1st XV
Matches
Sat 15 Dec 2018  ·  London 1 North
Old Haberdashers' RFC
1st XV
Tries: H Briffitt (2), J DownieConversions: I McGhee (2)Penalties: I McGhee
22
7
Amersham & Chiltern
Old Habs 1st XV vs Amersham & Chiltern 1st XV

Old Habs 1st XV vs Amersham & Chiltern 1st XV

Jonathan Whittle20 Dec 2018 - 09:23
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Habs do the double over Chiltern

Amersham and Chiltern arrived at a wet and windy Croxdale Road on a run of good results to face a Habs team looking to bounce back from a tough learning experience against Rochford and do the double on Amersham. A capacity crowd was not deterred by the conditions as the wet weather and freezing conditions intensified towards kick off. Nor were the players spirits dampened by the weather - with Mike Marsden declaring that “Christmas had come early” for a good scrap in the rain.

The early exchanges demonstrated that the game wouldn't just come down to who wanted it more but also which side were to make the fewest mistakes. Both sides showed plenty of bite in the tackle but the wet greasy ball was not conducive to running rugby with knock-ons aplenty. Habs started to assert some dominance with Whittle and McGhee exposing the Amersham back 3 under the high ball and the front five once again exerting their dominance at scrum time.

It looked like Habs had broken the deadlock as Esam popped over in the corner; only for it to be pulled back for foot in touch as McGhee lined up the conversion. Habs had another opportunity to open the scoring but Ian 'the Length' McGhee was unable to replicate his booming kick from the Manor weeks before.

The territory and possession finally paid off with Harry Briffit doing his best Hodor impression carrying two defenders on his back and had just enough to reach for the line to dot down. McGhee added the extras. 7-0. Moments later Habs doubled the lead with Josh Downie cutting a line through midfield and finishing well under the sticks. 14-0.

With the temperature dropping and the rain pouring Habs made the bold decision to stay out on the field rather than retreat to the warmth of the clubhouse.

This wasn't the only test that Habs would face as Amersham came back with a point to prove in the second half with a period of sustained pressure. Having not proved he was Northern enough by keeping the team out in the rain, Jonny Whittle unleashed his trademark “high swinging arm tackle to the face” - but having endeared himself to the referee earlier in the game was able to dodge a potential card.

The Amersham try finally came after a clever cutback from scrum time but it was a sucker punch try for Habs to concede having held them out for so long. It was crucial that Habs responded well and thoughts didn't drift to the roaring fire and awaiting festivities in the clubhouse. But OH proved they were built of sterner stuff roaring back with Harry Briffit on hand to bust through a number of tackles to score the 3rd and put a much needed two scores between the teams. Habs then again worked well down the field and with 7 mins left McGhee added the 3 from the tee to cement the result.

With time still on the clock Habs went searching for the bonus point. It looked like it was on with Habs turning over the ball and an overlap appearing on the right hand side. A hospital pass floated towards Clarky & the entire supporters looked on in horror as they could see the collision about to happen. The Amersham tackler did his best Brian Lima impression with an enormous man and ball tackle and Clarky found himself in the unfamiliar position, so used to being on top, flat on his back looking up at a concerned Rosy. It was to be the last action of the game with a knock-on from the ensuing scrum as Habs left the field with spirits high off the back of a strong performance which laid the foundations for a cracking evening of festive entertainment and a great round off for 2018.

Final Score: Old Habs 22-7 Amersham & Chiltern

Match details

Match date

Sat 15 Dec 2018

Kickoff

TBC

Competition

London 1 North

League position

5
Old Haberdashers
8
Amersham & Chiltern
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Fuller's - Fuller's Brewery
Shirt Sponsor - London Orthapaedic Clinic
Club Sponsor - D S Smith
Sponsor - Howden