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SENIOR RUGBY
After the disappointment of both the 2’s, and the Women’s, games being cancelled late in the week, it was left to the 1XV to fly the flag as they travelled south to take on second place Pulborough. Selection had again been far from straight forward as we battle with injury and illness, but a young squad arrived full of confidence. The weather was really challenging and so was the opposition - every point was going to be vital. Aaron burrowed over for a 5 pointer and as the half wore on G’s took more and more control until, just before the half time whistle, a dropped ball, a hopeful hack through and much back peddling saw the Black & Whites force a score against the run of play.

When our hosts scored again at the beginning of the second half to leave the scoreboard showing 12 - 5, G’s knew they were in a real scrap. Opportunities came and went, alongside some heroic defence, but we just couldn’t break the Pulborough wall and that was how the game ended - The losing bonus point just enough to keep us top of the table!

To see Ben’s pics of the game, click here: Match pics

To be able to play more young 1XV debut players in such a big game will only help us later in the season and I know the boys are raring to get back on the pitch on Saturday. Our 1’s will be welcoming Eastbourne 2’s for a 2pm KO, while our 2XV travel to face a tricky game against Hellingly. There are still seats available for our pre-match meal - see the article below to book your place.

JUNIOR RUGBY
We were looking forward to this Sunday, where we had arranged an inter-club fixture for all sections (including the U5 and 6s) to face our local rivals, Crawley. With the U5 to U9s hosting and our U10s and 11s taking on an away fixture.

After a mixed start to the week, the weather turned against us. By Sunday morning, HQ was mainly underwater, and down the road at Crawley, they were fairing no better. Crawley were unable to host and much of Saint Hill was out of action which meant a rest week for the U9s, 10s, and 11s and probably a very welcome lie in for some of our parents!

The U5/6s swapped back to the astro so enjoyed there joint training whilst the hardy U7s and 8s tried out our new campsite pitch (Pitch 4).

U7
After wading, in some places canoeing through the waterlogged pitches and with the clubhouse fading in the misty Sunday morning distance - we emerged on our new pitch, inspirationally named, ‘pitch 4’.

Recently rolled and cut, we have found a gem of a playing surface and the rugby on display matched this. Fielding 4 teams, our highest to date, our u7s showed once again their rugby brilliance. Albie E, Albie W, Austin, Finley, Grayson, Harry, Henry, Ivy, Jacob, Luka, Ollie, Roman, Sam, Thea, Will and Zach were fantastic - we built on our strong display at Edenbridge, with the coaches needing to “coach” aka shout less, and enjoy watching the team attack and defend in unison. A great morning with one final fixture in 2025, we have lots to be excited about in 2026.

Huge credit to both sets of children and parents - this week it would have been easy to cancel, avoid the rain and stay warm. But that’s the beauty of rugby, it brings out a resilience, camaraderie and “why not” attitude…something we should all be proud of.

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
Our U15 G’s took on Uckfield last Sunday (16th) looking to secure their first win of the season after narrowly missing out against Crowborough. Just 3 minutes after kick off, after a lovely backs move, Grinstead went over for their first try of the day. Shortly after, wanting to make a statement, a cross field kick led to G’s 2nd try.

With G’s wanting to start playing their shapes, they slowed the game down and started really pilling the pressure on the Uckfield backline, subsequently leading to a tap and go try from the forwards. Uckfield were determined to give Grinstead a challenge and a lovely pick and go and a half pitch run led to Uckfield’s first try of the game.

With the second half underway, Grinstead were more determined than ever to get points on the board. With pressure from our forwards beating the gain line with every carry, to our backs kicking and running every ball into space, eventually we found the gaps scoring several lovely team trys.

The game ended 49-10 to East Grinstead with scores coming from; Hamish Land x3, Charlie Tait, Eddie Rew, Tommy Webster, Ethan de Boer, Archie Seal and Lewis Edwards.

On Sunday 23rd November, EG Under 12 Blue's made a rare trip outside of the Sussex circuit, to one of the oldest and most famous clubs in the country, London Welsh RFC. This was a special day for Coach Gareth and his family in particular, as London Welsh was his first Rugby 'home' and where he, as well as his Dad and Uncle before him, had all played for many years.

The challenge on the pitch for the boys - playing 3 very well drilled teams from the London circuit and looking to come home with at least a couple of wins. So, up first, the home team of London Welsh, on the first team pitch right in front of the main stand.

It was a fast paced game throughout, with EG dominating territory and possession for the majority of the game, stringing together multiple phases of attack and spreading play across the pitch. London Welsh proved to be a very well drilled and disciplined outfit though, and used limited possession effectively to run in 2 early tries from solo line breaks. EG fought back well and got 1 try back though an excellent backs move straight from a scrum on half way. Game on and EG right back in it. Late into the game now and despite continued efforts in the EG attack, London Welsh ran in one further try and the match finished 3 tries to 1 to the home side.

Onto match 2 versus Old Cranleighans RFC, a big club with a total squad of over 60 in the Under 12's alone. A far scrappier game on a muddy pitch, required a much higher work rate and disciplined breakdown work. Following the first match, EG really worked on their defensive efforts which was evident throughout the match with some excellent tackling and higher defensive line, leaving very little space for OC's to attack.
With EG 3 tries to nil ahead with only seconds to go on the clock (or 1 minute over depending on which stopwatch you looked at!), OC's pulled one well earned try back, to finish the match with an EG victory, 3 tries to 1 and an elated East Grinstead team inspired and ready for more.

