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
As soon as we heard that Brighton 1XV had no game last Saturday, we knew it was going to be a tough afternoon on pitch 1 and so it proved. The least said about that the better and, for the first time, I was actually glad the scoreboard was broken!! On pitch 2 however, the 2XV faced a tricky looking game against Worthing 3’s. What a game unfolded for the delighted spectators! Could they upset the form books? Click here to find out: Match report

To see Ben’s pics of both matches, please click here: Match pics

Next Saturday sees the 1XV, back in Papa Johns Cup action, away at Basildon while our Vets travel to Hove.

JUNIOR RUGBY
After another week of constant rain, we knew this weekend was always going to be a test — and junior rugby didn’t disappoint. Despite the mud underfoot and the cold in the air, every section turned out in great numbers and embraced the conditions. Thankfully, the rain held off, allowing coaches to deliver some excellent training sessions, with plenty of energy, smiles and commitment on show. It was brilliant to see the players getting stuck in, supporting each other and enjoying their rugby, whatever the weather threw at them.

A special mention to the U10s, who hosted Horsham RFC, putting on a fantastic morning of rugby and representing the club superbly both on and off the pitch. The standard of sportsmanship across all age groups was excellent, with players showing great respect for teammates, opponents and referees alike.

U10
On Sunday, our U10s hosted Horsham on a very wet and muddy Pitch 3. After a quick warm up we launched in a series of 4 drills which included tackling, rucking, offloads and an introduction to the maul. As usual, our players approached the skills areas with typical grit and enthusiasm, despite the biting wind and cold, and finished the morning off with two mixed-club games before retiring to the clubhouse for a well-deserved sausage sandwich! Next week we’re with Brighton as we continue our preparation for a busy run of festivals in a few weeks time.

Finally, a huge thank you to our coaches, volunteers and parents, whose support — from setting up pitches to cheering from the sidelines — makes mornings like these possible. Please continue to help by respecting the pitches, especially in wet conditions, so we can keep them in the best possible shape for the weeks ahead.

A brilliant effort all round and another great weekend for junior rugby.

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
EG U12 Blues vs Haywards Heath
After the first match postponement due to Southern Water, a flooded pitch at Haywards Heath nearly led to another postponement. With everyone desperate for rugby Haywards Heath agreed for East Grinstead to host, subject to pitch inspections. A wet and muddy safety check successfully passed for Pitch 1 and it was ‘game on’ in typically cold and wet winter rugby conditions. Would the boys be up for it? Absolutely!

Storming out of the 1st XV changing room full of energy and passion, muddy rugby was the order of the day. Spectators cheered excitedly with injured teammates, Francis and Owen, showing their commitment and support for their friends. Haywards Heath kicked off, early turnovers for both sides and 10 minutes of testing each other out. It felt like a challenging game ahead.

After a number of phases of combative rugby and building pressure from EG, the breakthrough finally came through Lucas, continuing to show his constant prowess at the breakdown and powerful runs. Immediately from kick off a low grubber was cleanly received and a couple of good phases led to a quick score by Iestyn. EG dominance started to show through with Stan keeping a high tempo at fly half and doing everything to try get the ball quickly wide. Unfortunately, a couple of disallowed trys kept the scoreline down. In these conditions, it was a typical forwards game, or so you’d think! The backs often showing good skills getting the muddy ball through hands with Thomas always coming into the line to attack. Birthday boy Beau, always weaving to find pockets of space on the wing, secured an excellent turnover and strong running from Jonah led to another score for Lucas, so often in the right place at the right time.

Murray was next on the scoresheet after yet more powerful running from Justin and an unselfish offload. A well deserved try for Murray, always threatening on the wing who had an earlier try disallowed. The forwards continued to thrive with all hungry and competing to have the ball, playing phase after phase. The backs spread it and with Thomas tackled just short of the try line it left Luke to play his role of the quick thinking, snipping scrum half and score from close range.

Into the second half and it was momentum to EG. Two tries for Iestyn who continued to show his constant speed, evasion and threat with ball in hand. Jack was full of energy to be involved which resulted in another try and the game was by now officially over based on the league scoring rules. Over to the referee to ask if Haywards Heath wanted to continue, and they did, showing real effort and fight. Another EG forward led score with the ever combative and disruptive Harry finishing off great work by the pack and more strong running from Justin and Bobby.

With 24 muddy brown shirts on the pitch and spectators beginning to wonder who was who, it was time for another score. Jonah taking a hard inside line and powering through to finish off with a swan dive. More fight and ambition came from Haywards Heath. Tackles flying, more turnovers, the quality of rugby was excellent given such difficult conditions. Haywards Heath were desperate for a try, and they came so close but the ball was spilled over the EG line. From here came the final and perhaps most enjoyable try, end to end. A big clearance kick by Iestyn, chased hard, dominant double tackle from Jonah and Thomas, Lucas collecting the scraps and making more yards. The ball distributed quickly again through the backs to Beau desperately weaving for a try only to be held short. Quick recycling of the ball and the ever present Bobby shouting and bumping over for an excellent team try.

