Loughborough

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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20180915 Ampthill 1st XV Vs Esher

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Match Report

Ampthill welcomed Esher to Dillingham on a dry, sunny and warm afternoon with a moderate breeze with the pitch reflecting the dry summer.

Spencer Sutherland outpacing the opposition comfortably
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps squad saw 7 changes from that which lost at Chinnor with wing Spencer Sutherland, signed from Esher during the summer, and fly half Michael Waters making their 1stXV debuts after strong performances for the 1881s.

Esher provided stiff opposition for 60 minutes but the home side ran out comfortable winners in the end.

Joe Bercis taking the hard route yet again…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

“After a tough week when we were hard on the players to get 5 points is very pleasing. On 60 minutes, losing 15-20 and down to 13 players, I felt we were staring down a barrel. However, it seemed to galvanise us and from then on we controlled possession, territory and eventually the game. All four back row players, Allman, Bercis, Molitika and replacement Blackmore were outstanding.”
— Paul Turner, Ampthill Head Coach

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Match Score: 20180915 Ampthill 1st XV Vs Esher

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20180901 Ampthill 1st XV Vs Loughborough

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Match Report

Loughborough travelled to Dillingham Park for the first official match of the season for Ampthill. The dry weather over most of the off season has left the pitch looking more like the Serengeti than mid Bedfordshire!

Aleki Lutui running in an early try
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Both teams were determined from the off and determined to make their mark. Loughborough showing their speed on the outside when given the chance, but Ampthill simply denied them the chance time after time playing a physical game and utilising their strength to punch through time after time. Loughborough responded admirably with a run of tries to ensure their bonus point but just didn’t seem to be able to ‘click’ this game.

Final result: 43-34 in Ampthill’s favour.

James Pritchard preparing to add to the tally
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

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Match Score: 20180901 Ampthill 1st XV Vs Loughborough

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