Rugby Union

20200314 Ampthill vs Cornish Pirates

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20200314 Ampthill vs Cornish Pirates

Cornish Pirates’ Dominant Second Half Secures Bonus Point Win Over Ampthill

@AmpthillRUFC welcomed visitors @CornishPirates1 for their first ever visit to Dillingham Park’s Grange Jaguar Bowl on a dry, bright & windy afternoon with excellent under foot conditions.

#AmpthillRUFC #TheMob #CornishPirates1 #Rugby #ChampRugby #SaveChampRugby #CommunityRugbyClub

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20200215 Ampthill vs London Scottish

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20200215 Ampthill vs London Scottish

@AmpthillRUFC welcomed visitors @LSFCOfficial for their first ever visit to the Grange Jaguar Bowl on a filthy, wet and windy afternoon. Despite recent heavy rain the pitch was in good condition.

#TheMob #LondonScottishFC #Rugby #ChampRugby #SaveChampRugby #CommunityRugbyClub

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20200125 Ampthill vs Doncaster Knights

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 30, Doncaster Knights 26, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

Ampthill Hold On To Secure Fifth Win Of The Season Over Doncaster

Ampthill welcomed visitors Doncaster to a cold, dry, windless and overcast Olney Field where the pitch was, as usual, in very good condition for the Knights first ever fixture against the home side.

Amps squad saw three changes in the starting line-up and three on the bench from the record defeat at Ealing. Up front Dave Ward rotated to hooker, Matt Collins to prop and Shay Kerry to lock. In the backs scrum half Kevin Barrett replaced Darryl Veenendaal while Argentine centre Sefafin Bordoli rotated. The bench saw hooker Syd Blackmore, prop Luvuyo Pupuma & centre Sam Hanks rotate while flanker Will Allman & outside back Will Foster returned.

Some spice was added to the fixture by the return of former Ampthill Head Coach Clive Griffiths and former player Joe Sproston to Dillingham Park.

Joe Bercis opening the score line for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ampthill began well achieving a 16 point lead before a serious injury break to a Knights player seemed to affect Ampthill more than the visitors as they came back with 2 converted tries by early in the second half.

First flanker Joe Bercis touched down on 5 minutes after concerted pressure on the visitors defence, then, wing Sam Baker caught in stride a fine cross kick from fly half Louis Grimoldby and raced over by the left corner flag, Grimoldby missing both conversions.

Sam Baker extends Ampthill lead over Doncaster…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ampthill extended their lead with two penalty goals from Grimoldby on 18 & 30 minutes after Doncaster twice cynically infringed with the hosts on the attack in front of the posts.

Louis Grimoldby slots a penalty for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

After the injury break the home side appeared to have lost focus as Knights scored either side of half time through a driving maul (Ben Hunter, 36 minutes) and a backs move (wing Tyson Lewis, 42 minutes).

Jarryd Sage scores for Ampthill from a mid-field break…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts then stretched away again with two more converted tries of their own, a Jarryd Sage mid field break (53 minutes) and Rob Langley from close range (61 minutes).

Leading 30-14 with 20 minutes remaining Ampthill again allowed the visitors to step up, forcing the home side on the back foot leading to a yellow card to centre Sam Hanks and a Doncaster try to replacement wing Jack Roberts (74 minutes) converted by fly half Sam Olver.

Just 3 minutes later while again under the cosh home Number 8 Sam Hudson was also sent to the bin leaving Amps to play the rest of game first 2 players then 1 player down.

Rob Langley clinching the bonus point for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Despite the best efforts of the 13 men Knights ran in another try on 78 minutes through centre Kyle Evans, Oliver adding the extras.

With 2 minutes plus time added on to play Ampthill, restored to 14 players, were leading by just 4 points, to the relief of the home spectators the last play of the game attacking lineout inside the hosts 22 was stolen and the ball kicked dead.

A fine game for the neutral, with either side able to win at the death, this was Ampthill’s 5th win of the season.

Final Score

Ampthill 30, Doncaster 26

“Ampthill thoroughly deserved their win, our squad were warned during our preparation as to what they might expect but we did not follow the game plan in the first half, choosing to play rather than concentrating on territory. We had our chances to win the game at the end but failed to take them. A sad day for Doncaster and myself personally but a great day for Ampthill”
— Clive Griffiths, Coach (Doncaster)
“We played well for large parts of a game which ebbed and flowed but when leading 30-14 in the second half we failed to put the game away and allowed them back, this wasn’t good enough. Now we focus on our away trip to Newcastle Falcons, an experience no one associated with Ampthill could have imagined a few years ago!”
— Mark Lavery, Director of Rugby (Ampthill)

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20200111 Ampthill vs Coventry

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 19, Coventry 17, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

Last Kick Of The Game Penalty Goal Secures Ampthill’s 4th Win Of the Season

Ampthill welcomed visitors Coventry to a cold, windy but dry Olney Field with the overcast gradually thickening to produce a little drizzle. Despite the recent rain the pitch was in very good condition for the first home fixture of the new year.

Amps squad saw just one change in the starting line-up from Boxing Day, scrum half Kevin Barrett replacing Leon Fukokuka while the bench saw the return of dual registered lock Jon Kpoku & wing Josh Gillespie.

Coventry dominated the opening exchanges, first winning a 3rd minute penalty to the left of the posts and 35m out, sadly for the visitors fly half Fenner’s goal kick shaved the posts on the downwind side.

Coventry open the score with a Penalty Kick…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Just 2 minutes later with Coventry back in possession in the home 10m line a fine move saw the ball moved through the hands from the left to right for wing Ratu Bulumakau to finish by the corner flag, Fenner failing to convert from the touchline.

Amps came back into the game through the forwards eventually winning a penalty at a breakdown, Louis Grimoldby’s local knowledge seeing the ball between the posts on 13 minutes.

Louis Grimoldby produces the goods for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The next 20 minutes saw a stalemate, both sides exerting concerted pressure deep in other’s 22 but defences holding firm until wing Max Trimble intercepted a Louis Grimoldby pass on the hosts 10m line to scamper untouched under the posts, Fenner adding the extras.

Interception by Coventry sees Max Trimble cross the Ampthill line.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The home side controlled much of the remainder of the half, with multiple phases deep in Coventry’s red zone finally producing a try for hooker Syd Blackmore on 39 minutes, Louis Grimoldby bringing the score at oranges to 10-12 with the conversion.

Syd Blackmore finally manages to get Ampthill over the line.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

There’s no doubt that the visitors connections would not have been happy with a 2pt lead given their wind advantage in the first half.

Ampthill came out firing in the second half gradually turning the screw putting Coventry under pressure eventually winning two back to back penalties in the 57th & 59th minutes, Louis Grimoldby striking both through the uprights for Amps to take & extend the lead for the first time in the match.

Louis Gimboldy again adding to the Ampthill total…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The second penalty was the result of fine skills and team effort from full back Karim Lynch who fielded a difficult kick off before returning the ball behind the visitors defence where the kick chase cornered the isolated defender winning the penalty.

Karim Lynch causing trouble for the Coventry defence…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Coventry raised their game forcing A’s to defend for the next 10 minutes, referee Dean Richards repeatedly penalising the home side until replacement flanker Facundo Dominguez received a yellow card on 66 minutes. Just 2 minutes later centre Serafin Bordoli was adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball in front of the posts and joined his Argentine colleague in the bin.

With the hosts deep in their 22 the home side’s cover eventually ran out leaving prop James Gibbons to touch down mid way to the left touchline. Replacement fly half Rory Jennings’ kick crucially sliding past the posts leaving the visitors in the lead 16-17.

Ampthill putting Coventry defence under pressure again
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The next few minutes were key in the game as Ampthill, with 13 playing 15 held out until restored to full complement with just 2 minutes remaining.

With the ball back in Coventry’s half a knock on saw an Amps scrum outside the visitors 22, with both front rows having been replaced before 60 minutes Coventry’s earlier set piece advantage was now negated, the roar from the Ampthill support resounded around the field as the referee awarded a penalty in Amps favour.

Cool as a cucumber Louis Grimoldby stepped up to strike the ball through the posts to secure the win with the last kick of the game.

Louis Grimboldy takes the final kick of the game, giving Ampthill victory!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Having watched Coventry demolish a pretty similar Ampthill side back in September this performance demonstrated the strides made by the squad in the Championship.

