Tabard 1st XV 17-26 Chiltern 1st XV
played Hertfordshire side Tabard in a pre-season friendly on Saturday. Tabard finished 3rd at level 7 last season, the standard that Chiltern have been promoted to for this season, so it was to be a stern test of Chilterns credentials.
A number of players made their debuts for the 1st XV (Kenyon), and indeed some for the club (Myburgh, Naude, Fagan and Sumnall) and all acquitted themselves well. Tabard were very physical from the start and in previous seasons this may have intimidated chiltern. However, pre-season training that has included boxing appeared to have toughened chiltern up a bit and they probably had the better of the opening 20 minutes, and were rewarded by 2 penalties converted by Kinsey.
Unfortunately all this good work was partly undone by poor tackling allowing the Tabard outside centre to score a converted try to put them in the lead. Unphased by this Chiltern then went on the attack and a driving maul resulted in a try for Myburgh. Tabard scored again, and after another 3 points from Kinsey, Jack Kenyon put chiltern back ahead with a score in the corner. Tabard scored another try to make the score 17-19 going into the last 15 minutes.
Chiltern then had the final say with a good continuity try from Paul Fagan which was converted by Kinsey. Final score 17-26.
The whole pack played well and the mobile back row are sure to take advantage of the new interpretation of the ruck. Lewis Culverhouse played well coming on off the bench.
Chiltern entertain Witney on Saturday, KO 3pm.
Team
Allen, Myburgh, Naude, C.Gilhooly, C.Bond, Grammenos, Buller, Fagan, Rastelli, Bugden, Neale, Sumnall, Foster, Buckler, Kinsey. Reps Smith, Reus, Culverhouse, Kenyon.
Chiltern 1st XV 10-14 Witney 1st XV
Chiltern hosted Witney in their first competitive outing of the season on Saturday. Witney were on top for most of the first half and dominated territory thanks to intelligent kicking and Chilterns inability to get to grips with the interpretation of the ruck, which also led to a number of kickable penalties resulting in 6 points for Witney but could have been many more.
The second half was a different story and despite Witney scoring a try after a ball, having evaded 2 chiltern players, took a lucky bounce straight into the witney wingers hands, Chiltern came back into the game strongly. After winning the ball against the head in the scrum Chiltern then pushed the Witney pack backwards over their own line allowing Jack Kenyon to touch down. After further pressure Myburgh scored out wide, unfortunately both conversions were missed. At 10-11 Chiltern looked like they would score again, but another penalty for Witney stretched their lead further. With time running out and in their own 22 it was left for Chiltern to try and run the ball the length of the pitch to score. This they almost managed but it wasn’t to be as the last pass just outside the witney 22 didn’t quite go to hand and Witney held on.
Notable performances came from Myburgh and Culverhouse who both carried the ball well and made consistent in-roads into the Witney defence. Despite losing, Chiltern can take many positives from the game and will surely start to gel more in the coming weeks.
Chiltern host Devizes in the Intermediate Cup on Saturday, KO 2.30pm.
Team
Allen, Myburgh, Szgarwzak, Fagan, C.Bond, Smith, Buller, Grammenos, Rastelli, T.Smalley, Neale, Culverhouse, Sumnall, Foster, Kinsey. Reps Naude, Craggs, Kenyon.
Chiltern IXV 22-0 Aylesbury I XV
Chiltern convincingly beat Ayelsbury on Saturday at Weedon Lane. The victory was built on stout defence with strong tackling in particular from Centre pairing Lewis Culverhouse and Neil Foster. The Chiltern scrum was solid and provided a good base for chiltern to attack from, and although this wasn’t always utilised, Chiltern did enough to score 3 tries. Bugden opened the scoring with a try from close range, jinking around a couple of defenders. This was converted and at Half time Chiltern were 7-0 ahead. Tom Grammenos then scored under the posts after breaking from the Chiltern 22 and a penalty from Kinsey effectively made the game safe before Foster scored a try in the corner.
Notable performances came from Paul Fagan who was man of the match, and also from both Smith brothers in the back row. Despite giving away too many penalties and producing a few handling errors, Chiltern deserved their victory, and travel to Beaconsfield next Saturday looking for another win.
Team
Allen, Myburgh, Naude, Fagan, C.Bond, J.Smith, D.Smith, Grammenos, Rastelli, Bugden, Neale , Culverhouse, Foster, Kenyon, Kinsey. Reps Szgarwzak, C.Gilhooly, Sumnall.
Amersham & Chiltern 1st XV 44-10 Beaconsfield 1st XV
An unchanged Chiltern travelled to local rivals Beaconsfield on Saturday. The opening minutes of the game were fairly even with both sides battling hard to gain control. Chiltern were playing against the strong wind in the first half and were pinned inside their own half with Beaconsfield controlling the ball well. However Chiltern quickly gained control of the set piece especially the scrum which provided a solid platform to attack. Matt Allen, Stefaan Myburgh, Jacques Naude and replacement Dan Pettinger all scrummaged superbly which meant Beaconsfield were always going backwards. Chiltern opened the scoring with a delightful try finished by Paul Fagan but started off inside the Chiltern half. Another score from Jack Kenyon came soon after and Chiltern were now in control. Beaconsfield kicked a penalty but further scores from Fagan and Dave Neale and a penalty from Dan Kinsey meant Chiltern led 27-3 at half time.
In the second half Jacques Naude scored his first try for the club after chiltern pushed the Beaconsfield scrum back over their own line to prove their domination. Myburgh also scored a try following good play from Lewis Culverhouse. Beaconsfield rallied and scored a try after a good offload out of the tackle, but Chiltern finished the scoring after Dave Neale finished off another flowing move. This was Chilterns best performance of the season so far and in patches they were irresistable. Man of the Match Darren Smith was outstanding and dominated the ruck, and Ross Bugden controlled play well, being provided by excellent service from scrum half Nic Rastelli who also had a good game.
Next Saturday chiltern host Slough at Weedon Lane.
Team
Allen, Myburgh, Naude, Fagan, C.Bond, J.Smith, D.Smith, Grammenos, Rastelli, Bugden, Neale , Culverhouse, Foster, Kenyon, Kinsey. Reps Pettinger, C.Gilhooly, Reus.
