rd XV Update: It’s been a frustrating season so far. Bad weather and player availability form A+C and opposition teams has been a challenge. It’s never easy and I believe we have the making of a good fun and friendly league structure moving forward. Maybe mixing club sides and players together is a way forward - let’s see.
It is very clear though, that the appetite for Senior men’s social rugby is on the decline. The only way to improve
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Colts Update: Again, an outstanding performance by our Colts team in the OBB Under 18 Div 2 leagueleading the league table with 24 points at the seasons halfway mark.
Thanks must go to Dave Neil, Ian Shaw, Jon Templeton, Mitch Hanson & Rob Drew who collectively help run and manage this team. So far, we have had four colts sign off for playing men’s rugby. Its great seeing these young men coming through.
Couple of very good potential matches coming up against Ealing Trailfinders on Sunday 1st February (Home) and on Sunday 8th February Beaconsfield (Away).
Women’s Update:
The Women’s team continues to grow and slowly, the green shoots are appearing.
A magnificent first win recently boosted the spirits of the team & club.
Last Sunday saw a combined A+C / Gosforth All Blacks vs Phoenix & Reading Abbey team. Some excellent rugby was played in poor conditions. Everyone playing really seemed to be enjoying themselves. The final score was 27-0 to the combined A+C / Gosforth AB team.
A big thank you to Gareth Bourne and Alan Simmons who are coaching and helping on game days.
Some great games around the corner and I would encourage as much support as possible.
Upcoming matches.
Sun 15th Feb – 2pm KO Away vs Wallingford Sun 1st March vs Beaconsfield
See you all on the touch line soon. #Upthechilts
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UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
HARRY STEVENS
Harry James Stevens has become a Chiltern icon at the tender age of 18 years. With A&C red running through his veins, he has benefited from the Harlequins Academy prior to taking level 5 rugby by storm and is now looking forward to exporting his rugby talent abroad to the beaches and the koala bears of Australia. With him soon to travel and cases to pack, we agree to meet up on a shopping trip to Bicester Shopping Village.
‘I do like a designer label, Andy’ - I do too, so we are going to have a great afternoon.
Our star Centre has been initiated (Coach travel) and is ready to take the world by storm. We decided to look for
underpants first - Calvin has a wide range. To fund himself, his job at Waitrose has been invaluable. He’s great at putting the reduced stickers on and always has an eye on the shoplifters. In 10 years’, time, Harry sees himself lying on the beach in Australia, building sandcastles and licking ice lollies (Feasts are his favourite). He remains a Harlequins fan, although he confesses that, given recent results, there could be a turbulent period. When it comes to ‘lovin’, he is a lover of rugby (of course) - food (especially loves searching kitchen cupboards and feasting) and pints. Pintwise, he is a bit picky, looking for beers that
strong indication that he is a bit of
like me, he will need to sleep longer when he is still young. Harry appreciates my advice. In winter, he loves drinking Guinness and regularly ‘splits the G’, and in summer, it has to be a Wetherspoons Blue Lagoon pitcherI hope the waters clean. He snacks on Krave cereal, and his favourite colour is Ranger’s blue - good lad. He is well known in the holiday resort of Zante, and he loves it there because he can walk around in his flip-flops and sarong. Lemon Drizzle cake gives him his zest for life
Harry loves listening to Raindance by Dave. I think of Chaz and the mighty Dave Francis.
We finish our shopping extravaganza, enjoying a black Americano and a posh ploughman’s sourdough baguette at Pretmy treat. Harry is firming up his Australian adventure and will have the specific details of the destination very soon. He is travelling alongside his minder Alfie Holland. We wish them both all the very best.
Harry and Alfie, we salute you.
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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
If you are interested in any of the above opportunities, please complete the below and return to Ruth Brockett sponsorship@chilternrugby.com
Full Name
Business Name (if applicable)
Email address
Mobile number
Sponsorship package/ packages
Personal Club Donation
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.
Last season we celebrated 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 51 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. 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.