Final Score

Ampthill 19, Coventry 17

“The kick at the end won the game but we put ourselves in that position by not taking advantage of the wind in the first half. Credit to Ampthill, they came out in the second half, put us under pressure and we were inaccurate. Playing away from home, against a wind with a small lead we had to be accurate, we weren’t so it was almost inevitable that Ampthill would score.”
— Roland Winter, Coach (Coventry)
“We’ve run a couple of the top sides close here at Dillingham Park, I thought it was only a matter of time until we knocked one over. The interception try was a blow but we fought back and, I suggest, deserved to win in the end.”
— Mark Lavery, Director of Rugby (Ampthill)

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20191226 Bedford Blues vs Ampthill

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Match Report

Bedford Blues 10, Ampthill 23, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

5000 Watch Ampthill Secure Their Third Consecutive Win Over Bedford Blues

Ampthill travelled the 9 miles to a wet Goldington Road on a miserable Boxing Day which had seen significant rain all day until an hour or so before kick off. Thankfully the remaining drizzle ceased as the two sides ran out while the pitch was in surprisingly good condition and there was little wind to trouble the kickers. The bumper capacity crowd (nominally 5,000) indicated the sense of playing a local derby on a bank holiday while the demand for tickets exceeded supply.

Sam Baker being caught after a break down the wing towards Bedford’s line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps squad saw a number of changes, up front former Blue Soane Tonga’uiha (prop), Syd Blackmore (hooker), Billy Johnson (lock) & Sam Hudson (No 8) rotated to the starting lineup, as did Tongan Leon Fukofuka (scrum half) and Argentine Serafin Bordoli (centre) in the backs. On the bench Dave Ward (hooker), Carl Burgess (lock) and Sam Hanks (centre) rotated while Matt Collins (prop) and Argentine Facundo Dominguez (flanker) returned.

A’s began well, taking the game to Bedford and putting their defence under pressure for the first 15 minutes or so which increased when the visitors secured two successive scrum penalty goal chances for Ampthill fly half & Captain Louis Grimoldby, the former (on 6 minutes) sliding past the post while the latter (13 minutes) bisecting them.

Going behind seemed to trigger the home side to raise their game with the remainder of the half belonging to hosts in both territory and possession. The game was essentially being played pack to pack with both sets of backs committed to their defensive duties but having little to no chance to shine going forward.

Both packs putting in extra work in the first half…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Blues pack had recovered to the point of forcing penalties against Amps scrum while their line out was proving secure and the loose exchanges shaded in their favour. The result was a quarter of tough defence for A’s, with little respite, as every time they cleared their lines Bedford put them straight back under pressure.

Eventually after multiple phases in the red zone the 32nd minute saw number 8 Alafoti Faosiliva crash over from close range to right of the posts, fly half Will Hooley adding the extras.

Bedford Blues finally cross the Ampthill Line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Blues exerted further pressure through to half time but were unable to trouble the scoreboard again leaving them leading 3-7 at oranges.

Aerial battle for possession…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Whatever was said during the interval the visitors came out of the blocks firing winning a 44th minute penalty which Louis Grimoldby converted to reduce the lead to 1pt.

Just 2 minutes later, more or less straight from the kick off, the hosts were penalised and the resulting penalty kicked to the corner. Ampthill executed a perfect catch & drive with hooker Syd Blackmore coming up with the ball having touched down wide on the left, Louis Grimoldby’s difficult conversion adding insult to injury.

On 54 minutes, after the home side’s first period of possession in the half, Amps were penalised allowing Hooley to reduce the deficit to 13-10 with a penalty goal.

Sam Baker crossing the Bedford Line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s responded with a fine period of play, multiple phases deep in Bedford’s 22 stretching the defence, a fact noted by Louis Grimoldby whose double missed pass gave wing Sam Baker a 58th minute try scoring opportunity wide on the left with which he made no mistake, Louis Grimoldby again adding an excellent touch line conversion.

Louis Grimoldby adding the extras…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Such was the tightness of the game this was possibly the only backs opportunity of the match!

Now leading by 10 points the visitors stretched their lead further on 66 mins as more pressure led to another penalty goal chance, Louis Grimoldby continuing his streak with another fine kick.

Louis Grimoldby with yet another penalty kick for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Blues redoubled their efforts forcing Ampthill onto the back foot but Louis Grimoldby cleared the lines to half way twice from deep inside his 22. As the pressure built and time was running out the game became a little fractious with one or two sets of handbags interrupting play. Eventually as Amps again foiled a Bedford maul attack lock Shay Kerry received a yellow card but, having chosen a scrum, the hosts failed to capitalise.

A’s now retained possession running down the clock until replacement scrum half Darryl Veenendaal kicked the ball dead to bring an end to a fine afternoon’s entertainment.

Final Scoreline set 10 minutes before the end of the match…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Having beaten the home side three times in a row Ampthill retained bragging rights but the result could have been different if Bedford had taken their chances in the first half.

With a played 7 won 3 drawn 1 record in the Championship, Amps connections can feel satisfied with their first set of fixtures at level 2 but there are another 15 remaining, no one involved should underestimate the challenge remaining.

Final Score

Bedford Blues 10. Ampthill 23

“I am proud of the passion and improved accuracy shown in the 2nd half which proved decisive. We just did enough against a good Bedford side and I am very pleased for the group who responded to the pressure we placed onto them during our preparation.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)

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20191214 Ampthill vs Bedford Blues

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 17, Bedford Blues 14, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

Last Minute Try Secures Win over Bedford

Ampthill welcomed visitors Bedford for their first ever competitive game against the hosts to the Grange Jaguar Bowl on a dry, bright afternoon with a moderate breeze. The pitch, bathed in wall to wall sunshine after the heavy overnight rain cleared around mid-day, looked a picture while underfoot conditions were excellent. As anticipated, the official attendance was the highest of the season, the 2151 spectators enjoying expanded facilities including extra bars and Amps first ever grandstand!

Blues began very well, taking the game to A’s up front testing the home side’s scramble defence. The pressure continued to build leading to visiting scrum half James Lennon crossing on 5 minutes for the opening score, fly half William Hooley’s conversion bending in the wind before bisecting the posts.

Kevin Barrett slows Bedford’s Dan Temm down…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts responded, exerting their own pressure inside the visitors 22. Ampthill scrum half Kevin Barrett broke blind from a scrum deep inside Bedford’s half on 14 minutes timing his pass to right wing Spencer Sutherland, who was making his season debut for the 1stXV after recovering from injury. He showed his speed to dive over by the corner flag, fly half & captain Louis Grimoldby’s conversion attempt also showing a ‘banana’ shape, this time the wind took the kick wide.

Spencer Sutherland opens the scoreline for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With 2 tries inside the first quarter and both sides looking dangerous one might have expected the pundits forecast of a cricket score to follow but it took until the 30th minute before the next important action occurred when the same incident saw A’s lock Shay Kerry and Bedford’s No. 8 Daniel Temm awarded yellow cards.

Just 2 minutes later a speculative kick ahead bounced kindly for visiting wing Ryan Hutler who was tackled just short of the line. Saint Spencer Sutherland turned sinner as he was adjudged to have prevented the ball’s release and joined his teammate Shay Kerry in the bin.

Carl Burgess wins a lineout for Ampthill, one of the few…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With 13 now playing 14 Blues turned the screw forcing a series of phases in the home side’s red zone which led to the referee running under the posts to signal a penalty try on 36 minutes after he lost patience having decided that the hosts had infringed once too often.

Ampthill’s kick off was secured by the visitors but at the ensuing ruck they were penalised allowing Louis Grimoldby to kick a fine penalty in the 39th minute to leave the score 10-14 at oranges.

Robbie Smith with an Athletic offload for Bedford
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

For the second week in a row Amps lineout was not functioning while their discipline was hurting with doubling up on offences causing much lost territory.

Shortly into the second half Shay Kerry & Temm returned to the field followed by Spencer Sutherland, sadly the quality of the game did not improve as both sides seemed to consider ball retention optional while A’s continued to earn the wrath of the officials.

Bedford had several opportunities to take advantage of lineouts inside the home 22 but a combination of improved hosts maul defence and wrong option taking saw those chances go begging.

The 68th minute gave a chance for Bedford to extend their lead as Ampthill yet again infringed at a breakdown, but Hooley’s kick almost turned at 90 degrees after it left the tee.

