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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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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!
BUCKS CUP FINALS DAY
23rd MARCH 2025
FINALS MATCH INFORMATION:
11.00: U14s BUCKS CUP FINAL A&C v Marlow
12.30: U15s BUCKS CUP FINAL
A&C v High Wycombe
14.00: U16s BUCKS CUP FINAL A&C v Beaconsfield
FOOD & DRINK AVAILABLE:
9.00am: ALSK Café Open - (inside clubhouse)
9.00am: The Coffee Stop Open
10.00am: Posh Shakes Open
11.00am: Bars Open(inside and outside)
11.00am: Mozarella Nation Pizzas Open
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Eco and environmentally friendly dry-cleaning
We use only products across our standard laundry operations. Products that are 100% UK manufactured and derived from ethically sourced natural ingredients, to be allergy friendly and non-harmful to the environment.
Specialist Cleaning
For specialist cleaning of your silk, wool, cashmeres, suits, dresses, sweaters and finest clothes we have partnered with the Swedish bo ns at Electrolux to Eco-Smart Dry Clean in their non-harmful, environmentally friendly lagoon wet cleaning system.
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Collection & Delivery across South Bucks
Either order from our website or download the CleanCloud App from your App Store using the QR code, and select The Natural Laundry.
Bedford beaten as A&C gives themselves a better chance of league survival
Arnold Funeral Service
‘The final countdown - Europe 1986’ ‘We’re leaving together, but still, it’s farewell And maybe we’ll come back to earth, who can tell?
Match Day Lunch
I guess there is no one to blame We’re leaving ground (leaving ground0 Will things ever be the same again?
“Digger Day !”
It’s the final countdown - the final countdown.
For much of the season I think it’s fair to say that for the betting people amongst us both A&C and Bedford Athletic would be leaving the league together. In fact, only with 2 matches remaining it could still be both of us saying farewell.
With 2 relegation spots and Bedford and now Harpenden going the fight with A&C it remains all to play for. With losing teams still having the opportunity to gain points nothing can be left for chance; it really does remain tight.
We have 2 home games to go. Today’s challenge is Old Northamptonians (4th) followed by the visit of Sudbury (3rd) next week. In the previous fixtures ONs held onto a 34-24 home win. Our last game of the new season way back in September resulted in a 43-17 defeat to Sudbury.
We say that was a long time ago and have always looked forward to their eventual visit to Weedon lane. For ONs we perhaps have more to play for than them and with a strong home rec-ord and significant home support, league position can mean little.
MATCH REPORT
One point behind, Harpenden (11th) face Southend Saxons (7th) today and are away. Southend are strong at home and have struggled more away. Their final game is a genuine local derby at home to Tring. With no love lost and potential for Tring being instrumental in their neighbours relegation, this may provide some focus and incentive.
Bedford (12th) and 7pts behind us have the most to do and face the long trip to Sudbury, Nor-folk today and then finish at home to the Saxons.
Bedford had been on a bit of role and by all accounts Lady Luck had called last week and deliv-ered a number package of missed kicks from Old Northamptonians. With a one-point win and last gasp excitement they felt some
momentum on their road to survival. They were also going to be comfortable on their home RFU 4G. We also had some momentum on our road to glory following our own win at home against Harpenden. With Max Morphey returning to the front row following illness the scrum looked good, and we were confident.
And
so,
to the action . . .
Bit of a hectic start lots of openers and running from both sides. Touch judges busy too with a bundle of tries to liven the afternoon up. Sun shining and a 2nd team match taking place on the nearby pitch all meant lots of atmosphere, cheering and groans. ‘The Ath’ started best with some electric running from their 14 following some great breaks through the back line. Sound opening try and conversion (7-0) and The Ath meant business. Good response
MATCH REPORT
Early in the 2nd half Chiltern then stamped their authority on the game with the best try of the game and some say the season. Winger Bojan Cecaric waltzing through the Bedford defence from the halfway line and a sound finish evading a struggling Bedford defence (21-26).
Bedford then managed to settle the ship and seized the opportunity to kick a couple of straight-forward penalties following careless Chiltern mistakes. With 2 yellow cards also being issued (high tackles) it did seem A&C were giving Bedford every chance to make a game of it. With no scores against during the sin bin period A&C waited to be at full strength
Weirdly things began then to calm down with Chiltern gaining good control with excellent set plays and ball retention. By way of carelessness and elements of intercept little Ben Harris (Full-back) supported a fantastic break and finished with a converted try (well kicked by Tom Faws-sett) (21-12). To keep the pressure on it was silent, but deadly Dan Kingsley our recent centurion making a sound interception from a hopeful pass for a welldeserved 3rd Chiltern try. Again con-verted (21-19) and H/T.
