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Chairman’s Welcome
Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club has been built over generations by people who care deeply about rugby, community and one another, and it is an enormous privilege to write this second note as your new Chairman. It has been an eventful first 2 months in office.
And I would like to welcome Medway to our club at this very exciting and nail-biting part of the season.
No Home Games in February
The events I mention have been happening both on and off the pitch. In their wisdom, the RFU and match schedulers saw fit to offer up a fixture list with no home fixtures in February for either of our senior teams. That is a challenge for the club financially, but we have battled through that with strong support from our members. Off the pitch the RFU have been making changes to our game that we all hope will see it go from strength to strength. Ringfencing the PREM with no relegation and an ambitious expansion plan for the CHAMP. What we have to ask ourselves is how will that impact Level 5 clubs moving forward? Playoffs?
As we enter the joys of Spring, both A&C and Medway find ourselves in jeopardy. A&C were here last year. At the turn of the year, sat bottom of the league, and needing a change in form. We fought hard to secure our Level 5 status in the last game of the season. This year is slightly different. Bottom 2 teams go down automatically. But coming 9th or 10th this season doesn’t guarantee you safety. These two teams playoff against each other, with the winner staying up and the loser going into a “Winner Takes All” Promotion Relegation match. Which teams will make those playoffs? Which will be relegated automatically?
And which team will poke its head up from Level 6 to have a shot?
March Madness
As A&C enter this month, we come off the back of a win away at Shelford on their All Weather Pitch. This week we play Medway who are also in the relegation scrap, followed by a week off and then Westcliffe who have been dragged into the dog fight too. Perm any two from these 4 teams for the relegation and playoff spots. And then we will end our regular season with the league leaders Colchester at home for Presidents Day and the final game of the regular season away at Southend. This month will define our season………. March Madness indeed!
Improvements
Alongside the rugby, plans are progressing to improve and modernise our facilities so that A&C offers an even stronger social and active hub for members and the wider community. Enhancing the clubhouse, maximising use of our grounds and investing carefully in the player and spectator experience will all help ensure that Amersham & Chiltern remains a welcoming venue for rugby, events and celebrations for many years to come.
Thank yous
Everything that happens here – every training night, every Sunday morning and every matchday – relies on the commitment of our players, coaches, volunteers and support staff. Massive thank you to our current President on this His Sponsors Day at the club, affectionately known as Digger Day. Enjoy your day today, and may the best team win!
Andy Saunders
Chairman – A&C RFC
President: Peter Kenyon; Chairman: Andy Saunders; Hon Sec: Ralph Hayward; Hon Treasurer: Chris Tavender; Membership Secretary: Sandra Hitchman; Director of Rugby: Pete Gibson; Mini Chairman: James Stacpoole; Junior Chairman: Rob Elms
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Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club Administrator Tel: 01494 725161 events@chilternrugby.com
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— bringing together friends, family, and supporters for a brilliant day of rugby, connection, and community spirit.
Peter’s ongoing support, as both a sponsor and a clubman through and through, means the world to us. And with his son Jack Kenyon also a familiar face around the club, the Arnold Funeral Service legacy continues strong — six generations of community-minded care and support.
Thank you, Digger, for everything you do.