Many positives to take into round two along with plenty to work on for this ambitious Blues team. Next stop Pulborough. Haywards Heath awarded Player of the Match to Jonah

Result: Haywards Heath 0, EG Blues 55

East Grinstead Reds U12s Jersey Visit - 25th January 2026
This all began long before kick-off, starting the moment kit bags were packed and alarms went off. Parents converged on Gatwick from every direction, navigating check-in and security, where only a few boys were pulled aside for searches - with Kermit waiting to greet them all. Spirits stayed high in duty-free as some boys explored the shops, others grabbed sweets, and a few sensibly chose Pret before heading to the gate. Reality hit when they spotted James the coach, prompting a few relieved sighs from parents who had briefly thought they might be taking over coaching duties for the day . Once onboard, the team received a good-luck message from the head stewardess over the tannoy for all passengers to hear, setting the tone perfectly for the trip.

On arrival, it was straight to the club, into the changing room, and then out to warm up on the pitch. From kick-off, the boys showed sharp passing, confident movement, and real intent. The first half was tough - plenty of knocks and a few questionable refereeing decisions - but the boys kept their discipline. Early kicking didn’t work in their favour, so they adapted in the second half, opening the door for Hugo and Morgan to score a try each. The final minutes were intense, with Jersey proving well-drilled, but the boys fought to the end with slick passes and real determination, even if the win ultimately slipped away.

After the match, the boys tucked into hot dogs and chips in the clubhouse , proudly wearing their club ties - ketchup stains included. Olly received his club tie in a brilliant milestone moment, and Hugo was awarded Man of the Match, earning a Jersey-branded water bottle for his standout performance. The return trip was smooth, with duty-free round two bringing excitement over cheap chocolate and bargain alcohol (from the parents… obviously). As the boys waited to board, tiredness hit hard - a sure sign they’d given everything on the pitch.

Back in Blighty, families headed home ready for a new school week, carrying memories from a rugby tour that will last far longer than the journey itself.

WESTERN NIGHT
What an evening it was last Saturday at our Western Night. Thank you so much to all who came and danced their boots off!! Lets do it again soon!!

ENGLAND v AUSTRALIA TICKETS
Autumn Series 2026 – Nations Championship – England v Australia
The Club has not sold all its initial allocation of tickets for the Australia game on Sunday 8th November 2026, kickoff 2.10pm.

There is a limited number of tickets available for this game. As a one-off exception, parents of junior/intermediate players whose child has club membership registered on GMS & subscriptions are up to date can apply for a maximum of four tickets. Tickets will be sold on a first come basis.

Ticket Prices - There is a Club admin fee of £10 per adult ticket & £5 per junior ticket.

Premium £145
Cat 1 £134
Cat 2 £114
Cat 3 £95
Cat 4 £74
Junior £32

Please check that you do not have another commitment on the day of the game(s), as once the Club buys the tickets, you are financially committed to also buying the tickets. The ticket applicant must be one of those attending the game – an RFU requirement. If later, the applicant cannot attend then the tickets must be returned to the Club for resale on a best endeavours basis. The RFU also requires acceptance of Terms and Conditions & Ground Rules when tickets are purchased. This will be done on your behalf and a link to the same emailed to you with a successful notification. To apply please contact Bill Blackledge at williamjblackledge@btinternet.com with the heading England v Australia, advising name & the name of the registered junior/intermediate player, number of tickets at which preferred category, and a mobile number. Please do not advise “any category” as the Club’s allocation is based on a total number of tickets not by category. Even if you have provided contact details in the past, we request details again.

Junior tickets are available for those aged under16 on the match date for all games. Allianz Stadium has advised in the past that children aged 7 and under should not be bought seats in the Upper Tier – usually category 3 or 4 tickets, due to the height above the ground. It is preferable to advise with your application if purchasing for a child 7 & under.

Applications must be received by Friday 6th February 2026.

KIDS RUGBY CAMP
Do you always struggle to find things to entertain the kids in the February half term? If so, this is just the answer.Our amazing senior coaches, Dan and Ryland are running this rugby camp from 9am - 3pm on the 17th to the 19th February at the club. We will run two sections, ages 5 - 8 and 9 - 13 for boys and girls.

Click here for tickets and more information: Rugby camp tickets

We look forward to seeing you there!

200 CLUB
January 2026 Draw Results
Our 200 Club provides a vital part of raising funds for playing equipment for the club, with the added bonus of giving our members the chance to win cash prizes each month!

1st Prize, Ticket No. 10 - Dan Arnold - £125
2nd Prize, Ticket No. 51 - Malcolm Higgensen - £50
3rd Prize, Ticket No 16 - Ted Mariner - £25

Could all winners please send their banking details, even if previously sent to Stephanie.irwin@egrfc.com for payment directly into their bank account. Reminder that should 3 months elapse from draw date and details for payment have not been forwarded to the club, then the winning sum will revert to the club account.

For details in joining the “200 Club” contact 200 Club or email: colin.byron.uk@gmail.com

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!!