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SENIOR RUGBY
With our senior men having a rest weekend, it was left to our Ladies to bring the entertainment to Saint Hill as they welcomed neighbours Crawley. What a game unfolded in the mud. How did they get on? Click here to find out: Match report

Next weekend, it’s the turn of the ladies to take a well earned rest while our 1XV travel to Lewes and our 2’s host Hove 2’s.

AGE GROUP RUGBY
With the Six Nations now underway, there’s plenty of rugby inspiration around for our young players — dreaming of big tackles, brilliant tries and heroic last-minute wins… unless of course you happen to be Welsh, Scottish or Irish, in which case Sunday may have involved a little more tactical reflection and emotional recovery. It usually marks the arrival of some of the coaching team feeling slightly delicate!

After what feels like weeks of non-stop rain, Sunday decided to give us a small mercy and stayed dry… although judging by the state of the pitches, the rain clearly hadn’t got the memo. Underfoot conditions ranged from “a bit squidgy” to “are we sure this isn’t a paddling pool?” — but that didn’t stop the fun.

All sections were out in force, braving the soggy ground with smiles, energy and the kind of enthusiasm only junior rugby players can muster. Despite the slippery conditions, there was some great handling on show, plenty of laughter, and an impressive amount of mud collected in places mud really shouldn’t reach.

The U10s swapped home comforts for an away trip to Uckfield, where they took on the challenge with their usual spirit.

U11
We were back to work preparing for a busy run of fixtures coming up over the next few weeks. It’s a tricky balancing act at the moment — trying to fit in plenty of drills and skills work whilst also making sure the players don’t get too wet and cold standing around. Training finished with a match, and it was great to see so much of the drill work being put into practice. The effort, teamwork and determination were excellent, and the whole squad performed really well.

The midweek training sessions are clearly paying off too, with restarts improving noticeably — no small achievement when the ball had all the grip of a freshly unwrapped bar of soap!

U10
On Sunday, the U10s escaped the mud again and headed over to Uckfield’s all weather pitch for some joint training.

Inspired by England’s win in the Six Nations, our players once again showed their determination to keep getting better and better as they took part in drills to improve their support running and speed at the breakdown. As usual, we finished with mixed-team games where they put their skills to the test. Gradually our attacking lines are becoming more direct and support play is improving week on week.

This Friday some of our players will be in the Guard of Honour at The Stoop for Quins v Saints and then joining some of the same Prem players from Quins at Sunday’s Masterclasses at the Club, so lots to look forward to!

As ever, the kids loved every minute, parents cheered from the sidelines in various waterproofs, and coaches somehow managed to stay upbeat while scraping mud off cones and balls. Roll on next Sunday… and good luck to the parents facing another week of washing that may never quite return to its original colour!

Other results of note include our U14’s who hosted a strong Jersey at Saint Hill. The Channel Islanders came out on top in a high quality encounter, the scoreboard showing 5 - 19 at the final whistle. Our U16’s were also at home as they welcomed Twickenham in the cup. A fantastic performance saw the five feathers triumph 53 - 0. Well done lads!!!

PRE-MATCH LUNCH - INDIAN SPECIAL
Come and join us on the 28th of Feb as we have a massive pre-match bonanza as we tuck into some amazing curry and other eastern delights before the 1XV tackle Pulborough in a massive, top of the table clash.

More details to follow, but get in there early and book your ticket by clicking here: Indian special

6 NATIONS AT THE CLUB
A fantastic start to the tournament continues on Saturday as England travel to Murryfield knowing there is nothing the Scots would like more than to ambush the boys in white! Kick off is at 4.40pm, so come and enjoy the hospitality of the Steve Cairns Clubhouse.

REDACTION
It has been brought to our attention that Rugby Round Up on the 28th January, mentioned Southern Water in an Intermediate Match Report in error. We appologise to any affected by this.

AGM
Get Friday 17th July in your diary.
We will meet at 7pm to vote in our officials and celebrate another season at our fantastic club.

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!!