Billy Johnson wins the match for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

As both sides emptied their bench Amps replacements sparked a revival with scrum half Leon Fukofuka breaking down the blindside leading to a series of phases deep in Blues 22 where lock Billy Johnson fought his way across the line in the 78th minute, Louis Grimoldby adding the conversion to leave A’s leading by 3 points.

Louis Grimoldby’s second Conversion for the Match!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

There was time for the restart, but the kick sailed into touch and the referee blew for no side leaving the Amps the winner of the first competitive game between the clubs this century.

Final score - it doesn’t come very much closer than that!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

In truth this was not a great game of rugby, there were far too many errors, infringements and interruptions in play. A’s won a game at the death that could and perhaps should have seen another result.

Final Score

Ampthill 17, Bedford Blues 14

“No one would have believed it If anyone had said 10 years ago that Ampthill would be hosting Bedford in a competitive game at Dillingham Park. Our lineout was poor and our discipline worse but this result defines our attitude. Our defence in the second half gave us a chance and our bench won the game in the last 5 minutes. Now we must focus on our Boxing Day league fixture.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)
“We got what we deserved! We needed to get a couple of scores in front but we failed to take our opportunities. We’ll go again when Ampthill visit in the league on Boxing Day.”
— Mike Rayer, Coach (Bedford Blues)

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20191207 Ampthill vs Ealing Trailfinders

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 22, Ealing Trailfinders 24, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

Last Minute Ealing Penalty Goal Secures Win over Ampthill

Ampthill welcomed visitors Ealing for their first ever game against the hosts to the Grange Jaguar Bowl on a dry, bright afternoon with a moderate breeze. The pitch looked a picture when bathed in occasional sunshine while underfoot conditions were excellent.

Ealing’s selection reflected the importance that the cup holders place on the Championship Cup and they began very well, as Amps allowed the kick off to bounce leading to visitors possession and pressure on A’s defence. A few phases later and the visitors eighthman, Kieran Murphy crashed over wide on the left in the 2nd minute, fly half Craig Willis converting.

Kieran Murphy opens the scoreline for Ealing Trailfinders…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The home side were under pressure for the next 10 minutes until a penalty was kicked just inside Ealing’s 22 on the left. The lineout was secured in the 17th minute and the ball moved through the backs wide to the right for wing Josh Gillespie to show a fine turn of speed, run outside of the cover and scoring mid-way between the touchline and the post, fly half Sam Costelow’s conversion slid wide.

Josh Gillespie showing that Ampthill can cross the line too…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The game was now very competitive but the hosts were starting to turn the screw making it difficult for Ealing to get out of the 22. Under pressure, the visitors conceded a number of penalties. In the 31st minute Sam Costelow chose a kick at goal which sailed between the posts to make the score 8-7.

Sam Costelow takes Ampthill into the lead..!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The visitors lineout was secure and a 34th minute catch & drive saw them retake the lead through hooker Alun Walker, Willis adding the extras. Neither side could increase their score before the half time whistle came leaving the score 8-14.

Halftime score very close…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

While the scrum was secure, Ampthill’s lineout was not with 5 lost on their own put in in the first half, 3 of which were deep inside Ealing’s 22. However, Amps looked dangerous ball in hand but were not finishing opportunities they’d created.

The second half began with the visitors fired up but A’s were matching their intensity. The 52nd minute saw a fine break from Sam Costelow who had great support from hooker Syd Blackmore who scored under the posts, Sam Costelow converting.

Syd Blackmore finishing in style…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Having controlled territory & possession for the next 15 minutes Ealing went down to 14 players after a yellow card for deliberate knock on in the 67th minute to wing Peter Lydon.

The hosts extended their lead on 69 minutes after the resulting penalty was kicked inside the visitors 22. Although the maul was defended well a series of red zone phases followed with replacement prop Aleki Lutui eventually crashing over, Sam Costelow’s conversion extending the lead to 22-14.

Aleki Lutui showing that the magic is still there…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ealing responded aggressively closing the gap with a 72nd minute try through replacement scrum half Jordan Burns converted by Willis.

With their tails up the visitors pressed for another score finally being awarded a 78th minute penalty which Willis made look easy to retake the lead in the game 22-24.

High ball and 4 up the grab…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The home side were unable to recover the ball in the remaining 60 seconds or so resulting in a narrow win for Ealing.

This was a much better performance from Ampthill, had they taken any one of a number of chances squandered in the first half the game might of had a different result but in the end, the visitors deserved their 4pts.

Final score - just a whisker away from victory!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Final Score

Ampthill 22, Ealing Trailfinders 24

“The boys turned up today, I’m really proud of the effort & commitment displayed, it was disappointing to have the game taken away at the death. We showed today that we can compete with the best sides in the division. Now we face a tough few weeks with two games against Bedford, one on Boxing Day.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)
“Frankly, we were lucky to get away with the win, we have gone from the sublime to the ridiculous in two weeks. Despite Ampthill being the better side for much of the game we stuck at it and managed to sneak the points at the end. This was our first visit to Ampthill and we’ve enjoyed the hospitality.”
— Ben Ward, Coach (Ealing Trailfinders)

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20191130 Coventry vs Ampthill

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Match Report

Coventry 64, Ampthill 1st XV 26, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

A much-changed Ampthill travelled to the Butts Arena to play a Coventry side on the new 4G pitch.

Soane Tonga’huiha causing issues for Toby Trinder on the line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The warning signs were apparent after a poor first half, when Ampthill’s backline appeared unable to make any tackles stick and Ampthill’s possession was seemingly turned at will by a well-drilled and efficient Coventry side.

Cheeky little manoeuvre despite being sat on by a number of the opposition…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Turning around 24 v 7 down, the less said about the second half the better in what turned out to be the worst performance of the season against a strong and physical home side. Some of the defending was schoolboy level and several Ampthill’s players will have to take a long hard look at themselves.

Henri Williams making his presence felt at the whitewash…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The final score was a fair reflection of a dominant home performance, but you can recognise the efforts of Ampthill’s bench which certainly lifted the mood and helped secure a four-try bonus point..

Running in the final try of the game for Ampthill…
Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Final Score

Coventry 64, Ampthill 26

“We gave a lot of players the opportunity to secure a place in the side and a number of them haven’t taken that opportunity. I was really disappointed with our lack of defensive application and our attitude was very poor on the day.
If we play like that against the holders Ealing at home next week it could very well be a cricket score so we will be looking for those selected to give us a response.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)

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20191116 Ampthill vs Jersey Reds

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 38, Jersey Reds 47, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

In total contrast to Hartpury, defence appeared optional for both sides as the crowd were treated to a 12 try festival.

Ampthill began brilliantly, with fly half Sam Costelow charging down a clearance kick from his opposite number Dyer, then hacking on for open side Joe Bercis to dive on the ball under the posts for a 1st minute try converted by Sam Costelow.

Joe Bercis opens the scoreline within the opening minute
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The next 20 minutes were dominated by the visitors ruthlessly capitalising on Ampthill errors to score 3 tries, through open side Bainbridge (5 minutes), hooker Harris (11) and a penalty try (20) all coming from penalties kicked into the home 22 followed by lineout catch & drives which Amps struggled to contain. The latter also resulted in a yellow card to Ampthill’s Dave Ward. Dyer converting both opportunities

Jersey gain a penalty try…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

As somehow seems to happen often, going down a man was the catalyst for the home side to raise their game. First, Sam Costelow missed a 28th minute 48m penalty attempt before converting another on‌ 31 minutes. Then, after a period of concerted pressure by the hosts lock forward Jon Kpoku finished from 5m out on 37 minutes, Sam Costelow adding the extras.

Jon Kpoku crosses the line in Ampthill’s favour
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The half time whistle came leaving the score 17-19 with Ampthill in the ascendancy.

The second half began with a bang as another penalty, lineout, catch & drive brought the bonus point try for the visitors Harris, Dyer’s conversion bisecting the posts. Almost immediately, with Amps on the attack, the home spectators let out a roar as a very obvious high tackle on Ampthill’s Sam Costelow was ignored by the officials, the resulting interception, 60m scamper by Jerseys right wing Morgan and conversion by Dyer adding to the crowd’s discontent.

Contentious tackle much to the crowd’s disapproving mood…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Trailing by 17 pts just 10 minutes into the second half Ampthill once again responded well, Joe Bercis scoring his 2nd try from the red zone before the hosts try-of-the-season so far was created by the home backs with quick passing, a chip from centre Elliot Obatoyinbo recovered by wing Sam Baker and great support from Louis Grimoldby saw the latter under the posts, Sam Costelow converting both.

