Match Report
Loughborough Students 20 – 52 1st XV, National One
In what turned out to be the biggest day in Ampthill RUFC’s history, our Champions elect finished the season in fine style with a 52 v 20 win on the road at Loughborough University.
The A’s started well, controlling territory and possession despite playing into a very strong wind. Maama Molitika started the scoring after multiple phases he crashed over to the left of the posts converted by A’s and Blues legend James Pritchard playing in his final game of senior rugby. James Pritchard you have been a star and best of luck in the next stage of your life and your return to Australia.
Maama Molitika opens the scoring for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The Students responded with a try of their own after 20 mins to leave the scores at 5 v 7.
The front row decided to take control of the game with a strong carry from Matt Collins to crash over and again converted by James Pritchard.
Matt Collins crosses the whitewash for Ampthill’s second try
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The A’s were awarded a penalty that was kicked to the corner and Aleki Lutui assisting Sam Hudson another score from the stock catch and drive this time converted by Josh Sharp as Pritchard was off having running repairs. Aleki Lutui has bagged 15 try’s this season which shows how effective the Maroon and Gold driving line-out has become.
Aleki Lutui provding the extra drive to get Sam Hudson over the line for Ampthill’s third try of the first half!
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Perhaps the try of the game and the score that took the A’s to the Green King IPA Championship started with replacement full back Mike Waters probing the right hand side of the Students defence. The ball was recycled through four sets of hands to put Joe Bercis in on the left hand corner and the celebrations could begin. Sharp missing the conversion and the scores stood at 5 v 26 at oranges.
Joe Bercis sneaks over the line just before half time to seal the deal for Ampthill’s promotion
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
The game to all intents and purposes was over as a contest but both sides exchanged try’s with the Students scoring three further try’s and Ampthill scoring four.
1st try of the second half from Sam Hudson and number 5 for Ampthill
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Will Allman crosses the line easily for Ampthill’s 6th try
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Sam Baker lands just by the post for Ampthill’s seventh try of the match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Sam Baker holding the ball as the Maul drives over the line giving Ampthill their eight try of the match
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Leaving the final scores at Loughborough 20 v 52 Ampthill and confirmation that the mighty A’s are National 1 Champions and we are heading to the Green King IPA Championship for the first time in our history.
Ampthill celebrate the end result of winning the league
(Photo: Iain Frankish, Actuance Photography)
Final Score
Loughborough 22, Ampthill 52
“I would like to thank Paul Turner and his coaching team for a truly fantastic effort in winning National 1 for the first time in our history.
Team Manager Ian Bremner and Head of Medical Michael Dwyer for all there help and assistance behind the scenes which without the unseen work we wouldn’t have won the league.
Thank you to all our supporters who have stuck with us through good and not so good times and especially those who made the Loughborough game feel like we were at Dillingham Park.
Last but not least the outstanding efforts from our first team squad who have not only won National 1 but with the 1881s winning Zoo 1 as well it’s yet another historic result and the first time we have done this in our history.
As the curtain comes down on the season our four senior teams have all won their respective divisions and once more I find myself wondering how we can ever better that, but I have thought that for the last five seasons so I’m sure we will find a way.
Hope to see you all at the Club Dinner Dance when we can celebrate what has been the best season in the Ampthill and District Rugby Clubs History.”
