15^th October 2005
Northampton Old Scouts 29 - Ampthill Extras 43

 Very few things in life are certain. One of them is that the Ampthill Extras will have tough encounters with the Old Scouts when they play them, sometimes several times a season. This was the first of this campaign. 

The Extras, buoyed by their front row’s return, were confident going into this encounter. The front row performed and the team were victorious. Despite being ready some half an hour before kick off and to the untrained eye looking like a team that may even prepare and train before a game the Extras saved their energy for the kick off.  

From the first blow of the whistle the forwards dominated in their play. Old Scouts were driven backwards in the scrums and the ball was plucked out of the air by Ampthill hands in the line-outs. Rucked ball went the way of the visiting team with the Ampthill pack rushing with vigour to each breakdown. It was only a matter of time that Northampton could hold out. 

Adam Wilson was first to break the last line of defence and he went over to score. He’ll tell you he ran the ball in from the half way line but, though much closer, it was still a great effort. 

Playing with the wind, the boot of Leigh Clark kept the territorial advantage in the Extras’ favour. There were further tries in the backs for Ian Browning, and two for John Kitchiner.

At half time the Old Scouts made some personnel changes and brought on extra ‘big lumps’ to try to halt the Extras’ scrum. This worked for the first scrum but for not much after that. For their part the backs put in great performances. On the few occasions the home team’s backs received quality possession the Extras’ back line held firm.  

A further three tries came for the Extras as result of some great running and a little confusion. John Kitchiner got his third (as at time of writing the jug is still to be produced) and Ian Browning’s running that resulted in a second for him. 

The strangest of all was Kiwi Mike’s first ever try for the Extras. He received the ball after most on the pitch had thought the ball had been knocked on. The Scout’s stopped, as did Michael. The referee had seen nothing to stop play and those around Mike beckoned him on to head for the posts, which he did. Though unopposed on this occasion the try was deserved for the old fellow that had spent his afternoon running round like a colt. 

Tom Read’s transition from three-quarter to second row is almost complete. His play on the pitch suited his new position as he now just waits for his ears to ‘cabbage up’. 

This was a great warm up for the Extras’ league match which is to follow a week later when they will try to pull themselves up from the very bottom of their league  

Forwards: Adam Wilson, Gez Ingarfield, Darren Oatley, Tom Read, John Roberts, Liam Duffin, Michael Churchouse, John Woodd

Backs: Gareth Williams, Leigh Clark, John Kitchiner, Ian Browning, Richard Mardle, Matt Troiano, Rob Hill

Subs: Raff Troiano, David Backhouse, Chris Wood

Tries: Adam Wilson, John Kitchiner (3), Ian Browning (2), Michael Churchouse
Cons:  Ian Browning (4)