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.com and we will add you to the list.

SENIOR RUGBY
This week, our 1XV travelled to Pulborough, who were reeling with the terrible news that one of their players had died in a car accident after training on Thursday. Going ahead with the game, because that is what Finley would have wanted, was both brave and inspiring!

Please click here to read all the action: Match report

Our 2’s were playing the team just above them in the table, Heathfield and Waldron, at Saint Hill. Knowing the winner had a great chance of finishing top added extra spice, but although the game was very tight going into the final quarter, Heathfield scored two late tries to beak G’s hearts. Thanks to the Greenies who are always class oppo - good luck to you for the run in.

Huge thanks to Molly for these pics: Match pics

This weekend sees a rest week for our men’s senior sides, but our women play away at Havant on Sunday with a 12.30 ko.

Please see below on how to book your seat at the pre match meal on the 4th March. A brilliant prelude to watching G’s take on Haywards Heath.

AGE GROUP RUGBY
All juniors were at the club this Sunday and it was great to see good numbers of players attending during half term and everyone enjoying themselves in the sunshine. This coming Sunday, a number of our U10s are away at the Brighton festival and we wish them good luck and look forward to hearing how they get on.

Sunday was not a great day in terms of results for our Intermediates, but it was a great day for rugby.

U12’s played a strong Hove outfit at HQ and came off with a 40 to nil loss. The new players and development of our u12’s is clearly a work in progress and looking to shape the team for next season. A debut on the whistle for ladies XV head coach Sian, well received by both teams. Well done Sian!

U15’s had an away trip to Tunbridge Wells who again proved to be strong and although a good game, we saw a defeat of 45 - 14.

U16’s hosted touring team Olney RFC, a brilliant day with the club entertaining all of the players, coaches and families from Olney.
The game was excellent, extremely fast and the skills on display from both teams was a joy to watch. Apart from a 5 minute second half spell for the visitors in which they dotted down 3 times, the game was close. The final score was 28 - 42.
We send our thanks to Olney for visiting us, it was a great day.

Finally our Colts hosted Pulborough in the league. Before kick off a minute’s silence was observed for the very sad news of the Pulborough player killed in a car accident on Thursday night. EG Colts were down on strength with many notable absences due to injuries and sickness.
The result was another defeat by 8 - 22.

Thank you to all our coaches who are doing such an amazing job in bringing our young players on. It is a joy to see them playing better and better each week.

SIBLINGS AT SAINT HILL
Last week we published a pic of the three Roberts brothers who turned out for the second team (Ollie, Will and Noah pictured here!). This week we feature the Billins boys. This picture is of Jack, Dan and Oli when they played for the 1XV against Uckfield last year.

Please send me any pics of you and your sibling/s and you could feature next week. I’m looking forward to the Boczek Boys!! Rumour has it that Molly and Oli Adams are fighting over which of them is going to take the pic of them both!!

HAYWARDS HEATH PRE MATCH MEAL
G’s are playing their penultimate league game at home on the 4th March, so please come and eat a meal with us before cheering the boys on.

The other rather sad news is that the wonderful Andy Poole is stepping down as as club President and this will be his last meal as host. Why not come and show him your appreciation and listen to his last ever President’s speech before watching an awesome game of rugby?

Our last meal was sold out, so please book early by emailing: egrfclunches@gmail.com

2023 LONDON 7s
Still not got your tickets to the 2023 HSBC London 7s?
Well, we're hoping we can change your mind. Over the next few weeks, we have a series of exciting announcements that will help make this year one of the best we've hosted!

Think amazing music acts, money-can't-buy competitions, and loads more. You don't have to wait until then, though. Secure your place by clicking here and buying now: 7s tickets

SIX NATIONS
At the time of going to press, we don’t know if the Wales v England game is going ahead because of possible strike action by the Welsh players. If the game does get played, please come and watch it at the club - With no senior home games this week, we need you at Saint Hill.

Why not start with Italy v Ireland at 2.15, hopefully followed by the England game at 4.45. France v Scotland is also going to be a cracker on Sunday at 3!

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.com. See you next week!!