Championship Cup

20200314 Ampthill vs Cornish Pirates

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20200314 Ampthill vs Cornish Pirates

Cornish Pirates’ Dominant Second Half Secures Bonus Point Win Over Ampthill

@AmpthillRUFC welcomed visitors @CornishPirates1 for their first ever visit to Dillingham Park’s Grange Jaguar Bowl on a dry, bright & windy afternoon with excellent under foot conditions.

#AmpthillRUFC #TheMob #CornishPirates1 #Rugby #ChampRugby #SaveChampRugby #CommunityRugbyClub

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20200215 Ampthill vs London Scottish

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20200215 Ampthill vs London Scottish

@AmpthillRUFC welcomed visitors @LSFCOfficial for their first ever visit to the Grange Jaguar Bowl on a filthy, wet and windy afternoon. Despite recent heavy rain the pitch was in good condition.

#TheMob #LondonScottishFC #Rugby #ChampRugby #SaveChampRugby #CommunityRugbyClub

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20200125 Ampthill vs Doncaster Knights

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 30, Doncaster Knights 26, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

Ampthill Hold On To Secure Fifth Win Of The Season Over Doncaster

Ampthill welcomed visitors Doncaster to a cold, dry, windless and overcast Olney Field where the pitch was, as usual, in very good condition for the Knights first ever fixture against the home side.

Amps squad saw three changes in the starting line-up and three on the bench from the record defeat at Ealing. Up front Dave Ward rotated to hooker, Matt Collins to prop and Shay Kerry to lock. In the backs scrum half Kevin Barrett replaced Darryl Veenendaal while Argentine centre Sefafin Bordoli rotated. The bench saw hooker Syd Blackmore, prop Luvuyo Pupuma & centre Sam Hanks rotate while flanker Will Allman & outside back Will Foster returned.

Some spice was added to the fixture by the return of former Ampthill Head Coach Clive Griffiths and former player Joe Sproston to Dillingham Park.

Joe Bercis opening the score line for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ampthill began well achieving a 16 point lead before a serious injury break to a Knights player seemed to affect Ampthill more than the visitors as they came back with 2 converted tries by early in the second half.

First flanker Joe Bercis touched down on 5 minutes after concerted pressure on the visitors defence, then, wing Sam Baker caught in stride a fine cross kick from fly half Louis Grimoldby and raced over by the left corner flag, Grimoldby missing both conversions.

Sam Baker extends Ampthill lead over Doncaster…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ampthill extended their lead with two penalty goals from Grimoldby on 18 & 30 minutes after Doncaster twice cynically infringed with the hosts on the attack in front of the posts.

Louis Grimoldby slots a penalty for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

After the injury break the home side appeared to have lost focus as Knights scored either side of half time through a driving maul (Ben Hunter, 36 minutes) and a backs move (wing Tyson Lewis, 42 minutes).

Jarryd Sage scores for Ampthill from a mid-field break…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts then stretched away again with two more converted tries of their own, a Jarryd Sage mid field break (53 minutes) and Rob Langley from close range (61 minutes).

Leading 30-14 with 20 minutes remaining Ampthill again allowed the visitors to step up, forcing the home side on the back foot leading to a yellow card to centre Sam Hanks and a Doncaster try to replacement wing Jack Roberts (74 minutes) converted by fly half Sam Olver.

Just 3 minutes later while again under the cosh home Number 8 Sam Hudson was also sent to the bin leaving Amps to play the rest of game first 2 players then 1 player down.

Rob Langley clinching the bonus point for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Despite the best efforts of the 13 men Knights ran in another try on 78 minutes through centre Kyle Evans, Oliver adding the extras.

With 2 minutes plus time added on to play Ampthill, restored to 14 players, were leading by just 4 points, to the relief of the home spectators the last play of the game attacking lineout inside the hosts 22 was stolen and the ball kicked dead.

A fine game for the neutral, with either side able to win at the death, this was Ampthill’s 5th win of the season.

