The Counts were missing no less than eight regular players from last year’s starting lineup and the home side wasted little time in imposing their superiority in the set scrums, the loose and in the backs. Only new skipper Callum Tilleray presented any attacking threat for Walcountians and failure to support attacking players in numbers resulted in a high number of turnovers, while indiscipline in the rucks led to a stream of penalties which repeatedly put Amplefordians in advantageous attacking positions. The Counts also failed to make much use of any possession they had and poor handling, distribution and kicking threw away any advantage.

Walcountians were unlucky with injuries, losing prop James Ford and flankers Dylan Camakamma and Andy Togbolah.

By half-time, Amplefordians were 24 points up through three converted tries and a penalty. Determined tackling by the Counts restricted the home side to one try in the third quarter, but any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished as Amplefordians ran in five more tries in the final 20 minutes to seal victory.

Next Saturday, Walcountians take on Old Blues at Arthur Road, Motspur Park, kicking off at 3pm.

Old Walcountians:- Mogridge, Stoner, Erhirhie, Henderson, Stylianou, Lever, Moorhead, Ford, Tilleray, Bell, Brown, Rees, Camakamma, Togbolah, Stevens.

Subs:- Beeson, Downes, Harrison.