24^th September 2005
Ampthill Extras 29 – Leighton Buzzard 3^rd XV 24

 After the previous weeks ‘where’s the oppo’ fiasco the Extras were keen to get back on the park. The sun shone for the Extras to debut their new FOD sponsored kit at their home ground. 

The pre match toss was held up as Buzzard’s captain showed concern as to the number of subs the Extras had kitted on the sideline. He thought this was very unfair as his own team was nowhere near as popular and had nobody to come on should one of them hurt themselves. Steve Marsden and John Roberts came to the Buzzard’s rescue. Marsden volunteered his services to the Buzzards for the first half. Roberts for his part ran from the pitch to the bar to reduce the number of fearsome subs on the sideline. 

Ampthill were pretty much the dominant force in the first half clearing up the set pieces and securing the ball at the breakdowns. This gave the backs plenty to play and the tries were only a matter of time away. Richard Mardle and Ian Browning both crossed the line for a try each and second row Rob Campbell went over for two (then avoided the try line like the plague). 

At the half time break the Extras sat on a four try to one lead. A few changes at half time (including giving Leighton one of Ampthill’s fasted and most talented backs) coupled with having to play up hill made the second half a far more even contest. 

Leighton scored three tries to Ampthill’s one. Ampthill’s was a great try finished by Stuart (FOD for all you architectural needs) Palmer cutting in from the wing.

 There were Extras’ debuts for Christopher Wood (son of John but no relation of Shaun who used to play for the Extras), and Under 14s coach Tony Carey. Whether Tony picked up any tips he feel may be useful to his Sunday boys we are not sure.   

Forwards: Adam Wilson, Gez Ingarfield, Darren Oatley, Mark Loan, Rob Campbell, Liam Duffin, David Backhouse, Terry Nelson

Backs: Matt Troiano, Leigh Clark, Jurrien Heynen , Tom Read , Ian Browning, Richard Mardle, John Wilkinson

Subs:  John Wood, Christopher Wood, Stuart Palmer, Ben Chapman*, Dave Peck, Tony Carey, Steve Marsden*

* Played for opposition

Tries:  Ian Browning, Richard Mardle, Rob Campbell (2), Stuart Palmer

Cons:  Leigh Clark (2)