Chiltern 1XV 48-22 Slough 1XV
Amersham & Chiltern hosted Slough at Weedon Lane on Saturday and subjected them to a heavy defeat that included a flamboyant first half display in which they blew the visitors away in all aspects of the game. Despite losing their tight grip on the game in the third quarter, Chiltern never looked like yielding their lead and were able to rally against a tiring opposition in the latter stages of the game.
Chiltern’s set pieces, in both the forwards and the backs, were executed with composure. This was highlighted when, having been camped in the Slough twenty-two, Chiltern’s scrum held firm and a well-executed back’s move culminated in the Captain, Dan Kinsey going over between the posts for Chiltern’s opening score. From a similar position, deep in the Slough half, Chiltern’s dominance again turned to points when Jack Kenyon finished off a fine move having been given another solid platform, this time from a strong lineout. And it was from here that Chiltern added a third, with the forwards implementing a move of their own which ended with hooker, Stefaan Myburgh, battling his way over from close range.
With Dan Kinsey kicking superbly, converting all three tries and a further two penalties, Chiltern had amassed 27 points and were looking comfortable. However, from a position ten metres out, the visitors scored their first points with Chiltern’s defense slow to react to a fortuitous Slough lineout. This made the half time score 27-5.
Slough came out strongly and spent the opening minutes of the half in control of possession and territory for the first time in the game. Despite this, it was Chiltern who scored next through Matt Allen. From a forwards dominated move that started with a scrum around halfway, the Chiltern prop gathered the ball and began a powerful run that Slough found impossible to stop, scoring beneath the posts. This score was exactly what Chiltern had asked for during half time, but it acted as a catalyst for the hosts to drop some of their intensity and allow Slough a route back in to the game.
Slough quickly scored two tries thanks to some lazy tackling from Chiltern and it could have been worse if not for a superb try-saving tackle from winger David Neale. Despite their revival never really threatening the outcome of the tie, it was a reminder to the Amersham club that they must keep their concentration for the full 80 minutes in this division or it could prove costly in tighter games.
In the last quarter, the visitors began to tire and Chiltern scored either side of a last Slough try. Jack Kenyon scored his second in the corner after good play from Nic Rastelli and Lewis Culverhouse. The scoring was complete once Dan Sumnall went over under the posts with his first score for the club having been put through the gap by Chiltern’s inside centre.
Chiltern ran out victors by a score of 48-22.
Dan Kinsey won Man of the Match for an excellent try-scoring display that included converting all eight of his kicks. Chris Morrison came off the bench to play impressively in his debut for the first team.
Chiltern 1stXV travel to Chipping Norton this Saturday.
Team:
1 M. Allen, 2 S. Myburgh, 3 J. Naude, 4 C. Gilhooly, 5 C. Bond, 6 J. Smith, 7 D. Smith, 8 T. Grammenos, 9 N. Rastelli, 10 R. Bugden
11 D. Neale, 12 L. Culverhouse, 13 N. Foster, 14 J. Kenyon, 15 D Kinsey, 16 C. Morrison, 17 M. Craggs, 18 D. Sumnall
Lewis Culverhouse 10.10.09
Chipping Norton 1st XV 11-25 Chiltern 1st XV
Whilst Chiltern 1stXV travelled by bus, Chris Smith continued the Big Cycle tour all the way to Chipping Norton on Saturday to watch a competitive game, won comfortably in the end by the away side. Despite the 50 mile journey starting at 6am and being largely uphill, the club President said it all worth it to see the side win against one of the more competitive teams in the division. After a closely fought first half, the visitors were able to raise their game straight after and accelerate into a 14 point lead that lasted for the remainder of the game thanks to some good defence and high levels of commitment.
Chiltern began slowly but replied to both Chipping Norton penalties with two of their own, scored by Dan Kinsey. Early signs showed that the home team were a well drilled outfit, keeping the ball alive out of the tackle and running hard lines. But whilst Chiltern took time to find their feet in open play, their set piece in both the scrum and the lineout, was dominant from the off. Chipping Norton scrums were almost as good as Chiltern ball at some points in the first half, with Jaques Naude and Matt Allen utterly dominant. In the lineout, Stefaan Myburgh threw well to ensure Charlie Bond and the rest of the Chiltern pack won 100% of their own lineout.
It took a while for Chiltern to come forward with any real intent, but with the score at 6-6, the backs broke through the line after a well executed first phase move which started a period of dominance that eventually culminated in a try. Chiltern’s fly half, Ross Bugden, put Neil Foster into the gap, who broke through to set up Dan Kinsey, after some nice football skills, for the score. However, it was now the turn of Chipping Norton to respond positively. They scored a try in the corner after catching Chiltern in possession and securing a turnover on the twenty-two. Both conversions were narrowly missed which left the half time score tied at 11-11.
Cue Chiltern’s period of utter dominance that lasted about 15 minutes and secured the away team 14 vital points that were enough to win the match. Firstly, Myburgh went over after about ten phases of Chiltern possession on the opposition line. Then Foster scored following a fine break from Bugden. Both scores were converted and Chipping Norton began to get back in to the game.
Despite some pressure on their line, Chiltern never looked like yielding. Their second half display was at odds with the week before when they played Slough which will please the coaching staff. Despite it not always being pretty, Chiltern were dogged and saw out the last ten minutes in relative comfort.
The final score was 11-25.
Man of the match went to Darren Smith, who was dominant in every aspect of his game, especially in tackling, putting in tough hits that pushed the home team back on numerous occasions.
Team
1. M. Allen
2. S. Myburgh
3. J. Naude
4. C. Gilhooly
5. C. Bond
6. P. Fagan
7. D. Smith
8. T. Grammenos
9. D. Sumnall
10. R. Bugden
11. D. Neale
12. L. Culverhouse
13. N. Foster
14. J. Kenyon
15. D Kinsey
Reps C. Morrison, M. Craggs, P. Johnson.
NB: the bus back got silly
Amersham & Chiltern 1st XV 22-6 Grove 1st XV
Amersham & Chiltern 1XV 22 - 6 Grove 1XV
Billed as game of the week in Southern Counties North; second placed Grove came to blows with third placed Chiltern at Weedon Lane on Saturday. The Amersham based club ended Grove's unbeaten run and leapfrogged them in the table on points difference, leaving the home crowd satisfied with another commanding performance and a fifth win in succession.
