Torrential rain and a strong wind ensured it was a long Good Friday for Elthamians who went down to a powerful Ampthill side in their rearranged National One clash.

Both sets of players deserve massive credit for the way they set about their task in the worst conditions in recent memory on a College Meadow pitch covered in surface water.

Elthamians got off to the worse possible start when they conceded a try after only two minutes, flanker Joe Bercis charging down a Joe Carlisle clearance to touch down by the posts.

The home side fought back well in the closing stages of the half and Carlisle swapped two penalties with Ampthill winger James Pritchard to reduce the defcicit to 13-6 at the interval.

Elthamians secured plenty of possession and territory in the second half but could find no way through superb Ampthill defence and the visitors sealed the victory when flanker Billy Johnson crashed over from a driven lineout in the 64th minute.

Full report to follow.