Joe Bercis over the line yet again for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

At 60 minutes played and the score 31-33 the game was again in the balance but another penalty try given in the 65th minute, on the advice of the same assistant referee, gave some breathing space to the visitors.

Louis Grimoldby crossing the line for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The 67th minute saw Ampthill on the attack and deep in the visitors 22 but a turnover saw the visitors move the ball from left to right and break out of defence for a length-of-the-field backs try well converted by Dyer.

Sam Costelow slips through the Jersey defences to score for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps still weren’t done scoring another fine backs try as Sam Costelow ghosted through the visiting defence to score and convert a 74th minute try. Just a couple of minutes later, Ampthill again broke out of defence with great support and inter passing leading to another try scoring opportunity but good defence saw the move break down within 5m of the Jersey line.

On the attack yet again, Ampthill wouldn’t lay down…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Both sides had chances in the remaining time before the referee blew for no side leaving the score 38-47 and the try count 5-7 in the visitors favour.

Both coaches will have much to work on defensively, Jersey’s maul was certainly the most effective yet seen this season.

Final Score

Ampthill 38, Jersey Reds 47

“I was proud of how hard we fought against a well organised and experienced Jersey side, however, this was a harsh lesson, give penalties away against this standard of opposition and we will be punished. There were some excellent performances with Costelow, Steward and Grimoldby all excelling and some fine back play. There is, however, a great deal to work on.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)
“I was proud of how hard we fought against a well organised and experienced Jersey side, however, this was a harsh lesson, give penalties away against this standard of opposition and we will be punished. There were some excellent performances with Costelow, Steward and Grimoldby all excelling and some fine back play. There is, however, a great deal to work on.”
— Neil Tunnah, Assistant Coach (Jersey Reds)

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20191102 Ampthill vs Hartpury

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 19, Hartpury 13, Greene King IPA Championship League

Ampthill hold out for their second win in the Championship in a tight game where defence dominated.

Despite further heavy overnight rain Olney field looked a picture in bright sunshine as old foes Hartpury returned to Bedfordshire, the strong west wind gradually abating during the game as the rain returned.

There were no changes in Amps starting pack which impressed at London Scottish while the backs saw Darryl Veenendaal (scrum half),  Sam Costelow (fly half) & Cameron Anderson (centre) rotate to the starting lineup. On the bench Louis Grimoldby (fly half) rotated while Gavin Williams (scrum half) and Sam Hanks (centre) returned.

Sam Baker on the attack
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The opening exchanges were even with both sides incurring the wrath of the referee resulting in an exchange of penalty goals in the 11th (Hartpury, fly half Joshua Bragman) & 16th (Ampthill, fly half Sam Costelow) minutes after both sides were penalised for breakdown offences.

A’s took the lead for the first time on 20 minutes with another Sam Costelow penalty goal after the visitors were penalised inside their 22.

Dan Murphy says hello to Dave Ward…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The forward battle was intense but the hosts gradually established control at the set piece with the home sides former Tongan internationals (props Soane Tonga’huiha & Aleki Lutui) & ex Harlequins hooker Dave Ward prominent while the visitors line-out came under pressure, in particular from lock Jon Kpoku. The loose, however, was very combative with neither side able to dominate.

Both sides excellent defence cancelled out their opponents attacking intent leaving kicking from hand for territory the obvious tactic.

Hartpury  took the lead on 25 minutes when Amps were penalised in midfield, the resulting penalty was kicked deep into A’s 22, the visitors won the line-out, set the maul and drove for the line. Eventually, open side Akapusi Qera twisted his over the whitewash, Bragman adding the conversion from wide out.

Ampthill drive their maul almost to the line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts responded with a period of pressure in the Hartpury half winning a penalty at a breakdown in the 30th minute allowing Costelow to succeed with his 3rd goal of the game to make the score 9-10.

Back in the visitors half the home side set up camp deep in Hartpury’s 22 with phase after phase being repelled by excellent goal line defence. Darryl Veenendaal made the breakthrough on 36 minutes with a delightful behind-the-posts grubber for centre Rueben Bird-Tullock to win the foot race and dive on the ball, Sam Costelow adding the extras from in front of the posts.

Aleki Lutui tests Hartpury’s defences…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With the score 16-10 at oranges and Ampthill to have the benefit of the wind in the second half, Amps connections would have been confident. What transpired was 40 minutes of superb defence from both sides punctuated by another exchange of penalty goals in the 51st & 56th minutes.

Both sides had sustained pressure in each others 22 but could not break their opposition goal line, even during the last 5 minutes when, camped in the red zone, Hartpury threw everything, including the kitchen sink, at A’s with the hosts down to 14 players after a yellow card to lock Shay Kerry.

Jon Kpoku drives the game forward for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Despite the conditions both sides tried to play an attacking game when possible but this was a battle of the defences with the hosts just coming out on top.

Final Score

Ampthill 19, Hartpury 13

“Despite a nerve wracking last few minutes this was a good win against an old rival who are now an established Championship side. Our half backs showed good control in the first half but might have made our lives easier if they’d have used their kicking game more in the second. If, before the season, you’d offered me two wins and a draw from our first four league fixtures I’d have bitten your hand off. It’s been a good start but we still have work to do.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)

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20191026 London Scottish vs Ampthill

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Match Report

London Scottish 6, Ampthill 6, Greene King IPA Championship League

Ampthill took the field at the Richmond Athletic Ground marking another historic day playing their first away match in the Green King IPA Championship.

The starting lineup saw 3 changes with blind side Will Allman and Number 8 Sam Hudson come into the back row while Rueben Bird-Tullock started at inside centre in the backs. The bench included debuts for dual registered Sam Costelow (Wasps) & Cameron Anderson (Tigers).

Joe Bercis tries to charge down a clearance from London Scottish
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Scottish kicked off with A’s working their way into the hosts half but a loose kick saw the hosts return it with interest allowing Scottish to camp in the visitors 22. Repeated kicks to the corner were repulsed by stoic Amps defence with the forward pack withstanding everything the hosts  threw at them.

A’s worked their way out of the danger zone finding themselves in the home sides half. After a number of phases Scottish infringed at a breakdown and the ensuing penalty goal was well struck by visiting fly half Louis Grimoldby on 12 minutes.

Louis Grimoldby prepares for a penalty against London Scottish…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts responded with vigour forcing Ampthill on the back foot, however, the Amps defence held out. Back in the home sides half A’s looked dangerous when in possession and in the 36th minute they were awarded another penalty, Grimoldby making no mistake to secure a 0-6 lead.

Scottish responded again but the visitors forward pack coped with everything that was thrown at them with Ampthill’s flankers Will Allman and open side Joe Bercis seeming everywhere. Given the result in Japan earlier in the day the comparison with the Kamikaze Kids may not have been too far fetched.

As the half closed Scottish were awarded a penalty, choosing to take the points on this occasion fly half Harry Shepard’s attempt sailed between the posts to leave the score 3-6 at oranges.

The second half continued in the same manner with Amps scrum putting significant pressure on the hosts eight while evergreen props Aleki Lutui and Soane Tonga’huiha bossed the tight.

Soane Tonga’uiha taking charge of matters on the pitch…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The home side were in the ascendancy, however, for much of the next 20 minutes but A’s defence nullified their best efforts with Scottish never looking likely to score again.

After some kick tennis exchanges which generally appeared see the visitors come out better off Ampthill continued to frustrate Scottish.

On 70 minutes Amps were awarded a penalty but A’s replacement fly half Sam Costelow sent the ball to the right of the posts.

Ampthill drive for the line, never quite making it…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Visitors centre Rueben Bird-Tullock had carried hard all day while both he and Saints team mate wing Josh Gillespie looked particularly strong in defence, they’d played a significant part in what looked like a fairy tale win on the road..

Sadly for the visiting supporters there was a last minute twist when Scottish were awarded a penalty, successfully kicked by replacement fly half Dan Barnes leave the scores level at no side.

Final Score

London Scottish 6, Ampthill 6

“I think the whole playing group took a step forward and whilst we had a load of positives from today’s game we should have won! We need to be smarter to put games like this away.
We have a massive match at home next week at Dillingham Park and I hope our supporters will really get behind the boys.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)

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20191019 Ampthill vs Yorkshire Carnegie

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 53 - Yorkshire Carnegie 22, Greene King IPA Championship League

Yorkshire Carnegie arrived at Dillingham Park on a dry, bright day with a gentle northerly breeze to find perfect playing conditions.