Chiltern began the game at a high tempo, displaying the best of their attacking attributes in the opening twenty minutes. It was in this period that Chiltern consistently broke the line and were rewarded with a score in the corner for debutant, George Mitchard. Following a strong lineout, Chiltern broke through with Neil Foster who was able to offload to Darren Smith, finding Lewis Culverhouse to put Mitchard in with a chance. The winger still had plenty to do but broke through some last ditch tackles to score. Dan Kinsey added the conversion, making the score 10-0 following his early penalty.
Grove then began to exert themselves and showed the physicality that Chiltern were expecting. They spent more time in Chiltern territory and slotted a penalty. Despite Grove's numerical advantage proceeding the sin-binning of Stefaan Myburgh, they never looked like turning their possession in to tries. All over the field, Chiltern's defence was impenetrable, matching Grove's physical approach and pushing them back time and time again.
HT: 10-3
The second half began with Chiltern back on the front foot. Spending much of their time in Grove's half, the pressure would eventually tell and penalties were given. The superb boot of the captain, Kinsey, scored the remainder of the points as he went another game 100% accurate. As Chiltern racked up the points, Grove became more and more desperate to run the ball out at every opportunity. Great tackling and defensive discipline meant that Grove were again unable to break the line. They added a penalty to their half time score, but in the end it was fairly comfortable for the home side.
FT: 22-6
Man of the match went to George Mitchard and not just for his try. His running got the home side out of trouble on a number of occasions.
Next week Amersham & Chiltern 1stXV face a tough game at Milton Keynes.
Team:
1. Matt Allen
2. Stefaan Myburgh
3. Jacques Naude
4. Charlie Bond
5. Colm Gilhooly
6. Luke Donnebaum
7. Darren Smith
8. Tom Grammenos
9. Ed Ngatai
10. Ross Bugden
11. George Mitchard
12. Lewis Culverhouse
13. Neil Foster
14. David Neale
15. Daniel Kinsey (c)
Subs
16. Chris Morrison
17. Ed Buller
18. Dan Sumnall
Scorers:
Try - George Mitchard
Penalty - Daniel Kinsey x5
Conversion - Daniel Kinsey
Milton Keynes 1XV 16-21 Chiltern 1XV
Amersham & Chiltern 1stXV travelled to Milton Keynes for their seventh league game, looking for a sixth win in a row and perhaps a chance to go top, if Witney were to slip up away to Slough. Despite Milton Keynes surprisingly slow start to the league this season, Chiltern travelled knowing they were undoubtedly in for a tough game and this was proved right by a tenacious opposition. Both teams scrapped and fought hard, making for a close game and a tense finale. However, it was Chiltern’s defense that won the day again as Milton Keynes were only able to score once, despite some good field position, as Chiltern scored three.
The visitors began well, line breaking on several occasions and maintaining good position near the opposition try-line. The breakthrough came after excellent play involving both forwards and backs led to a clear run in for Stefaan Myburgh to score. It was just reward for Chiltern’s strong opening but it led to a period of strong resistance from Milton Keynes who were led well from the front and by their speedy scrum half. The game became rather scrappy for the remainder of the half, with both teams giving away numerous penalties.
Even so, Chiltern kept up the pressure and were able to score a try through prop Matt Allen after some excellent set-piece work from the forwards. It seemed like Chiltern were cruising, with Milton Keynes replying with a solitary penalty before half time. But the game was tight, the home team continued to work hard and put pressure on Chiltern all over the field. They added a try just after the restart which gave them heart to pull off a comeback.
Milton Keynes’ try gave the visitors some more impetus and led to a period of serious pressure on the opposition line. After having had two tries disallowed, Chiltern eventually went over again in the corner with substitute Tom Fletcher setting up Matt Craggs. With Dan Kinsey having converted all three tries, this left the score at 21-10 with ten minutes remaining and the game seemed safe with the way Chiltern had been playing. However, this attitude led to another fightback from Milton Keynes. Twice they got into the Chiltern twenty-two, but were only able to add a penalty and a drop goal. Chiltern’s defense held firm and didn’t let Keynes in for another score.
A good win for Chiltern on the road, the final score was 21-16. Amersham & Chiltern 1stXV remain in second place in Southern Counties North thanks to Witney’s defeat of Slough, but they can remain in buoyant mood with six wins on the trot.
Newbury Stags, who beat Chiltern twice last year on their way to winning the league below, are the visitors to Weedon Lane next week.
Team
1. Matt Allen
2. Stefaan Myburgh
3. Jacques Naude
4. Colm Gilhooly
5. Charlie Bond
6. Matt Craggs
7. Darren Smith
8. Paul Fagan
9. Ed Ngatai
10. Ross Bugden
11. George Mitchard
12. Lewis Culverhouse
13. Neil Foster
14. David Neale
15. Daniel Kinsey (c)
Subs
16. Chris Morrison
17. Luke Donnebaum
18. Tom Fletcher
Scorers
Tries – Stefaan Myburgh, Matt Allen, Matt Craggs
Conversions – Daniel Kinsey x3
Chiltern 1XV 19-13 Newbury Stags 1XV
Chiltern and Newbury managed to produce a quality game, despite the awful weather conditions, the likes of which England could not on Saturday afternoon. It made a mockery of those who preferred to stay in and watch the dire proceedings at Twickenham when such a well-matched and tense encounter was taking place at Weedon Lane in front of fanatical support which cheered through the rain and helped to produce a last gasp win for the home side.
The effect the weather had on the game cannot be underestimated and it was Newbury who began the game astutely, with better tactical awareness than their opposition. They hit their forwards up the middle for short gains and for multiple phases, keeping Chiltern off the ball and slowly gaining territory that was so important with the wind in their faces. Despite going ahead with a penalty, Chiltern were on the back-foot and conceded a try in the corner after more good play from the visitors. Chilterns forwards then got into the game more and spent the last ten minutes of the half desperately close to the opposition line, but a try just wouldn’t come to the despair of the home crowd. However, Chiltern did go into half time with a one point lead thanks to another penalty from Daniel Kinsey. Even so, it was clear to the Chiltern players at the interval that they would need to up the intensity significantly now that they were playing against the wind and a well-drilled opposition.
