Ampthill battled the storm conditions to win 14-10 in their first pre-season test against last seasons Elior Champ Rugby Champions, Worcester Warriors at Dillingham Road.
The hosts welcomed an abundance of new faces in a much changed side to that of which ended last season.
A cagey start saw both sides try to control the ball in the storm-like weather conditions with the wind and rain getting the better with plenty of handling errors.
However, the game would eventually have its first and only score of the first half as some sustained pressure in the Warriors 22” saw Barney Merrett crash over from close range, Luke Davidson converting from in front of the posts, 7-0.
The second half conditions would worsen but it would be the visitors that would strike first, a powerful driving maul seeing the lead narrowed to just two points, replacement Harrison Dakin also yellow carded in the process, 7-5.
The Mob responded well and in similar fashion to the opener we drove it over from close range, new signing Jamie Fallon dotting down for the Mob’s second and what proved to be final try, converted again from Davidson.
At this point the conditions had become even worse with visibility and ball in hand rugby limited.
New Worcester signing, James Cherry, would make the most of the tricky conditions to get the visitors second, again not converted. 14-10.
An impressive defensive performance from the Mob would see them win the first pre-season game at home with Saracens also making a visit to the woods in two weeks time.
Try-scorer, Barney Merrett, spoke positively after the match about the squads satisfaction with the first win at Dillingham Park and the fact it would build confidence upcoming tests.
He said: “It was tough conditions but the boys stuck in the fight really well, this pre-season has been about fighting for everything and we did that today.
“We knew it would be a big challenge and the boys all turned up for the fight and we did well.
After signing for the Mob from Saracens, he also spoke about the excitement of welcoming three-time European champions to Dillingham Park a fortnight.