Final Score

Ampthill 30, Doncaster 26

“Ampthill thoroughly deserved their win, our squad were warned during our preparation as to what they might expect but we did not follow the game plan in the first half, choosing to play rather than concentrating on territory. We had our chances to win the game at the end but failed to take them. A sad day for Doncaster and myself personally but a great day for Ampthill”
— Clive Griffiths, Coach (Doncaster)
“We played well for large parts of a game which ebbed and flowed but when leading 30-14 in the second half we failed to put the game away and allowed them back, this wasn’t good enough. Now we focus on our away trip to Newcastle Falcons, an experience no one associated with Ampthill could have imagined a few years ago!”
— Mark Lavery, Director of Rugby (Ampthill)

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20200111 Ampthill vs Coventry

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 19, Coventry 17, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

Last Kick Of The Game Penalty Goal Secures Ampthill’s 4th Win Of the Season

Ampthill welcomed visitors Coventry to a cold, windy but dry Olney Field with the overcast gradually thickening to produce a little drizzle. Despite the recent rain the pitch was in very good condition for the first home fixture of the new year.

Amps squad saw just one change in the starting line-up from Boxing Day, scrum half Kevin Barrett replacing Leon Fukokuka while the bench saw the return of dual registered lock Jon Kpoku & wing Josh Gillespie.

Coventry dominated the opening exchanges, first winning a 3rd minute penalty to the left of the posts and 35m out, sadly for the visitors fly half Fenner’s goal kick shaved the posts on the downwind side.

Coventry open the score with a Penalty Kick…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Just 2 minutes later with Coventry back in possession in the home 10m line a fine move saw the ball moved through the hands from the left to right for wing Ratu Bulumakau to finish by the corner flag, Fenner failing to convert from the touchline.

Amps came back into the game through the forwards eventually winning a penalty at a breakdown, Louis Grimoldby’s local knowledge seeing the ball between the posts on 13 minutes.

Louis Grimoldby produces the goods for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The next 20 minutes saw a stalemate, both sides exerting concerted pressure deep in other’s 22 but defences holding firm until wing Max Trimble intercepted a Louis Grimoldby pass on the hosts 10m line to scamper untouched under the posts, Fenner adding the extras.

Interception by Coventry sees Max Trimble cross the Ampthill line.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The home side controlled much of the remainder of the half, with multiple phases deep in Coventry’s red zone finally producing a try for hooker Syd Blackmore on 39 minutes, Louis Grimoldby bringing the score at oranges to 10-12 with the conversion.

Syd Blackmore finally manages to get Ampthill over the line.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

There’s no doubt that the visitors connections would not have been happy with a 2pt lead given their wind advantage in the first half.

Ampthill came out firing in the second half gradually turning the screw putting Coventry under pressure eventually winning two back to back penalties in the 57th & 59th minutes, Louis Grimoldby striking both through the uprights for Amps to take & extend the lead for the first time in the match.

Louis Gimboldy again adding to the Ampthill total…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The second penalty was the result of fine skills and team effort from full back Karim Lynch who fielded a difficult kick off before returning the ball behind the visitors defence where the kick chase cornered the isolated defender winning the penalty.

Karim Lynch causing trouble for the Coventry defence…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Coventry raised their game forcing A’s to defend for the next 10 minutes, referee Dean Richards repeatedly penalising the home side until replacement flanker Facundo Dominguez received a yellow card on 66 minutes. Just 2 minutes later centre Serafin Bordoli was adjudged to have deliberately handled the ball in front of the posts and joined his Argentine colleague in the bin.

With the hosts deep in their 22 the home side’s cover eventually ran out leaving prop James Gibbons to touch down mid way to the left touchline. Replacement fly half Rory Jennings’ kick crucially sliding past the posts leaving the visitors in the lead 16-17.

Ampthill putting Coventry defence under pressure again
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The next few minutes were key in the game as Ampthill, with 13 playing 15 held out until restored to full complement with just 2 minutes remaining.

With the ball back in Coventry’s half a knock on saw an Amps scrum outside the visitors 22, with both front rows having been replaced before 60 minutes Coventry’s earlier set piece advantage was now negated, the roar from the Ampthill support resounded around the field as the referee awarded a penalty in Amps favour.

Cool as a cucumber Louis Grimoldby stepped up to strike the ball through the posts to secure the win with the last kick of the game.

Louis Grimboldy takes the final kick of the game, giving Ampthill victory!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Having watched Coventry demolish a pretty similar Ampthill side back in September this performance demonstrated the strides made by the squad in the Championship.

