Sat 1^st  September 01

Ampthill Extras 19 – Peterborough 4ths 7

The Extras started the season in fine form with a well earned victory over a Peterborough side that beat them by the same scoreline towards the end of last season.

Always looking stronger and more adventurous the Extras soon took the lead when Paul Saunders crossed the line after a well worked move with Kevin Smith. We can thank Sudanese terrorists for the services of Paul Saunders after they bombed him out of his engineering contract in the desert.                          

After last seasons study leave John ‘Scouse’ Roberts was back in the thick of the forward action. His first half try gave the Extras a two try lead. Peterborough did have their moments, after a bout of pressure on the Extras line one of their larger players managed to dive over the try line from a penalty. With the Extras two tries to one up at the break and the prospect of playing up Ampthill’s steep slope in the second the game was far from over.                  

Among the half time changes saw Ratcliffe senior leave and Ratcliffe junior take his position on the wing. Now with the entire back line under forty years of age (only just Rob) things really did start to speed up. Paul Saunders scored another try after some great handling in the backs. Other opportunities were squandered but the home team looked thoroughly in control.

Throughout the game Peterborough's fly half, even larger than Ampthill’s own, seemed to be the only real threat in attack. It was down to some great tackling by Beasley and Marsden that his moments were few and far between.                                                                

At times during the game the long summer break could be seen to take it’s toll on the players. This could not have been highlighted more than during the second half, ‘back from thrombosis’ Brian Todd spent more time on the sideline drinking water than he was on the playing field.

With two of the tries converted by Steve Marsden the Extras came off the park 19 – 7 victors. The 5 – 1 soccer victory for England over Germany that evening was the icing on the cake for a great day to start the season. 

At least one of the team is known to have been violently sick in the early hours of the morning. He wishes not to be named and we respect that as it is his ball and he may not bring it again for the rest of the team to play rugby again.

Tries:  Paul Saunders (2), John Roberts

Cons:  Steve Marsden (2)