HEAD OFFICE 24 WHITEPIT LANE | FLACKWELL HEATH | BUCKINGHAMSHIRE | HP10 9HS TEL: 01494 952288
6 Generations of Service in the Community
What’s on at Amersham & Chiltern
SATURDAY 31th
SPONSORS LUNCHEON
A&C MINI DEV FESTIVAL
SUNDAY 1ST
SATURDAY 7th
SATURDAY 28th PRESIDENT’S LUNCHEON MARCH
What’s on at Amersham & Chiltern
SATURDAY 11th
FRIDAY 24th
VETS TOUR TO SOUTHEND
MINI AWARDS DAY
SUNDAY 12th
JUNIOR AWARDS EVENING
SENIOR PLAYERS AWARDS
FRIDAY 22th
SATURDAY 25th
SENIOR OVERSEAS TOUR
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REGIONAL 1 SOUTH EAST LEAGUE
AMERSHAM & CHILTERN 1XV
2025 / 2026 SEASON
MATCH REPORT
IT REALLY COULDN’T BE CLOSER AS 5, FIGHT IT
OUT OVER THE REMAINING FEW WEEKS
Kung Fu Fighting - Carl Douglas 1974
‘Oh-oh-ho-ho
Oh-oh-oh-ho
Oh-ho-ho-ho
Oh-ho-ho-ho
Everybody was kung fu fighting Thosecats were fast as lightning In fact, it was a little bit frightening But they fought with expert timing’
It really has been quite a few weeks, as we have had some enforced rest - to watch a struggling England in the 6 Nations and train in mud during relentless rainstorms - all of course whilst also trying to be as victorious as possible in a league where so many teams still work so hard for the winning formula.
First up (31/1/26) is our home match against Sudbury. Sudbury were convincing winners back in October 66-17, but have since struggled for consistency, especially on the road. Now mid-table, they travelled rightly concerned that we could pull off another surprise. Last season’s final match was against Sudbury, with A&C impressive, especially in the 2nd half, as we enjoyed a convincing win, finishing well clear of the relegation zone. Sammy Sinclair opened the scoring in 7 minutes with some fine running, duly converted by Louie Mould. Sudbury immediately
replied with their opener (unconverted)- (7-5). Sudbury kept up the pressure with their 2nd try, duly converted (7-12). Shelford penalty 15th min (7-15) 36th minute saw Max Morphey fling himself over the line for a try, duly converted by Louie (HT 14-15) and all to play for. The betting
MATCH REPORT
man may well have had a flutter in favour of Amersham. It was not to be, though, and yet again defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory. With A&C scoring a single try it was
Sudbury this time pulling away with a couple of converted tries and one in the final play. No points for us :(
MATCH REPORT
The Chilts keep going, though and next up we had a bit of a bogey team on St Valentine’s Day, Hertford (away). Always a warm welcome and lovely lunch. All the Hertford supporters at my table had Hertford down for a comfortable win. I suspected there were new faces from when we first met during a narrow Hertford win at Weedon Lane. With a large crowd, some sunshine and a heavy pitch, this was to be a matchup involving
teams that had spent a number of weeks in the bottom spot. Hertford, having been the previous incumbent. HT (28-10) and FT (40-22). Max Morphey, Jordan Scott and Dom Ashwell scoring 3 of our tries, with someone else scoring when I looked away for a split second. One point secured for 4 good tries scored. Just a shame Hertford scored more in a bonus point win. They seemed very relieved to be off the bottom.
MATCH REPORT
MATCH REPORT
Then came another way trip to Shelford - home of the Peacocks (28/2/26). A club that always hosts a fine matchday with lots of support, roast potatoes and pork scratchings. We had previously soundly beaten them at Weedon Lane, and despite recent defeats, there was an air of confidence as the Chilts lined up a confident team. 11th V 12th and Shelford’s previous match was a hard-fought away win 19-21 at Sudbury (6th). Both teams needed a win, and A&C deservedly won. Dave Grancis at No8 was rejuvenated and immense - just the 3 tries with his marauding runs in the 4th, 9th and 43rd minute. Some fine conversions from Louie Mould at full back. James Morrison bagged a beauty flying down the line for a real winger’s special try, and Doug McGregor-Smith (prop) went over for our 5th try. 3 tries scored by Shelford in what was a hard-fought win (HT- 12-17) and Full time (19-29).
