National League 1

20190427 Loughborough Students vs Ampthill 1st XV

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Match Report

Loughborough Students 20 – 52 1st XV, National One

In what turned out to be the biggest day in Ampthill RUFC’s history, our Champions elect finished the season in fine style with a 52 v 20 win on the road at Loughborough University.

The A’s started well, controlling territory and possession despite playing into a very strong wind. Maama Molitika started the scoring after multiple phases he crashed over to the left of the posts converted by A’s and Blues legend James Pritchard playing in his final game of senior rugby. James Pritchard you have been a star and best of luck in the next stage of your life and your return to Australia.

Maama Molitika opens the scoring for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The Students responded with a try of their own after 20 mins to leave the scores at 5 v 7.

The front row decided to take control of the game with a strong carry from Matt Collins to crash over and again converted by James Pritchard.

Matt Collins crosses the whitewash for Ampthill’s second try
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The A’s were awarded a penalty that was kicked to the corner and Aleki Lutui assisting Sam Hudson another score from the stock catch and drive this time converted by Josh Sharp as Pritchard was off having running repairs. Aleki Lutui has bagged 15 try’s this season which shows how effective the Maroon and Gold driving line-out has become.

Aleki Lutui provding the extra drive to get Sam Hudson over the line for Ampthill’s third try of the first half!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Perhaps the try of the game and the score that took the A’s to the Green King IPA Championship started with replacement full back Mike Waters probing the right hand side of the Students defence. The ball was recycled through four sets of hands to put Joe Bercis in on the left hand corner and the celebrations could begin. Sharp missing the conversion and the scores stood at 5 v 26 at oranges.

Joe Bercis sneaks over the line just before half time to seal the deal for Ampthill’s promotion
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The game to all intents and purposes was over as a contest but both sides exchanged try’s with the Students scoring three further try’s and Ampthill scoring four.

1st try of the second half from Sam Hudson and number 5 for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Will Allman crosses the line easily for Ampthill’s 6th try
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Sam Baker lands just by the post for Ampthill’s seventh try of the match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Sam Baker holding the ball as the Maul drives over the line giving Ampthill their eight try of the match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Leaving the final scores at Loughborough 20 v 52 Ampthill and confirmation that the mighty A’s are National 1 Champions and we are heading to the Green King IPA Championship for the first time in our history.

Ampthill celebrate the end result of winning the league
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Final Score

Loughborough 22, Ampthill 52

“I would like to thank Paul Turner and his coaching team for a truly fantastic effort in winning National 1 for the first time in our history.
Team Manager Ian Bremner and Head of Medical Michael Dwyer for all there help and assistance behind the scenes which without the unseen work we wouldn’t have won the league.
Thank you to all our supporters who have stuck with us through good and not so good times and especially those who made the Loughborough game feel like we were at Dillingham Park.
Last but not least the outstanding efforts from our first team squad who have not only won National 1 but with the 1881s winning Zoo 1 as well it’s yet another historic result and the first time we have done this in our history.
As the curtain comes down on the season our four senior teams have all won their respective divisions and once more I find myself wondering how we can ever better that, but I have thought that for the last five seasons so I’m sure we will find a way.
Hope to see you all at the Club Dinner Dance when we can celebrate what has been the best season in the Ampthill and District Rugby Clubs History.”
— Mark Lavery, Director of Rugby (Ampthill)

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20190413 Ampthill 1st XV vs Sale FC

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Match Report

Amps Dominate Sale Outscoring The Visitors 9 tries to 2

Sale arrived at Dillingham Park on a dry, sunny day with a moderate easterly breeze and the chance of isolated showers.

After going behind to an early try Ampthill dominated the game scoring 9 tries and leaving several more on the park.

From the kick off Sale retained the ball well showing good structure to move the ball deep into Amps territory. A sweeping move through the hands from left to right saw a fine unconverted try scored in the right corner on 5 minutes by centre Moorhouse.

Sam Baker opens the scoreline for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s took the game away from the visitors with 5 tries before half time. Wing Sam Baker scored a brace with two good finishes (8 minutes, 16) from open play.

Sam Baker scores again for Ampthill (Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Sam Baker scores again for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Scrum half Kevin Barrett sniped on 21 minutes from a red zone breakdown before

Kevin Barrett crosses the whitewash to add to Ampthills scoreline
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Sam Baker celebrated his hat trick on 25 minutes.

Sam Baker literally flying to provide Ampthill with even more points!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Centre Ollie Morris to completed the scoring for the half after he was was in support to receive the final pass in the 38th minute.

