7th
January 2006
Wellingborough Old Grammarians 29 - Ampthill Extras 47
It was a cold start for the Extras as many of the team were questioning the decision to have short sleeved shirts for this season’s new match kit. There was reluctance by many to even leave the changing room as the kick off time approached. Eventually all the Extras had taken to the field and although there were no signs of the earlier snowfall it was still bitterly cold and not conducive to the Extras style of Champagne style running rugby.
Once the game was under way it was clear that both teams had enjoyed in excess their Christmas and New Year break.
It took a little while before the Extras took advantage of their supremacy in the backs but once they scored a try the floodgates opened and the Extras went on to score six tries to the OGs’ one before the half time break. Tries came for Adam Wilson, Chris Denton, John Kitchiner, Darren Jones and two for Ian Browning. Could this be the match the Extras needed to bring their points difference closer to that of BBOBs, the only team above them in the league? No. The second half was a totally different match.
The OGs scored shortly after the half interval and from there on their forwards worked hard to prevent the Ampthill back line from getting any possession. OGs went on to score four more tries in the half and although, especially as time went on, they never really threatened the Extras’ victory they did show a great deal of spirit in their come back. The Extras did get one try in the second half after a charge down saw the ball spun out to Adam Wilson to get his second try of the match.
Despite Darren Jones successfully converting six of the seven tries the Extras could still not reach the finishing fly half Chris Hopgood’s age in points.
Forwards: Dean Johnson, Gez Ingarfield, Adam Wilson, John Roberts, Liam Duffin, Chris Wood, Chris Denton,
Backs: Leigh Clark, Gareth Williams, John Kitchiner, Darren Jones, Ian Browning, Richard Mardle, Rob Hill
Subs: Chris Hopgood, Jurrien Heynen, Tom Read
Cons: Darren Jones (6)