18^th November 2006

Bedford Queens 2^nd XV 0 -  Ampthill Extras 19 

Ampthill Rugby Club was hosting both first team and colts'cup-ties so the Extras’ fixtures against Queens was reversed thus Queens were now the home team for this fixture.  

The referee failed to turn up and Queens were left scratching their heads as to what to do. Eventually, after all other avenues were exhausted, Extras’ prop Darren Oatley volunteered his services. By this time the start of the match had already been delayed by some time and then to top it off, the captain of the Queen’s team led his players back into the changing rooms for what turned out to be a ten minute prep talk!  

By time the game kicked off the Extras who had not only lost their prop to refereeing duties but had also been kept waiting much longer than was necessary needed no further incentive to go out and beat Bedford Queens. 

By half time the Extras were nineteen points to nil up after almost total domination for forty minutes. Gez Ingarfield scored his first try of the season as did Chris Hopgood who had not scored for so long that when he made it over the line he wasn’t too sure what to do with it, (I think his age figured there. Ed.). It was rather fitting that Hoppy scored as on the previous Tuesday he had turned 50. Darren Jones ran the third try in from the wing. Had it not been for several unforced errors by the Extras the score could have been much higher. Queens only really had one good chance on the attack but Andy Carvell made a superb try saving tackle to put an end to it. 

The second half started off much the same with the Extras still in control. Unfortunately Andy Weeks suffered a neck injury after a few minutes after a brave ‘body on the line’ headfirst tackle against one of Queens’ larger, faster players. With the possible serious nature of the injury the match was abandoned and an ambulance called.  

Despite the Extras’ domination, Bedford Queens’ insisted that this league tie should be re-arranged as the match was abandoned before sixty minutes had been played.  

Most importantly, an x-ray showed no permanent damage to Andy Weeks’ neck but he’ll be left with a sore neck for a few weeks.  

Forwards: Chris Day, Gez Ingarfield, Matt Fisher, Derek Welton, Simon Johnson, Liam Duffin, Andy Carvell, Chris Denton

Backs:  Leigh Clark, Chris Hopgood, John Kitchiner, Andy Weeks, Darren Jones, Ian Browning, Rob Hill

Subs:  Steve Walker, Dave Peck, John Roberts, Richard Mardle

Tries:   Chris Hopgood, Gez Ingarfield, Darren Jones

Cons: Leigh Clark (2)