Ollie Morris crosses the line for Ampthill right by the flag (Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ollie Morris crosses the line for Ampthill right by the flag
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Full back James Pritchard, playing the penultimate game of his illustrious 19 year career, converted all Sam Baker’s tries leaving the score 31-5 at oranges.

James Pritchard once again squares up to the posts for additions
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The second half was more of the same with the home side adding 4 more tries through fly half Josh Sharp (47, 75),

Josh Sharp slipping through the defences and heading for the line....
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

replacement hooker Syd Blackmore (51)

Syd Blackmore crosses the line in style despite a passenger
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Josh Sharp with his second try of the match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

and replacement scrum half Euan McKirdy (73).

Euan McKirdy crossing the line for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

James Pritchard adding the extras for all but Syd Blackmore’s.

James Pritchard with the Coaching Team at his last home match prior to retirement
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

In between the 57th minute saw a fine try from Sale’s centre Dunn, converted by fly half Povey.

The hosts were in control in the tight and the loose while the defence held a concerted second half effort from the visitors whose heads never dropped.

Ampthill welcomed previous players who showed their support at the bar!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Old Elthamians managed a bonus point win away at Bishop’s Stortford which forces the title fight to go down to the wire of the last round of fixtures. Ampthill need 1 point against Loughborough on April 27 to secure promotion to the Championship!

Paul Turner, post match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Head Coach Paul Turner comments “A pleasing performance, especially after the poor second half at Moseley the week before. We played some good football against a committed side but let a chance or two go begging. Our defence was good in the second half and both half backs had excellent games.”

Final Score

Ampthill 57, Sale FC 12

“A pleasing performance, especially after the poor second half at Moseley the week before. We played some good football against a committed side but let a chance or two go begging. Our defence was good in the second half and both half backs had excellent games.”
— Paul Turner, Ampthill Head Coach

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20190406 Birmingham Moseley vs Ampthill 1st XV

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Match Report

Firstly your reporter must start by stating that he can’t for the life of him understand why a team as talented as Birmingham Moseley are in a relegation dog fight. They caused the A’s defence all sorts of problems and scored four well deserved try’s against our much vaunted defence in a fire cracker of a game.

Aleki Lutui opens the scoreline for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s started well with an Aleki Lutui try after a stock catch and drive on the seven metre line and converted by James Pritchard to lead seven nil after six minutes.

James Pritchard preparing for the first of many conversions this match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Birmingham Moseley responded well with a break by outstanding number eight Brightwell, going nearly half the length of the field against what can only be described as a generous defence by the A’s. 7 v 7 after 12 mins.

Amp’s controlled large parts of the half from here and Sam Hanks who was strong and elusive all day scored a try after a good break. He eluded the defence to score under the posts and the points were duly converted by James Pritchard to lead 7 v 14 after twelve minutes.

Sam Hanks crosses the line for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ciaran Whyte then fielded a downfield kick and broke the line to find Gavin Williams in support, who took a tackle but got the offload away and former Moseley player Joe Bercis scored under the posts, again converted by James Pritchard to take a 7 v 21 lead at the half. time whistle.

Joe Bercis scores his first try of the match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Whatever the Ampthill coaching staff said at half time appeared to have been ignored, and despite having the wind at there backs the A’s decided to start playing rugby in there own red zone and conceded two try’s on 46 and 56 mins to bring Birmingham Moseley back to within 2 points at 19 v 21.

A’s started to introduce the subs then and with a scrum on the Birmingham Moseley five metre line, scrum half Euan McKirdy drifted wide and opened a hole for Joe Bercis to bag his second try under the posts.  James Pritchard again added the extras and the A’s travelling fans began to breathe a little easier. 19 v 28 after 63 mins.

Joe Bercis crossing the line for a second try this match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps were now camped in Birmingham Moseley territory and after multiple phases Carl Burgess on his return to the first team carried strongly to crash over the line with two defenders enjoying the ride on big Carls back. James Pritchard missed his only conversion of the day but the A’s had responded well and now put some clean air between themselves and Moseley at 19 v 33 on 69 mins.

Carl Burgess marks his return to the 1st XV with a try in his first match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

As has been a theme recently, the A’s took their foot off the gas and a poor exit led to Birmingham Moseley getting there fourth and bonus point try to bring back within a score at 26 v 33.

Ampthill composed themselves and responded again with the ball in the Birmingham Moseley red zone.  Karl Garside who has signed full professional forms at Northampton Saints next season, scored from a pick and go close to the posts and James Pritchard again converted to make to game safe on 79 mins, 26 v 40.

