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
The weather was miserable on Saturday for players and spectators alike, as we welcomed Old Ruts 1’s and 2’s to play our two senior teams. On pitch one, it was a miserable first ten minutes, as the oppo scored two trys and a penalty to leave the scoreboard showing 0 - 13 to the visitors. A late surge, saw Guy score with the last play of the half to give us hope going into the break, 7 - 16.

Another Old Ruts try pegged us back early in the second period, before G’s picked up the pace. Sam and Ryland both scored to take G’s to 19 - 23 going into the last 10, with all the momentum! The wet crowd believed and roared their encouragement, but we just couldn’t find the match winner!

On pitch 2, a relaxed friendly game took place, with both teams pleased to be playing. Midhurst had pulled out late, so our 2’s were enjoying the unexpected match time. Thank you to Old Ruts for coming down.

For pics of the 1XV game, click here: 1XV pics

And for the 2’s: 2XV pics

On Sunday, such disappointment to see yet another side letting us down, with Worthing unable to travel and so forfeiting their league and cup double header to our Ladies.

Next weekend sees a rest for our 1’s, but our 2’s take on Newick away, while on Sunday, our Ladies welcome Guernsey in a huge game at the top of the table. Both games kick off at 2pm.

JUNIOR RUGBY
On Saturday, Storm Bert was in full effect across East Grinstead with driving rain and high winds.

The U7s and U10s were scheduled to be at festivals in Horsham and Pulborough respectively whilst the U8s had joint training away at Crawley. It wasn't looking very promising on Saturday night and the coaches were glued to their phones awaiting information as to the state of play.

We woke on Sunday to a dry, sunny and warm day with much abated winds. An early morning pitch inspection took place at HQ and with the limited numbers expected, was given the green light to go ahead. At the last minute, Crawley and Horsham decided to cancel. The U7s quickly changed plans to head up to the club and train along with the U6s and a handful of U10s.

It was a lovely morning at the club with un-November temperatures of 16 degrees! and all the kids had fun. Sadly, with the depleted numbers it was very quiet in the clubhouse after training.

Meanwhile, Pulborough continued on with their planned festival and a team of U10s travelled to the South Downs for a morning of rugby and their final festival of 2024. The Gs kicked off the morning with a very strong defensive performance against Worthing, running in a number of scores without conceding. They then played Pulborough, who are always tough opponents, again scoring a number of great individual and team scores.

Next up was Steyning, where we were treated to yet more individual and team scores.

Finally, they finished the festival on a final high edging Chichester in a closely fought contest.

Coach Stuart Bell commented, "Every player put in a great performance, In really tough conditions and should be proud of how their team performances are growing with every festival!"

Next weekend, the U9s travel to Brighton and all other sections will be at home.

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
The u12s played their last league game before the waterfall league gets moved around at christmas, and what a game it was. They took on the undefeated Crowborough team, and I am pleased to say came out on top.

From the start, East Grinstead put Crowborough on the back foot with their wide expansive game, moving the ball from wing to wing stretching the Crowborough defence. Only great tackling from Crowborough and very effective counter rucking, keeping them in the game, stealing several balls, which it appeared East Grinstead had won. However, East Grinstead kept up the pressure, which eventually told when Finlay Bennett showed his pace to go around a couple of Crowborough defenders and then his power to go through a couple more to score a well deserved try. This, however, motivated Crowborough into playing and only good tackling from East Grinstead, especially Tom Arnold in the centre, preventing Crowborough from scoring. A special mention should be made of Franklin Henry who chased down a Crowborough player who looked certain to score, made a great tackle then got back to his feet and jackled the ball winning East Grinstead a penalty.

Halftime came and the message to the players was more of the same.

I am glad to say they did not disappoint. The second half started in the same way with East Grinstead piling on the pressure. As in the first half, great defence from Crowborough kept them in the game, but eventually, the pressure told and a mistake from Crowborough while they were on their own try line a player knocked the ball forward into Sebastian Szarzynski hands for him to score probably the easiest try of his young career. East Grinstead did not let up, and after further pressure, Sebastian Szarzynski spotted Crowborough sleeping in defence of a ruck and went over for his second try of the match. This spurred Crowborough back into action and they started putting phase play together, and unfortunately, some poor tackling from East Grinstead let them score a try. The final couple of minutes was a frantic affair with Crowborough going for the losing bonus point and East Grinstead wanting the try bonus point. East Grinstead almost made it with the final play of the match, but unfortunately, it was knocked on just before the try line. The final whistle blew with East Grinstead winning 15 - 5.

