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.”
“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.”