Ampthill made 7 changes from the squad that lost against Nottingham, up front Jon Kpoku (lock, DR with Saracens) & Argentine Facundo Dominguez (No. 8) rotate to the starting lineup. In the backs, DR with Saints Josh Gillespie (Wing) made his debut while Kevin Barrett came in at scrum half. On the bench Maama Molitika rotates, Will Allman comes in covering the back row, Darryl Veenendaal rotates, Mickey Waters comes in covering fly half and full back while Rueben Bird-Tulloch, DR with Saints provides backs cover.

Dave Ward offloads to Billy Johnson
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts secured their first win and points of their Championship challenge with an 8 try win.

The initial exchanges were frantic with both sides crossing the gain line seemingly at will. On 4 minutes, Amps infringed at a breakdown in front of the posts allowing Carnegie’s fly half Joe Ford to opening the scoring with a simple penalty goal. Almost straight from the kick off the visitors, in turn, returned the compliment allowing A’s fly half Louis Grimoldby to equalise the scores in the 6th minute.

Louis Grimoldby slots a penalty to equalise for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

There wasn’t much obvious structure to be witnessed as the ball moved from end to end with both sides defence unable to cope.

The 18th minute saw lock Jon Kpoku break a couple of tackles inside the 5m line to touch down, Louis Grimoldby adding the extras.

Jon Kpoku opens the try scoring for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Just 2 minutes later Yorkshire Carnegie centre Daniel Lancaster (son of Stuart) finished a fine backs move wide on the left, Ford’s conversion shaving the wrong side of the posts.

Daniel Lancaster with the first of Carnegies tries…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts responded from the kick off but a loose pass on half way was intercepted by Carnegie wing Tom Varndell in mid-field who ran untouched under the posts to score, Ford’s conversion bisecting the posts.

Sam Baker crosses the line for the first time this match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With the visitors leading 10-15 the home side needed a response and it came from wing Sam Baker who scored twice in the space of 6 minutes. First, a line break and good inter passing in the 26th minute saw him free wide on the left, the cover unable to reach him to prevent the try. Louis Grimoldby was successful with the touchline conversion. Then, Carnegie failed to deal with the restart and Sam Baker again scampered down the left, this time Louis Grimoldby conversion drifted wide of the posts.

Joe Bercis hunting down the Carnegie attack…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

On 38 minutes, after a series of phases inside Carnegie’s 22 prop Aleki Lutui received short pass from scrum half Kevin Barrett at pace, carrying 2 defenders over the line he scored only for Louis Grimoldby to pull what looked a relatively easy kick wide leaving the score 27-15 at oranges. Ampthill’s first half bonus point being their first ever points at level 2.

Aleki Lutui crosses the line for Ampthill ensuing a bonus point
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Despite the lead, Amps connections would not have felt comfortable as the open game gave the visitors chances they were threatening to take.

Sure enough the 45th minute saw Carnegie produce a fine attack which employed backs & forwards seamlessly working together resulting in scrum half James Elliott touching down to the left of the posts, Ford converting.

Yorkshire Carnegie on the attack again
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With the gap now just 5 points A’s needed to raise their game as the momentum was with the visitors.

Louis Grimoldby, whose kicking from hand was excellent when he tried it, sent the ball deep into Carnegie’s 22 in the 47th minute. The ensuing visiting line out was overthrown allowing hooker Dave Ward to crash over wide on the right, Louis Grimoldby’s conversion again sliding by.

Dave Ward powering over the line from an overthrow…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The next 20 minutes passed with both sides attacking in turn but the defences were holding firm. With 10 minutes to full time the hosts were camped deep in Carnegie’s 22. Eventually the ball came to Jon Kpoku on the 5m line who crashed through 2 defenders to score under the posts, replacement fly half Mickey Waters successful with the conversion.

Jon Kpoku crossing the line again
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The visitors now began to throw the ball around in search of a 4 try bonus point leaving more space.

On 74 minutes replacement prop Matthew Collins crashed over to the left of the posts after more concerted pressure inside the visitors 22, Mickey Waters adding the extras.

Matthew Collins showing he can follow the trend too…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Then, in the 78th minute, Mickey Waters gave a shoulder pass in mid-field to wing Sam Baker who broke the line. As he approached the last defender he found in support wing Josh Gillespie who scampered untouched under the posts, Mickey Waters adding the final points of the game.

Josh Gillespie flys over the line to close the try tally for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A better performance by Ampthill particularly in the second half. Yorkshire Carnegie’s heads never dropped, continuing to attack right to end but they rarely threatened during the last half hour.

Final Score

Ampthill 53, Carnegie 22

“Very pleased to secure a bonus point victory in what is obviously a key game despite not playing well in the first half. The whole squad will be made aware, if they’re not already, that there is a great deal of work to be done if we’re to compete in this league.”
— Mark Lavery, Director of Rugby (Ampthill)
“I’m pleased that we demonstrated an attacking mind set throughout the game but I’m disappointed that, again, we failed to follow the plan, particularly in the first half. It was a better performance but there were still too many individual errors.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)

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201911012 Ampthill 1st XV vs Nottingham

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 20 - Nottingham 44, Greene King IPA Championship League

Ampthill were given a tough introduction to the Championship by a physical and clinical Nottingham side, trailing 13-17 with a minute to half time Amps conceded 3 more tries in the remainder of the game with the visitors dominating territory & possession.

Despite persistent overnight & morning rain the pitch looked perfect for running rugby as conditions remained dry while the absence of wind aided kicking from hand.

Aleki Lutui attacking the Nottingham line
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The opening exchanges were pretty even including an exchange of penalty goals in the 17th & 18th minutes after both sides were penalised in front of the posts.

Nottingham made the first breakthrough on 23 minutes after a penalty against Ampthill for a breakdown offence was kicked inside the home 22 and a catch & drive was driven over, hooker Luke Cole credited with the score with the extras added by fly half Thomas Mathews.

Lock Llewleyn Jones crashed over from close range on 28 minutes after a repeat of the first try scenario saw Amps repel the maul, Mathews again successful with the conversion.

Sam Hanks intercepts a pass and takes off down the pitch
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Immediately from the kick off replacement centre Sam Hanks intercepted a loose pass just inside the Nottingham half scampering 45m to score wide on the left, Louis Grimoldby converting from the touch line.

Sam Hanks crosses the whitewash for Ampthills 1st Championship League try
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s raised their game taking play to the visitors who proceeded to show their street smarts conceding 2 penalty goals (32 & 35 minutes, kicked by Louis Grimoldby) instead of conceding tries but avoiding the Yellow Cards that were to blight the remainder of the hosts performance.

With a minute to half time the home side were trailing 13-17 but a free kick inside Ampthill’s 22 was charged down leading to a score for Nottingham through blindside James Connolly, converted by Mathews.

Trailing 13-24 at oranges all was not lost but the hosts lost their way in the second as a series of errors gifted territory through penalties and possession through handling errors.

Mathews extended the visitors lead on 48 & 50 minutes with straight forward penalty goals before wing Ben Foley collected a grubber to score wide on the left in the 60th minute, Mathews continuing his 100% record with the boot.

Amps responded with their first controlled possession of the second half mounting sustained pressure inside the Nottingham 22 before replacement lock Jon Kpoku crashed over from close range on 63 minutes, Louis Grimoldby adding the extras.

Jon Kpoku forces his way across the line for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Down to 14 players for the fourth time in the game A’s conceded a 5th try on 79 minutes trying to achieve the unlikely feat of going the length of the field from inside their own 22.

This was a hard lesson, there’ll be many more of them if Ampthill continue to play more than 40 minutes a man down, gift 20 unnecessary points and end up on the wrong side of 18-6 penalty count.

On the the plus side set piece was good with scrums even and lineouts much improved from the Bedford game.

