Welcome to East Grinstead Rugby Round Up. If you are reading this on the website, or via Facebook, please sign up to receive this Newsletter via email, which contains loads of pictures and other content, please email m.marriott@btconnect and we will add you to the list.

SENIOR RUGBY
Another awesome Saturday at Saint Hill saw another double header as our two senior teams strove to keep their unbeaten league runs intact!

The 1XV took on familiar foe, Burgess Hill. Looking resplendent in the new Heritage (Marmite) Kit (Thank you again to Martell’s for your support, Follow this link to find out a bit of the history behind this red and green collaboration: Martell's Heritage Kit) Click here to read all the Burgess Hill action: Match report

Huge thanks to Molly for these great pics: Pics

Also, Thanks to DiVision for streaming the game live on our YouTube channel. To watch highlights of the game, click here: Match highlights

Meanwhile, on pitch 2, another table topping encounter was taking place as our 2’s took on St. Francis, the 2XV shredding all our nerves once more. Read all about it here: Match report

Next weekend is the big one for our 1XV. They travel to Eastbourne in a huge clash between the leagues two unbeaten teams. Could this game define the whole season? Please come and support the boys as every bit of extra noise and encouragement may just help get them over the line. See you there!!!

JUNIOR RUGBY
Another successful festival completed, this time in Brighton. We took two teams of U8’s, and some great flowing rugby was played! Thank you so much to Brighton for hosting so well.

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
East Grinstead U16’s are on a real run of form, playing delightful rugby. What a brilliant time then to go on a Tour weekend to Northampton
Playing 2 matches, one on Saturday against Wellingborough winning 12 - 52, then the touring party went to watch Northampton Saints play at Franklin Gardens against Bristol Bears. On Sunday our boys played again. After a very tough fought game our boys ran out 31-33 winners at Northampton Old Scouts. Absolutely fantastic performance!!

Sounds like a brilliant weekend, well done to all. (Not sure who enjoyed it more, players or parents??)

Back in Sunny East Grinstead, our under 18 girls played a joint training match with girls from Worthing and Pulborough, a great game and some great rugby. Special attention must be given to the return of the whistle blowing by our club President Andy Poole. I saw him the next day and he was still out of breath!!

Our Under 13’s boys played Uckfield and despite coming out losing 5 - 15, the coaches were full of praise for their team and were so encouraged by lot of improvements across the team.

One last thing to mention is a call for help. Our U12’s are desperately in need of some new players. Do you have a potential player in your family who could help this team and our club? It is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends that will last a lifetime and learn new skills at the same time. To help out, our awesome DOR, Senior Head Coach, Star Player, Hero and all round great bloke, Ryan Morlen, is running the training sessions for the next few weeks on Thursday evenings from 6 - 7pm. This is a brilliant chance to enjoy some outstanding coaching and fun - Please come and give it a try!! For more info, please contact Ryan at: ryan_morlen89@hotmail.com

KIND WORDS
After the sad passing of club player and friend Chris Lewis, Marrianne, Chris’s wife has expressed her thanks to the club and members for their support. She writes:

My dearest Friends,

Please allow me to extend my sincere and profound gratitude to each and every one of you for your incredible generosity and kindness at such a distressing time.

May I also thank the East Grinstead Rugby Club for their incredible support and hospitality . The Rugby Club was always very close to Chris's heart. From where he is, I have no doubt Chris is looking down upon us all and is moved beyond words by the support, kindness and thoughts you have shown towards us since his untimely departure. I can never thank you enough for the selfless and philanthropic gestures you have made.

Please, keep Chris in your hearts and remember to live each and every day in the appreciation of what it has to offer you. This is how Chris lead his life with me.

With all my love and appreciation.

Marrianne Lewis

BUILDING BRIDGES
On Saturday November 5th, East Grinstead RFC will be hosting a bridge event run by the Sussex County Contract Bridge Association for the first time.

This is an annual competition that has long been associated with East Grinstead, having been held for many years at the Meridian Hall. But after some time looking for a replacement venue, we are honoured the SCCBA have chosen to make use of the facilities here at Saint Hill.
It is a competition primarily, but not exclusively. Aimed at the less experienced player and run in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
We expect to have over 50 players who will also be treated to a Ploughman’s lunch.

EGRFC FOOD BANK
At East Grinstead RFC we have been working on a number of ideas that enable us as a club to give back to our great community who come out to support our teams every week.

As of Thursday 3rd of November EGRFC we will be holding a ongoing food bank collection at the club, downstairs in the club house.
We are asking for players, parents and supporters to help give back to our community and donate to this great cause.
The collection will be taken to local food charities helping others in these tough times.
Encouraged drop off times are as follows: Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays.

The list below indicates the sort of items we are hoping to collect:
Cereal, Soup, Pasta, Rice, Tinned tomatoes/ pasta sauce, Lentils, Beans and pulses, Tinned meat, Tinned vegetables, Tea/coffee, Tinned fruit, Biscuits, UHT milk, Fruit juice, Toiletries, Nappies and wipes,

This is a great way to give to those in need around us and would be amazing to have as many people supporting this great initiative a possible. With the hundreds of players, parents and supporters we have at this amazing club, it would be great to see what good we can do!

If anyone has any questions or suggestions of additional food charities and organisations in need of support please call Devon on : 07551458700 or email him: devonlfrost@gmail.com

One Club, One community.
COYG’s

GLOWING BALLS
An important and fast growing part of our club happens on a Monday night when our Touch Team trains. As the evenings get darker, the addition of these awesome Steeden Night Touch Balls has really helped illuminate their game. To read more about these Monday warriors, and get contact details, click here: Touch rugby

WALKING RUGBY
This fantastic new addition to our rugby family is starting on Friday. Walking rugby is for players of all ages and abilities, for Ladies and Gents, and is a wonderful way to get a bit of fresh air, excercise and meet new friends. Simply turn up at the club on Friday 28th (And every Friday after!) with your boots at 6pm! Email Pete on pmitchellrfc@googlemail.com for more info.

ENGLAND
Massive congrats to the England Women rugby team who, after surviving a bruising encounter with group rivals France, have cruised into the World Cup semi finals where they will meet Canada early on Saturday morning. Kick off is at 3.30am! The other semi sees France take on the Black Ferns. I have heard people talking up the Kiwi’s, but I think the French are going to edge it!!

England Men have their first Autumn International against Argentina at Twickenham on Sunday. This game kicks off at 2.15pm and is being shown on Amazon Prime.

Best of luck to both teams!!

OTHER NEWS
If you have any news about any aspect of our rugby family here at East Grinstead, get involved and email m.marriott@btconnect. See you next week!!