Match Report: Ampthill 1881s 73–5 London Welsh
Dillingham Park, Saturday 6 December.
Ampthill enjoyed a perfect weekend across the club as the 1881s stormed to an emphatic 73–5 victory over London Welsh at Dillingham Park, completing the double after the 1st XV claimed a superb 20–25 win away at Richmond.
From the first whistle, the 1881s set the tone with relentless tempo, physicality and an appetite to play. What made the performance even more special was the make-up of the squad: a true cross-section of the club featuring academy talent, third-team regulars, second-team stalwarts and a couple of first-teamers all pulling in the same direction. Ages ranged from eager 18-year-old prospects to “forty-something” veterans who proved there is plenty of life and nous still in the old legs.
The result was a display that perfectly captured what lies at the heart of Ampthill Rugby Club: community.
In attack, Ampthill were ruthless. Wave after wave of direct carrying, sharp handling and support play tore holes in the London Welsh defence. Tries came from all over the park: power through the middle, pace on the edges, and a few well-worked phases that showed genuine cohesion despite the varied backgrounds of the squad. The 1881s did not just score often; they scored with purpose, precision and a real hunger.
Defensively, the A’s were just as impressive. London Welsh had their moments of pressure, but Ampthill’s line speed, organisation and willingness to put bodies on the line kept them to a single score. Sets of repeat tackles and dominant collisions summed up the side’s collective mindset: you do not come to Dillingham Park and get anything easy.
Head coach Gav Williams, Ampthill’s most capped senior player, was visibly delighted at full-time. As a proud Welshman, he showed no hint of divided loyalty against his London Welsh visitors. Instead, he took immense pride in how his side carried themselves: committed, disciplined and playing for each other, a performance that reflected everything he demands and everything the club stands for.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 73–5, but the story was bigger than the numbers. This was a team built from every corner of the club, stepping up together, playing for each other and producing one of the standout performances of the season.
With the 1st XV winning in Richmond and the 1881s putting on a show at home, Ampthill’s weekend was a powerful reminder of the strength, depth and spirit running through the club.
A double win, and a statement about who Ampthill are.
The 1881 are back at home this Saturday and welcome Halbro Shield League Leaders Richmond Vikings to The Olney Field in a 1:30pm kick-off, whilst the 1st XV are on the road again at Doncaster Knights.
Shaun Fawcett
Assistant 1st XV Manager