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
On Saturday, our 1XV were headed North once more, to tackle Bromley in the Papa John’s Cup Quarter Final, hoping that the season will extend for a couple more weeks! How did they get on? Read about it here: Match report

So that’s it for another season! We will be reviewing our senior teams and how each of them faired during the season, over the next few weeks in RRU. A huge thank you to all our amazing supporters and staff who have all played a huge part in great success for our senior Ladies and Mens sides.

A few weeks off, then PRE SEASON!!!!

JUNIOR RUGBY
Sunday 28th April - With the annual Sunshine 7s taking place at HQ, the junior sections played their last games of the season away at Uckfield RFC. The morning hop down the A22 gave rise to memories of last year's trip with the rain coming down in a constant stream. Thankfully there was no repeat of the 2023 fixture as the rain eased up and the sun even tried to show its face.

Despite the recent downpours the grounds at Uckfield were in pretty good shape and so was the rugby from the G's. With all the kids realising it was their last outing in their current section and executing the skills they had been practicing all season there seemed to be a step up in the play across the board.

The U7s had 3 teams at the festival. All the players gave it their all in their last ever U7s games. On to bigger teams, bigger pitches and actually being allowed to dive in for a try. Not that anyone was paying much attention to that particular law!! It was a really great send off and everyone left with a smile on their face.

The U8s sent 2 teams to Uckfield Rugby Club on Sunday for their last ever tag rugby festival. The boys didn’t stop running all morning, especially in defence where the opposition often had to hand the ball over due to EG making 7 tags! The boys are ready and excited to start contact in September!

The U9s fielded 2 teams for the final outing of the year. EG1 faced opposition from Horsham, Lewes, Heathfield and Hastings & Bexhill. The team seemed to relish the occasion and played some of their best rugby ever. It was a pleasure to see the ball being played down the line with some great offloads to send players in for tries. Bradley Harding was relentless in driving forward, often taking 2 or 3 players to stop him dead. Hadley Gray was everywhere showing speed and ferocious tackling. Harry Goldsworthy and Jack Broughton put in some big hits and rarely missed a tackle and both were looking for offloads all the time. Ethan Scott-Hosking was making great runs and picking good lines. Cassius, Theo and Nate Driver played out of their skins. Our final game against Hastings was the best U9 game both I and their coaches have ever seen. The play from both sides was ferocious and after a slow start from the G's we fought back to edge the contest. The try saving tackle from Harry Goldsworthy on one of their larger players was reminiscent of the great JPR Williams for the Lions in the legendary tour of 1974!

EG2 played out their last 4 U9 matches with a clean sheet. Coach James Adkin reported " Everyone and I mean everyone, had numerous occasions where they contributed to either a try, a try saving tackle or positioning that meant we had the advantage. To beat a team by 6 tries without conceding is very rare and we did that!" He added, "Everyone was excellent with notable mentions for Amelia Floodgate who scored 4 tries. It's not always easy for the girls to shine when the boys tend to dominate play. Big shout to Gwillam for standing up after being hurt and making another tackle. Well done all".

All the players should be proud of themselves. As a coach, I am. They were brilliant today. We look forward to seeing you all back for U10s and the introduction of rucks.

The U10s had a busy weekend of rugby. To get the kids and coaches ready for a final weekend of rugby some of the team/coaches headed to Twickenham on Saturday for Harlequins V Northampton.

Then Sunday, they travelled to Uckfield for their final festival of the season. Inspired and raring to go, the U10s had a great festival putting a seasons worth of hard work into the games.

Coach Gareth Arthur commented, “The U10s squad had an incredible festival. In fact they’ve had a great season. They showed a desire to compete and have really stamped their mark as a team to beat. A very proud coaching group. Well done!”

The U11s visited Uckfield on Sunday to take part in not only their last festival of the season but also their last festival as part of the junior section of the club. Next year, they will be moving up to the intermediate section and getting their first taste of league rugby.

Despite the rain overnight and travelling down to Uckfield, everyone was pleased that during the matches, it stayed dry, and towards the end of the festival, the sun actually came out.