MATCH REPORT
to provide an opportunity for Bedford (3 X Penalties ) (30 - 26). With sustained attack and what appeared to be a solid Jordan Scott try A&C finished the strongest securing 2 X penalties and Tom Fawssett staying cool to secure a well-deserved win (30-32).
Great match for a disappointed home support and allowed us to escape the drop zone. Today we hope to continue climbing
See you there.
Team
1. Doug McGregor-Smith 2. Joe Batt 3. Max Morphey 4. Harry Bradshaw 5. Jacques O’Driscoll 6. Andrew Toole 7. Josh Finch (C) 8. Jordan Scott 9. Conor Segre 10. Alex Bow-er 11. Bojan Cecaric 12. Dan Kingsley 13. Kasper Strugar 14. Tom Fawssett 15. Ben Harris 16. Charlie Swerling 17. Kaz Olayinka 18. Ben Pothecary.
FROM THE TOUCHLINE
by Huw Thomas
21-23 Little Marlow Rd, Marlow 01628 898 866
891 London Rd
High Wycombe HP10 9TB 01494 472 572
Today we welcome the players, officials and supporters of Old Northamptonians RFC. Due to a weather postponement, we only played them at Billing Road on 25 January, losing a great game 34-24. Chiltern scored four tries to gain a valuable bonus point (see below how important that has been). ONs lie fourth in the table, a point behind Sudbury in third, so they have plenty to play for, and it’s another must-win game for us. If the weather is good today, there should be some great stuff to watch.
38 Oak End Way Gerrards Cross SL9 8BR 01753 891 892
A lot has happened since the last time I reported. We really were in the mire, but the boys have dug deep and notched two victories since then, both sealed with no more than two minutes to go. First, we beat Harpenden. After Chiltern opened the scoring with a good try from Josh Fisher after fifteen minutes, Harpenden crossed the line twice to lead 5-10 at half time. The home side roared back with a converted try from Andrew Toole five minutes after the break, but the score stayed at a perilous 12-10 for most of the second half. Joe Batt made the game safe with a third try on 78 minutes. We were good value for the league points.
The second victory came two weeks ago at bottom club Bedford Athletic. We played some good rugby on a fast AGP, but a failure to take enough of our chances and some poor discipline almost cost us dear. Athletic went ahead with a long distance try after some poor tackling let them down the blind side of a ruck, and although Joe Batt evened things up with a score for Chiltern, the home side scored twice more to lead 21-5 after only fifteen minutes.
Thereafter, however, Chiltern took control of the game. Dan Kingsley intercepted on the 10m line and went in under the posts. Ben Harris picked up a loose ball and then supported Bo Cecaric’s run to score a third. Bo scored the all-important fourth try himself, after a picture book backs move left him free to wrongfoot the last defender. While all this (which included a period of eight minutes when yellow cards put us down to thirteen men) was going on, Athletic were staying in front by kicking penalties and still led 30-29 after 78 minutes. When Jordan Scott was inexplicably denied a try from a lineout drive, Chiltern charged back from the resultant goal line drop out and were awarded a penalty for a player not rolling away. Up stepped Tom Fawssett to coolly slot the goal and there was barely time for the hosts to kick off before the ref blew for full time. Think of Dave Crimp’s blood pressure, lads, please.
High Wycombe Traditional, Alternative and Green Funerals
These steadfast performances mean that Chiltern are now third from bottom in the table, one point ahead of Harpenden. Both sides have two games to play, so survival is entirely in our hands: if we win both, we stay up. A win today could see us safe, depending on the Harpenden result. It’s a big one.
• 24 Hour Attendance
• Pre-Payment Plans
I hope those of you attending enjoy the President’s Lunch. I can’t make it, but I shall see you on the touchline. Huw
Home Visits
THE TEAMS
SATURDAY 22nd MARCH 2025, KICK-OFF 3.00pm
AMERSHAM & CHILTERN 1XV
1. Doug McGregor Smith
Joe Batt*
Max Morphey*
Harry Bradshaw*
Jacques O’Driscoll*
Andrew Toole
Josh Finch (Capt)
Jordan Scott
Conor Segre
Alex Bower*
Tom Fawssett
Dan Kingsley*
Kaspar Strugar
James Morrison*
Ben Harris*
Charlie Swerling* 17. Kaz Olayinka
Noah Jarvis
OLD NORTHAMPTONIANS
1. Jake Diggin 2. Elliot Swift
James De La Cruz
Toby Hunt
Toby Wallace 6. Ollie Rose
7. Ashley Fullthorpe 8. Matt Parry 9. Lewis Barker 10. Thomas Addison 11. Luke Newton 12. Ben Rivans 13. Callum Lodder 14. Joe Liggins 15. Rory Seymour 16. Dan Hughes 17. OT Edwards 18. Locky Glen Ref: Josh Bamber RFU * Denote Home Grown Player
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UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
DAVID CRIMP (DAVE) - ‘A MAN THAT CAN BE TRUSTED’
Surely a presidential luncheon requires a spotlight of equal status.
