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SENIOR RUGBY
With Old Haileyburians pulling out of Saturday’s fixture we have been given the win and a place in the third round of the Papa Johns Cup. This meant we had a quiet weekend at the club.

Apart from our Vets, who are heading to Burgess Hill, this weekend is also a rest week as England take on Australia, but November is shaping up to be a massive month for our senior teams. As well as the men’s fixtures, our Women host Crowborough on the 16th and Uckfield on the 23rd.

AGE GROUP RUGBY
Sunday was a busy day for the junior section. Starting in the morning, we were treated to some autumn sun, and despite the schools' half term, we had a full house of U6s, 7s, 8s, and 9s.

The main event happened in the afternoon for the U10s and 11s with the visit of some supercoaching in the way of a visit from a number of players fresh from a handsome 52 point win over Newcastle the day before, from none other than mighty Harlequins RFC.

This was always going to be a treat for the players and the coaches, and it lived up to the hype and anticipation.

For the junior groups on P1, the 10s and 11s rotated around four drills. Flying wing and Olympian, Grace Crompton, coached footwork and high ball skills. Hooker Jack Musk showed the players how rucking should really be done. Lewis Gjaltema showed why New Zealand has long led the world in rugby skills with a masterclass in passing skills, and the speedy Cameron Anderson honed tackling skills.

The players were all super attentive and showing they do have listening skills! Each of them concentrated and took on board the high levels of experience from the pros to get the most of the session. You could clearly see the improvements from every one of them as they got some one-to-one coaching with some of the best players in the country.

It was great for the coaches as well, who were able to grab some valuable time to ask about coaching techniques, which the pros were happy to do. I can only imagine the gap in getting to the top of the game and the step back to junior grassroots, but nothing was too much.

Both sections finished with a big game with EG coaches doing the refereeing duty whilst the Quins players took a management role of each of the four teams.

We finished with some team photos, and then the players took time to sign shirts and balls and anything else the kids wanted. The pros were wonderfully patient and took time to have selfies and chat with the players.

It truly was a wonderful afternoon. The players getting to meet some superstars of the game and learning new skills. It was no different for the coaches. The Quins players and Coaching Grid staff were an absolute delight. I can say with confidence that it will live long in the memories for all involved.

It was lovely to hear so many compliments about our club from the pros too. You are more than welcome to visit us anytime!

A huge EGRFC junior section thanks (in no particular order) to Cameron Anderson, Grace Crompton, Jack Musk and Lewis Gjaltema. Congratulations too to Cadan Murley on his call-up to play for England! Guys....you were all amazing. We would definitely love to do this again! I'm sure we all agree that giving up their Sundays to take time to come and coach a bunch of kids is rugby personified. - We look forward to our exciting trip to The Stoop next month. - Go well for the season! #COYQ!

As always, our thanks to all at the club for making this possible, the staff, the volunteers, but a very special shout out goes to Mark Staples (U10 coach and Safeguarding supremo) who put a huge amount of his personal time to make this possible. (I'm sure gee'd on by his Quins superfan son Josh!) - Thank you all.

BOBBY
Bobby Gray, who plays for our U12's, was lucky enough to win an opportunity to be a mascot at Harlequins last weekend for the game against Newcastle Red Bulls.

He run out with Cadan Murley. Well done Bobby - What an awesome experience!!

AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS
With England facing Southern Hemisphere opposition over the next 4 weekends, optimism is high and selection hard to call, with Steve B spoiled for choice due to the awesome strength in depth of the England playing squad.

Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina follow, but this Saturday, Australia are the challengers. Kick off is at 3.15, but Ryland and the team will be ready for you from 2pm, boasting an array of food and drink. Get yourself to the Club and get stuck in!!

SUNSHINE 7’s MATCH DAY LUNCH
Saturday 8th November is going to be an amazing day at the club. Our Sunshine 7’s presentation lunch is always well attended and this year will be no different. We will be inviting all the charities that we support and many other dignitaries to the day.

All this and our 1XV will be hosting Lewes which will be a cracker. As an even bigger bonus to make the day even better, England will be taking on Fiji at 5.40. What a day!! To book your seat, click here: 7's Lunch

SOCIAL DATES
31st October - Children's Halloween Party, 2.30 - 4.30pm
To book your ticket, click here: Childrens Halloween

1st November - Halloween fancy dress "Dead celebrities" & Disco 7pm onwards
To book your ticket, click here: Halloween Party

7th November - Curry & Quiz Night - 7pm
To book your ticket, click here: Quiz night

20th December - Christmas Jumper Matchday Lunch (1XV face Ditchling after)

20th December - Adults Christmas Party featuring live music by Deadwoodz

14th December - Childrens Christmas Party

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!!