In the second half, Chiltern’s set piece improved and the forwards began to exert themselves in the scrum and more significantly in the lineout where Stefaan Myburgh, Charlie Bond and Tom Grammenos were outstanding. This extra pressure led to more territory and possession for the home side but it was Newbury who scored next. Whilst trying to clear from the far corner, where the windy conditions were ridiculously difficult to overcome, Chiltern had a clearance charged down and Newbury’s tenacious scrum half went over for a score. With the conversion missed, Chiltern were staring at a four point deficit and with conditions against them. The crowd sensed the tension and rallied Chiltern on for more. The home side obliged and began to find something extra, they moved up a gear in terms of both passion and tactics, using the forwards in tight and going through the phases. Lewis Culverhouse began to show why he is coveted by Charlie Bond as an “auxiliary forward”, hitting an unusual amount of rucks for a mere back...
Despite Newbury adding a penalty to their points tally, Chiltern added two either side of it and were spending the majority of the game with possession deep inside the Newbury half. However, Newbury’s defense was outstanding for the most part and Chiltern were let down on occasion by handling errors and penalty decisions.
With the game ticking away to it’s conclusion, the home side were one point behind but exerting serious pressure on the opposition. With Newbury holding firm and the tension rising, Chiltern were on course for a first defeat in seven games before the winning try with two minutes to go. Ed Ngatai, who had a man of the match performance from scrum half, split from the back of the ruck and sucked in the Newbury defense; he offloaded to Lewis Culverhouse who ran in from ten yards to score in front of the clubhouse to spark wild celebrations in the crowd. The kick was converted and Chiltern held on in the last two minutes to record a thrilling win and to maintain second in the league.
Special mention, and by no means pretentiously, to Newbury for their part in a great game. Their surprisingly low league position seemingly belying their ability, it will be a fantastic return to Newbury later in the season.
FT: 19-13 to Amersham & Chiltern 1XV
As mentioned before, Ed Ngatai was man of the match for his strong tackling, running and organisation from the back of rucks and mauls (as well as his assist). In the absence of Neil Foster, Tristan Lothian was awarded a first team debut at outside centre and performed strongly.
Amersham and Chiltern 1XV have a week off next week but then travel to Bicester in the league. Therefore, I guess it is OK to watch England next week, but in the future if an England game clashes with a Chiltern home game; watch Chiltern. It’s more exciting.
Team:
1. Matt Allen
2. Stefaan Myburgh
3. Jaques Naude
4. Charlie Bond
5. Luke Donnebaum
6. Matt Craggs
7. Darrewn Smith
8. Tom Grammenos
9. Ed Ngatai
10. Ross Bugden
11. Tom Fletcher
12. Lewis Culverhouse
13. Tristan Lothian
14. David Neale
15. Daniel Kinsey (c)
Subs:
16. Chris Morrison
17. Colm Gilhooly
18. Daniel Sumnall
Chiltern Scorers:
Try - Lewis Culverhouse
Pens - Daniel Kinsey x4
Cons - Daniel Kinsey
Lewis Culverhouse 14.10.09
Bicester 1st XV 0-33 Chiltern 1st XV
Following on from the league’s bye-week, second-placed Chiltern travelled to bottom of the league Bicester expecting a win and to start gathering momentum going into the last few fixtures before Christmas.
Chiltern began brightly and were clearly the better team; running in 28 of their points in the first half that included four tries. After a couple of penalties from Daniel Kinsey, Matt Craggs ran clear and exchanged passes with Darren Smith to score the first try of the day. After some neat play from the Chiltern backs, outside centre Neil Foster was able to finish well in the corner for the second. The visitors continued to press and controlled territory and possession, leading to a third try shortly after. Charlie Bond split from the back of a ruck and offloaded a backhand pass to Lewis Culverhouse who scored under the posts. Bicester struggled to keep up with Chiltern’s impressive running rugby and let in a fourth try of the half after Culverhouse ran through, offloaded to Ed Ngatai, who set up an attack with Tom Grammenos scoring in the corner.
In the second half, Chiltern were not nearly as impressive and only managed the one try with Tom Fletcher going over impressively in the corner after good work from Foster. Bicester rarely threatened, but the visitor’s attack was never as sharp as in the first half.
Matt Craggs was impressive in his last game for Chiltern this season as he goes off travelling.
Chiltern face Swindon at home next week.
Team v Bicester:
1. Matt Allen
2. Stefaan Myburgh
3. Jaques Naude
4. Charlie Bond
5. Luke Donnebaum
6. Matt Craggs
7. Darren Smith
8. Tom Grammenos
9. Ed Ngatai
10. Ross Bugden
11. Tom Fletcher
12. Lewis Culverhouse
13. Neil Foster
14. David Neale
15. Daniel Kinsey
Subs
16. Chris Morrison
17. Paul Fagen
18. Edward Reus
Scorers
Tries
Matt Craggs
Neil Foster
Lewis Culverhouse
Tom Grammenos
Tom Fletcher
Penalties
Daniel Kinsey x2
Conversions
Daniel Kinsey
Match report: Lewis Culverhouse 28.11.09
Amersham & Chiltern 1XV 36 – 13 Swindon 1XV
High-flyer’s Chiltern welcomed Swindon to Weedon Lane for a Southern Counties North week 10 encounter on the back of eight straight wins as they attempt to keep pace with league leaders Witney. Despite playing at home, Chiltern were in unfamiliar surroundings. With the first team pitch waterlogged and out of action, the game was played on the bottom pitch, a fair walk from the clubhouse. Having never played here before, it would have felt very much like an away game if it weren’t for the good support that followed the team.
The pitch held up well despite all the recent rain, but playing up the steep hill in the first half, Chiltern had to work hard immediately to avoid being pushed back early on. As it was, the first half was extremely competitive with only three points separating the teams at half time and no clear chances for either side were created. Swindon went ahead with an early penalty but Chiltern replied with three of their own before the away side were able to score again. Following the unfortunate sin-binning of prop, Matt Allen, Swindon added another penalty to their tally just before half time. Importantly, however, Chiltern had negotiated the uphill battle without conceding any tries, a feat Swindon were unable to replicate.