When considering who we could light up for the occasion, very quickly candidates were whittled away to allow focus at last on one of our most trusted, loyal and exceptionally well-dressed members of our wonderful club.
One of our original boy band members (alongside Huw, Peter, Chris and Paul) Dave Crimp fulfills many roles including the most important ones - supporter, mentor and principal follower of fashion.
We meet down by the A413 by Chalfont St Peter Cricket Club where Dave has arrived in his sleek Aston Martin DB7 to race some of the local travellers. ‘It’s time Andy to show that horse and cart is no competition to the car when it comes to speed, comfort and efficiency’.
Throughout our time waiting together there was in fact no challenge forthcoming, so we just had a chat, shared my flask of tea and then grabbed a pint and a pork pie in a local hostelry. Dave really does have style oozing from every pore.We are both dressed smartly as we sit on his spotlessly clean bonnet (and no! I didn’t leave a dent).
A 50s child (1951) Dave was born in the Pinner, Middlesex. Pinner of course is also famous for
filming locations relating to ‘May to December (1989-1984) as well as Fawlty Towers and Steptoe and Son.
At his peak he rose through Academia (Chemical engineering) and business to be a titan as Managing Director of a world leading specialty metals and chemicals company. We are also now blessed that since 2018 he has given much of his spare time to being chair of A&C’s Trustees and be like a lighthouse gently guiding us all into safety, avoiding the fog and many rocks that can come to challenge us all.
He loves Amersham and Chiltern RFC 8 out of 10. I’m a tad disappointed but then with a wee wink and smile he acknowledges there is still time to reach 10. ‘The glass is nearly full Andy’.
His favourite dreams always relate to him having the ability to fly and having the ability to soar high and have that feeling of freshness and freedom. Goodness me I’m inspired. I change the mood asking the classic ‘what would you order for your last meal and drink if on death row?’ - ‘Confit de canard washed down with 2010 Chateau Latour’. Need I say anything more.
As a Wasps legend Dave remains a loyal follower and one of our elite ‘stingers’ from Sudbury, Wembley. He has represented the following clubs as a player, Pinner, Oxford University, Wasps and the mighty A & C Vets.
Dave is also a male model, and some say has starred in M&S adverts as well as some Charles Tyrwhytt catalogues. He doesn’t really get into the detail except to say that he likes his clothing to be colour coordinated and tailored. They certainly are alongside silk ties and expert grooming. I suggest to push on from the modelling and try for the part of Poirot.
For a moment Dave gets a tad technical, but in his bedtime story/radio tone with inspirational overtones explaining that his single wish would be to have commercial small scale nuclear fusion (free energy for all).
Considering our current and past 1st team players he has a deep admiration for hooker Joe Batt (indefatigable) and the mighty Alan Simmons (Simmo) - (Invulnerable). In regard to our rugby club, he sees the next 5 years being a period of comfortable consolidation within Level 5 (all pray) with 3 senior sides and a burgeoning minis, juniors and women’s sides all enjoying our enhanced facilities.
Like any good Glasgow Rangers fan (yes! At least it was a great weekend) Dave adores blue. Blue is the colour and rugby may well be the game, but you need to consider the sky, sea, calm and trust. I acknowledge to him the depth and sense of wellbeing his colour choice has to me.
Dave belies his years and only has a single aching limb that just happens to be his leg. Recovering from a recent break and some poor footwork on the golf course, he still makes it alongside me on the touchline to shout encouragement and praise for my undoubted ability to officiate so well. We are a fantastic team!!! His leg brace is significant and I’m sure it won’t be long until he is running the line again himself.
As one of our top club representatives he attends our away pre-match luncheons and loves a good lunch and chat with the locals. Shelford RFC was standout with their recent Farmers Lunch hosting 150 guests, 3 roasts, spuds 4 ways and awful jokes.
We then decide to finish on a reflective note focussing on having our time again. Dave stroked his chin and gave great thought before taking the time to explain that we should be so respectful of people who are introduced as being senior experts or especially consultants. Again, I’m in awe and his insight is a jot to share. For all you Consultants out there no more circles, triangles or rectangles - please
David Crimp, Chair of Trustees, 3rd Team Manager, Linesman superman, male model and style guru.
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