MATCH REPORT
Finally, we welcome Medway to Weedon Lane on 7/3/26. This follows a 1pt defeat away to Medway (29-28), which was played in horrendous wind and rain. Medway grabbed the extra point at the death. I did have flashbacks watching the Italy-Scotland opener in the 6
Nations. It really was a leveler, so fingers crossed the weather will be better this Saturday and A&C get the chance to avenge matters. Medway are currently 9th in a league where there is very little difference in points between the bottom 5. This really could be the most valuable of wins
Teams
Sudbury (HOME) 1. Alfie Holland 2. David Cole 3. Max Morphey 4. Harry Bradshaw 5. Sam Gilbert 6. Dave Francis 7. Josh Finch (C) 8. Jordan Scott 9. Conor Segre 10. Alex Bower 11. Dom Ashwell 12. Harry Stevens 13. Dan Kingsley 14. Sammy Sinclair 15. Louie Mould 16. Charlie Swerling 17. Mike Everett 18. James Morrison
Hertford (AWAY) 1. Doug McGregor-Smith 2. David Cole 3. Max Morphey 4. Harry Bradshaw 5. Sam Gilbert 6. Dave Francis 7. Josh Finch (C) 8. Jordan Scott 9. Ben Harris 10. Alex Bower 11. Dom Ashwell 12. Dan Kingsley 13. Sammy Sinclair 14. Michael McKenzie-Crook 15. Louie Mould 6. Noah Dann 17. Mike Everett 18. Conor Segre
Shelford (AWAY) 1. Doug McGregor-Smith 2. David Cole 3.Charlie Swerling. 4. Harry Bradshaw 5. Jordan Scott. 6. Mike Everett. 7. Josh Finch (C) 8. Dave Francis. 9. Ben Harris. 10. Alex Bower 11. James Morrison 12. Dan Kingsley. 13. Sammy Sinclair. 14. MacKenzie South 15. Louie Mould 16. Max Morphey 17. Sam Gilbert 18. Conor Segre.
VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE
Pete Gibson - March 7th, 2026
The second half of the season is well underway. We are looking forward to the evenings drawing out and some drier pitches for training and playing on. Expectations remain high for all senior teams as we come into the business end of the season.
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1st XV Update: It’s been a turbulent season so far with many great performances and just too many near win opportunities. As of today, we are sitting twelve in the league. Played 18 – lost 13, won five.
The last league game against Shelford was once again a very close affair with a half-time 17-12 lead to A+C.
Chiltern were competing well and giving themselves plenty of opportunities.
The second half started well with a try in the 43rd minute to get the second half underway for A+C. Final score 29-19.
A hattrick of tries to Dave Frances who had an outstanding game.
A very good run of games is coming up against teams that we can absolutely compete against, Medway today is a real chance, and we will be going hard for them.
Upcoming games:
Westcliff on Sat 21st March (Away) Colchester on Sat 28th March (Home)
2nd XV Update: Continuing the absolutely outstanding performance so far in the Counties 2 BBO East League. Sitting third in the league with 51 points as of today, nine points behind local rivals Beaconsfield with 60 points and with a game in hand.
On Saturday 14th of February, the top of the league clash took place away at Beaconsfield.
What a game this was….17-13 at half time to Beaconsfield and a final penalty kick to win the game gave Beaconsfield the win 30-27.
Still, everything is to play for in the second half of the season.I’m 100% confident that the players, coaches Phil John and Dan Burke and skipper Dave Cole will bring the “Winner’s Trophy” back to Weedon Lane.
3rd XV Update: It’s been a frustrating season so far. Bad weather and player availability form A+C and opposition teams has been a challenge. It’s never easy
and I believe we have the making of a good fun and friendly league structure moving forward. Maybe mixing club sides and players together is a way forward - let’s see.It is very clear though, that the appetite for Senior men’s social rugby is on the decline. The only way to improve this is that younger players when they finish playing 1st XV / 2nd XV rugby is to continue to enjoy the game for what it is at a more social level.
The game planned for Friday 27th Feb vs Chesham at Weedon Lane was sadly cancelled on the Friday morning by Chesham unable to raise a team….very disappointing…..
