Amersham and Chiltern RFC 1XV: 27
Southend Saxons RFC: 34

Half-time: 12 – 20

On a sunny, verging on tropical South Bucks Day, this was a distinct change from when we last welcomed the good people of Southend RFC and the Saxons to Weedon Lane. A couple of years ago was reminiscent to a Scottish walk to school, full of porridge for a warm glow, and wearing a snorkel hood that required a full 90 degrees turn of the head (both sides) prior to walking safely across a puddle ladened road. It was absolutely pissing down. On that occasion a traditional ‘lighter weight’ A&C pack, again, lost narrowly after ensuring the heavier Southend scrum was tested in defense alongside their own mobility around the park.

Being only our 2nd game in Level 5, A&C were intent on securing their 1st win - a home win.

Having applauded and acknowledged the latest intake of Chiltern youth with their presentation of club ties, a large support settled in excited anticipation. One thing was clear from the outset, the wee boys in their new ties and white shirts looked very wee beside 2 huge packs as they provid-ed a guard of honour.

4XL shorts were on show by both sides and some big hits were expected. The earth would move for sure.

Southend were favourites, a bogey side.

Strong at home and love pre-match pop tunes to whip up the crowd. Vibrant home support and a lovely stand. Our last game was only at the end of last season when we played them at South-end. After some Kylie, Texas and Shania tunes, Southend had a good win before going on in the ‘Papa John’s Cup’ to win in the final at Twickenham. They travelled with pedigree and smiles. A healthy confidence and an expectation they would win. We had no music in an attempt to calm them down. It may have worked.

By all accounts the referee was well established beyond level 5 with frequent visits to test him-self at level 4. He would probably also get asked for ID at Tesco. He had travelled from Oxford (The land of Morse) and the first time in my rugby career decided to wear a bright orange top. He certainly could be seen. You don’t see orange being worn that often.

The start of the match (the first 20 mins), he described after the match as feeling like a level 4 (Southend) club up against a level 6 club (A&C). He then went on to describe his experience as being a referee of a highly competitive, high standard match between 2 established level 5 sides.

A compliment for both sides being newly promoted to level 5 but acknowledging Southend’s re-cent history of playing in the higher leagues.

So, to the action…

Southend did start in style even with a wee bit of a swagger. The support bench seemed confi-dent and provided strong commentary. One young lad even gave me some advice as to where the ball had gone out of play, this was very helpful and appreciated.

By the 2nd minute, with early pressure, Southend kicked a penalty in front of the posts (0-3). A mere 3 minutes later it was a bit of champagne inter-linking and thrust for the opening Southend try and cheers from a decent travelling support (0-8).

It was all level 4 stuff and as the crowd pondered matters there was then a sudden calm before the fight back began. Initial signs came from a well-honed and effective defensive line.

After 18 minutes and some sustained Chiltern pressure it was Kazeem securing the first A&C try after some disappointing Southend defense from an effective attacking maul and drive. He is a big lad. Sound conversion from Callum (7-8). 7 minutes later though a decent positive response from Southend resulted in their 2nd try, successfully converted (7-15).

As half time approached Southend sought to hammer in a decisive nail by scoring their 3rd try. Unconverted it was looking good for them. To make it interesting though Chiltern again rallied with once again Kaz barging through exposing some weak Southend defense again. Missed conver-sion and half time arrived.

Both clubs retired to Changing Rooms with all to play for.

The next score important. Hence Jordan Scott made in interesting finishing off with a try. Anoth-er dominant Chiltern attack (17-20).

From listening behind the posts Southend appeared to have a plan to temper a plucky Chiltern side. The plan seemed to be effective with Southend scoring their 4th try in the 50th minute. This was duly converted (17-27).

Aaron Lewis then came off the bench to inject some ‘Welshness’, a Tom Jones fan he calmly seized a valuable 3 points by way of penalty to put us within 7 points (20-27).

On 68 minutes it was then Alex Bower, a winger for the day who tormented the Southend defense line through multiple dummies and then a hop, skip, jump and dive over the line. In front of proud grandparents, A&C no matter what happened had undoubtedly shaken Southend.

In a Welsh king of way again, Aaron stepped up and stroked through a successful conversion (27 -27).

It was never going to stay that way and true to form Southend benefitted from some sustained attack and they were all doing that with their fingers crossed.

That’s a skill and therefore deserved the winning try under the posts. Shame it was over and probably one of the best matches we have had at Weedon Lane. Let’s pray it continues.

A couple of yellow cards and cooler time for a couple of naughty Southend players.

A mighty fine time was had by all.

A&C really ‘stood up for our right’ to be in level 5 and I’m sure Bob Marley would agree.

[b]This week:

On Saturday 21st September, we are all off to Tring. Tring are well established in level 5 and a club that is local and well known to us all. The kickoff is at 3pm. They are unbeaten in 4th position, and we are in 8th out of 13, after our well-deserved 2 points following our efforts against Southend.

Tring will undoubtedly be confident.

I think that’s just the way we like it.

See you there.

Team:

1. Razvan Dranca
2. Joe Batt
3. Doug McGregor-Smith
4. Mike Phillips
5. Jacques O’Driscoll
6. Jordan Scott
7. Josh Finch (C)
8. Kazeem Olayinka
9. Ben Harris
10. Callum Hutchinson
11. Tim Hayes
12. Noah Jarvis
13. Kasper Strugar
14. Alex Bower
15. Ben Pothecary
16. Charlie Swerling.
17. Mike Everett
18. Aaron Lewis