The second half began with Chiltern only having fourteen men on the field, but their scrum was secured by replacement, Chris Morrison and by centre, Lewis Culverhouse, who pushed from the flanker position to ensure good ball for Edward Ngatai, who had another good display from scrum half. Daniel Kinsey added another penalty for Chiltern before Matt Allen re-emerged following his sin-binning, only for Stefaan Myburgh to receive the same punishment for foul play moments later. Despite being under pressure during these periods, Chiltern remained solid in defence and the steep downhill gradient helped them in clearing their twenty-two comfortably and in setting up counter attacks. Swindon came closest to scoring when they broke the line following a nice move, but were unable to finish it off. With Myburgh returning, Chiltern were back to their full complement of players and were able to put Swindon under some real attacking intensity for the first time in the game. Having spent a number of phases in the Swindon half, Chiltern finally had something to show for it. Having just had a try disallowed, with the referee interpreting it as being held up, Culverhouse scored (his third try in three games) in almost exactly the same circumstances, powering over from close range to score under the posts.
It wasn’t long before Chiltern scored again. Fly-half, Ross Bugden sent a cross-field kick up in the direction of winger, Tristan Lothian. With his opposite number for Swindon making a hash of it, Lothinan was able to gather the ball and offload to his captain, Kinsey, who ran in from thirty yards. The fullback converted his own try, in off the upright. With the game winding down and with Chiltern comfortable they added another penalty to put the game beyond Swindon. However, the visitors were tenacious and with three minutes to play they scored a consolation try. Upset and unwilling for Swindon to have the last score, Chiltern quickly responded with a try as the game passed the eighty minute mark. After a good move from Chiltern’s backs, they broke the line and eventually finished in the corner; outside centre, Neil Foster capping off a good performance by going over for his fourth try of the campaign.
A very good attacking display in the second half was just the right tonic following last week’s disappointing second half against Bicester. Chiltern recored their ninth victory in a row and went joint top with Witney (following their first defeat; at home to Windsor) and Grove, who play one another next week. Chiltern travel to fourth placed, Windsor, making it a Grand-Slam Saturday for Southern Counties North.
Daniel Kinsey won Man of the Match for his display and 24 point haul. Special mention also goes to the set-piece, which was excellent again, even when playing with fourteen men for a quarter of the game.
Team:
1. Matt Allen
2. Stefaan Myburgh
3. Jacques Naude
4. Charlie Bond
5. Paul Fagan
6. Tom Grammenos
7. Darren Smith
8. Luke Donnebaum
9. Edward Ngatai
10. Ross Bugden
11. Tom Fletcher
12. Lewis Culverhouse
13. Neil Foster
14. Tristan Lothian
15. Daniel Kinsey (c)
Replacements:
16. Chris Morrison
17. John Smith
18. David Neale
Scorers:
Tries – Lewis Culverhouse, Daniel Kinsey, Neil Foster
Cons – Daniel Kinsey x2
Pens – Daniel Kinsey x5
NB: I think Daniel may have kicked the final conversion (at least that's what he told me after the game). However, the official final score was 34-13, which means the maths doesn't quite add up. Therefore, either you or the ref has made a misjudgment. Either way, it doesn't mention either way in the report. All I know is we won. If Richard Bobbett, whom I believe was our touch judge, can shed any light on this then that would be most welcome.
Also, if I am moved to flanker on a more perminant basis following my display in the scrum on Saturday, I just want fans to know that I will be sticking with my number 12 jersey - so girls, there will be no need to trade in your fan club badges, flags and info packs. More info on my website.
Also, if you're wondering who Edward Ngatai is, it's Ed Ngatai.
This week's performance was inspired by Cheryl Cole's "Fight for This Love"
Windsor 1XV 8-26 Chiltern 1XV
It was Grand Slam Saturday in Southern Counties North as the top four clubs faced games against each other. With Witney taking on Grove, the other team level on points at the top, Chiltern, travelled to Windsor Castle to take on Windsor’s 1stXV and hopefully see the Queen.
Chiltern started brightly from their own kick-off and were immediately awarded a penalty that was converted by Dan Kinsey, despite the strong wind that swept across the pitch. Windsor came forward and Stefaan Myburgh was sin-binned for a late tackle on the opposition’s winger. Despite this, Chiltern’s defence held firm with some strong hitting from Darren Smith, Luke Donnebaum and Lewis Culverhouse. Windsor were a big, physical bunch and it was impressive of Chiltern to outplay them in this department.
After a move in the Windsor three-quarters was broken down by Chiltern, Neil Foster gathered the ball to run in from his own half for the opening try of the game. With Myburgh back on the field, Chiltern began to exert themselves in the scrum with some great work from Jacques Naude and Matt Allen. In the lineout, Chiltern excelled, Charlie Bond, Paul Fagan and Tom Grammenos securing the visitor’s with ball throughout the entire game.
Chiltern continued to play well with Edward Ngatai and Ross Bugden pulling the strings and setting up counter attacks. Chiltern scored two more penalties, with Windsor replying with one of their own, before managing to score against Chiltern’s impressive defence. They took a quick tap penalty with Chiltern not alert enough to deal with it and Windsor were back in the game. However, this spurred the visitors on as they scored two tries to bury the game.
The first of which came from an immense scrum from Chiltern, stealing Windsor ball and allowing Tom Grammenos to touch down as the pack steamrollered over the line. Next, it was the turn of the Chiltern backs to show what they could do, with Neil Foster breaking the line and offloading to John Smith who passed to Tom Fletcher for the score in the corner.
Man of the match goes to Ross Bugden for marshalling the attack and having a great kicking game.
Chiltern won the game 26-8. Windsor’s first loss at home as Chiltern remain unbeaten away from home this year. Each with just one defeat from their opening eleven games, it is Witney who join Chiltern after edging out Grove, at the top of the league at the half way stage.
One more game before Christmas is a return fixture to Aylesbury who were beaten 22-0 at Chiltern earlier in the season. Will be a great game, so come and watch.
Team:
1. Matt Allen
2. Stefaan Myburgh
3. Jacques Naude
4. Charlie Bond
5. Paul Fagan
6. Tom Grammenos
7. Darren Smith
8. Luke Donnebaum
9. Edward Ngatai
10. Ross Bugden
11. Tom Fletcher
12. Lewis Culverhouse
13. Neil Foster
14. Tristan Lothian
15. Daniel Kinsey (c)
Replacements:
16. Chris Morrison
17. John Smith
18. David Neale
Scorers:
Tries – Neil Foster, Tom Gremmenos, Tom Fletcher
Cons – Daniel Kinsey
Pens – Daniel Kinsey x3
Lewis Culverhouse - 12.12.09
Slough 1st XV 12-33 Amersham & Chiltern 1st XV
There was no rugby for five weeks thanks to the Christmas break and then the snow but Amersham & Chiltern 1stXV returned to action with a comfortable away win against Slough on Saturday that brings them back level at the top of Southern Counties North alongside Witney. The win extended Chiltern’s run of consecutive victories to eleven and the team remains unbeaten away from home this season.