Once again, we managed to field two teams, which gave all players plenty of time on the pitch. Unfortunately, both teams got off to a slow start in their first match, and the usual connection between the players was not present. However, this improved throughout the morning, and in the latter few games, all players seem to be on fire. The coaches were pleased to see things that we practised during training actually being done, and it showed to the players that it does actually work.

Well done to all players involved and the coaches look forward to seeing you all at the awards on Sunday.

A big thanks to Simon Lewis and all at Uckfield RFC for putting on a great day for everyone to sign off the 2023-24 season in style. There was a great atmosphere all over the ground with players and parents seeming to really enjoy the day. Well done all round.

Next weekend we look forward to seeing you all the club for the end of season awards to say farewell to the current sections and look forward to the next challenges in the 24-25 season. We will see it out with a colour run and BBQ. The bars will be open and the ice cream van will be there too. Now just to hope the weather gods bring us some sunshine!

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
Edenbridge 30 - EGRFC U12’s Reds 30

Having lost to Edenbridge earlier in the season, Reds put in a fantastic performance against Edenbridge today finishing 30-30 against a stronger (and much larger - a mixed team of U12’s and U13’s) Edenbridge side.

The Reds really came together with their teamwork, keeping their heads up and showing a lot of flair, coming back from behind (15-5) at half time, to finish level having, at one point, managed to get themselves ahead. Every player gave their all and Ben G and I could not have been prouder of the way the boys played and the discipline they showed.

Special mentions to Bertie and Dexter, who put in their first appearances for EGRFC today and to Bertie, Ollie O and George L for their trys. Ably captained by Thomas F, Reds didn’t lose a scrum and were very much dominant in the rucking game, turning over ball on a number of occasions.

I can’t think of a better way to finish the season and everyone who played should feel great about their performance.

East Grinstead U12’s Blues 45 - Hastings and Bexhill 40
A much deserved win in the final game of the season for EG Blues U12 side against a sizeable and determined Hastings and Bexhill. We were off to a slow start going down by 3 trys fairly quickly before a powerful run from Jack Flemming, who scored in the corner, ignited the desire to win. The trys came quickly after that including a superb length of the field solo effort, from the kick off, by Rory Collins which really made the opposition think.

At half time the game was 20/25 to EG and it was toe to toe from then on. Some big carries from the forwards, linking with the backs, lead to some fantastic team trys in the second half. Several colossal and try saving tackles made for edge of the seat viewing for spectators including a mad dash from George Shepherd to stop a certain score that made us all cheer.

The final score was 40/45 to EG in a throughly entertaining game all the players, coaches and parents should be proud of to end our season.

Well done.

U16’s Girls EGRFC/Crowborough 30 VS Hastings 15
The girls rugby team, not only demonstrated their exceptional skills, teamwork and sportswomanship in a well-deserved victory, but they also displayed an incredible act of sportswomanship by loaning players to the opposing team.

From the very beginning of the match, it was evident that the girls were determined and focused. Their strong defence and strategic offense kept the opposing team on their toes. But what truly set this game apart was the remarkable display of sportswomanship exhibited by the girls. Recognising that Hastings were short on players, they selflessly offered to loan some of their own players. This act of generosity not only showcased their empathy and compassion but also ensured a fair and balanced game for both sides.

Throughout the match, the girls continued to support and encourage each other, displaying unwavering team spirit. Their communication and coordination on the field were impeccable, allowing them to execute strategic plays and score impressive tries. It was clear that their success was a result of their unity and commitment as a team.

As the final whistle blew, to bring an excellent game to a close, our girls proved that success in rugby goes beyond the scoreboard; it's about playing with integrity and respect for the game and fellow athletes. The girls set a shining example for others to follow, reminding us all that the essence of sports lies in fair play, respect and a shared passion for the game. Winning with integrity and respect for the game is truly commendable, however, it's also important to acknowledge that injuries are a part of any physical sport like rugby. I hope all the players recover well and stay positive.

A massive well done from the coaches. Setting a positive example is important for a team because it has the potential to inspire and influence others, create a more positive sporting environment and build trust and credibility for the team and the sport.

U14’s GIBRALTAR TOUR
Gib U14’s 17 - EG U14’s 12
A fantastic finish to the season for the 14’s on tour in GIB with an absolutely stunning game at the Europa Point stadium, the home of Gibraltar Rugby.

