Amersham and Chiltern gear up for National League opener

Sep 2 2011

THE key to success for Amersham and Chiltern in their first season at National League level is maintaining the fortress that is Ash Grove.

So says director of rugby Matt Allen, whose side step into the unknown territory of National League Three South West against Old Redcliffians at Weedon Lane on Saturday, having not lost on home turf for almost two years.

Allen accepts it will be a huge task for his new boys to maintain such a proud record at the highest level of rugby in the club’s 87-year history.

But maintaining their high standards on home soil is vital to rubber-stamping last season’s promotion to life among the big boys.

“I want to maintain the club’s fine home record and aim for an 80 per cent home win record by the season’s close,” he said.

“Then if we can gain bonus points in the away games it should see us finish in the top 10 and consolidate our place in the league.”

Last year’s promotion made the claret and whites the highest placed amateur team for any sport anywhere in Bucks.

It is also new territory for Old Redcliffians. The men from Bristol made the step up last year by beating South West One runners-up Maidenhead 52-8 in their play-off final.

Allen expects a stiff examination of his team’s credentials.

“We are under no illusions about the challenges which lie ahead this season. Saturday will be a stern test for the team and a fair indication of the standard needed to compete at this level,” he said.