Karl Garside closes out the tries for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

There was still time for A’s to muck up another exit and invite Birmingham Moseley to batter their defence, but this time the second best defence in the division held out to secure crucial five point win on the road.

A delighted Mark Lavery being interviewed post match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Final Score

Birmingham Moseley 26, Ampthill 40

“Whilst not our best performance of the yearit’ss about getting the job done and a five point win on the road at Birmingham Moseley is no mean feet. We have lots to work on and another cup final next week with the visit of Sale FC to Dillingham Park for the first time.
The 1881s had a huge bonus point win away at Jersey Athletic to lead the Zoo One top division and Richmond coming to Dillingham Park for another massive top of the table clash.
These are heady days for the senior section of the club with both our first team and 1881s looking to create another piece of history.”
— Mark Lavery, Ampthill Director of Rugby

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20190330 Ampthill 1st XV vs Rosslyn Park

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Match Report

Ampthill Triumph Despite Last Kick-Of-The-Game Drama

Rosslyn Park arrived at Dillingham Park on a dry, sunny day with a gentle northerly breeze to find a dusty pitch, let’s hope it rains soon.

The top of the table clash resulted in Ampthill’s biggest crowd of the season just beating that against Old Elthamians. Amps, 5 points clear of OEs in 2nd and 6 points clear of Park in 3rd going in to the game knew that promotion to the championship would be assured if they won their remaining 4 fixtures but were taking nothing for granted expecting a very tough examination from today’s visitors.

Rosslyn Park controlled at the outset
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s produced one of the worst first half performances of the season as Rosslyn Park were superior in every phase of the game, in particular Park’s defence was outstanding, keeping the home side so quiet that their only possession in the visitors 22 came in the last minute of the half. However, the second half saw the hosts raise their game eventually pressurising Rosslyn Park into conceding penalty after penalty in the red zone before scoring two tries in the last 5 minutes. Even then Park, who surely did enough to secure the win over the 80 minutes, had a last kick of the game penalty goal chance which slid wide to much celebration from all home connections.

The visitors open-side Arthur Ellis opened the scoring in the 9th minute, intercepting an unnecessary pass on the Ampthill 22 and scampering around under the posts, fly half Greg Lound adding the extras.

Rosslyn Park showing early promise
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Almost from the kick off Amps were penalised at a breakdown and Lound made no mistake with the penalty goal.

Rosslyn Park adding points from a Penalty
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

On 21 minutes, Rosslyn Park’s lock Jonathan Mills barged over from close range after a series of red zone phases, Lound again adding the conversion.

The 26th minute saw Lound successful with another penalty goal to extend Park’s lead to 20 points.

Magic fingers from Rosslyn Park to secure another lineout…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Despite much effort A’s were unable to trouble the scoreboard in the remainder of the half leaving the score at oranges 0-20.

Whatever was said at half time the hosts looked a different team as the second half began, forcing the visitors to defend for long periods while controlling territory & possession. Rosslyn Park’s defence held firm.

Scrum collapse leading to a lack sympathy from the Referee
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Park were now under the cosh, the resulting pressure inside their red zone seeing a series of penalties given against them until a yellow card to prop Nick Lovell on 52 minutes leading to the first spell of uncontested scrums.

The Yellow Card that signalled the end of contested scrums
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The 56th minute saw the hosts replacement hooker Syd Blackmore came up with the ball from a catch & drive, just about the first time in the game that either side made ground with a maul. Fly half Josh Sharp adding the conversion.

Syd Blackmore forcing his way through to the whitewash
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The home side continued to turn the screw resulting in further yellow cards to visiting scrum half Jack Gash (74) & wing Charlie Amesbury (76) as he illegally prevented a certain try under the posts from open play, the referee awarding a penalty try.

Rosslyn Park down to 13 players with another Yellow Card…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With the visitors down to 13 players Ampthill were inspired to produce their best rugby of the game as a series of interchanges between backs & forwards saw Josh Sharp touch down under the posts,

Josh Sharp runs in the winning try for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

full back James Pritchard’s successful conversion the signal for much celebration as Amps took the lead for the first time in the 78th minute.

James Pritchard adds the winning points to Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

There was still time for the Rosslyn Park’s depleted team to recover the kick off and produce multiple phases from the forwards slowly gaining ground until A’s were penalised at a breakdown 40 metres out in front of the post. Replacement kicker Oliver Grove stepped up for the last kick of the game penalty goal attempt which drifted agonisingly wide of the posts in his ‘Stuart Pearce’ moment.