Final Score

Ampthill 19, Coventry 17

“The kick at the end won the game but we put ourselves in that position by not taking advantage of the wind in the first half. Credit to Ampthill, they came out in the second half, put us under pressure and we were inaccurate. Playing away from home, against a wind with a small lead we had to be accurate, we weren’t so it was almost inevitable that Ampthill would score.”
— Roland Winter, Coach (Coventry)
“We’ve run a couple of the top sides close here at Dillingham Park, I thought it was only a matter of time until we knocked one over. The interception try was a blow but we fought back and, I suggest, deserved to win in the end.”
— Mark Lavery, Director of Rugby (Ampthill)

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20191226 Bedford Blues vs Ampthill

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Match Report

Bedford Blues 10, Ampthill 23, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

5000 Watch Ampthill Secure Their Third Consecutive Win Over Bedford Blues

Ampthill travelled the 9 miles to a wet Goldington Road on a miserable Boxing Day which had seen significant rain all day until an hour or so before kick off. Thankfully the remaining drizzle ceased as the two sides ran out while the pitch was in surprisingly good condition and there was little wind to trouble the kickers. The bumper capacity crowd (nominally 5,000) indicated the sense of playing a local derby on a bank holiday while the demand for tickets exceeded supply.

Sam Baker being caught after a break down the wing towards Bedford’s line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps squad saw a number of changes, up front former Blue Soane Tonga’uiha (prop), Syd Blackmore (hooker), Billy Johnson (lock) & Sam Hudson (No 8) rotated to the starting lineup, as did Tongan Leon Fukofuka (scrum half) and Argentine Serafin Bordoli (centre) in the backs. On the bench Dave Ward (hooker), Carl Burgess (lock) and Sam Hanks (centre) rotated while Matt Collins (prop) and Argentine Facundo Dominguez (flanker) returned.

A’s began well, taking the game to Bedford and putting their defence under pressure for the first 15 minutes or so which increased when the visitors secured two successive scrum penalty goal chances for Ampthill fly half & Captain Louis Grimoldby, the former (on 6 minutes) sliding past the post while the latter (13 minutes) bisecting them.

Going behind seemed to trigger the home side to raise their game with the remainder of the half belonging to hosts in both territory and possession. The game was essentially being played pack to pack with both sets of backs committed to their defensive duties but having little to no chance to shine going forward.

Both packs putting in extra work in the first half…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Blues pack had recovered to the point of forcing penalties against Amps scrum while their line out was proving secure and the loose exchanges shaded in their favour. The result was a quarter of tough defence for A’s, with little respite, as every time they cleared their lines Bedford put them straight back under pressure.

Eventually after multiple phases in the red zone the 32nd minute saw number 8 Alafoti Faosiliva crash over from close range to right of the posts, fly half Will Hooley adding the extras.

Bedford Blues finally cross the Ampthill Line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Blues exerted further pressure through to half time but were unable to trouble the scoreboard again leaving them leading 3-7 at oranges.

Aerial battle for possession…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Whatever was said during the interval the visitors came out of the blocks firing winning a 44th minute penalty which Louis Grimoldby converted to reduce the lead to 1pt.

Just 2 minutes later, more or less straight from the kick off, the hosts were penalised and the resulting penalty kicked to the corner. Ampthill executed a perfect catch & drive with hooker Syd Blackmore coming up with the ball having touched down wide on the left, Louis Grimoldby’s difficult conversion adding insult to injury.

On 54 minutes, after the home side’s first period of possession in the half, Amps were penalised allowing Hooley to reduce the deficit to 13-10 with a penalty goal.

Sam Baker crossing the Bedford Line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s responded with a fine period of play, multiple phases deep in Bedford’s 22 stretching the defence, a fact noted by Louis Grimoldby whose double missed pass gave wing Sam Baker a 58th minute try scoring opportunity wide on the left with which he made no mistake, Louis Grimoldby again adding an excellent touch line conversion.

Louis Grimoldby adding the extras…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Such was the tightness of the game this was possibly the only backs opportunity of the match!

Now leading by 10 points the visitors stretched their lead further on 66 mins as more pressure led to another penalty goal chance, Louis Grimoldby continuing his streak with another fine kick.

Louis Grimoldby with yet another penalty kick for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Blues redoubled their efforts forcing Ampthill onto the back foot but Louis Grimoldby cleared the lines to half way twice from deep inside his 22. As the pressure built and time was running out the game became a little fractious with one or two sets of handbags interrupting play. Eventually as Amps again foiled a Bedford maul attack lock Shay Kerry received a yellow card but, having chosen a scrum, the hosts failed to capitalise.