Gibraltar Baa Baa’s constructed from all their 4 teams and several over-age players made stern opponents. EG scored first through a well worked try, Sean Clarabut touching down in the corner. The G’s defence worked so hard to contain the Gib physical size advantage, unfortunately they could not hold out conceding 3 first half trys.

G’s have been a 2nd half side this season and they turned up again with a quick try - another Ollie S swan dive. Despite spending the last 10 mins in the Gib red zone and with two Gib players in the bin, they could not convert the pressure into the winning score they arguably deserved.

What a game, what great hosts and what a tour.

Huge congratulations to the tour organisation, the parents and the players for making this happen. The coaches hugely appreciate the commitment of these players, we are so proud of them and look forward to seeing the future ahead for this team.

SUNSHINE SEVENS
East Grinstead Rugby Club hosted the Challenge 66th Sunshine Sevens on Sunday at Saint Hill. The weather tried to interfere, but all teams turned up to play, with the quality and standard brilliant despite the soft ground. All three Tournaments Men’s Elite / Men’s Open and Women’s Open were well contested.

In the Elite Tournament – A very strong field for what is recognised as the season opener, Ramblin Jesters were back to see if they could make it a record equalling fourth title. Contested by teams from Apache – Lions – Wooden Spoon – Shogun Rugby - Esher and Ratana battled it out all afternoon. Jesters just too strong in the final beating Shogun Blue 38-7 to again lift the Lady Astor of Hever Trophy.

In the Elite Plate Shogun Red who beat Apache Braves 28 – 12 with Shogun completing a great weekend of sevens having won Chelmsford sevens the day before.

In the Women’s Open Tournament, probably the strongest field we have had for a few years, reflects the surge in the women’s game, which is great. The East Grinstead women got the opportunity to play against – Last years winners Wooden Spoon, The Lionesses, Eggchasers, Ratana and three teams from the Savvy Panthers. The Lionesses looked the real deal all afternoon and claimed the Steve Cairns Trophy beating Savvy Panther Black 58 – 5. In the Women’s Plate Wooden Spoon beat Savvy Panther blue 12-5.

In the Men’s Open Tournament – Eggchaser Lions won through just beating Oxford Harlequins.

This year The Player of the Tournament sponsored by Pennyfarthing Jewellers, provided a watch for best Men’s and Women’s Player.
Men’s Player – Edmund Anya – Ramblin Jesters.
Women’s Player – Lizzie Musa – Lionesses.

The Presentations Party had Dave Hooker, President of Sussex RFU and Derek Hughes – EGRFC President, Colin Prior from Challenge Packaging (main Sponsor) Garry Gordon – Chair of Sunshine Sevens Committee.
Garry Gordon thanked the EGRFC team for making the event and special mention to the Ground staff. A great start for this year’s fund raising which will hopefully surpass last years efforts which raised £30,000 which was distributed across ten local charities and projects. Finally a special thanks to Challenge Packaging for their continued support.

On to the next event - The Sunshine Sevens Golf Day on Friday 26th July.

S7’s MEMORIES
One of our most loyal and longest standing supporters, Roy, sent this lovely quote before the 66th S7’s. If you want to reply to Roy, please email me at m.marriott@btconnect.com

“I send you my best wishes for a successful Sunshine Sevens. I was one of the team that played in the first ever event all those years ago. I cannot remember the names of the rest of the team apart from Pom Marshall and Eddie Pitt, both sadly passed away. I hope that I am not the only member of that team still alive and would be delighted to hear from any of the other survivors.

I find it amazing how the club has developed since those days and I am proud to be still associated with EGRFC.

Roy Windibank”

200 CLUB
We are so pleased to announce that Colin Byron has answered our call for help with the 200 Club. Thank you so much Colin!!
Colin made his first draw last week and the April winners are as follows:

1st Prize, Number 10 £125
2nd Prize, Number 4 £50
3rd Prize, Number 25 £25

Well done to all our winners! If you want to contact us and let us know what you spent your prize money on, we would be delighted to hear from you!

Why not join the fun and be part of our 200 club, please click here for more details and how to sign up: 200 Club

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!!