Final Score

Ampthill 20, Nottingham 44

“For 39 minutes of the first half we were OK, the gifted try just before half time was a blow but it was the second half where we played in all the wrong areas and showed very poor discipline that was most disappointing. We played for more than 45 minutes with 14 men against an efficient, well drilled championship side and got what we deserved.”
— Mark Lavery, Director of Rugby (Ampthill)
“I’m disappointed that despite a good week spent preparing for Nottingham we sat back and watched them execute our game plan. There were too many individual errors which were punished by Nottingham”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)

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20191005 Bedford Blues vs Ampthill 1st XV

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Match Report

Bedford Blues 12 - Ampthill 1st XV 25, Championship Cup

On what was a historic day for the Maroon and Gold, going to Goldington Road to play Bedford Blues for the short term title of the best team in Bedfordshire and the first competitive game between the two clubs, the A’s came away with a deserved win.

The Blues turned Pink for the day in support of the McMillan Cancer trust and they didn’t have the ideal start to the day with a couple of players failing fitness tests on the morning of the match.

The first forty minutes were separated by a Kwaku Asiedu try and a Louis Grimoldby penalty against a Dann Temm try. A loose kick let Rich Lane punish the A’s with a break down the right-hand side that led to a Teem try and a 5 v 8 half time score

Kwaku Aseidu opens the scoreline for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With the elements and the slope in Paul Turners sides favour the A’s started to turn the screw and kept the pressure on the home side.

The A’s had spent the week working hard on defensive drills led by player forwards Coach Dave Ward and this proved critical when the Blues back line came probing the A’s defensive system but the A’s held firm in the face of the onslaught.

After gradually taking back control, an inch-perfect kick by Bordoli was regathered by Baker who found Jarryd Sage in support who dotted the ball down and fly-half Grimoldby converted for the A’s to lead 5 v 15.

Jarryd Sage comfortable clears the line to extend Ampthill's lead.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The Blues now had the joint battle against the clock and the slope and this led to a number of uncharacteristic mistakes and Kwaku Asiedu was on hand to take advantage and score his second try to put some breathing space between the teams at 5 v 20.

Kwaku Aseidu brushes the whitewash for Ampthill.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

This signalled a Blues fight back and on 71 minutes Huw Worthington the Blues number eight who had carried hard all day scored a converted try to leave the score at 12 v 20.

The A’s responded again, camping in the Blues half and keeping the ball down in the right-hand corner for multiple phases. Backs and Forwards shared the workload equally and finally Karim Lynch crashed over in the right hand corner for the A’s fourth and bonus point try to leave the final score at Blues 12 v 25 A’s.

Karim Lynch justifying his return to Ampthill with a closing try.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s fans left a packed Goldington Road with a skip in their step and the first points of the season in the bag.

Joshua Sharp takes a penalty for Ampthill to open their scoreline
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Final Score

Bedford Blues 12, Ampthill 25

“It was a great occasion to be a part of and to have so many supporters there to raise money for McMillan Cancer Trust made it really special day.
I thought we played well for large parts of the game but we still need to improve our set piece. Defensively we took a big step forward and relied on our system more than individual effort which was pleasing.
It’s only our third game together and it’s been a tough start to the season but we are progressing every week and next week we see Nottingham Rugby come to Dillingham Park for our first game ever in the Green King IPA Championship.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)

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20190921 Ampthill 1st XV vs Coventry

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 17 – Coventry 1st XV 47, Championship Cup

Ampthill welcomed Coventry to Olney Field for their first ever match at Level 2 on a cloudless sunny afternoon with a stiff south easterly breeze in favour of the visitors for the first half.

With the club house doubled in size by the addition of a large marquee bar and major infrastructure changes obvious around the pitch it was clear to both home and away spectators that significant investment had been made in the close season in preparation for the Greene King IPA Championship.

Coventry gain the upper hand from a high kick
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts connections were aware that the visitors had recruited well adding 8 players with Premiership and/or Pro 12 experience to their squad over the summer while their pre-season preparation included 4 games of which the only loss came against Leinster!

Ampthill had plenty of attempts but things never seemed to quite work out…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Meanwhile the home squad would be having their first run out with 11 players making their debut including forwards coach Dave Ward & backs coach Darryl Veenendahl.

Nana Asiedu takes on James Stokes…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The game began with a fine line break from home fly half Josh Sharp who sliced through the Coventry defence in mid-field leaving a simple pass to one of two supporting runners for an obvious opening score, sadly the pass went astray and the chance went begging. Little did Amps spectators realise that that flurry would be the last time Amps would threaten to score until the last few minutes of the first half.

Joshua Sharp takes a penalty for Ampthill to open their scoreline
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A demonstration of power and ruthless finishing followed in which the visitors scored 6 unanswered tries capitalising on a series of unforced errors combined with ill-discipline from A’s who were regularly penalised at the breakdown, knocking on and missing tackles. In short the first half was a horror show for the hosts leaving the score 3-40 at oranges, Ampthill’s last kick of the half penalty goal being greeted with cheers.

Joe Bercis crosses the line for Ampthill despite two admirers…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

After an appropriate talking to at half time Amps second half was much better, dominating possession and territory for much of the half. A’s outscored their hosts 14-7 and probably should have had a couple more tries. Coventry’s defence was outstanding, however, despite being on the back foot most of the time.

Alexi Lutui powering through the Coventry defence on the way to the line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps line out struggled until the last quarter while their scrummage was under pressure. A’s benefited from the first half game time and were much more competitive in the second despite playing the last 15 minutes or so with 14 players after an emptied bench and a subsequent injury to Captain Billy Johnson.

Gavin Williams puts the breaks on Ratu Jonasa Bulumakau
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Next week Ampthill travel to Ealing for what will likely be another stiff lesson.

Final Score

Ampthill 17, Coventry 47

“Firstly I thought Coventry were absolutely fantastic in the first forty minutes demonstrating how to put pressure on the team in possession and then capitalise on the errors of which there were many.

We shouldn’t forget Coventry have only been beaten once in pre-season against the second best team in Europe Leinster so it was always going to be a massive ask today.

In the first half we lacked composure and this led to a lot of errors whilst playing in the wrong areas. Our discipline went and Coventry were clinical in their execution leaving us rightly down 3-40.

The second half was a different story and when you consider that we played 17 minutes with 14 men because our bench had been emptied when Captain Billy Johnson had to go off injured it was a lot more encouraging.

A really good exercise while a number of the starting XV will have to take a long hard look at themselves having plenty to work on while in the second period the bench brought real energy and dynamism to the contest.

We should also remember we have come up against a battle hardened Coventry side and its our first run out so lots of positives and things we can improve.

A’s have very different targets to Coventry this season so we will dust ourselves down and reset this week before we prepare to play the reigning Champions Ealing Trailfinders next week on the road.

I know what your thinking but don’t, its all part of our journey, come on Amps!

Thank you to our army of volunteers who worked tirelessly to make sure we were ready for the weekend and thank you to all the travelling Coventry support for being so patient whilst we dealt with some organisational issues in our first game we have played in the Championship Cup.”
— Mark Lavery, Director of Rugby (Ampthill)

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20190427 Loughborough Students vs Ampthill 1st XV

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Match Report

Loughborough Students 20 – 52 1st XV, National One

In what turned out to be the biggest day in Ampthill RUFC’s history, our Champions elect finished the season in fine style with a 52 v 20 win on the road at Loughborough University.

The A’s started well, controlling territory and possession despite playing into a very strong wind. Maama Molitika started the scoring after multiple phases he crashed over to the left of the posts converted by A’s and Blues legend James Pritchard playing in his final game of senior rugby. James Pritchard you have been a star and best of luck in the next stage of your life and your return to Australia.

Maama Molitika opens the scoring for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The Students responded with a try of their own after 20 mins to leave the scores at 5 v 7.

The front row decided to take control of the game with a strong carry from Matt Collins to crash over and again converted by James Pritchard.

Matt Collins crosses the whitewash for Ampthill’s second try
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The A’s were awarded a penalty that was kicked to the corner and Aleki Lutui assisting Sam Hudson another score from the stock catch and drive this time converted by Josh Sharp as Pritchard was off having running repairs. Aleki Lutui has bagged 15 try’s this season which shows how effective the Maroon and Gold driving line-out has become.

Aleki Lutui provding the extra drive to get Sam Hudson over the line for Ampthill’s third try of the first half!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Perhaps the try of the game and the score that took the A’s to the Green King IPA Championship started with replacement full back Mike Waters probing the right hand side of the Students defence. The ball was recycled through four sets of hands to put Joe Bercis in on the left hand corner and the celebrations could begin. Sharp missing the conversion and the scores stood at 5 v 26 at oranges.