A’s now retained possession running down the clock until replacement scrum half Darryl Veenendaal kicked the ball dead to bring an end to a fine afternoon’s entertainment.

Final Scoreline set 10 minutes before the end of the match…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Having beaten the home side three times in a row Ampthill retained bragging rights but the result could have been different if Bedford had taken their chances in the first half.

With a played 7 won 3 drawn 1 record in the Championship, Amps connections can feel satisfied with their first set of fixtures at level 2 but there are another 15 remaining, no one involved should underestimate the challenge remaining.

Final Score

Bedford Blues 10. Ampthill 23

“I am proud of the passion and improved accuracy shown in the 2nd half which proved decisive. We just did enough against a good Bedford side and I am very pleased for the group who responded to the pressure we placed onto them during our preparation.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)

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20191214 Ampthill vs Bedford Blues

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 17, Bedford Blues 14, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

Last Minute Try Secures Win over Bedford

Ampthill welcomed visitors Bedford for their first ever competitive game against the hosts to the Grange Jaguar Bowl on a dry, bright afternoon with a moderate breeze. The pitch, bathed in wall to wall sunshine after the heavy overnight rain cleared around mid-day, looked a picture while underfoot conditions were excellent. As anticipated, the official attendance was the highest of the season, the 2151 spectators enjoying expanded facilities including extra bars and Amps first ever grandstand!

Blues began very well, taking the game to A’s up front testing the home side’s scramble defence. The pressure continued to build leading to visiting scrum half James Lennon crossing on 5 minutes for the opening score, fly half William Hooley’s conversion bending in the wind before bisecting the posts.

Kevin Barrett slows Bedford’s Dan Temm down…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts responded, exerting their own pressure inside the visitors 22. Ampthill scrum half Kevin Barrett broke blind from a scrum deep inside Bedford’s half on 14 minutes timing his pass to right wing Spencer Sutherland, who was making his season debut for the 1stXV after recovering from injury. He showed his speed to dive over by the corner flag, fly half & captain Louis Grimoldby’s conversion attempt also showing a ‘banana’ shape, this time the wind took the kick wide.

Spencer Sutherland opens the scoreline for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With 2 tries inside the first quarter and both sides looking dangerous one might have expected the pundits forecast of a cricket score to follow but it took until the 30th minute before the next important action occurred when the same incident saw A’s lock Shay Kerry and Bedford’s No. 8 Daniel Temm awarded yellow cards.

Just 2 minutes later a speculative kick ahead bounced kindly for visiting wing Ryan Hutler who was tackled just short of the line. Saint Spencer Sutherland turned sinner as he was adjudged to have prevented the ball’s release and joined his teammate Shay Kerry in the bin.

Carl Burgess wins a lineout for Ampthill, one of the few…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With 13 now playing 14 Blues turned the screw forcing a series of phases in the home side’s red zone which led to the referee running under the posts to signal a penalty try on 36 minutes after he lost patience having decided that the hosts had infringed once too often.

Ampthill’s kick off was secured by the visitors but at the ensuing ruck they were penalised allowing Louis Grimoldby to kick a fine penalty in the 39th minute to leave the score 10-14 at oranges.

Robbie Smith with an Athletic offload for Bedford
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

For the second week in a row Amps lineout was not functioning while their discipline was hurting with doubling up on offences causing much lost territory.

Shortly into the second half Shay Kerry & Temm returned to the field followed by Spencer Sutherland, sadly the quality of the game did not improve as both sides seemed to consider ball retention optional while A’s continued to earn the wrath of the officials.

Bedford had several opportunities to take advantage of lineouts inside the home 22 but a combination of improved hosts maul defence and wrong option taking saw those chances go begging.

The 68th minute gave a chance for Bedford to extend their lead as Ampthill yet again infringed at a breakdown, but Hooley’s kick almost turned at 90 degrees after it left the tee.

Billy Johnson wins the match for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

As both sides emptied their bench Amps replacements sparked a revival with scrum half Leon Fukofuka breaking down the blindside leading to a series of phases deep in Blues 22 where lock Billy Johnson fought his way across the line in the 78th minute, Louis Grimoldby adding the conversion to leave A’s leading by 3 points.

