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
We were thankful that there was no upset at Crawley, as the 1XV comfortably beat our neighbours 0 - 58 last Saturday. 10 trys, including a Mark Lewis hat trick, rounded off a satisfactory afternoons work. Just one more game this year for our men, as the 1’s host Ditchling in a huge game for the club on Saturday, while our 2’s travel to Crowborough. Our Ladies’ next fixture is in the New Year.

If you are quick, there is still time to book a seat at our Christmas Jumper lunch before the Ditchling game. See the article below.

AGE GROUP RUGBY
It was a festive one for the last session of 2025! More rain meant for soggy pitches but it didn’t dampen festive spirits! All sections were at home for this one. Sadly the planned party was not able to go ahead post training but it was fun nonetheless.

On Sunday our U10s were training at HQ for our last session of 2025. After the introduction of some festive headwear, the Santas vs Reindeer competition began with a quick warm up before we got stuck into “Pass the pudding” (rugby netball), some fast-paced breakdown drills, a quick match and then the finale - “Reindeer Round-Up” (bulldog), all to the sound of Xmas classics by Shakey, East 17 and..of course…Mariah Carey. It was a lovely end to the first half of the season and we look forward to a jam-packed playing schedule in the New Year.

Two other fantastic results to bring you. Our U16’s went to Wimbledon and returned with a 5 - 14 W and our Colts had a cracking 15 - 47 win away at Hastings and Bexhill. Well done lads!

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year for part 2 of what has been a great season so far. The 1st session will be on Sunday 4th January. On behalf of the club, we would like to thank all the volunteers, parents and most importantly… the players!

Happy Christmas all and a happy new year. We hope you enjoy the break and all the festivities.

VOLUNTEERS DINNER
Our club volunteers gathered for a thank you dinner last Wednesday evening. Served by the board, all were well fed and happy. A brilliant evening that we will definitely do again.

A massive thank you again from the board to all our volunteers. We simply couldn’t do without you!!!

FELIX
Huge congratulations to Felix Champain who started at fly half for Scotland U20s last Friday. Wales proved too strong this time, but what a joy it has been to watch Felix climb the rugby ladder over the years (Even if he has swapped allegiances - Much to Dad’s delight!!!).

To read the match report, click here: Match report

HAPPY MEMORIES
Thank you so much to Roy for this wonderful picture he has sent in! Roy writes:
“The attached photo must be over 65 years old, but I found it under the title "5 Tries". The recent publicity about "Noah Caluori" scoring five tries in a match, jerked my aging memory back to my playing days, when an EGRFC player also scored 5 tries in a match. I cannot remember the opposition.

We had just recruited an ox of a centre, almost unstoppable. All his winger had to do was to catch his pass and stroll over the line. This he did five times. Regrettably again I cannot recall the name of the centre but he is positioned 4th from the right in the photo. The ancient amongst you will pick out Pom Marshall (middle front) and Jimmy Keir (2nd right at back) from the photo, as well as others, and you may also recall the player in front left who, I fondly believe, scored the tries.

I am very proud to be still associated with the club, albeit at a distance. Keep up the good work.

Best Christmas and New Year wishes
Roy Windibank”

We are proud to have you Roy. Happy Christmas to you guys too.
If, like Roy, you have any old photos, please send them in!

CHRISTMAS JUMPER LUNCH
There is still just time to snap up a place at 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. Ticket sales will close this evening (Wed 17th).

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

CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY
Our Christmas party is for the whole club and is this Saturday!! (20th December). It would be fantastic to see you there. Please click here for all the details: Christmas party

MERRY CHRISTMAS...
...And a Happy New Year to all associated with our club. We hope you have a wonderful break and we will see you in the new year!

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.