Joe Bercis sneaks over the line just before half time to seal the deal for Ampthill’s promotion
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The game to all intents and purposes was over as a contest but both sides exchanged try’s with the Students scoring three further try’s and Ampthill scoring four.

1st try of the second half from Sam Hudson and number 5 for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Will Allman crosses the line easily for Ampthill’s 6th try
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Sam Baker lands just by the post for Ampthill’s seventh try of the match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Sam Baker holding the ball as the Maul drives over the line giving Ampthill their eight try of the match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Leaving the final scores at Loughborough 20 v 52 Ampthill and confirmation that the mighty A’s are National 1 Champions and we are heading to the Green King IPA Championship for the first time in our history.

Ampthill celebrate the end result of winning the league
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Final Score

Loughborough 22, Ampthill 52

“I would like to thank Paul Turner and his coaching team for a truly fantastic effort in winning National 1 for the first time in our history.
Team Manager Ian Bremner and Head of Medical Michael Dwyer for all there help and assistance behind the scenes which without the unseen work we wouldn’t have won the league.
Thank you to all our supporters who have stuck with us through good and not so good times and especially those who made the Loughborough game feel like we were at Dillingham Park.
Last but not least the outstanding efforts from our first team squad who have not only won National 1 but with the 1881s winning Zoo 1 as well it’s yet another historic result and the first time we have done this in our history.
As the curtain comes down on the season our four senior teams have all won their respective divisions and once more I find myself wondering how we can ever better that, but I have thought that for the last five seasons so I’m sure we will find a way.
Hope to see you all at the Club Dinner Dance when we can celebrate what has been the best season in the Ampthill and District Rugby Clubs History.”
— Mark Lavery, Director of Rugby (Ampthill)

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20190413 Ampthill 1st XV vs Sale FC

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Match Report

Amps Dominate Sale Outscoring The Visitors 9 tries to 2

Sale arrived at Dillingham Park on a dry, sunny day with a moderate easterly breeze and the chance of isolated showers.

After going behind to an early try Ampthill dominated the game scoring 9 tries and leaving several more on the park.

From the kick off Sale retained the ball well showing good structure to move the ball deep into Amps territory. A sweeping move through the hands from left to right saw a fine unconverted try scored in the right corner on 5 minutes by centre Moorhouse.

Sam Baker opens the scoreline for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s took the game away from the visitors with 5 tries before half time. Wing Sam Baker scored a brace with two good finishes (8 minutes, 16) from open play.

Sam Baker scores again for Ampthill (Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Sam Baker scores again for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Scrum half Kevin Barrett sniped on 21 minutes from a red zone breakdown before

Kevin Barrett crosses the whitewash to add to Ampthills scoreline
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Sam Baker celebrated his hat trick on 25 minutes.

Sam Baker literally flying to provide Ampthill with even more points!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Centre Ollie Morris to completed the scoring for the half after he was was in support to receive the final pass in the 38th minute.

Ollie Morris crosses the line for Ampthill right by the flag (Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ollie Morris crosses the line for Ampthill right by the flag
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Full back James Pritchard, playing the penultimate game of his illustrious 19 year career, converted all Sam Baker’s tries leaving the score 31-5 at oranges.

James Pritchard once again squares up to the posts for additions
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The second half was more of the same with the home side adding 4 more tries through fly half Josh Sharp (47, 75),

Josh Sharp slipping through the defences and heading for the line....
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

replacement hooker Syd Blackmore (51)

Syd Blackmore crosses the line in style despite a passenger
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Josh Sharp with his second try of the match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

and replacement scrum half Euan McKirdy (73).

Euan McKirdy crossing the line for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

James Pritchard adding the extras for all but Syd Blackmore’s.

James Pritchard with the Coaching Team at his last home match prior to retirement
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

In between the 57th minute saw a fine try from Sale’s centre Dunn, converted by fly half Povey.

The hosts were in control in the tight and the loose while the defence held a concerted second half effort from the visitors whose heads never dropped.

Ampthill welcomed previous players who showed their support at the bar!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Old Elthamians managed a bonus point win away at Bishop’s Stortford which forces the title fight to go down to the wire of the last round of fixtures. Ampthill need 1 point against Loughborough on April 27 to secure promotion to the Championship!

Paul Turner, post match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Head Coach Paul Turner comments “A pleasing performance, especially after the poor second half at Moseley the week before. We played some good football against a committed side but let a chance or two go begging. Our defence was good in the second half and both half backs had excellent games.”

Final Score

Ampthill 57, Sale FC 12

“A pleasing performance, especially after the poor second half at Moseley the week before. We played some good football against a committed side but let a chance or two go begging. Our defence was good in the second half and both half backs had excellent games.”
— Paul Turner, Ampthill Head Coach

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20190406 Birmingham Moseley vs Ampthill 1st XV

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Match Report

Firstly your reporter must start by stating that he can’t for the life of him understand why a team as talented as Birmingham Moseley are in a relegation dog fight. They caused the A’s defence all sorts of problems and scored four well deserved try’s against our much vaunted defence in a fire cracker of a game.

Aleki Lutui opens the scoreline for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s started well with an Aleki Lutui try after a stock catch and drive on the seven metre line and converted by James Pritchard to lead seven nil after six minutes.

James Pritchard preparing for the first of many conversions this match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Birmingham Moseley responded well with a break by outstanding number eight Brightwell, going nearly half the length of the field against what can only be described as a generous defence by the A’s. 7 v 7 after 12 mins.

Amp’s controlled large parts of the half from here and Sam Hanks who was strong and elusive all day scored a try after a good break. He eluded the defence to score under the posts and the points were duly converted by James Pritchard to lead 7 v 14 after twelve minutes.

Sam Hanks crosses the line for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ciaran Whyte then fielded a downfield kick and broke the line to find Gavin Williams in support, who took a tackle but got the offload away and former Moseley player Joe Bercis scored under the posts, again converted by James Pritchard to take a 7 v 21 lead at the half. time whistle.

Joe Bercis scores his first try of the match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Whatever the Ampthill coaching staff said at half time appeared to have been ignored, and despite having the wind at there backs the A’s decided to start playing rugby in there own red zone and conceded two try’s on 46 and 56 mins to bring Birmingham Moseley back to within 2 points at 19 v 21.

A’s started to introduce the subs then and with a scrum on the Birmingham Moseley five metre line, scrum half Euan McKirdy drifted wide and opened a hole for Joe Bercis to bag his second try under the posts.  James Pritchard again added the extras and the A’s travelling fans began to breathe a little easier. 19 v 28 after 63 mins.

Joe Bercis crossing the line for a second try this match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps were now camped in Birmingham Moseley territory and after multiple phases Carl Burgess on his return to the first team carried strongly to crash over the line with two defenders enjoying the ride on big Carls back. James Pritchard missed his only conversion of the day but the A’s had responded well and now put some clean air between themselves and Moseley at 19 v 33 on 69 mins.

Carl Burgess marks his return to the 1st XV with a try in his first match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

As has been a theme recently, the A’s took their foot off the gas and a poor exit led to Birmingham Moseley getting there fourth and bonus point try to bring back within a score at 26 v 33.

Ampthill composed themselves and responded again with the ball in the Birmingham Moseley red zone.  Karl Garside who has signed full professional forms at Northampton Saints next season, scored from a pick and go close to the posts and James Pritchard again converted to make to game safe on 79 mins, 26 v 40.

Karl Garside closes out the tries for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

There was still time for A’s to muck up another exit and invite Birmingham Moseley to batter their defence, but this time the second best defence in the division held out to secure crucial five point win on the road.

A delighted Mark Lavery being interviewed post match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Final Score

Birmingham Moseley 26, Ampthill 40

“Whilst not our best performance of the yearit’ss about getting the job done and a five point win on the road at Birmingham Moseley is no mean feet. We have lots to work on and another cup final next week with the visit of Sale FC to Dillingham Park for the first time.
The 1881s had a huge bonus point win away at Jersey Athletic to lead the Zoo One top division and Richmond coming to Dillingham Park for another massive top of the table clash.
These are heady days for the senior section of the club with both our first team and 1881s looking to create another piece of history.”
— Mark Lavery, Ampthill Director of Rugby

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20190330 Ampthill 1st XV vs Rosslyn Park

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Match Report

Ampthill Triumph Despite Last Kick-Of-The-Game Drama

Rosslyn Park arrived at Dillingham Park on a dry, sunny day with a gentle northerly breeze to find a dusty pitch, let’s hope it rains soon.