Onto match 3 and the last of the day, with EG desperate to finish the morning with credit in the bank. Further work on mindset and defensive efforts during the break, EG went into the game facing a tough and physically strong Kensington side. A great start to the match, with EG running in a try early on, from a free pass deep in the oppositions half and Justin powering over to open the scoring.

Kensington fought back strongly, with a multiple phase attacking effort eventually resulting in the equaliser and soon after, one of several powerful players breaking through for a second, leaving EG 2 tries to 1 down with only 5 minutes left to play. EG kept up the attacking pressure and stepped up their defence and bravery to match Kensington physically at the breakdown. With only minutes to go, some neat attacking play through multiple phases and great pod work in the forwards, lead by Owen, created gaps in the Kensington defence and Iestyn weaved his way through from outside centre to find the equalising try.

Then, in the dying moments of the game, some fantastic team work and disciplined, structured play, brought EG's back into Kensingtons 22 and close to the try line with another strong line break from Jonah. Quick ball out from Luke at scrum half, through Stan at 10 and out to Iestyn at centre, drawing in the defence leaving space for Murray to run in the winning try on the wing! EG take it 3 tries to 2.

It was a fantastic finish to an all round great day of rugby for EG under 12 Blue's and 3 very proud Coaches - Gareth back at his home club, along with Pete and Tom. The message at the end of the day - the team really grew in effort and heart. After a few defensive frailties and a lack of physicality in the first game, the boys owned their performance and made the improvements they needed, to finish the day with 2 excellent wins.

Very well played boys and thank you to Gareth Arthur for arranging the experience at this great old club.

Mud, Muscle, and Magnificent Reds: U12s Triumph Over Crowborough!
The U12 Red team were at home this week, hosting Crowborough for a friendly fixture. Despite playing under a fortunate spell of blue skies, the challenge was Pitch 3, which could generously be described as "boggy". The team responded superbly to the challenging conditions, securing a confidence-boosting win. The final score settled around 8 tries to 3.

The victory was built on commitment and excellent work across the field. Leo and Josh making some well-executed runs, with Leo successfully converting his efforts into a try. Morgan showed great power and determination, successfully barging through the defence multiple times to score. Bobby running well off the back of the new tactical maul also got on the scoresheet. Beau had an excellent, all-around game at 10, demonstrating skill in both defence and attack, and scoring two tries.

This was a great game for the Reds, and the team's commitment and positive approach were clear throughout. The coaches are all incredibly proud of the whole squad. The opposition selected Sam as the East Grinstead Player of the Match, a fantastic achievement for his tireless efforts. Well done all!

Colts
After a chastening loss away to Crowborough last week, and plenty of banter on social media, Gs Colts returned to league action against Eastbourne. The team saw a return to action of many of our strongest players and looked to get our season back on track.

What a difference a week can make in rugby, with Gs clearly fired up from the off, making some big hits in defence and really pressuring Eastbourne into making mistakes. An early penalty, a solid kick to the corner and a great lineout rolling maul led to Captain Tom M crashing over to score the opener. No doubt like all good front rowers by the time training comes round he'll be telling everyone he ran it in from the 10m line.....

The rest of the half was all Gs, with the backs doing the flashy stuff after the pack had grafted away to win the ball. The Eastbourne game plan seemed to involve kicking possession away, not the greatest of ideas when the opposition have Ben M at full back who simply ran it straight back at full tilt almost daring them to tackle him. Which they tried. And failed. Twice! A two try first half haul was enough, coupled with playing for the 1st XV the day before meant he needed a lie down and a rest for the 2nd half.....

Not to be outdone, our giant wing Harvey joined Ben on the scoresheet. Built more like a 2nd row than a back, but with unbelievable pace, Harvey got the ball in space on the wing, scorched past a couple of attempted tacklers and scored a fine solo try. With Conor S slotting 3 from 4 conversions, G's were sitting pretty, with Eastbourne only on the board thanks to some slack passing and an intercept try, the score at half time with Gs leading 26-5.

The 2nd half was a tighter affair. With plenty of players, Gs rotated the squad to give everyone game time, but kept pressing. The pack especially worked their socks off, with the front row securing scrum ball, the 2nd row hitting it up in attack and the back row smashing everything in sight, with both flankers giving away a couple of penalties for late tackles and a yellow card to boot.

The final Gs try was a well worked backs move, with Jack B taking a short ball at pace from Louis in the centre, crashing through lackluster Eastbourne defence to score under the posts.

With a last ditch try for Eastbourne, the final score was a convincing 33-12 win for G's.

The boys played with passion, determination and it was good to see a bit of spice to the game. The lessons from the previous week had been learned and the lads turned up ready to show the rest of the league what they're all about. Next up, Jersey in a couple of weeks time.

MATCHDAY LUNCH
There is still time to grab a seat for Saturday’s per-match meal, but hurry, as the deadline is Wednesday night. Come and join us for food before our 1XV take on Eastbourne 2’s. For all the info and to book your place, click here: Lunch tickets

VOLUNTEERS' THANK YOU DINNER
The Board would like to thank all our club’s volunteers for all your hard work so far this season, by inviting you and a plus 1, to dinner on Wednesday 10th December at 7pm.

This is for anyone who is a regular volunteer at the club, so if that is you, please fill out this form to confirm your attendance and any dietary requirements you may have: Dinner RSVP

We look forward to seeing and serving you!

East Grinstead RFC Board

SOCIAL DATES
20th December - Christmas Jumper Match day Lunch (1XV face Ditchling after)
Click here for your tickets: Christmas lunch

20th December - Adults Christmas Party featuring live music by Deadwoodz
Click here for your tickets: Christmas party

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!!