Rugby Union

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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20181124 Ampthill 1st XV vs Darlington Mowden Park

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Match Report

Ampthill welcomed Mowden Park to Olney Field on a dry, overcast afternoon with a stiffish breeze blowing at right angles to the pitch.

Amps squad saw Paino Hehea return at lock partnered by Jon Kpoku (dual registered with Saracens), Mike Waters returning at fly half while the bench included Samson Ma’asi (hooker, DR with Northampton Saints), Alex Coles (lock, DR with Saints) and Mickey Wilson covering the backs.

A’s came out firing with much of the first 10 minutes played in the visitor’s half before taking the lead through left wing Sam Baker on 11 minutes who finished well wide on the left, full back James Pritchard’s conversion falling short against the breeze.

Sam Baker crosses the line to open the scoring for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

DMP responded immediately with a 40m penalty goal from fly half Gary Law after the hosts were penalised a ruck.

The home side’s forwards began to turn the screw, especially in the tight, despite losing tight head Matt Collins to injury early on. Ampthill were dominant in the scrum, lineouts were more even but Mowden struggled to contain Amps maul while their own driving play was contained by A’s pack.

Matthew Collins takes a battering
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

On 18 minutes home lock Jon Kpoku drove over from close range after multiple phases in the red zone,

Jon Kpoku sees a chance to drive for the line...
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Pritchard converting before Amps drove a maul 30m for eighthman Maama Molitika to come up with the ball over the try line in the 25th minute, Pritchard adding the extras.

Maama Molitika scores for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The 35th minute saw hooker Aleki Lutui drive over from close range to secure the bonus point try, Pritchard again successful with the conversion.

Somewhere under that pile is Aleki Lutui and the try line!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

There was still time for right wing Spencer Sutherland to win the foot race to touch down in the 39th minute after scrum half Kevin Barrett had broken blind from a midfield scrum,

Kevin Barrett delicately nudges the ball past the defending line for Spencer Sutherland...
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

dummied the cover and chipped through wide on the right, Pritchard making it 4 successful kicks from 5 with the conversion to leave the score 33-3 at oranges.

Spencer Sutherland showing his pace by getting to the ball and line just in the nick of time!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The second half began with Mowden scoring a breakaway try from in their own half when left wing Shaun McCartney stole the ball in the tackle area and raced 60m untouched, Law’s conversion sliding past the post.

Ampthill responded with another try from Lutui after a perfectly executed catch & drive in the 50th minute, Pritchard’s conversion bisecting the posts.

Aleki Lutui once again crossing the whitewash for a score
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

This was the signal for Amps defence to go walkabout as Mowden scored three quick tries in the 54th, 56th and 67th minutes through McCartney, right wing Brandon Asher-Wood and centre Callum Mackenzie, Law converting the latter two.

James Pritchard once again covering his anger issues with a well placed foot against leather...
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With 15 minutes left trailing by 11 points Mowden were energised but A’s raised their game preventing any real scoring chances until no side resulting in a 40-29 final score.

An entertaining game with Ampthill outscoring the visitors 5 tries to 0 in the first half while DMP turned the tables 1 try 4 in the second.

“An excellent first half was followed by a poor second in which a lack of discipline, especially too much ‘chat’, rightly saw the penalty count swing against us. Having said that, our unbeaten run extends to five games with another big test next week away at Rosslyn Park.”
— Mark Lavery, Ampthill Director of Rugby

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20181103 Ampthill 1st XV vs Rotherham

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Match Report

Ampthill welcomed Rotherham to Olney Field on a dry, partly cloudy afternoon with a strong wind blowing in favour of the visitors in the first half.

The forward packs were evenly matched in the tight with nether side gaining much advantage at the scrummage or line out, however the home side’s back row, working in tandem, had an advantage at the breakdown. Ampthill’s backs, however, made frequent line breaks and always looked threatening while the visitors struggled by comparison.

Sam Baker charges up the field after only 3 minutes!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The visitor’s defence was up to the task, resisting the hosts attacking play and they gradually came back into the game, spurning two or three kickable penalty chances seeking tries instead but Ampthill’s defence was in turn resolute. Eventually, on 33 minutes, they chose to take the points on offer (Abrahams) to reduce the deficit.

Four way contest after a high kick!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The second half began with a simple try for the visitors after a missed tackle in midfield saw their centre, Cooke, carry defenders over the line and Rotherham take a narrow lead.

Rotherham having to resort to holding the ball still in the gusting wind.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Much of the rest of the game was played inside the visitor’s half but their defence held out until the 63rd minute when, after multiple phases in the red zone, scrum half Euan McKirdy sniped from close range, Sharp converting.

Syd Blackmore denied right on the line.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Much of the rest of the game was played inside the visitor’s half but their defence held out until the 63rd minute when, after multiple phases in the red zone, scrum half Euan McKirdy sniped from close range, Sharp converting.

Euan McKirdy manages to find a hole in the Rotherham defences.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

On 70 minutes, Sharp converted a penalty goal from 45m to extend the lead to more than one score before, 78 minutes, he broke the line on the 22 to touch down just to the left of the posts then hit the post with his conversion.

Josh Sharp finishing the scoreline with flare…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

“This was the best performance of the season against a very good Rotherham side. The backs threatened to run riot in the first half, lost their way at the beginning of the second before finishing the game clinically. A four try bonus point was available given the number of opportunities created but the Titans were well organised backing up their recent form.

Credit to our players who stuck to the game plan showing just what they are capable of, the last three weeks have seen Ampthill back to their best.”
— Paul Turner, Ampthill Head Coach

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20181020 Ampthill 1st XV vs Cinderford

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Match Report

On an unseasonably warm, dry and very sunny day Ampthill played host to Cinderford. Cinderford chose to start play up the hill and into the sun, much to the surprise of the hosts.