A kick too far, the one that almost changed the outcome…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

In a game truly of two halves Ampthill were lucky to come second in the first but turned it around with a controlled display in the second before that final kick drama produced a moment that only sport at it’s finest can.

Final Score

Ampthill 21, Rosslyn Park 20

“We got out of jail after being comprehensively outplayed by Rosslyn Park in the first half. This could easily have been the banana skin that ruined 10 years of hard work. Park were the best side seen this year at Dillingham Park and definitely did not deserve to lose. However, we did win, we are still top and managed to find the victory despite playing poorly.”
— Mark Lavery, Ampthill Director of Rugby
“Against a formidable Ampthill side we had a good first half where we might have taken more points but a 20 pt lead should have been the platform to kick on and secure the game. Ampthill kept the ball in the second half, stopped us playing and forced the errors while our injury count didn’t help. National 1 is a great spectacle, we should be proud of the game we are creating.”
— Kieran Power, Rosslyn Park Head Coach

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20190309 Ampthill 1st XV vs Old Elthamians

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Match Report

Old Elthamians arrived at a dry, sunny Olney Field with a strong westerly wind to find a dusty pitch, more rain please.

The top of the table clash resulted in Ampthill’s biggest crowd of the season. Going in to the game both sides were chasing promotion, equal on points (91) and separated only by virtue of Old Elthamians having won one more game (18 of 24 played). With both sides claiming to have had a great week’s preparation both sets of coaches would have tried to minimise the pressure but everyone involved and watching knew the importance of today’s result for prospect of playing in the Championship next season.

If must of been deja vue for OE’s DoR Gavin Lach as his side conceded two early tries just as they had in the same fixture last season as he’d mentioned in his match preview.

Matt Collins opens the scoreline for Ampthill on 5 minutes!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

First Amps tight head Matt Collins came up with the ball after a signature line-out, catch & drive on 5 minutes, full back James Pritchard’s touch line conversion attempt had the legs but not the direction. Then, in the 10th minute, centre Sam Hanks danced through the entire visitor’s defence from the halfway line touching down under the posts for James Pritchard to add the conversion.

Sam Hanks extends the lead for Ampthill after only 10 minutes of play
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

At this stage A’s were winning the collisions and secure in both lineout and set piece but Old Elthamians were not top of the table by chance and they soon began to come back into the game forcing the home side to defend for long periods.

On 17 minutes, fly half Joe Carlisle kicked a simple penalty goal from in front of the posts inside the hosts 22 and then added a second in the 25th minute from further out reducing the deficit to one score. Ampthill still looked threatening when they had the ball but the game was now evenly balanced.

A physical game resulting in a few minor injuries
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Elthamians had their chances in the second quarter but knocked on when over the line on one occasion and dropped the final pass when clear on another meanwhile Amps defence was stepping up securing two red zone turnovers to stifle other opportunities.

The killer blow came on the stroke of half time when quick ball from the top of an A’s lineout inside OE’s 22 resulted in multiple phases culminating in Number 8 Maama Molitika crashing over from close range, James Pritchard again adding the extras leaving the score 19-6 at oranges.

Maama Molitika crashes over the whitewash just before half time
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The second half saw a long period of visitor’s dominance of territory & possession but the home side’s defence was up to the task, time and again stifling Old Elthamians even when they had multiple red zone phases. On 60 minutes however, OE’s were penalised for off side at a ruck and Pritchard struck the resulting penalty goal to take Amps more than 2 scores clear.

Both sides remained physical about the contest until the end
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts introduced a number of players from the bench which signalled a change with Ampthill’s scrum now dominant and the fresh legs regaining control in mid-field. The game had become fragmented with frequent stoppages for treatment to injured players before the 75th minute saw Amps close out the match when replacement prop Ralph Adams-Hale showed great strength and leg drive to touch down under the posts after multiple red zone phases, fly half Josh Sharp successful with the conversion.

‘Wreck it’ Ralph Adams-Hale driving over the line for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Just 4 minutes later with the visitors now throwing the ball around A’s collected a chip through just outside Old Elthamians 22, Josh Sharp returning the chip which bounced kindly for centre Ollie Morris to touch down behind the posts, Josh Sharp adding the extras leaving the score 36-6 at no side.

Ollie Morris closes down the game for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ampthill produced at 80 minute performance just when it was needed to move 5 points clear at the top of National 1 with 5 games to play. Every game is crucial through the end of the season but the home match against 3rd placed Rosslyn Park in a fortnight is another one to look forward to.

