20200315 Ampthill Jets vs Old Northamptonians 1st XV (Cup Semi-Final)
Match Report
Ampthill Jets 35-19 Old Northamptonians 1st XV
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In front of a decent size crowd, including the Club Chairman and Director of Rugby, a Jets squad aided and abetted by players from the 5ths, Extras and Pisporians squads took on an ONs side on the championship pitch at Ampthill.
Club Chairman, Team Manager and Director of Rugby all turned out for the occasion
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Now, Coronvirus permitting, we go through to play Peterborough Lions in the final at Goldington Road – Bedford Blues ground next month. Last season Peterborough Lions were playing National League rugby, the Jets were playing Herts and Middlesex Merit tables rugby against 2nd and 3rd teams!
Fortunately, the government’s planned stay at home and isolate policy for the older generation has not yet been introduced otherwise half the Jets forwards today would have been in quarantine!
Phil Donbavand and Simon Spavins on their Debut as Wingers for the Jets…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Scrummaging though is what props Spavs ‘the fridge’ and Phil ‘the immovable object’ Donbavand love doing and they not only provided the platform for a domineering scrum they were also prominent in the loose, not bad seeing as their combined age nearly warrants a telegram from the Queen! Donbers found himself in space at one stage before his agoraphobia kicked in!
Ampthill had a dominating scrum from the start…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
ONs started the game strong with good ball retention, leading to several Jets indiscretions and it was from a quick tap penalty that the opening try was scored by ONs for a 0-7 lead. This seemed to inspire the Jets though and soon after right-wing James Kearns (shirt sponsor Webb and Company) bagged the Jets first try converted by full-back Will Norford (shirt sponsor Castle Lane Garage) one of 5 successful conversions by Will for a 100% record on the day. All Jets towards the end of the first half and it was frustrating to be held up over the line in the last play of the half.
Will Norford on the first of many conversions this match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The second half saw a really dominating spell from the Jets, leading to Kearn’s second try plus tries from Spavs (shirt sponsor Sky Line) and skipper Eric Edwin (shirt sponsored by RD Designs) and the Jets looked like they were coasting at 28-7.
Eric Edwin cleared the line but the Referee was unsighted so no score!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
But ONs fought back strongly with 2 more tries of their own. As the picture shows it took a try from 6 inches out for backs coach Colin Liddell (shirt sponsor Laser Swat) to settle the Jets nerves.
Colin Lidell crosses the line to finish the job for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Fantastic performance with the Jets now into both the Bedfordshire and East Midlands Cup finals, not bad for a third XV. Man of the match could have gone to Pete Smith for an absolutely lung-busting performance in both defence and attack, but the old softie in me says Simon Spavins has to have it – for not only a great performance but also earlier in the day leading his Under 14s to East Midlands Cup glory. Well done Spavs and the 14s. Come on you Jets.