On Saturday, PJF welcomed O Amplefordians. In the same game last year Amplefordiand handed PJF a heavy defieat. This season PJF narowly lost the game at Amplefordians and were looking to turn the tables on this occasion. The first half was a close fought enthralling affair with both sides looking to play open rugby. PJF had their usual slow start and gave Amplefordians 10 minutes possession which they did not manage to turn to any points. PJF then started to work their way into the game and played some skillful rugby only for the last pass to go awry or for the attack to be snuffed out by a solid OA defence. The first real points chance came late on in the half with PJF being awarded a kick under the OA's posts. Luke Couchman took the points and PJF lead 3-0. This was the only score of the half although it did not lack for some attractive rugby contributed by both sides.

The second half started equally as tightly but PJF took the opportunity to extend their lead to 6-0 with another penalty. Then after a further 10 minutes P{JF achieved the break through they were looking for and after a sweeping move down the right wing, Chris Reid finished the passage of play off by going over under the posts. The extras were added and PJF had a 13 point cushion. From the restart PJF lost the ball cheaply and OA's were able to exert some of their own pressure. PJF conceded a penalty for back chat and from the penalty OAs got a a line out in the PJF 22m and from the ensuiing passage of play they forced themselves over the line. After adding the the extra points OA's were back in the game at 13-7. OA's now had there heads up and came storming back and went over for a second try about midway through the half. With the two points being added OAs were now in the lead 13-14. PJF were rocking but managed to steady the ship and force OAs onto the back foot and after another open passage of play PJF went over out wide on the right to retake the lead 18-14. The extras were missed. Restarts again posed a problem and from PJF were turned over too easily again and OAs were on the PJF 22m line. OAs worked their way into the PJF 22m before breaking through out wide on their left. The kick was missed, but OAs were back in front 18-19. Twelve minutes were left on the watch. PJF did not let their heads drop and after a flowing move up the left flank the final pass was high and went to ground. Had the final chance gone? PJF were still in an attacking position and managed to gain a penalty out on the left. With minutes left on the clock the kick at goal was pulled acros the front of the posts. Was that the last chance. With minutes left, OAs dropped out pushing PJF back into their half. PJF came forward again and from the ensuing passage of play PJF managed to create an opening on the right side and the final try of the game brought PJF the narrowest of victories. From the restart the ball was kicked dead and the game was won 23-19.

Both sides had contributed to a fluid and exciting game. PJF had opportunities to close the game out but spurned them thereby making the game harder work than it should have been the spectators were rewarded with a fantastic game of rugby.

This week PJF travel to Teddington looking to reverse the narrow loss in the home fixture. Teddington are still unbeaten in the league and have the habit of winning so PJF will have to bring their best game to Bushey Park. Kick off should be at 2.30, whether that changes because of the internationals remains to be seen.Come along and support the lads.