1st XV
Matches
Sat 09 Dec 2017  ·  Berks Bucks & Oxon Premier
Chesham
17
32
Slough RFC
1st XV
Tries: R Morrison, J Jones, M Miles, B AmbroseConversions: M Miles (3)Penalties: M Miles (2)
Chesham vs Slough

Chesham vs Slough

Mary Blumbergs11 Dec 2017 - 23:59
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Albert Einstein said - “adversity introduces a man to himself.” Those words rang true this Saturday, where eighteen men in green and white rose to the occasion yet again, in the face of several challenges and difficulties.

Slough 1st XV travelled to Chesham Park Community College to play a fired up Chesham team who were not to be underestimated. The test of character, however, began before the first whistle with the non-arrival of any equipment, rugby balls or playing strip. When asked by the reporter, head coach Alan Walters stated “I just assumed, without checking with him prior to the game, Director of Rugby (Sid Khan) would bring it.” Director of Rugby, Sid Khan – who was due to be playing for Slough 2nd XV until a last minute cancellation – gave a no comment interview when questioned.

After some level of normality was restored following a well-structured warm up, the Slough men lined up to receive the kick off. The first quarter was a well contested, hard fought battle. Slough made a few breaks, but frequently lost possession and allowed Chesham to kick back for territory. The deadlock was eventually broken by a Chesham penalty. Chesham 3-0 Slough.

Sustained pressure from the greenies eventually told, and who else but Robbie Morrison could run in the first try for Slough. Conversion by Max Miles. Chesham 3-7 Slough. Joe Sole later fell victim to yet another “broken ankle.” After rolling on the floor screaming “it’s broken, I know I’ve broken it, I heard it crack,” he was substituted for Sam Rowe. This brought a relatively uneventful first half to a close. Having shouted “move,” continuously for 40 minutes, head coach Alan Walters, strutted on to the pitch to give what promised to be an inspired team talk. Meanwhile the reporter spoke to substitute Jack Jones. When asked how he thought the first half had gone, Jones responded “how should I know? I’m not a professional gardener.”

With the strip having arrived, the team made a quick costume change. The second half whistle blew and with it came substitutions for Jack Jones (on for Robbie Morrison) and James Rock (on for Ben Ambrose). Additionally, much to the relief of his peers, Joe Sole had made a miraculous recovery from his earlier life changing injury, and was able to run the line for Slough. Whatever was spoken about at half time appeared to strike a chord with the Greenies. Two quick tries by Jack Jones and Max Miles shot Slough into an early second half lead. Max Miles converted one to make the score line Chesham 3 – 19 Slough.

In the final quarter the ferocious Chesham defence resulted in some forced errors by Slough. Struggling to retain possession, Slough lost focus and discipline. Chesham were able to touch down and convert. Chesham 10 – 19 Slough. Another lapse in concentration meant another converted try for Chesham. Chesham 17 – 19 Slough.

With the Greenies under substantial pressure, skipper Max Miles stepped up to steady the ship, after the referee awarded a penalty to Slough. Miles appeared to take the penalty with his eyes closed, such was the sharpness of his gaze. A clean strike meant Slough were afforded some extra breathing space. Chesham 17-22 Slough. Another penalty was soon awarded to Slough after some ill-discipline from the Chesham pack. Gaze already narrowed, Miles stepped up and calmly converted another three points for the Greenies. Chesham 17-25 Slough.

With the end whistle in sight the superior fitness of Slough shone through. Joe Brawn leapt like a salmon to make some excellent catches from kick off, and burst through twice, making 60 yards each time. Unfortunately the Greenies very own Fairtrade beef wholesaler, Aman Grewal, butchered Brawn’s two try scoring opportunities, spilling the final offloads.

In the dying seconds of the game, Slough made one last push for the Chesham try line. A spectacular team effort provided Ben Ambrose the opportunity to crash over from short range. Max Miles converted. Chesham 17–32 Slough.

And with that the Greenies secured another bonus point win. A Slough supporter was offered the final word on the game. He said “we lacked precision and at times our handling was poor, but the team changed when we got green [shirts] on our backs at half time.” When asked about the Chesham facilities the supporter stated “I always take a few tinnies to Chesham because I can’t seem to find the bar. I felt a bit a Roy Cropper out of Coronation Street.”

A good day out for the Greenies and a great day for Roy Cropper.
Final Score: Chesham 17 – 32 Slough.
Serve With Honour.

By Rhys Amos

Match details

Match date

Sat 09 Dec 2017

Kickoff

14:15

Competition

Berks Bucks & Oxon Premier

League position

1
Slough
5
Chesham
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Secondary Sponsor - Gradewell