The snow had obviously had enough of Slough and left just in time for the game to go ahead despite all the other local games being cancelled (the only other game being played in the league took place in Milton Keynes). In the knowledge of this, I am left to surmise that the snow must remain in Beaconsfield, a fact I find impossible to believe as I am unreservedly sick of the place and was sure that by now the snow must feel the same. It had the foresight to leave Slough in a hurry, but has yet to realise that Revs cannot satisfy forever. So far in my amateur match reporting vocation, I have resisted the temptation to refer to myself in a first-person capacity in order to express my feelings in the style of an old-fashioned rant; instead I’ve tried to imitate a professional, journalistic structure by being mainly objective and fact-based. However, it is a powerful medium. I have become aware that there are a number of people who read these match reports every week and therefore, feel it is time perhaps for me to inject some personality - or propaganda - to the agenda. My wish may be to influence some of the attitudes of my readers. Weeks may go by where you think this report has continued to be detached and impartial. But then you find yourself in the middle of a debate at the dinner table and you are reciting text directly from these reports in order to pose your new political stance to the family – and then you will know that I have subtly got to you. Even so, that is something for the future, today is an old-fashioned rant. It has nothing to do with subtlety and indeed nothing to do with rugby, which I am sure will divide opinion on its worth to the “Rugby Talk” forum, given that it is highly unlikely that you came on to this website, let alone this forum, in an attempt to find something other than rugby related talk. However, at this early stage of my writing career I am yet to understand the merits to that old adage “give the people what they want.” No, this rant returns to Beaconsfield (an old enemy of Chiltern on the rugby field, so if you’re desperate for a rugby link, there it is) and more specifically to Revolution, a bar on Maxwell Road, opposite Sainsbury. The venue offers two rooms including a Club Room with VIP section and a large outside patio area. The PR blurb is that there is an extensive drink menu together with amazing music and entertainment. You can sip cocktails, try one of their handcrafted Revolution flavoured vodkas or indulge yourself, choosing from the impressive range from around the world. Unfortunately, this blurb only carries its weight for approximately three weeks and not on the trot. The main problem with “Revs”, as it is affectionately referred by its clientele, is not entirely its own fault. It is one of the very few clubs in the area that allows for a relatively cheap taxi home after a night out. In fact, for many people living in the area, its only competition is that of Winkers (which I believe, needs no introduction) and therefore Revs always comes out on top and familiarity is breeding contempt. However, Revs is by no means blameless for my hatred towards it (and honestly, it has become hatred). Once inside, the people that you thought were your friends will begin to behave differently to when at any other place you have ever attended together. And this is not your friends fault, because you will be doing it to and you will have no choice. The reason for it, I believe, is in Revolution’s inherent smugness, pretentiousness and belief that it is the best place you will ever go. It reminds me of a tasteless bar you might find in London, filled with single people who are dying to meet others just like them, posing as decent people who want relationships but really are just hoping not to die alone. But at least this bar in my imagination is set in London, where there is another bar across the road for you to enter. The smugness of Revs begins with the price of the drinks. Revs does not wish to be associated with the word “fun”, it is wholly against fun. It seems to feel as if it is above fun. Even if you wish to lose all your inhibitions and have a dance, you’ll be hard pressed not to end up with the elbow of some poor dork who’s dressed up in his finest £200 shirt in an attempt to look like a catch, in your face. No, to me the prices suggest that we are not here for fun, but for “socialising” and almost always with that worst breed of human being, the acquaintance. Small talk is high on the agenda at Revs. They may not like you, you certainly don’t like them, so why are we telling each other that we’re “alright” and that we’ve been up to “nothing much”. Boring. Moving on - I do it, so do all my friends, the disgusting, vulgar habit of looking over the shoulder of the person talking to you in an attempt to scope out a female who could be giving you the eye. Now, this behaviour happens at every bar, but at Revolution, it is particularly resonant and therefore must take a portion of the blame. Which leads me to the ladies of Revolution (that term, when taken out of context makes them sound like Suffragettes, whom they are not – without wishing to generalise, I doubt many have an interest in politics), who have a negative effect on me, making me ponder whether I have just got too old for all this. But then again, they aren’t all bad unlike the men whom I am hard-pressed to describe without using extremely coarse language. Each and every one of them being an overdressed, wannabe yuppie with half a brain, dying to convince every woman that they are both fun and classy. As well as a rant against Revs, this may sound like I’m making a backhanded compliment to Winkers. No Mickey. Yes, Winkers doesn’t take itself too seriously like Revs; and unlike me, it does believe in the old adage, “give the people what they want.” It is cheap, open until four and actively encourages erratic dancing to impress the girls. However, the girls...so maybe we should arrange somewhere else to go on Saturday. It also reeks of depression. All the smiles aren’t necessarily fake, they are just pushed to the front of their suicidal minds. “What am I doing here?” Last point, I find it funny when people suggest Windsor or London and the response will be “I haven’t got the money.” Well don’t think you’re going to save that money by going to Revs instead. My advice would be, don’t feel quite so insecure, feel at ease in the knowledge that there is always next week, or month, or year to meet the girl of your dreams and this week it’s OK to watch a DVD.
Did I get carried away? Rugby...
Chiltern were well prepared having trained hard throughout the break. Despite some understandable rustiness in the first half, the visitors were able to play some nice rugby in patches that led to a couple of tries and a first half lead of ten points. First up was Paul Fagan, scoring early to ease some of the nerves the Chiltern support may have been feeling not knowing how the side would respond to such a long break. Slough’s forwards were able to get their team back in the game by going over following a lineout five metres out from the Chiltern goal-line. However, the visitors were able to respond before half time. After some good play from fly-half Ross Bugden, Darren Smith scored the team’s second try. It was converted by Daniel Kinsey, who also added a penalty late in the half.