The match started with both teams giving everything from the off. Ampthill used the home advantage to pile pressure from the off with a try in the right cornor soon resulting.

Alexi Lutui crosses the line after just 4 minutes to open the scoring.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

With the visitors still battling hard to react to the initial score Ollie Morris took advantage of a fine set of moves by the backs resulting in another score, this time on the left flank.

Ollie Morris attempting to fly!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Cinderford managed to mount a response and the game was essentially a churn of attacks with Ampthill’s defence being tested for the next 20 minutes. Eventually the hard work paid off for Cinderford with a penalty awarded and 3 points taken to start the visitors scoring.

Eventually Josh Sharp managed to break loose, kicking the ball straight through the Cinderford line and sprinting forward to catch up with the ball again in perfect time to gain a try just before half time.

Josh Sharp catching up with his own grubber to score.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Just to show he wasn’t being left behind, Spencer Sutherland counter attacked just before half time comfortably outpacing the visitors and making his point by tapping down by the posts.

Spencer Sutherland with the first of his 3 tries of the match.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Two more tries from Spencer Sutherland which included making space out of seemingly nowhere before the visitors responded with a try and conversion.

In a bitter sweet moment former Cinderford player Sam Hanks charged through the posts to add to the hosts score line.

Sam Hanks scoring between the posts.
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

A final score by Josh Sharp in what surely must be a candidate for cheekiest score of the season so far as he intercepted a pass and stormed unopposed across the line for the final score of the game.

“Every facet of our game improved this week with our half backs outstanding. Cinderford are a good side as evidenced by their excellent start to their return to National 1 and were very competitive until our third try after which we stretched away. The bench made their contribution while I thought our attacking intent and execution was as good as I’ve seen from an Ampthill side.”
— Paul Turner, Ampthill Head Coach

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Match Store: 20181020 Ampthill 1st XV vs Cinderford

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20181006 Ampthill 1st XV vs Cambridge

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Match Report

Cambridge travelled to Dillingham Park for the first meeting this season of these two local rivals.

Maama Molitika holding the line despite the lack of grip
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

The weather got progressively wetter throughout the match making conditions slippery with several mishandles of the ball by both sides.

Josh Walker showing the backs that forwards can run too!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

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Match Score: 20181006 Ampthill 1st XV vs Cambridge

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20180929 Ampthill 1st XV vs Blackheath

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Match Report

Ampthill welcomed Blackheath to Dillingham Park on a dry, sunny and warm afternoon with a gentle breeze, the pitch reflecting the dry summer.

Kevin Barrett tearing away to setup a chance for the line…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps squad saw 3 changes from that which lost at Plymouth Albion with Carl Burgess coming in at lock, Kevin Barrett at scrum half and Cieran Whyte providing outside backs cover on the bench.

Carl Burgess showing that big guys can run by outpacing the backs!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

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Match Score: 20180929 Ampthill 1st XV vs Blackheath

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20180915 Ampthill 1st XV Vs Esher

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Match Report

Ampthill welcomed Esher to Dillingham on a dry, sunny and warm afternoon with a moderate breeze with the pitch reflecting the dry summer.

Spencer Sutherland outpacing the opposition comfortably
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Amps squad saw 7 changes from that which lost at Chinnor with wing Spencer Sutherland, signed from Esher during the summer, and fly half Michael Waters making their 1stXV debuts after strong performances for the 1881s.

Esher provided stiff opposition for 60 minutes but the home side ran out comfortable winners in the end.

Joe Bercis taking the hard route yet again…
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

“After a tough week when we were hard on the players to get 5 points is very pleasing. On 60 minutes, losing 15-20 and down to 13 players, I felt we were staring down a barrel. However, it seemed to galvanise us and from then on we controlled possession, territory and eventually the game. All four back row players, Allman, Bercis, Molitika and replacement Blackmore were outstanding.”
— Paul Turner, Ampthill Head Coach

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Match Score: 20180915 Ampthill 1st XV Vs Esher

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20180901 Ampthill 1st XV Vs Loughborough

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Match Report

Loughborough travelled to Dillingham Park for the first official match of the season for Ampthill. The dry weather over most of the off season has left the pitch looking more like the Serengeti than mid Bedfordshire!

Aleki Lutui running in an early try
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Both teams were determined from the off and determined to make their mark. Loughborough showing their speed on the outside when given the chance, but Ampthill simply denied them the chance time after time playing a physical game and utilising their strength to punch through time after time. Loughborough responded admirably with a run of tries to ensure their bonus point but just didn’t seem to be able to ‘click’ this game.

Final result: 43-34 in Ampthill’s favour.

James Pritchard preparing to add to the tally
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

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Match Score: 20180901 Ampthill 1st XV Vs Loughborough

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20180428 Ampthill 1st XV Vs Moseley

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Match Report

Determined to end the season on a fun note the visitors from Moseley arrived full of good spirits and fun, largely bedecked in fancy dress! The wet weather, providing sharp contrast to the previous weekend did little to dampen the visitor’s supporters who valiantly cheered their side along epitomising perfect rugby supporters - fun and well behaved.

Mosley supporters determined to have fun
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

Moseley opened the scoring quickly with an unconverted try which sadly was to be their last. Ampthill quickly equalised with the score remaining standing at 8-5 at the break. The second half saw the hosts relentlessly break through time after time leaving the final score at 36-5.

Sam Baker crossing a very wet line
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)

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Match Score: 20180428 Amp 1st XV Vs Mosley

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Source: https://www.ampthillrufc.com/1stxv-36-mose...