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SENIOR RUGBY
Last Saturday, a group of the toughest, fastest, best looking and skillful veterans travelled to Worthing RFC to take on Seaford Vets in the Sussex Shield Cup Final! The warm up was a thing of beauty as all the G’s players slotted seamlessly back into old routines and complex patterns of play that left the large crowd speechless and rather overwhelmed by the shear beauty of what they were witnessing. Astonishingly, everyone got through this with no pulled hamstrings, seized backs or wobbly knees.

I think the ref realised early that the huge and gnarly Seaford team were no match for this well oiled G’s machine he saw take to the pitch, so understandably wanted to give the team in red a fighting chance by making sure we never had 15 on the pitch. Despite this, the Five Feathers were in full plump display as G’s showed the watching 1XV players what real rugger is about and had them wishing they too had been born two decades earlier.

Taking the honerable decision to allow a couple (5 I think?) of rather dull, forward dominated, trys from Seaford, the 13 G’s players left on the pitch held their heads high, knowing that rugby was the winner!! Massive thanks to, all players from East Grinstead and Seaford, our amazing spectating support and Worthing for hosting a fantastic afternoon.

DotD went to Stan, whose early broken nose meant I had to play much more of the game than I had anticipated (Hope it is okay mate?).

MotM goes to James Adkin, who not only played a blinder, but has done a brilliant job in managing this Vets side for the last couple of seasons. He will be hugely missed as he steps down from the role, but I am hopeful we will see him in blue again next season! Thank you so much mate!

This Saturday sees our 2’s traveling to Shoreham, while there is a massive game for our 1XV as they host, table topping Pulborough. Only a big win will keep us in the title winning conversation. Kick off is at 2, so make sure you are pitchside ready to make some noise.

If you fancy an amazing Khan’s Balti lunch before the match, there is still just time to book your seat! See the article below.

JUNIOR RUGBY
Another week, another relentless spell of rain. The pitches are starting to look like they’ve been through a full winter campaign already and we’re only just getting warmed up. Credit to the grounds team — they’re battling heroically — and to the junior sections who once again refused to let a bit (or a lot) of water stop play.

Despite conditions that can only be described as “agricultural”, most sections rolled out to train, slipping, sliding and somehow still producing some excellent rugby.

The weekend actually kicked off under the Friday night lights, as the U11s made the trip down to Brighton for an evening festival. There’s always something special about rugby under the lights — slightly quicker, slightly louder, and definitely slightly colder.

The boys started brilliantly, playing some really positive rugby and moving the ball well, narrowly losing a tight opener to Brighton in a competitive contest. Confidence was high, communication was good, and things were very much heading in the right direction.

Then, much like England the following day, momentum shifted — and not in our favour. An uncharacteristic display saw us go in reverse gear against a strong Uckfield side, who capitalised well and handed us a heavy defeat. It was one of those matches where things just didn’t click, and the harder we tried, the trickier it became.

Cue some stern (but fair) words from Coach Dan Lethbridge.

Whatever was said clearly did the trick. The response was immediate and impressive. The team regrouped, tightened things up and rediscovered the attacking intent from the first game. Two excellent wins followed to round off the evening, with strong running, better defensive organisation and plenty of teamwork on display.

Most importantly, the boys left in far better spirits than they briefly feared midway through the evening — a great lesson in resilience, response and backing yourselves after a wobble.

Sunday brought yet more rain, and while coaches have done their best in recent weeks to keep the older groups dry and off the floor, the forecast shows no sign of a break. In the interest of development (and accepting the inevitable), it was time to get down and dirty. Contact skills can’t be allowed to wane just because the pitches resemble wetlands, so tackles were made, rucks were formed and kits took another hammering. Meanwhile, our younger non-contact sections simply carried on as usual — just with significantly more mud involved.

Another soggy chapter written. Character building continues. And across East Grinstead, washing machines are once again bracing themselves for duty — rumours of industrial action are growing, with several reportedly requesting a mid-season break.

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
U14 GIRLS
East Sussex BaaBaas 29 - EG/Crowborough 25

On a horribly wet and windy morning, our U14 girls met up with Crowborough in Lewes to take on East Sussex BaaBaas. The opposition kicked-off and, after some strong play from both sides, during which both teams got to ‘grip’ with the conditions, it was the BaaBaas who opened their account under the posts before scoring twice more. With the relentless wind and driving rain in their faces, our girls persevered and were finally rewarded for their efforts with a try, shortly before half time, taking the score to 19-5.

As conditions eased slightly, our girls returned to the pitch with a renewed confidence that was clear for all to see. They immediately started to put the BaaBaas under increased pressure and saw the benefits by forcing errors in their play and consistently regaining/taking possession. It didn’t take long for our girls to reap the rewards of these efforts and we scored shortly afterwards.

There was then a period when the BaaBaas tried to reassert themselves on the game, during which they scored a further two times taking the score to 29-10. At this point, our girls clearly decided ‘enough was enough’ and took control of the game, scoring two tries in quick succession with Beth and Melodie linking together well on the wing and keeping the scoreboard moving. One further try went over and the EG/Crowborough girls clearly started to sense that they had the measure of the BaaBaas and a win could possibly be on the cards.

With minutes left to go, the support from the EG/Crowborough parents was clearly audible as our girls pushed, yet again, towards the BaaBaas try line, looking for the score that would give them the win in the dying moments of the game. A whistle blown on another pitch briefly caused confusion, with stopping temporarily and the referee confirming that we could play on. The BaaBaas had, however, taken this opportunity to reset their defence and were able to deny us that final score and the win.

An EPIC - albeit wet and cold - game that went to the wire and was thoroughly enjoyed by players, coaches and parents alike with all the girls leaving with huge smiles. Most importantly though, with their phenomenal comeback in the second half, the girls proved to themselves that they can do this. Well done to all our girls for a brilliant, gritty, team performance and for continuing to improve with every game - we are so proud of you all.

Special mentions to Molly Skinner, who thoroughly enjoyed playing in her first game for East Grinstead, and to our try scorers Beth Mitchell x3, Maisie Reed (who also took the BaaBaas Players’ player award today) and Melodie Fanner.

GIRLS RUGBY
Come and give rugby a go. Form new friendships, build confidence and have fun. Wednesday’s 6.30 - 8pm & Sundays 9.15 - 10.30am.

Since returning after the Christmas break, we have had a new player join the Girls section nearly every week. Girls are welcome in all age groups and all abilities throughout the club from Reception upwards.

Mixed rugby U5-U11 (reception to Year 6)
Girls only U12-U16 (Year 6 to Year 11)

For more information contact girls@egrfc.com
Rugby could be the game your daughter has been looking for. We look forward to seeing you

PRE-MATCH LUNCH - INDIAN SPECIAL
Fancy a Tikka Masala, Chicken Dopiaza or Vegetable Bhuna before the match on Saturday? Click here for all info and menu choices: Curry info

TATE WILLIAMS
It wasn’t long ago we watched Tate running with the G’s all conquering U15 and U16 squads. Even getting him in a senior top on a couple of occasions before Quins snapped him up. His rise continued as he came off the bench for England U20 against Ireland. Well done Tate - We hope you will be wearing the rose many more times!

FREE VENUE HIRE
We are offering free venue hire at EGRFC on Friday nights until 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!!