Louis Grimoldby’s second Conversion for the Match!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

There was time for the restart, but the kick sailed into touch and the referee blew for no side leaving the Amps the winner of the first competitive game between the clubs this century.

Final score - it doesn’t come very much closer than that!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

In truth this was not a great game of rugby, there were far too many errors, infringements and interruptions in play. A’s won a game at the death that could and perhaps should have seen another result.

Final Score

Ampthill 17, Bedford Blues 14

“No one would have believed it If anyone had said 10 years ago that Ampthill would be hosting Bedford in a competitive game at Dillingham Park. Our lineout was poor and our discipline worse but this result defines our attitude. Our defence in the second half gave us a chance and our bench won the game in the last 5 minutes. Now we must focus on our Boxing Day league fixture.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)
“We got what we deserved! We needed to get a couple of scores in front but we failed to take our opportunities. We’ll go again when Ampthill visit in the league on Boxing Day.”
— Mike Rayer, Coach (Bedford Blues)

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20191207 Ampthill vs Ealing Trailfinders

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 22, Ealing Trailfinders 24, Greene King IPA Championship League

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Last Minute Ealing Penalty Goal Secures Win over Ampthill

Ampthill welcomed visitors Ealing for their first ever game against the hosts to the Grange Jaguar Bowl on a dry, bright afternoon with a moderate breeze. The pitch looked a picture when bathed in occasional sunshine while underfoot conditions were excellent.

Ealing’s selection reflected the importance that the cup holders place on the Championship Cup and they began very well, as Amps allowed the kick off to bounce leading to visitors possession and pressure on A’s defence. A few phases later and the visitors eighthman, Kieran Murphy crashed over wide on the left in the 2nd minute, fly half Craig Willis converting.

Kieran Murphy opens the scoreline for Ealing Trailfinders…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The home side were under pressure for the next 10 minutes until a penalty was kicked just inside Ealing’s 22 on the left. The lineout was secured in the 17th minute and the ball moved through the backs wide to the right for wing Josh Gillespie to show a fine turn of speed, run outside of the cover and scoring mid-way between the touchline and the post, fly half Sam Costelow’s conversion slid wide.

Josh Gillespie showing that Ampthill can cross the line too…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The game was now very competitive but the hosts were starting to turn the screw making it difficult for Ealing to get out of the 22. Under pressure, the visitors conceded a number of penalties. In the 31st minute Sam Costelow chose a kick at goal which sailed between the posts to make the score 8-7.

Sam Costelow takes Ampthill into the lead..!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The visitors lineout was secure and a 34th minute catch & drive saw them retake the lead through hooker Alun Walker, Willis adding the extras. Neither side could increase their score before the half time whistle came leaving the score 8-14.

Halftime score very close…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

While the scrum was secure, Ampthill’s lineout was not with 5 lost on their own put in in the first half, 3 of which were deep inside Ealing’s 22. However, Amps looked dangerous ball in hand but were not finishing opportunities they’d created.

The second half began with the visitors fired up but A’s were matching their intensity. The 52nd minute saw a fine break from Sam Costelow who had great support from hooker Syd Blackmore who scored under the posts, Sam Costelow converting.

Syd Blackmore finishing in style…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Having controlled territory & possession for the next 15 minutes Ealing went down to 14 players after a yellow card for deliberate knock on in the 67th minute to wing Peter Lydon.

The hosts extended their lead on 69 minutes after the resulting penalty was kicked inside the visitors 22. Although the maul was defended well a series of red zone phases followed with replacement prop Aleki Lutui eventually crashing over, Sam Costelow’s conversion extending the lead to 22-14.

Aleki Lutui showing that the magic is still there…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ealing responded aggressively closing the gap with a 72nd minute try through replacement scrum half Jordan Burns converted by Willis.

With their tails up the visitors pressed for another score finally being awarded a 78th minute penalty which Willis made look easy to retake the lead in the game 22-24.

High ball and 4 up the grab…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The home side were unable to recover the ball in the remaining 60 seconds or so resulting in a narrow win for Ealing.

This was a much better performance from Ampthill, had they taken any one of a number of chances squandered in the first half the game might of had a different result but in the end, the visitors deserved their 4pts.