The top of the table clash resulted in Ampthill’s biggest crowd of the season just beating that against Old Elthamians. Amps, 5 points clear of OEs in 2nd and 6 points clear of Park in 3rd going in to the game knew that promotion to the championship would be assured if they won their remaining 4 fixtures but were taking nothing for granted expecting a very tough examination from today’s visitors.

Rosslyn Park controlled at the outset
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s produced one of the worst first half performances of the season as Rosslyn Park were superior in every phase of the game, in particular Park’s defence was outstanding, keeping the home side so quiet that their only possession in the visitors 22 came in the last minute of the half. However, the second half saw the hosts raise their game eventually pressurising Rosslyn Park into conceding penalty after penalty in the red zone before scoring two tries in the last 5 minutes. Even then Park, who surely did enough to secure the win over the 80 minutes, had a last kick of the game penalty goal chance which slid wide to much celebration from all home connections.

The visitors open-side Arthur Ellis opened the scoring in the 9th minute, intercepting an unnecessary pass on the Ampthill 22 and scampering around under the posts, fly half Greg Lound adding the extras.

Rosslyn Park showing early promise
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Almost from the kick off Amps were penalised at a breakdown and Lound made no mistake with the penalty goal.

Rosslyn Park adding points from a Penalty
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

On 21 minutes, Rosslyn Park’s lock Jonathan Mills barged over from close range after a series of red zone phases, Lound again adding the conversion.

The 26th minute saw Lound successful with another penalty goal to extend Park’s lead to 20 points.

Magic fingers from Rosslyn Park to secure another lineout…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Despite much effort A’s were unable to trouble the scoreboard in the remainder of the half leaving the score at oranges 0-20.

Whatever was said at half time the hosts looked a different team as the second half began, forcing the visitors to defend for long periods while controlling territory & possession. Rosslyn Park’s defence held firm.

Scrum collapse leading to a lack sympathy from the Referee
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Park were now under the cosh, the resulting pressure inside their red zone seeing a series of penalties given against them until a yellow card to prop Nick Lovell on 52 minutes leading to the first spell of uncontested scrums.

The Yellow Card that signalled the end of contested scrums
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The 56th minute saw the hosts replacement hooker Syd Blackmore came up with the ball from a catch & drive, just about the first time in the game that either side made ground with a maul. Fly half Josh Sharp adding the conversion.

Syd Blackmore forcing his way through to the whitewash
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The home side continued to turn the screw resulting in further yellow cards to visiting scrum half Jack Gash (74) & wing Charlie Amesbury (76) as he illegally prevented a certain try under the posts from open play, the referee awarding a penalty try.

Rosslyn Park down to 13 players with another Yellow Card…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With the visitors down to 13 players Ampthill were inspired to produce their best rugby of the game as a series of interchanges between backs & forwards saw Josh Sharp touch down under the posts,

Josh Sharp runs in the winning try for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

full back James Pritchard’s successful conversion the signal for much celebration as Amps took the lead for the first time in the 78th minute.

James Pritchard adds the winning points to Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

There was still time for the Rosslyn Park’s depleted team to recover the kick off and produce multiple phases from the forwards slowly gaining ground until A’s were penalised at a breakdown 40 metres out in front of the post. Replacement kicker Oliver Grove stepped up for the last kick of the game penalty goal attempt which drifted agonisingly wide of the posts in his ‘Stuart Pearce’ moment.

A kick too far, the one that almost changed the outcome…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

In a game truly of two halves Ampthill were lucky to come second in the first but turned it around with a controlled display in the second before that final kick drama produced a moment that only sport at it’s finest can.

Final Score

Ampthill 21, Rosslyn Park 20

“We got out of jail after being comprehensively outplayed by Rosslyn Park in the first half. This could easily have been the banana skin that ruined 10 years of hard work. Park were the best side seen this year at Dillingham Park and definitely did not deserve to lose. However, we did win, we are still top and managed to find the victory despite playing poorly.”
— Mark Lavery, Ampthill Director of Rugby
“Against a formidable Ampthill side we had a good first half where we might have taken more points but a 20 pt lead should have been the platform to kick on and secure the game. Ampthill kept the ball in the second half, stopped us playing and forced the errors while our injury count didn’t help. National 1 is a great spectacle, we should be proud of the game we are creating.”
— Kieran Power, Rosslyn Park Head Coach

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20190309 Ampthill 1st XV vs Old Elthamians

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Match Report

Old Elthamians arrived at a dry, sunny Olney Field with a strong westerly wind to find a dusty pitch, more rain please.

The top of the table clash resulted in Ampthill’s biggest crowd of the season. Going in to the game both sides were chasing promotion, equal on points (91) and separated only by virtue of Old Elthamians having won one more game (18 of 24 played). With both sides claiming to have had a great week’s preparation both sets of coaches would have tried to minimise the pressure but everyone involved and watching knew the importance of today’s result for prospect of playing in the Championship next season.

If must of been deja vue for OE’s DoR Gavin Lach as his side conceded two early tries just as they had in the same fixture last season as he’d mentioned in his match preview.

Matt Collins opens the scoreline for Ampthill on 5 minutes!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

First Amps tight head Matt Collins came up with the ball after a signature line-out, catch & drive on 5 minutes, full back James Pritchard’s touch line conversion attempt had the legs but not the direction. Then, in the 10th minute, centre Sam Hanks danced through the entire visitor’s defence from the halfway line touching down under the posts for James Pritchard to add the conversion.

Sam Hanks extends the lead for Ampthill after only 10 minutes of play
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

At this stage A’s were winning the collisions and secure in both lineout and set piece but Old Elthamians were not top of the table by chance and they soon began to come back into the game forcing the home side to defend for long periods.

On 17 minutes, fly half Joe Carlisle kicked a simple penalty goal from in front of the posts inside the hosts 22 and then added a second in the 25th minute from further out reducing the deficit to one score. Ampthill still looked threatening when they had the ball but the game was now evenly balanced.

A physical game resulting in a few minor injuries
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Elthamians had their chances in the second quarter but knocked on when over the line on one occasion and dropped the final pass when clear on another meanwhile Amps defence was stepping up securing two red zone turnovers to stifle other opportunities.

The killer blow came on the stroke of half time when quick ball from the top of an A’s lineout inside OE’s 22 resulted in multiple phases culminating in Number 8 Maama Molitika crashing over from close range, James Pritchard again adding the extras leaving the score 19-6 at oranges.

Maama Molitika crashes over the whitewash just before half time
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The second half saw a long period of visitor’s dominance of territory & possession but the home side’s defence was up to the task, time and again stifling Old Elthamians even when they had multiple red zone phases. On 60 minutes however, OE’s were penalised for off side at a ruck and Pritchard struck the resulting penalty goal to take Amps more than 2 scores clear.

Both sides remained physical about the contest until the end
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts introduced a number of players from the bench which signalled a change with Ampthill’s scrum now dominant and the fresh legs regaining control in mid-field. The game had become fragmented with frequent stoppages for treatment to injured players before the 75th minute saw Amps close out the match when replacement prop Ralph Adams-Hale showed great strength and leg drive to touch down under the posts after multiple red zone phases, fly half Josh Sharp successful with the conversion.

‘Wreck it’ Ralph Adams-Hale driving over the line for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Just 4 minutes later with the visitors now throwing the ball around A’s collected a chip through just outside Old Elthamians 22, Josh Sharp returning the chip which bounced kindly for centre Ollie Morris to touch down behind the posts, Josh Sharp adding the extras leaving the score 36-6 at no side.

Ollie Morris closes down the game for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ampthill produced at 80 minute performance just when it was needed to move 5 points clear at the top of National 1 with 5 games to play. Every game is crucial through the end of the season but the home match against 3rd placed Rosslyn Park in a fortnight is another one to look forward to.

Final Score

Ampthill 36, Old Elthamians 6

“An outstanding squad performance, I was particularly pleased with our defence, at it’s best at crucial times. Our set piece got on top and we scored 5 tries while conceding none against our biggest rivals. This was a great for Ampthill Rugby Club.”
— Paul Turner, Ampthill Head Coach
“We had opportunities but didn’t take them, disappointing to drop the ball in the act of scoring 3 times, you cannot win against good opposition if you don’t take your chances. Ampthill were the better side on the day.”
— Gavin Lach, Director of Rugby (Old Elthamians)

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