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
An away trip to Lewes greeted our 1XV as they rose on Saturday morning, knowing a bonus point win was important to keep the pressure on Pulborough who they host in a couple of weeks time. Could they do it? Click here to find out: Match report

Meanwhile our 2’s had the daunting task of hosting a full strength Hove side. How did they fare? Read about it here: Match report

Next week is a rest for our senior teams, but our ‘very senior’ Vets will be traveling to Worthing to play Seaford in the Sussex Shield cup final. Kick off is at 12.30 for anyone wanting to support our aging warriors as they attempt to lift the clubs first silverware of the season.

AGE GROUP RUGBY
It’s not every week East Grinstead Juniors can claim to have shared the spotlight with the professionals — but this was very much a star-studded few days for the club. A number of our juniors were at The Stoop on Friday night for Harlequins v Northampton Saints, proudly stepping up as flag bearers and waving the teams onto the pitch — live on television no less. Safe to say there were a few very excited households (and several rewinds of the coverage to “just check we’re still in shot”). A brilliant experience and something the boys will remember for a long time.

If Friday night was bright lights and big-stage rugby, Sunday was… character building. Another relentless week of rain saw temperatures drop sharply, and the heavens opened on Sunday morning and simply didn’t stop. It was properly cold. The kind of cold that makes you question your life choices while tying boot laces.

Huge credit to the U6s, U8s and U9s who braved the elements for normal Sunday training — with the U8s and U9s battling away on Pitch 4, which by mid-morning had all the consistency of chocolate mousse. It was muddy, wet and unforgiving underfoot, but the kids were outstanding. Energy levels remained high, smiles somehow stayed on faces, and there was some brilliant rugby on show despite the conditions.

U7
The U7s were away to local rivals Horsham, taking the show on the road and representing the club brilliantly. Play rugby,” they said. “It will be fun,” they said…

This weekend that statement was well and truly put to the test. They say there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. However, I can’t imagine what clothing would have been suitable to stem the onslaught of bitter wind and rain we faced. In a fitting tribute to the Winter Olympics, we played in conditions more akin to Switzerland than Sussex. Despite this, 17 brave U7s travelled to our lovely hosts at Horsham RFC. We began with some fun drills and passing games, followed by three sets of competitive matches. Even in such wet and windy conditions, some of the rugby on display was fantastic.

Coach Tom O’Toole added, “For avid readers of the U7 reports, you’ll know I’ve commented on how much our game knowledge has improved and the clearest evidence of that is how little we now have to shout instructions from the sidelines! A quick word for our hosts, who were a welcoming and fun bunch. We look forward to welcoming them to EGRFC soon. I’m incredibly proud of the EG U7s this week. After a well-earned rest during half term, we’ll be full of energy for our next fixture at Lewes RFC on 22nd February.” Until then…

U10 & U11
Having watched the big stage on Friday night, the U10s and U11s were then treated to something very special on Sunday — a training masterclass delivered by Harlequins players. Jaime Benson (sporting some nasty bruises from his efforts on Friday night) led the kicking drills, Lauren Torley put the players through their paces with evasion and passing skills, Simon Kerrod took charge of rucking technique, while Oscar Beard (nursing an injury and impressively coaching one-armed!) worked alongside Conor Slevin on passing and alignment. They were also joined by Max Green and Grace Crompton, making it a real festival of elite rugby experience.

With the pitches resembling a bog and the rain refusing to ease, the sessions were cleverly adapted to keep players off the ground as much as possible. Even the pros admitted their hands were feeling the cold with EG coaches lending gloves to Lauren followed by hand warmers — which tells you everything about the conditions. Despite that, the quality of coaching and engagement was first class.

Afterwards, there was a welcome chance to warm up in the clubhouse, dry out slightly, and spend some time chatting with the players before they headed back out for an afternoon session with the intermediates. The juniors had the opportunity to ask questions, grab photos and collect a few prized autographs.

Thank you to the East Grinstead staff who made sure our visitors were looked after, providing some dry EG stash along with hot food and drinks — very well deserved after standing out in that weather. The Harlequins players were absolutely fantastic: patient, generous with their time, and genuinely enthusiastic about helping the kids improve. It was an absolute pleasure to host them and a brilliant experience for everyone involved.

Most sensible parents sensibly took shelter near (or fully inside) the clubhouse where possible, emerging only when absolutely necessary. However, sheltering from the rain does not protect you from what comes next — another Sunday evening of mud removal. Kits this week have absorbed what feels like half of West Sussex, and washing machines across the town will once again be working overtime. Personally, I needed to deploy the power hose before anything even gets near ours. Character building for the kids (and the Pros). Laundry testing for the parents. Same again next Sunday!

Once again, on behalf of everyone that got to participate, our thanks to Mark Staples for organizing the day. A brilliant day well done Mark (and no doubt Demelza!)

PRE-MATCH LUNCH - INDIAN SPECIAL
Tickets are selling fast, so 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 at: Lunch tickets

6 NATIONS AT THE CLUB
It was a tough watch for England fans (And Ryland), on Saturday. A brave team selection gives the men in white a chance to bounce back against Ireland. Kick off is at 2.10, so make your way to the Steve Cairns Clubhouse and settle in for a cracker. Lets hope Ryland comes up with another great cheap drinks idea!!

FREE VENUE HIRE
We are offering free venue hire at EGRFC on Friday nights between 20th Feb - 31st July. We have two fantastic bars, both available. Please email us at Julie@egrfc.com for all the details.

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!!