Match Report
In front of a decent crowd including the Ampthill Mayor plus Club President and Chairman, the Jets had a great pre-season battle against a talented Shelford team.
Physical start to the game…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The Jets started off at a pace and were initially dominant in the scrum and line out with a catch and drive game keeping them on the front foot. Two quick tries by flanker and man of the match, Josh Burton (both converted by full back Will Norford) led to a 14 – 0 lead for the Jets.
Josh Burton starts the match with the first of his tries…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Any thought of a one-sided match was soon dismissed as Shelford came back positively, creating space down the blindside leading to a try for one of their forward pack who showed a good turn of pace. Ampthill bagged the next score though with a try by inspirational new captain Eric Edwins, a simple pick and go with Shelford not defending the ruck. Sharpshooter Norford inexplicably missing a simple conversion. Shelford though had the final say of the half with a score by their No 2.
Shelford cross the line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Half time 19-12 to the Jets, but turning around to play up the slope the Jets knew they were in a game and started to introduce their 10 replacement players from the bench. The second half was pretty nip and tuck, great defence by the Jets saw a Shelford attack held up over the line. Particularly pleasing was the committed defence by Jorell Hill in his first-ever game of rugby!
Jack Wilkinson making a break…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The only score of the second half came from another debutante, Bartek Krzyzanski who found himself on the wing and produced a good finish.
Bartek Krzyzanski crosses the line in his debut match…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Overall a good, competitive run out. Thanks go to Paul Allen and his Shelford lads. It was good to see several of our sponsors watching and we appreciate their support. Thanks also to Jets physio Anna who provided much-needed support to both teams.
Sometimes the timing just doesn’t happen…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Today saw Jets back-rower Jack Wilkinson joined on the pitch by his Dad, how many other clubs fielded a father/son combo today? This is what makes Ampthill Rugby Club so special.
Clearing the line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Serious stuff next Saturday with the Jets due to host London Irish amateurs, 3pm kick off. All support welcome.
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