Final Score

Ampthill 36, Old Elthamians 6

“An outstanding squad performance, I was particularly pleased with our defence, at it’s best at crucial times. Our set piece got on top and we scored 5 tries while conceding none against our biggest rivals. This was a great for Ampthill Rugby Club.”
— Paul Turner, Ampthill Head Coach
“We had opportunities but didn’t take them, disappointing to drop the ball in the act of scoring 3 times, you cannot win against good opposition if you don’t take your chances. Ampthill were the better side on the day.”
— Gavin Lach, Director of Rugby (Old Elthamians)

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20190302 Rotherham Titans vs Ampthill 1st X

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Match Report

Ampthill travelled to Yorkshire for their first ever visit to Clifton Lane to face Rotherham needing a win to maintain their promotion challenge.

Rotherham, a proper rugby club run by rugby people, extended a welcome that was nothing short of exceptional.

Amps started well, despite playing into a strongish wind, controlling possession for the first five minutes. Sadly, a wayward A’s lineout saw a the Titans break down field eventually camping in the visitors 22. A defensive system error when two players attempted and failed to take down the ball carrier led to the home side taking the lead with a converted try on 6 minutes.

A strong response from Ampthill saw man of the match lock Jon Kpoku crash over to the left of the posts, full back James Pritchard adding the conversion to level the scores in the 20th minute.

Jon Kpoku opens the scoreline for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With Amps again in the hosts territory wing Sam Baker finished a fine backs move to score wide on the left, James Pritchard adding the extras on 25 minutes.

Sam Baker finishes off a move from the backs to add to Ampthill’s score…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s centre Ollie Morris was having an outstanding game both defensively and with ball in hand. He secured the visitors 3rd try wide on the right just before half time. This time James Pritchard’s conversion attempt missed leaving the score at half time 7-19.

Ollie Morris crosses the line to give Ampthill their third try of the match…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Up front the half had seen both forward packs knocking lumps out of each other in a ferocious contest. Ampthill’s lineout was an area of concern while the very real contest at the scrummage offered the perfect workout before the big game next week against top of the table Old Elthamians at Dillingham Park.

Syd Blackmore and Joe Bercis feeling the brunt of a physical game…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Now playing with the benefit of the wind Amps connections would have been confident but Rotherham soon made them uncomfortable. First they took advantage of poor ruck defence to break loose just inside the A’s half racing 35m to touch down an unconverted try on 50 minutes reducing the deficit to just one score.

James Pritchard adding to the points with an accurate foot
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The visitors response saw them run multiple phases deep in the red zone before Captain & blindside Billy Johnson drove through the last man to touch down a 56th minute bonus point securing try converted by James Pritchard.

Billy Johnson buried under bodies gives Ampthill a bonus point
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Playing his first game of this season former regular dual registered with Saracens prop Ralph Adams-Hale then took an inside pass from fly half Josh Sharp to scamper 15m and score a fine try converted by James Pritchard to take the score to 19-33 with 20 minutes to play.

Wreckin’ Ralph Adams-Hale surged through the Rotherham defences to score…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Lesser sides than Rotherham would have folded under this level of pressure but the Titans are a proud club with a great tradition and they fought back immediately with a 63rd minute converted try.

Back in the home half  the visitors were awarded a penalty 30m out which Josh Sharp converted to extend the lead to three scores at 19 v 36.

Josh Sharp takes a penalty to add to Ampthill’s scoreline
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The hosts responded with a prolonged period of pressure in Ampthill’s red zone using the set piece as an attacking weapon. A series of scrums eventually saw the referee lose patience leading to Amps tight head Matt Collins’ harsh yellow card for dropping the scrum, an incident that will require careful review on the match video.

Amps replaced a back with a prop but the ensuing scrum saw the ball moved left. The home side made their extra man count to score their 4th and deserved bonus point converted try in the 11th minute of time added on!

Rotherham finish the game with a try in the 11th minute of additional time to secure a loosing bonus
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The final score: Rotherham Titans 24, Ampthill 36

“I don’t think we were as accurate as we were last week and defensively we need to tighten up but our attacking game is in good shape and we have a number of things to work on during the week”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach (Ampthill)

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20190223 Ampthill 1st XV vs Caldy (Rearranged)

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Match Report

Caldy arrived at Dillingham Park for this re-arranged match on the type of day you would normally expect in July.

From the kick off by Ampthill deep into the Caldy 22, the ball was passed along the line but was knocked on into the hands of Sam Hanks who had it knocked out of his hands to Sam Hudson to score after 30 seconds. James Pritchard landed the extras.

Sam Hudson opens the scoreline for Ampthill after only 30 seconds!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Following strong pressure in the Caldy half, Syd Blackmore broke through the Caldy defence to go over under the posts for the first of his three tries, James Pritchard adding the conversion.

