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 support 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 rel-egation 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 merri-er.

Our President (Boy Band member - Digger) was in fine form and with plastic glasses at the ready a vibrant home support en-sured an encouraging atmosphere all around the white fence of stardom. Many past players had also returned, like salmon ,to their mountain rivers in the highlands of Scotland. Although not laying any eggs they were nevertheless able to consume copi-ous 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).

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 (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.

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 oppor-tunity 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 win-ners 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.

Team - 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 15. Ben Harris 16. Charlie Swerling 17. Kazim Olayinka 18. Noah Jarvis