Final score - just a whisker away from victory!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Final Score

Ampthill 22, Ealing Trailfinders 24

“The boys turned up today, I’m really proud of the effort & commitment displayed, it was disappointing to have the game taken away at the death. We showed today that we can compete with the best sides in the division. Now we face a tough few weeks with two games against Bedford, one on Boxing Day.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)
“Frankly, we were lucky to get away with the win, we have gone from the sublime to the ridiculous in two weeks. Despite Ampthill being the better side for much of the game we stuck at it and managed to sneak the points at the end. This was our first visit to Ampthill and we’ve enjoyed the hospitality.”
— Ben Ward, Coach (Ealing Trailfinders)

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20191130 Coventry vs Ampthill

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Match Report

Coventry 64, Ampthill 1st XV 26, Greene King IPA Championship League

Match Pictures: Match Store

A much-changed Ampthill travelled to the Butts Arena to play a Coventry side on the new 4G pitch.

Soane Tonga’huiha causing issues for Toby Trinder on the line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The warning signs were apparent after a poor first half, when Ampthill’s backline appeared unable to make any tackles stick and Ampthill’s possession was seemingly turned at will by a well-drilled and efficient Coventry side.

Cheeky little manoeuvre despite being sat on by a number of the opposition…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Turning around 24 v 7 down, the less said about the second half the better in what turned out to be the worst performance of the season against a strong and physical home side. Some of the defending was schoolboy level and several Ampthill’s players will have to take a long hard look at themselves.

Henri Williams making his presence felt at the whitewash…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The final score was a fair reflection of a dominant home performance, but you can recognise the efforts of Ampthill’s bench which certainly lifted the mood and helped secure a four-try bonus point..

Running in the final try of the game for Ampthill…
Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Final Score

Coventry 64, Ampthill 26

“We gave a lot of players the opportunity to secure a place in the side and a number of them haven’t taken that opportunity. I was really disappointed with our lack of defensive application and our attitude was very poor on the day.
If we play like that against the holders Ealing at home next week it could very well be a cricket score so we will be looking for those selected to give us a response.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)

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20191005 Bedford Blues vs Ampthill 1st XV

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Match Report

Bedford Blues 12 - Ampthill 1st XV 25, Championship Cup

On what was a historic day for the Maroon and Gold, going to Goldington Road to play Bedford Blues for the short term title of the best team in Bedfordshire and the first competitive game between the two clubs, the A’s came away with a deserved win.

The Blues turned Pink for the day in support of the McMillan Cancer trust and they didn’t have the ideal start to the day with a couple of players failing fitness tests on the morning of the match.

The first forty minutes were separated by a Kwaku Asiedu try and a Louis Grimoldby penalty against a Dann Temm try. A loose kick let Rich Lane punish the A’s with a break down the right-hand side that led to a Teem try and a 5 v 8 half time score

Kwaku Aseidu opens the scoreline for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With the elements and the slope in Paul Turners sides favour the A’s started to turn the screw and kept the pressure on the home side.

The A’s had spent the week working hard on defensive drills led by player forwards Coach Dave Ward and this proved critical when the Blues back line came probing the A’s defensive system but the A’s held firm in the face of the onslaught.

After gradually taking back control, an inch-perfect kick by Bordoli was regathered by Baker who found Jarryd Sage in support who dotted the ball down and fly-half Grimoldby converted for the A’s to lead 5 v 15.

Jarryd Sage comfortable clears the line to extend Ampthill's lead.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The Blues now had the joint battle against the clock and the slope and this led to a number of uncharacteristic mistakes and Kwaku Asiedu was on hand to take advantage and score his second try to put some breathing space between the teams at 5 v 20.

Kwaku Aseidu brushes the whitewash for Ampthill.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

This signalled a Blues fight back and on 71 minutes Huw Worthington the Blues number eight who had carried hard all day scored a converted try to leave the score at 12 v 20.

The A’s responded again, camping in the Blues half and keeping the ball down in the right-hand corner for multiple phases. Backs and Forwards shared the workload equally and finally Karim Lynch crashed over in the right hand corner for the A’s fourth and bonus point try to leave the final score at Blues 12 v 25 A’s.

Karim Lynch justifying his return to Ampthill with a closing try.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s fans left a packed Goldington Road with a skip in their step and the first points of the season in the bag.

