1st
October 2005
Cambridge 4th XV 33 – Ampthill Extras 12
The Extras had one of their poorest starts of the season in what turned out to be one of their best performances (well the second half) in a match.
There were many excuses used by those that played, the usual mostly, for the first half’s thirty three point deficit. Players lost en route, the terrible weather, lack of preparation, whatever it was the second half saw a completely different display of teamwork from the Extras.
The second half defending was first rate, keeping the home team from adding any further points to their total. This was despite six changes made by Cambridge at half time by a 4th team buoyed by the late cancellation of Cambridge’s second team game. For the Extras support was constant in attack. This led to two tries, one for John Kitchiner and then a try for Richard Mardle.
With a conversion from Leigh Clark the second half was a twelve nil victory to the Ampthill side.
Kiwi sheep shearer Michael Churchouse made his Extras debut while James Chapman had an excellent half in his role of stand in prop. Not a good move if he had any intentions of avoiding that position in the future.
After the match the Extras could just about cope with the cold showers but having travelled all that way to a club that had no bar was the final straw. The camel’s back was broken.
Forwards: Dai Lamrick, Gez Ingarfield, Darren Oatley, Tom Read, John Roberts, Liam Duffin, Michael Churchouse, John Wood,
Backs: Ian Browning, Leigh Clark, John Kitchiner, Jurrien Heynen, Richard Mardle, Neil Fordham, Rob Hill
Subs: James Chapman, Chris Woods, Matt Taylor