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SENIOR RUGBY
With the 2’s game again cancelled, it was left to the 1XV to show what the Five Feathers could do, as they welcomed Eastbourne 2’s to Saint Hill. A packed pre-match meal ensured the crowd was large and vocal as the boys ran out of the tunnel! Could they live up to the fans expectations? Click here for the entertaining match report from Henry: Match report

A rest week next weekend means we have no senior games, but don’t fret, a couple of big games left this year for both men’s sides and a big game against Worthing for our Ladies on the 14th.

Make sure the 20th December is in your diary, as our 1’s host Ditchling after our Christmas Jumper Lunch (See article below to book your seat). After this, we also have our club Christmas Party, so it’s going to be a big day!!

JUNIOR RUGBY
EG Minis Weekly Update – Mud, Sunshine & Smiles!
What a Sunday! After a week of solid rain, our pitches were prime squelching territory — but that didn’t stop anyone. The sun even made a brave appearance (shame it forgot to bring any warmth with it).

U9s had a brilliant morning hosting Heathfield RFC. Around 40 kids turned up, and the joint drills, teamwork and mini-matches made for a fantastic session. Huge effort from everyone, and plenty of mud earned!

On Sunday, the U10s welcomed our friends from Burgess Hill for a morning of joint training and matches.

We mixed up players from each club to form four teams and after a highly vocal game of rugby netball we moved onto our drills which focussed on ruck speed, drawing defenders and passing into space, tackling (focusing on shoulder contact and leg drive) and jackalling / clear-out decision-making. We finished the morning with 2 x 15 minute matches where all the skills developed during the morning were put to the test. As our confidence at running into contact grows, our attacking lines are becoming more direct and wild passes are being replaced by some lovely offloads. Progress really has been fantastic in this first part of the season and we’re looking forward to building on it in 2026. Next week we’re away to Uckfield.

The rest of our age groups — from the mighty U5s all the way up to U11s — were training hard and keeping the energy high.

Looking ahead, U7s are hosting Crowborough next week at HQ, U10s are off on their travels to Uckfield. And can you believe it? Only two more sessions until Christmas! Enjoy the last muddy weeks of 2025 before the mince pies take over.

See you all next Sunday — boots washed… or at least vaguely rinsed!

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
G’s U14’s 7 - Hove 29
On Sunday 23 November EG U14’s took on a strong and sizeable Hove team on a very wet and muddy pitch 2. The game started at feverish pace with Hove using their big lads to full effect. EG put up an awesome display of defensive power despite the obvious mismatch in size and even managed to dominate in the scrum, something we continued to do throughout the game. The conditions made ball control very challenging with both teams finding attacks thwarted by handling errors. Eventually Hove’s pressure and a flying winger saw the first score of the match followed by a second shortly after.

G’s kept the belief and after an impressive succession of breaks with fantastic support play, they were able to unleash Lewis Gilbert who used his own considerable power to crash over for EG’s own try. Superb defensive efforts from all players kept Hove at bay with special mentions to Rory Collins and Cam Wayt who managed to stop 2 certain tries and to Jack Flemming, Bertie Mitchell and Mason Packham who all especially made their presence felt. Only a try behind into half time EG were still very much in the game. Sadly, some injuries to key players left EG with a depleted bench and a lot still to do.

The remaining players worked tirelessly and never gave up, taking the game to their opposition with dogged determination, punching well above their size and weight. Alas, as the pressure mounted, Hove were able to find their way through to our line a few more times which tipped the scoreline. Final score was 7-29 which was, by no means, a true reflection of the game’s spirit with both EG and Hove agreeing that the game was a thrilling spectacle and one to be proud of as the season progresses.

CALLING ALL GIRLS
Ages 8 to 12 (Years 3-7)
East Grinstead RFC - in conjunction with the RFU and Red Roses - are offering a free 4 week intro to rugby, starting 10th December.

If you want more details or want to book a place for a budding Red Rose - they all start somewhere - please email: girls@egrfc.com

We look forward to welcoming you.

TOUCH RUGBY SOCIAL
The BW Tour (Twickenham West Car Park Edition)
Saturday saw the Monday night crew head out on an epic Christmas social. Inspired by the Inbetweeners. The aptly named BWT was wonderfully arranged by our social secretary Rob Vacher. The plan was to gather in Tunbridge Wells, suitably attired in full Twickenham West Car Park get up and enjoy a series of country hostelries following the 291 bus route back to EG.

Suitably dressed in old-school rugby jerseys, collars turned up (mandatory), a smattering of red trousers, tweed, flat caps, Barbour jackets, and the ubiquitous brown boots, we gathered at The Duke of York on the Pantiles for the first refreshments of the day. Rob kept us all working to the bus timetable as we headed off with our Metrovoyager 24 hour passes to our next venue, The Hare at Langton Green. James Adkin was the first casualty, discovering he had left his phone and wallet at home (that old chestnut).

At the Hare our first addition, Russ joined us before hopping on the bus to the Crown at Groombridge. Another round and some hastily consumed lunch was seen off to meet the 291 for our next venue, the Dorset Arms in Withyham. Greeted by royalty, our numbers swelled with Grant Taylor and Thad Dell joining in the fun. A rugby outing wouldn't be complete without some drinking games, which went down a storm. - A swift drive-by from Mrs Adkin enabled James to be reunited with his wallet and buy a round!

Back onto the bus as we headed into Hartfield to the Gallipot. More games and some additional Guinness sampling were enjoyed before the short hop to The Hatch at Colemans Hatch. By now, some of the games were becoming somewhat hard to understand. Exiting into the dark also made finding the bus stop a challenge but being a resourceful bunch, we made it.

Having given up any thoughts of trying to get to the top deck of the bus we headed Into Forest Row to the Swan. A new member, Jimmy Johnson, joined us for the home leg. Sadly, it was too much for Tom Brooke, who decided a tactical sleep rather than a pint of Guinness was the order of the day.

Nearly home, we lengthened our planned stay in the Swan before the last leg back to EG to finish off in The Engine Rooms.....not quite, a call for one last order at London Bar and Grill before we disappeared into the night. Some of us had to be up to coach the next morning, and that's another story.....what goes on the bus tour....stays on the bus tour!

It was a fabulous day. Our thanks to Rob for the amazing organisation and for keeping us on track. Miracles do occur, and we didn't lose anyone en route. Bravo! Till the next one!

CHRISTMAS JUMPER LUNCH
After the last two packed pre-match lunches at the club, it’s time to go bigger still for our famous Christmas Jumper Lunch. Grab the most beautiful Christmas Jumper you can find and book your seat for the 20th December. We will enjoy a sumptious festive feast before enjoying the 1XV taking on Ditchling.

To grab your ticket to this unmissable event, click here: Christmas lunch tickets

VOLUNTEER’S 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 and there is still time to grab your place!

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: Thank you dinner

We look forward to seeing and serving you!

East Grinstead RFC Board

SAD NEWS
We are so sad to announce the passing of club legend Tim Chapman.
The funeral is taking place on the 17th December at The Sussex and Surrey Crematorium at 1.30pm. The wake will be held at the club afterwards.

I believe Tim will be buried in his club colours, so we would love to see as many Blazers at the ceremony as possible.

Please send us any pictures and anecdotes that you have about Tim so we can include them in next weeks issue: m.marriott@btconnect.com

SOCIAL DATES
14th December - Childrens Christmas Party
This will be a wonderful time after training, from 11.30am - 2pm. Rumours of presents for all, games and dancing, are circulating!!!

If you feel you could help Julie with the smooth running of this event on the day, please contact her at: julie.mason@egrfc.com

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