This was a well deserved win for the players who all showed great commitment and determination to play an exciting style of rugby.

G’s CHRISTMAS
It’s Christmasssssssss at EGRFC.
Begin your festivities at EGRFC on the 21st December - 7.30pm - 11.30pm.
With live music from Deadwoodz, a superb local band, we are planning the Christmas party you should definitely attend.
KIDS go free- £10 per adult.

Make sure you come along to party with your rugby family - invite your friends and families, ALL WELCOME!!

Book your tickets here: Christmas tickets

STAFF NEEDED URGENTLY
A great opportunity to join our awesome G’s staff team. We have availability for:
Cleaners, weekday mornings & weekend jobs available
Weekend kitchen staff/Bar staff

For further information please contact:
Email: events@egrfc.com
Phone: 01342 322338

W&P PARTNERS
We are delighted to announce our recent collaboration with local recruitment specialist W&P Partners Recruitment who have become the Men’s 2nd XV Main Sponsor for the 24/25 and 25/26 seasons. W&P Partners are a specialist Legal, Risk & Compliance and Commercial recruitment consultancy based in East Grinstead founded with a passion for helping local businesses and professionals thrive. Their commitment to excellence and community aligns perfectly with the values of East Grinstead Rugby Club. This partnership represents a shared dedication to fostering growth, teamwork, and success both on and off the field.

Ben Watkinson, Co-Founder of W&P Partners Recruitment commented:
“W&P Partners is excited to become the principal sponsor of the 2nd XV at East Grinstead Rugby Club. Supporting local sport mirrors our values of collaboration and teamwork.

After a fantastic undefeated season last year for the 2nd XV which secured promotion and a cup win, we are delighted to be supporting the team deliver on their goals for the next two seasons. We feel this is an incredibly exciting time for East Grinstead Rugby Club both on and off the pitch for Men’s, Women’s and Junior teams and cannot wait to see this fantastic community grow.”

Best of luck to the team for a successful season—let’s tackle it together!
If you or your company think you might want to join W&P in partnering with us at East Grinstead RFC, please drop us an email at: sponsors@egrfc.com

GROUND FORCE
The real G Force at East Grinstead RFC are our grounds team and they are needing your help! If you love our club and have an hour or two spare, please click this link to see how you can help: Grounds appeal

200 CLUB
DRAW WINNING TICKETS - NOVEMBER 2024

1st Prize Ticket No. 32 Paul Templeman £125
2nd Prize Ticket No. 24 Ian Grant £50

And yes!
3rd Prize Ticket No. 78 Paul Templeman £25

We have decided that in future, payments will be made directly into winning members bank accounts. To facilitate this could members of the 200 Club confirm their email addresses’ to: colin.byron.uk@gmail.com

We would wish to remind all club members that joining the 200 Club is easy, only costs £5 per month and as you will see by this month’s results – profitable! Please visit: 200 Club or contact colin at: colin.byron.uk@gmail.com for more info.

MATT RATANA RUGBY FOUNDATION
The Ratana Marauders are proud to announce their next fixture will be against the MND Barbarians on the 4th May 2025 at Hartpury Uni.
More information to come.

PIZZA EXPRESS
You may have noticed that Pizza Express are sponsoring our club this year!

PizzaExpress believes that dining out should be one of life’s highlights. It’s why every PizzaExpress pizzeria is packed with pizzazz and only the freshest and perfectly sourced ingredients will do. It’s why every dish is made with care — and flair. Because at PizzaExpress, a pizza doesn’t just mean dinnertime, it means showtime.

PizzaExpress East Grinstead are pleased to offer East Grinstead Football Club our Hello Neighbour 20% discount, from Sunday to Thursday, when dining in. To claim your discount, please show the below poster in the East Grinstead branch to claim your 20% discount! (If you are viewing this via the website or Facebook rather than email, please email m.marriott@btconnect.com and I will send you the poster (and get you on our mailing list!!!)

All T&C's found here: Ts&Cs

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!!