Joshua Sharp takes a penalty for Ampthill to open their scoreline
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Final Score

Bedford Blues 12, Ampthill 25

“It was a great occasion to be a part of and to have so many supporters there to raise money for McMillan Cancer Trust made it really special day.
I thought we played well for large parts of the game but we still need to improve our set piece. Defensively we took a big step forward and relied on our system more than individual effort which was pleasing.
It’s only our third game together and it’s been a tough start to the season but we are progressing every week and next week we see Nottingham Rugby come to Dillingham Park for our first game ever in the Green King IPA Championship.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)

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20190921 Ampthill 1st XV vs Coventry

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Match Report

Ampthill 1st XV 17 – Coventry 1st XV 47, Championship Cup

Ampthill welcomed Coventry to Olney Field for their first ever match at Level 2 on a cloudless sunny afternoon with a stiff south easterly breeze in favour of the visitors for the first half.

With the club house doubled in size by the addition of a large marquee bar and major infrastructure changes obvious around the pitch it was clear to both home and away spectators that significant investment had been made in the close season in preparation for the Greene King IPA Championship.

Coventry gain the upper hand from a high kick
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts connections were aware that the visitors had recruited well adding 8 players with Premiership and/or Pro 12 experience to their squad over the summer while their pre-season preparation included 4 games of which the only loss came against Leinster!

Ampthill had plenty of attempts but things never seemed to quite work out…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Meanwhile the home squad would be having their first run out with 11 players making their debut including forwards coach Dave Ward & backs coach Darryl Veenendahl.

Nana Asiedu takes on James Stokes…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The game began with a fine line break from home fly half Josh Sharp who sliced through the Coventry defence in mid-field leaving a simple pass to one of two supporting runners for an obvious opening score, sadly the pass went astray and the chance went begging. Little did Amps spectators realise that that flurry would be the last time Amps would threaten to score until the last few minutes of the first half.

Joshua Sharp takes a penalty for Ampthill to open their scoreline
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A demonstration of power and ruthless finishing followed in which the visitors scored 6 unanswered tries capitalising on a series of unforced errors combined with ill-discipline from A’s who were regularly penalised at the breakdown, knocking on and missing tackles. In short the first half was a horror show for the hosts leaving the score 3-40 at oranges, Ampthill’s last kick of the half penalty goal being greeted with cheers.

Joe Bercis crosses the line for Ampthill despite two admirers…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

After an appropriate talking to at half time Amps second half was much better, dominating possession and territory for much of the half. A’s outscored their hosts 14-7 and probably should have had a couple more tries. Coventry’s defence was outstanding, however, despite being on the back foot most of the time.

Alexi Lutui powering through the Coventry defence on the way to the line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps line out struggled until the last quarter while their scrummage was under pressure. A’s benefited from the first half game time and were much more competitive in the second despite playing the last 15 minutes or so with 14 players after an emptied bench and a subsequent injury to Captain Billy Johnson.

Gavin Williams puts the breaks on Ratu Jonasa Bulumakau
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Next week Ampthill travel to Ealing for what will likely be another stiff lesson.

Final Score

Ampthill 17, Coventry 47

“Firstly I thought Coventry were absolutely fantastic in the first forty minutes demonstrating how to put pressure on the team in possession and then capitalise on the errors of which there were many.

We shouldn’t forget Coventry have only been beaten once in pre-season against the second best team in Europe Leinster so it was always going to be a massive ask today.

In the first half we lacked composure and this led to a lot of errors whilst playing in the wrong areas. Our discipline went and Coventry were clinical in their execution leaving us rightly down 3-40.

The second half was a different story and when you consider that we played 17 minutes with 14 men because our bench had been emptied when Captain Billy Johnson had to go off injured it was a lot more encouraging.

A really good exercise while a number of the starting XV will have to take a long hard look at themselves having plenty to work on while in the second period the bench brought real energy and dynamism to the contest.

We should also remember we have come up against a battle hardened Coventry side and its our first run out so lots of positives and things we can improve.

A’s have very different targets to Coventry this season so we will dust ourselves down and reset this week before we prepare to play the reigning Champions Ealing Trailfinders next week on the road.

I know what your thinking but don’t, its all part of our journey, come on Amps!

Thank you to our army of volunteers who worked tirelessly to make sure we were ready for the weekend and thank you to all the travelling Coventry support for being so patient whilst we dealt with some organisational issues in our first game we have played in the Championship Cup.”
— Mark Lavery, Director of Rugby (Ampthill)

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