Syd Blackmore adds to the Ampthill scoreline with his first try of the match…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Approaching the half hour, Sam Baker went over under the posts leaving a simple job for James Pritchard.

Sam Baker in less than his normal elegant finishing style….
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

From a lineout on 38 minutes, in a typical catch and drive, Sam Hanks secured a bonus point with home side’s fourth try of the day. 26-0 at half time.

Sam Hanks in his trademark Orange boots adds to the scoreline for Ampthill. (Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Sam Hanks in his trademark Orange boots adds to the scoreline for Ampthill.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The visitors started strongly in the second half and only stout defence by Ampthill kept them at bay. Gradually the home side got back into gear and Man of the Match, Syd Blackmore went over in the corner on 51 minutes with James Pritchard getting the conversion from a difficult angle.

Syd Blackmore adopting a pose more normally attributed to Sam Baker
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

On 55 minutes, Ciaran Whyte, who had replaced Will Foster at half time, scored under the posts leaving the simplest of conversions for James Pritchard.

Ciaran Whyte between the posts with style… (Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ciaran Whyte between the posts with style…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Shortly after replacing Kevin Barrett as scrum-half, Euan McKirdy scored his first of the day after a strong run by Soane Tonga’uiha with James Pritchard adding his 6th conversion of the day.

Soane Tonga’uiha strarts his attack…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Euan McKirdy goes for his first try of the match…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

5 minutes later, after strong pressure in the home 22, Caldy were awarded a penalty try for their only score of the day.

Kevin Barrett adding to the scoreline yet again for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

But Ampthill were not finished yet and on 67 minutes McKirdy got his second try and James Pritchard his 7th conversion.

Euan McKirdy over the line for the second time this match!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Syd Blackmore then completed his hat trick on 76 minutes with James Pritchard missing the extras.

Syd Blackmore completing his hatrick for the match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

“It’s been coming for the last few weeks, it’s been an 80 minutes performance, accurate, direct. The score is maybe pretty tough on Caldy who have arrived with an injury-hit team but I can’t ask any more from our guys. The set piece was good, direct, powerful and very accurate in the back division. It’s a great time to hit our bootstraps for the massive game next week at Rotherham.”
— Mark Lavery, Director of Rugby (Ampthill)

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20190216 Ampthill 1st XV vs Bishops Stortford

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Match Report

1st XV Record Bonus Point Win Over Bishops Stortford After Resisting 2nd Half Fight Back

Bishops Stortford arrived at a dry, overcast Dillingham Park with a westerly breeze to find a dusty pitch, more rain please.

Jon Kpoku takes the offload and opens the scoreline for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ampthill began well despite conceding the first possession, a break on 5 minutes through the centre from fly half Josh Sharp saw his shoulder ball find wing Sam Baker who split the defence. Lock Jon Kpoku was in support to take the offload on the visitors 22 and gallop through to score under the posts, full back James Pritchard adding the extras.

James Pritchard adding the extras for the 1st try of the game
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Just 4 minutes later Amps were penalised at a ruck in front of the posts allowing Stortford scrum half Tom Banks to kick the first of 4 penalty goals.

A period of parity followed before slick passing from A’s backs on 19 minutes eventually saw Sam Baker clear on the left to scamper over out wide for an unconverted try.

Sam Baker catching everyone out with a burst of speed down the left wing for Ampthill’s 2nd try…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Banks repeated his penalty goal on 29 minutes after Amps infringed again resulting an even easier 3 points.

On 35 minutes the home side was awarded a penalty try after a 5 metre scrum was collapsed as it crossed the line but Bishops Stortford hit back again with the last kick of the half as Banks maintained his kicking level leaving the score 19-9 at oranges.

Well someone is at the bottom holding the ball but it’s not clear from here!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The second half saw Banks kick his 4th penalty goal on 42 minutes before wing Spencer Sutherland extended the hosts lead and secured the bonus point on 45 minutes by scampering round towards the posts from the right, James Pritchard successful with the conversion.

Spencer Sutherland looking relaxed as he outpaces everyone for Ampthill’s bonus point try of the match.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

James Pritchard then extended the lead with a penalty goal on 50 minutes. This was the signal for the visitors to throw caution to the winds and the ball around hitting back first on 60 minutes with a fine unconverted try from replacement Vunipola and then almost immediately adding another from hooker Declan Caulfield converted by Banks.