The next game is scheduled for Friday Mach 20th vs Marlow (away).
Colts Update: Again, an outstanding performance by our Colts team in the OBB Under 18 Div 2 leagueleading the league table with 43 points.
A great win 38-5 against Bracknell on Sunday 22nd Feb continued the winning ways….!!
Some great matches ahead with A+C playing Henley on Sunday 8th March & Windsor the 15th of March…. Win these two games and the league is theirs. Fingers crossed the team can finish the season strong. Looking forward to seeing some good support on the sideline for these upcoming games.
Women’s Update: Vicky, Simmo & Gareth continue to drive the women’s team forward. Thank you for all the continued support and effort.
Recently the women’s team have had combined training with local team Phoenix. This has worked very well for all concerned.
On Sunday 1st March the women played a four-way game against Phoenix, Beaconsfield & Wallingford. This was without doubt the best afternoon of women’s rugby held at the club so far. A real buzz around the club house afterwards and lots of smiley faces.
Upcoming matches.
Sun 29th March vs Aylesbury at home.
See you all on the touch line soon. #Upthechilts
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UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
PATRICK ESSON
Patrick - Paddy to his mates is a nester. He has turned a once cold, unloved and painted white changing room at A&C into a cosy, heated and adored physio room where you can go and relax, be rubbed and even massaged by the soft- handed bone manipulator
‘Paddy’. For my time with Paddy, I chose to lie on his couch, face down with my nose squeezed through a tiny slit on his massage bed. It’s a godsend, as it helps me breathe as we chat.
Patrick was born in our capital city, London, on the 27th day of June 1992. A blue plaque is ready to be affixed to a wall very soon. Now, a 33-year-old ex-rugby player who specialises in sports injuries (especially rugbyrelated ones), he looks back on the early 90s with a great deal of fondness. He regularly hums the theme tune to ‘Rosie and Jim’sailing along on the Old Rag Doll and recites the introductions of Lala, Dipsy, Tinky Winky and Po as if it were yesterday. We start with our favourite holiday destinations, and spookily, his love of Kefalonia is just as
strong as my shared love of it. I’ll be there in June, and I get the feeling Paddy has been there many times. He can be found eating seafood in Nefelis and at a beautiful little restaurant where it is mandated that you wear white sheets and be knowledgeable about Greek mythology. He is quite impressively very cultured.
Paddy is very open about fashion, describing his short, but sophisticated hair as receding. I move the subject on to discuss his passion for physiotherapy. I focus on the scary aspect, and with a smile, he recounts when he saved a player who had fractured his neck. We were on scene and dealing within if it were the most natural thing we could do . Not surprisingly, Paddy can split the ‘G’ with his good for your bowels. I find it very
Paddy remains a lover is his first choice every maintain his George Michael-
machinery. It’s a thick beard, and so much thicker than the hair on his head. He has therefore really invested in his chin hair and looks fantastic.
Paddy is no dreamer and, in fact, makes things very clear to me that he has no recall of any dream he has ever had. He is dreamless and shows frustration when I share some of my dreams with him. Only the best bits of course. Again, there is no surprise when he discloses he adores the colour green. Penguin biscuits in green wrappers are always selected alongside green salads and vegetables.
Paddy has no favourite players - he just likes uninjured ones. His favourite champagne is Bollinger, and he has a Bollinger key ring given to him by a grateful patient from when he loosened all his back muscles- nice one!! He is not one for the cold, which is why he has so many heaters in his beautifully decorated treatment room.
I rise from my couch and enjoy some Chiltern Spring Water as I loosen my arms and legs. He really does have healing hands, and given the weather of the last few weeks, I’m also pretty sure he has walked on water. Paddy has now been our physio for years and years. He is a sprinter to trade and was a stylish and quick Chiltern Rugby player. Adored by the boys and now ladies too, Patrick is respected and appreciated throughout the club. There aren’t many people you would trust to massage your body, and for that alone,
Paddy, we salute you!!!!