With a ten point lead going into the second half, Chiltern began to assert themselves. Some of the cobwebs were dusted away as the attacking play became more fluent and Slough tired. Three tries were added to the score. Two from winger, Jack Kenyon, who’s first was scored from thirty yards out after a well worked first phase move. The other was a forwards try scored by Stefaan Myburgh after some excellent play upfront from the entire pack. Dan added a penalty to take Chiltern’s score to thirty three. Slough were able to pick up a consolation try thanks to a penalty try after their winger was brought down with the referee certain he would score.
Man of the match went to scrum half and avid Spurs fan, Edward Ngatai, who despite a couple of dubious knock on’s, controlled the breakdown; the RAC would have been proud.
Next week Chiltern face Chipping Norton at home in what should prove to be a very tough game.
Team
1. Matt Allen
2. Stefaan Myburgh
3. Jacques Naude
4. Charlie Bond
5. Paul Fagen
6. John Smith
7. Darren Smith
8. Tom Grammenos
9. Edward Ngatai
10. Ross Bugden
11. Tom Fletcher
12. Lewis Culverhouse
13. Neil Foster
14. Jack Kenyon
15. Daniel Kinsey
Subs
16. Chris Morrison
17. Luke Donnebaum
18. Tom Smalley
Grove 1st XV 13 – 48 Amersham & Chiltern 1st XV
Having only played one game in the last two months, a fairly uninspiring but nonetheless important win against Slough, you could argue that Chiltern were looking forward to meeting a title chasing rival to prove that none of the pre-Christmas form had diminished. That argument would be well grounded with the use of hindsight following this display featuring a glorious first half of rugby that blew third placed Grove away.
It was a most beautiful afternoon in Oxfordshire. Blue skies, tractors, trees, fields; it had it all. Looking out the window, it looked like a day designed just for rugby – as it happened, it was slightly colder than it looked, but it’s about as close to a perfect day for rugby as you’re going to get in late January. The long and relaxing bus trip allowed the players to chat and catch up and meant that once at the ground, the team had just one thing on their mind – coming away with the victory that would leave Grove languishing in third and looking for huge favours from other teams to secure that promotion.
The focus of the team was inspiring. Despite the fact that the match was slightly delayed due to one of the corners of the pitch being frozen, and a chance of the game being called off, Chiltern maintained a good attitude and warmed up extremely well. There was a sense around the group that they could catch Grove napping and every player bought in to it. Wearing the new kit for the first time, a move that won’t have gone down well amoungst the more superstitious of us, Chiltern certainly looked the part and walking out on to the pitch, it felt like something special might be about to happen.
Grove began quite well. They received the kick-off and looked to get the ball wide as early and as often as possible. Having not witnessed any of their other games this season but with the knowledge that they had only lost twice before this fixture, it was obvious straight away why they have been doing so well this season. For a few phases they showed good hands throughout their backs and a good level of aggression in the forwards. However, their early productivity was shattered when they gave away a penalty at the breakdown and from the resulting lineout, Chiltern scored from a first phase move. Neil Foster received the ball in the backs and broke through from his own half to score under the posts.
Chiltern’s set piece dominated for the remainder of the half. In the lineout, Stefaan Myburgh, Luke Donnebaum and Charlie Bond continued to link up superbly and win their side important ball. In the scrum, props Jaques Naude and Matt Allen made life difficult for their opposite numbers, driving the visitors forward and winning turnover ball. At the breakdown, Chiltern’s back row was superb. John Smith and Paul Fagan showing great stamina and aggression to be at every ruck, securing Chiltern plenty of ball. This aggression was summed up by flanker, Darren Smith, who put in an absurdly big hit on Grove’s centre, who was forced to drop the ball when they had a four man overlap.
At scrum half, Edward Ngatai continued his surging form, forcing the referee into having no option but to award a penalty try when he was tackled illegally by a retreating player. This put Chiltern two tries up with barely ten minutes played. Soon after, Ross Bugden at fly half (whose kicking from the hand impressed all afternoon despite him claiming that the ball was horrible), set up Dan Kinsey to score from a first phase move (probably thanks to the dummy running of the centres).
Talking of centres, Lewis Culverhouse scored the next one. Again off a first phase move, Paul Fagan, noticing that Ngatai was tightly marked by his opposite number, intuitively passed the ball straight to Culverhouse who was able to run in from ten yards. With Dan Kinsey having converted all four tries, Chiltern found themselves 28-0 up before yet another first half try, this one going to Edward Ngatai officially. A piece of “individual brilliance” to borrow Edward’s words in summing up his try, he box kicked over a breakdown and ran on to it, leaving the Grove winger a startled mess, he touched down in the corner.
The next try was a forwards orientated effort that culminated in Stefaan Myburgh scoring again to continue his brilliant season. He battled his way through to score with another one of those trademark handoffs that have become so popular amoungst supporters.
HT – 0 – 38 to Amersham and Chiltern
In the second half, Chiltern were nowhere near as dominant. The coaches and captain had asked for a display that lasted a full eighty minutes, but Grove were able to exert themselves on the game and came away with two tries for their effort. In the second half it was far more obvious as to why Grove have been doing so well this year. They looked to get the ball wide and in their full back, had a very skilful and quick player. It was left to Tom Fletcher to deal with a situation when Grove were completely free to score. The winger got back quickly and absolutely annihilated their runner with a big hit from behind. There was time, however, for two more tries from Chiltern. Jack Kenyon, bamboozling his opposite number with a step, he turned on the gas and found Neil Foster, who unselfishly passed to Charlie Bond who trotted in and celebrated with gusto despite the fact the rest of the team didn’t join in. Darren Smith scored a charge down after Grove made a real hash of clearing their lines and Chiltern were left just two points short of the fifty.
As Grove got more and more in to the game as it went on, Chiltern can look back on an extremely positive game with plenty of room for improvement. Yes, the game was won by half time but Amersham need to get into the habit of destroying teams whilst they are down.
A week off next week for the one’s, Chiltern will spend the bye week level at the top with Witney who beat Bicester comfortably.