With Stortford’s tails up and the lead down to just 1 score Ampthill had to raise their game, both defensively and in attack. The 69th minute saw replacement scrum half Euan McKirdy break blind and execute a perfectly weighted grubber for Spencer Sutherland to chase, harass the defence and dive on the loose ball wide on the right, James Pritchard’s conversion holding up against the breeze.

Even the front row need a breather once in awhile…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The referee played 5 minutes of overtime forcing Amps to defend for their lives for 15 minutes as the visitors threw everything at them but managed to hold out to the final whistle.

After a good first half A’s allowed Bishops Stortford to play their game in the second and could have paid the price!

“A good first half saw us lead 19-9 but we failed to maximise our opportunities, we really should of had the bonus point before half time. Bishops Stortford are a very good side as their 5 consecutive bonus point wins prior to today indicated. We outscored them 5 tries to 2 but were under pressure late in the second half and had to produce a real team effort to subdue them.”
— Paul Turner, Ampthill Head Coach

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20190112 Ampthill 1st XV vs Plymouth Albion

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Match Report

Plymouth Albion arrived at a damp, overcast Dillingham Park with gentle breeze blowing in favour of the visitors in the first half.

Typically, games between the two sides are close, usually less than one score determining the winner, the first half followed this pattern, the second did not!

The visitors came out of the blocks firing taking the lead in the 6th minute with an unconverted try through blindside flanker John Kelly after good work from the forwards in the red zone.

Ampthill responded with a 16th minute catch & drive try from hooker Ollie Walliker, also unconverted.

Ollie Walliker opens the scoring for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The sides then exchanged penalty goals, Ampthill fly half Josh Sharp’s goal on 26 minutes cancelled out by one from Albion wing Matthew Shepherd in the 30th minute.

Josh Sharp evening up the scoreline…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

As half time approached Amps were camped deep in the visitors 22, first receiving a yellow card for bringing down a maul and then then conceding a penalty try for a deliberate knock on leaving the score 15-8 at oranges.

Yellow card for a Maul Offence reduces the odds for Plymouth…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Plymouth tied the score on 41 minutes with another penalty try after A’s were penalised for a maul offence.

Given the highly competitive nature of the game most spectators would have taken long odds on the home side scoring 33 unanswered points in the remaining 39 minutes but that’s what happened.

First, straight from the kick off, a clearing kick on the Albion 22 was charged down by replacement flanker Will Allman who won the race to touch down the unconverted try.

Will Allman dashes to the line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Then after a period of to and fro in mid-field the hosts replacement full back Mikey Waters finished a fine backs try on 54 minutes, Sharp adding the extras.

Mikey Walkters just making the line for the try…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Just 4 minutes later, right wing Spencer Sutherland was set free by scrum half Kevin Barrett to to touch down behind the posts, Sharp again successful with the conversion.

Spencer Sutherland once again over the whitewash…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The 62nd & 66th minutes saw left wing Sam Baker score a brace of tries after good work from the backs and some individual skills, both converted by Waters.

Sam Baker with the first of two tries this game…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ampthill crossed the line twice more as the visitors discipline escaped them but both tries were disallowed for knock ons prior to the touch down.

So near yet so far, knock-on!!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The proverbial game of two halves saw a very competitive first followed by a one sided second, particularly the last quarter when fitness appeared to be an issue for the large Plymouth pack.

“This was a good win against an in form & confident Plymouth. At 20-15 early in the second half we raised our level producing some of the best football of the season. I was delighted with the energy and skill, the performance making up for the disappointment at Esher a week earlier. This result sets us up nicely for the big game away at Blackheath next week.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach

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20181222 Ampthill 1st XV vs Chinnor

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Match Report

Chinnor travelled to Dillingham Park on a crisp, sunny, windless afternoon to find, despite recent rain, perfect playing conditions. Notwithstanding Ampthill being at ‘home’ they clearly hadn’t got off the bus as Chinnor stormed into a 2 try lead.

First on 2 minutes full back Kieran Goss touched down for an unconverted try after Chinnor had controlled the opening phases from the kick off, tying up the Amps defence until he ran in unopposed.

Kieran Goss opens the score for Chinnor
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Then, centre Alex Dancer took a training ground shoulder ball off first phase to slice through the A’s defence in the 5th minute scoring to the left of the posts, surprisingly the much easier conversion was also missed.

Danny Barnes takes advantage of an opening to extended Chinnor's score
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A’s knuckled down and came back into the game on 10 minutes with a trademark catch & drive, hooker Aleki Lutui coming up with the ball, centre James Pritchard converting from wide out.

Aleki Lutui opens the scoreline for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Chinnor were proving a handful having much the better of territory and possession although the hosts defence had woken up, snuffing out multiple scoring chances for the visitors.