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AMERSHAM & CHILTERN RFC
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Ruth Brockett
sponsorchilternrugby@gmail.com
ADVERTS IN OUR ON-LINE MATCH PROGRAMME – 1st XV GAMES
11+ Home Matches to be played throughout the 2025/26 Season
Sent to all our Club Members (approx. 2000)
Full Page: £600 + VAT - Half Page: £350 + VAT -Logo link on Club Website
PLAYER SPONSOR: £450 & VAT
Sponsor your favourite playing position in our 1XV Online Programme, i.e., Full Back
LARGE PITCH-SIDE HOARDING FACING THE CLUBHOUSE or SIDE OF 1XV PITCH:
Facing the Clubhouse: £1200+VAT plus £500+VAT production cost
One pitch-side advertising board size 4000mm x 720mm
Logo link on Club website
Plus featuring in our Sponsor Spotlight in our newsletter and on our social media, FB, X and Instagram
PITCH-SIDE HOARDING:
FACING THE PITCH SIDE: £600 plus £350+VAT production cost
One pitch-side advertising board 2000mm x 600mm
Logo link on Club website
Plus featuring in our Sponsor Spotlight in our newsletter and on our social media, FB, X and Instagram
CENTENARY SCOREBOARD: £100
SENIOR/WOMEN/COLTS
XV KIT SPONSORFOR
NEXT SEASON 25/26
Your logo on the shirts/kit worn by the Senior XV for all their games
Plus, a company feature in our Sponsor Spotlight in our newsletter which goes to all Members and on our social media, FB, X and Instagram Logo link on Club website
SENIORS/WOMEN
MATCH DAY SPONSOR: CLUB PACKAGE £2,000 + VAT
Please enquire for more information.
MAIN SPONSOR OF THE MINIS DEVELOPMENT FESTIVAL/EVENTS
If you are interested in any of the above opportunities, please complete the below and return to Ruth Brockett sponsorchilternrugby@gmail.com
Full Name
Business Name (if applicable)
Email address
Mobile number
Sponsorship package/ packages
Personal Club Donation
SPONSORS AND ADVERTISERS
Why do we need Sponsors and Advertisers?
The rugby club is run as a charity and in a good year the income from subs and the clubhouse events and sponsors means we just about break even.
Last season we celebrated 100 years of our active presence in the local community. The senior club was founded in 1924 and just as importantly we were one of the pioneer clubs who started mini rugby 51 years ago. We continue to provide a wonderful rugby experience for players and supporters of all ages.
Peter, pictured here, always in his A&C attire, chatting on match day
Our loyal members are very supportive and over the years we have done various fundraising schemes to improve every aspect of the club. The clubhouse itself was the biggest and others have followed such as the solar panels, the new car park and of course the borehole. All of these investments make it possible to start the season.
Incidentally with our energy costs increasing dramatically we need to focus on ways to become more energy efficient. We continually invest and the Centenary fundraising offers a great opportunity to make more progress. One reason for doing this is to make the club house the kind of place people will want to use for events, from private parties to corporate away days.
Of course, our sponsors and advertisers are always welcome at the club for lunch on home match days.
So, without the support of our sponsors and advertisers it would just not be possible to contemplate the level of capital expenses we face every year. We have a huge responsibility to our members and to the wider community, we get no external support even though we are one of the biggest sports clubs in the area and provide outstanding pastoral care and specialist coaching to players of all ages and their coaches too.
We recognise that in return for the fantastic support we get we need to work with our sponsors and advertisers to see how we can help them.
Ruthie Brockett, our Sponsorship & Publicity Manager, will be delighted to hear from you with ideas and suggestions. Please contact her on sponsorchilternrugby@gmail.com
Most importantly we want our members to enjoy using the products and services in this programme.
