Amersham & Chiltern will stay third going into the new year after a 22-19 victory over Old Haberdashers at Weedon Lane.

The Chiltern lineout was working efficiently early on and driving runs from Steven Gibson and Dave Francis put early pressure on the opposition defence. Following good lineout possession the ball was recycled several times before Gibson was driven over the line for the first try.

Chiltern extended their lead when Matt Heeks slipped the ball to the blindside for Jack Kenyon to score the second try in the corner. 

With Chiltern well on top, successive injuries to centre Josh Davis tighthead prop Callum Newton and the outstanding Dave Francis meant that Chiltern had used up their full complement of substitutes within 20 minutes.

This didn’t deter the home side and Jordan Scott scored their third try before Haberdashers hit back immediately after the break to make it 15-7.

Haberdashers were growing in confidence and got their second converted try after poor play by the home side before going ahead 19-15.

However, Joe Batt was the hero for Chiltern when he forced his way over for Chiltern’s fourth try which was converted by Kenyon for a 22-19 victory, leading them to third in the division ahead of Christmas.