James Pritchard prepares for his opening conversion
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

In the 28th minute wing Sam Baker received the ball wide on the left, beat his marker before chipping the cover to touch down on the left mid way to the corner flag, Pritchard’s conversion bisecting the posts.

Sam Baker takes Ampthill ahead.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

James Pritchard lines up for Conversion #2
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Chinnor continued to have the better of the game forcing the home side to defend the red zone eventually settling for a 40th minute penalty goal by fly half Craig Holland from in front of the posts to leave the score 14-13 at oranges.

The Girls proving they can do festive cheer with so much more style than the boys!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Ampthill’s supporters were wondering how they led at half time given the extent of the visitors dominance but the half time team talk must have been effective as Amps came out firing in the second half.

The 45th minute saw Baker add his second try after backs & forwards had combined to expose the visiting defence, Pritchard converting from wide out.

Sam Bakers second try of the game
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

On 50 minutes, back in Chinnor’s half fullback Will Foster joined the line around 35m out using strength to break the first tackle and stepping the cover to score a fine individual try, Pritchard again converting.

Will Foster with Ampthill's fourth try of the game
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Chinnor weren’t about to give up despite training 28-13 as the 55th minute saw full back Goss touch down his second try after good hands & support had shredded the home defence, Holland adding the extras from wide out.

Aleki Lutui with his second try of the match and Ampthill's 5th!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The ding dong nature of the game continued with Lutui’s second try after a 60th minute catch & drive, Pritchard keeping up his 100% kicking record.

James Pritchard delivering yet again from an awkward angle.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Still the visitors weren’t subdued as replacement outside back Joshua Hudson finished a fine team try on 75 minutes, replacement fly half Greg Goodfellow converting.

A’s sealed the game in the 77th minute with a penalty goal from Pritchard to leave the final score 38-27.

James Pritchard adds 3 for a penalty to close off the scoring.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

This was a hard game with difference between the sides being the hosts maul defence and Pritchard’s kicking.

Closing scoreline: 38-27 in favour of the hosts.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

“Despite the worst first half performance of the season we managed to lead at half time against a side that caused us more trouble than any other this term. The players deserve great credit for securing a bonus point win and ending 2018 on a high, however, there is still much work to do if we are to achieve our goals.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach

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20181208 Ampthill 1st XV vs Moseley Park

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Match Report

Moseley arrived at Dillingham Park confident after two good victories in their last two matches against Plymouth Albion and Esher.

Starting well the visitors took a deserved lead on five minute after a line out, catch and drive wide on the right scored by centre James Williams who failed with his conversion attempt.

Ampthill hadn’t got off the bus with poor discipline and inaccuracy against a well drilled Moseley proving a problem. The visitors extended their lead in the 14th minute with lock Buster Lawrence coming up with the ball from the bottom of a maul, Williams conversion again sliding wide.

Billy Johnson opens the score for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps responded well with Captain & blind side flanker Billy Johnson breaking the line and scoring under the posts on 22 minutes, converted by full back James Pritchard closing the gap to 3 points.

James Pritchard converts Billy Johnson’s try to narrow the gap
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The 33rd minute saw Pritchard tie the score with a penalty goal after Moseley were penalised inside their own half at a breakdown leaving the score 10-10 at oranges.

James Pritchard evens the scoreline with a penalty
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

While Moseley had enjoyed the benefit of the elements in the first half A’s came out of the blocks quickly in the second. Scrum half Gavin Williams put in a perfect kick on 44 minutes for wing Spencer Sutherland to exercise his dribbling skills before diving on the ball by the corner flag for the hosts to take the lead.

Spencer Sutherland showing skills worthy of Pelé!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With the game poised the visitors roared back, Williams adding his second try in the 50th minute breaking through in mid-field after a defensive system failure, this time he was successful with the extra points attempt leaving Moseley back in front.

The home side raised their game again, back in Moseley territory prop Karl Garside ripped the ball from the back of a maul and crashed over for a 55th minute try, Pritchard again converting thus retaking the  lead.

Karl Garside sprints through a line in the Moseley Park defence…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With the tight game very much in the balance, Ampthill continued to press winning a 78th minute penalty goal converted by Pritchard and extend the lead to more than one score.

James Pritchard with the last points of the game for Ampthill…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps managed to close out the game to take the spoils.

Final score, Ampthill 25, Moseley Park 17…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

“A scrappy performance against an in form Moseley team whose league position belies their competitiveness. If we play like this at Sale next week we will get beaten.”
— Paul Turner, Head Coach

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