Match Report
Ampthill Extras: 31, Old Albanian Gladiators: 26
Match Store: 20211010 Match Store
It's been a while since the Extras ran out onto a Dillingham Park pitch for a home match and not even the weather could dampen the excitement levels within the squad at the prospect of doing so.
Extras hosted Old Albanians' Gladiators, a team that have recently risen through the ranks of the HMMT league structure.
Hard on the attack again…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
There was also a very welcome return for what is left of Extras & crowd favourite Adam Wilson.
Extras & Gladiators slugged it out for the full 80 minutes, and despite the rain-sodden conditions there were some great displays of good rugby to keep the hardy fans entertained.
Playing uphill in the first half, the Extras started well. Going through the phases, the home side had the majority of the possession in the early stages. Tom Watson eventually broke the Gladiators' defence for the Extras' first try.
Tom Watson breaks through the Gladiators defence to open the scoreline for Ampthill.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
This was soon followed by Chris Day who charged over the try line for their second, both tries converted by Connor Stone, 14-0 Extras.
Chris Day crosses the line for Ampthill's second try of the game.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
This game wasn’t going to go all the way of the Extras. Gladiators, living up to their name, fought back with two tries to tighten the gap, 14-12.
Ajay Singh Momi was next to score, charging down a Gladiator's clearance kick, the ball went over the Gladiators' try line and Ajay ran through to touch down to increase Ampthill’s lead. Gladiators responded, to level the score 19 all. The crowd were getting their money's worth.
Charlie Arguile crosses the line for Ampthill's fourth try of the game.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Charlie Arguile, in at full back, was next to strike for the Extras, following a darting run from long range. That was all Charlie could manage to do. As young as he is, he had to come off for a rest. Connor converted.
After having earlier entertained the ladies in the crowd, displaying his once white but now very soiled Calvin Kleins, Max Noble scored Ampthill's final try to take the final Ampthill tally to 31. Gladiators scored a late try to make the final score 31-26 in the Extras' favour.
Max Noble closes out the scoreline for Ampthill.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
As the game came to a close, Chris Day couldn't resist coming off early to bare his chest, giving the dozens of drenched spectators exactly what they wanted. Ben Morton, new to body sculpting, could only look on in amazement.
Special mention to the Extras defence, lead by Hitman Hodgy, for putting several Gladiators to the sword with some demon hits.
With funds tight even the showering arrangements have had to be economised, Chris Day demonstrating the new facilities.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
With Captain Andy Hill having jetted of to warmer climates for a Spanish Chorizo Festival, it came down to Ben Douglas to step up to the mark and throw the arrows for the team. Dougie put in a great 80 minutes at hooker.
Next week the Extras players & supporters travel en masse to ONs for a jolly boys outing.
Final Result
Ampthill Extras: 31, Old Albanian Gladiators: 26
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