Ill-discipline undoes Amps good work on debut
AMPTHILL were given a tough introduction to the Championship by a physical and clinical Nottingham side.
Trailing just 17-13 with a minute to half time, Amps conceded a try before halftime and then two more in the second half, after being reduced to 14 men, as Nottingham dominated territory and possession.
Amps director of rugby Mark Lavery said: “For 39 minutes of the first half we were OK, the gifted try just before half time was a blow but it was the second half where we played in all the wrong areas and showed very poor discipline that was most disappointing.
“We played for more than 45 minutes with 14 men against an efficient, well drilled championship side and got what we deserved."
The opening exchanges were even despite Amps losing full-back Karim Lynch to a yellow card after just eight minutes for fould play.
Both sides slotted penalty goals before Nottingham grabbed the first vtry. A penalty against Ampthill for a breadown offence was kicked inside the 22 and the lineout catch was driven over with, hooker Luke Cole credited with the score.
Fly-half Thomas Mathews added the conversion before lock Llewleyn Jones crashed over from close range for Nottingham’s second try after a repeat of the first try. Mathews added the conversion.
Amps replacement centre Sam Hanks hit back immediately after intercepting a loose pass just inside the Nottingham half and scampering 45m to score wide on the left.
Grimoldby converted from the touchline and Ampthill were back in the game at 17-13. Grimoldby added a penalty narrow the
gap but lock Shay Kery was then sin-binned for a technical foul a minute to half time and Nottingham blindside James Connolly powered over to punich them.
Amps lost their way in the second half as Mathews punished ill-discipline with two more penalties before wing Ben Foley collected a grubber to score Notingham’s fourth try wide on the left with Amps flanker Joe Bercis in the bin for hands in the ruck.
Lock Jon Kpoku crashed over from close range on 63 minutes as Amps showed their fighting qualities but Kerry was shown a second yellow, followed by a red on 71 minutes, for more team infringements.
Amps conceded a fifth try on 79 minutes as impressive Nottingham centre Harry Strong found a way through to cap a professional display from the Green and Whites.