Team:
1. Matt Allen
2. Stefaan Myburgh
3. Jacques Naude
4. Charlie Bond
5. Luke Donnebaum
6. John Smith
7. Darren Smith
8. Paul Fagan
9. Edward Ngatai
10. Ross Bugden
11. Tom Fletcher
12. Lewis Culverhouse
13. Neil Foster
14. Jack Kenyon
15. Daniel Kinsey (c)
Res
16. Chris Morrison
17. Yogi
18. Teddy Reus
Amersham & Chiltern 1st XV 17 - 5 Milton Keynes 1st XV
Milton Keynes at home; viewed by many of the supporters and coaches as a potential banana-skin game following the close away encounter earlier in the season. Well, it was another fairly tense one, low scoring, with both teams well matched in many areas of the pitch but Chiltern can be pleased that it ultimately ended with a satisfying victory that continues their long, unbeaten run.
Memories of that encounter at Milton Keynes meant that Chiltern had a good idea of where the opposition’s main threats would come from. They have a very strong scrum half, who despite a couple of sniping runs especially early on, had his threat nullified thanks to some excellent defending around the fringes. They have a strong back-row and are drilled to offload out of the tackle making them very difficult to stop once they get going. On Saturday, Keynes’ main weapon was probably that of their full-back due to some slightly wayward kicking early on from the Chiltern backs. He was inexplicably (as far as I’m concerned because he didn’t seem injured and looked to me like their only route back into the game) removed just after half time which coincided with the visitors becoming quite one dimensional and easier to contain.
Chiltern started well. The two teams each enjoyed some good early phases, running hard lines with their forwards and looking to keep things narrow in the backs, testing each other in the early exchanges. However, it was Chiltern that converted this into points first. Neil Foster broke the line and many tackles to get the opening score in the corner. Dan Kinsey did superbly to convert the kick from such a tight angle.
After the restart, the game tightened up again with Milton Keynes showing some of the form that has led to their revival since a poor start to the season. Having a majority share of the possession and territory for about ten minutes following the try, they were still unable to line break with any significant yardage unless kicked to by Chiltern, with their back three running the ball strongly. Again it was Neil Foster who made the next break having received the ball on the gain line from Lewis Culverhouse. Chiltern were unlucky not to score through Paul Fagan, the move requiring just one more pass that wasn’t available.
When Milton Keynes scored, bringing them right back into the game and looking like stealing the momentum, Chiltern dug deep and responded straight away with a great try in the opposite corner. Firstly, Milton Keynes’ try – their fullback collecting the ball from a kick that was poorly chased by Chiltern, kicked the ball over defenders with two delicate chips, the visitor’s inside centre collected the ball (rather fortuitously) and going over unopposed for the score. The response from Chiltern, a try of their own, came from another poor kick, this time going down the throat of winger Jack Kenyon. Kenyon stepped and weaved his way through the defence with ease and was able to offload to Foster who ran in his second from close range.
The second half was actually quite uneventful with the notable exceptions of a great try by fly-half Ross Bugden, a superb tackle by winger Tom Fletcher and a pass by scrum half Edward Ngatai. Spotting a gap on the blind-side, Bugden burst through to score and extend a lead that never really looked like slipping as the home side’s defence continued to look strong through both the forwards and backs. Having said that, a lapse in concentration from Chiltern coupled with some good offloading work from the visitor’s forwards led to a break from the Keynes’ scrum half. Cutting a good line he looked odds on favourite to score when one-on-one, but miraculously Fletcher was able to bring him down with an ankle tap that reminded everyone of Joe Worsley in the World Cup final (only this was more important because it contributed to a win). Which leads me to Edward Ngatai who showed off how they do it in New Zealand with a ridiculously good pass that I’m not going to go into too much detail over because you should really have been watching. If you want to see skill like this then come and watch, don’t just read about it (reporter note - but if you do watch then do also read these, which you must be doing otherwise you wouldn’t have read that, either that or me writing all this means nothing to anyone and I’d be better off talking to spectators face to face about this matter. Talking to myself now. Okay, another week, another report).
FT: 17-5
Man of the match was Jack Kenyon because he runs so fast and no one can stop him.
Next week Chiltern face Newbury Stags away. Should be a tough game. I seem to remember someone scoring in the dying seconds to rescue a win in the home game this season...
Team:
1. Matt Allen
2. Stefaan Myburgh
3. Jacques Naude
4. Charlie Bond
5. Luke Donnebaum
6. John Smith
7. Darren Smith
8. Paul Fagan
9. Edward Ngatai
10. Ross Bugden
11. Tom Fletcher
12. Lewis Culverhouse
13. Neil Foster
14. Jack Kenyon
15. Daniel Kinsey (c)
Res
16. Chris Morrison
17. Tom Grammenos
18. Terry Deus
Amersham & Chiltern 1st XV 62 – 5 Bicester 1stXV
Waking up on Saturday morning it was a genuine surprise to find that it looked like being a beautiful day with a clear blue sky, the sun shining through the curtains and a brisk, northeasterly wind travelling at a reasonable five miles per hour through the window; perfect for a game of rugby in the blissful countryside of the Home Counties. Settings that couldn’t be much different from the conditions that Chiltern played in and struggled with against Aylesbury just a week ago would inspire the team into a comfortable but expected win. Amersham played host to Bicester; a top versus bottom clash from Southern Counties North.
The side from Weedon Lane were taking nothing for granted as they looked to continue their win streak and take it down to a final week decider against Witney. The warm up was completed professionally and despite feeling relaxed, the team was focused for the challenge knowing that there were certain factors against them from the beginning. The referee blew his whistle for the kick-off and the game was underway with Chiltern attacking brightly from the outset.
Wingers Jack Kenyon and Tom Fletcher went in for tries in the corner after some good team play. The forwards won good ball for the backs to play with and although Chiltern were guilty of trying to score from first-phase too often, they were able to offload effectively and play some pretty stuff in patches. However, Bicester were a credible outfit, showing that they are a better team than the league table suggests. It was perhaps only a matter of tiring in the second half that the score looks so one-sided. Bicester were able to put a few moves together and they tackled well, especially in first half. The visitors scored early on after some good play from their scrum half. Despite this setback, Chiltern added a couple more tries before half time. A brilliant scrum by the home team’s pack meant a score for Paul Fagan as they pushed the opposition over the try-line. Ross Bugden scored the last points of the half, bulldozing his way down the wing and running over tacklers with a typically strong run, he touched down in the corner.
At half time, Chiltern led 20-5.
In the second half, Bicester started well but were unable to cross the line, leaving the door open for a scoring spree from the home side. A further two tries for Jack Kenyon gave him his hat trick, which was all he deserved. Four would have been too many and fiv