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.

SPONSORSHIP HELP NEEDED
We have started looking forward to next season where our 2XV and Women & Girls playing tops are up for renewal. We also have some fantastic new sponsorship opportunities coming up. We really need someone to help us to collate and organise this vitally important part of our club. If you can help, please contact us at: operations@egrfc.com

We are also obviously looking for local companies who may want to partner with us in these new opportunities. If you would like to see your logo displayed at the club and would like to hear about the many fantastic benefits our club sponsors enjoy, please email: operations@egrfc.com

SENIOR RUGBY
What a game we saw at Saint Hill on Saturday as the top two clashed on pitch 1. Who would come out on top, G’s or Pulborough? Click here to find out: Match report

Thanks to Ben for all these fantastic pics of the game: Match pics

The 2XV had their own battle in Shoreham in another nail biter which went down to the final play of the match. Who took the victory? Click here to read about it: Match report

Next weekend all three senior teams are in action. Our 1XV travel to Eastbourne and the 2’s host Hellingly on Saturday, both eager to continue their momentum. On Sunday, our Women visit neighbours Uckfield in what will be a belter.

See you all on a touchline soon!

JUNIOR RUGBY
1st March. The official start of spring (apparently). A couple of teasingly sunny days during the week gave us hope that we’d turned a corner… that maybe the worst was behind us. Sadly, Sunday morning had other ideas. The rain and cold came back with a vengeance, and it very much felt like the same old story. At this point you do start to wonder whether the man upstairs simply doesn’t want us to play rugby. The conditions were, in a word, awful. Wet, cold, blustery — the sort of morning that makes you double check the fixture list and question your enthusiasm. But as ever, junior rugby rolled on.

The U7s hosted Crowborough at home for a friendly, providing some welcome competitive action despite the weather doing its very best to disrupt proceedings. The U5/6s, U8s and U9s were also at home training — and it’s fair to say Pitch 4 is developing a strong personality of its own at this stage.

The U10s took the show on the road with an away trip to Hove, while the U11s travelled to Pulborough, both sides braving the elements and representing the club superbly.

U7s
This weekend the U7s hosted our good friends from Crowborough. Our last set of matches against them were in the wet, wind and rain in December, and given that was so much fun, we luckily got the exact same conditions this weekend. How fortunate we are!

While the balmy mid-week conditions didn’t grace us this Sunday, this did not deter over 30 U7s from enjoying a fantastic morning of Rugby. After a brief warm-up, we worked on our passing and handling skills - something we have focussed on throughout the year. We then enjoyed 4 sets of inter-club matches, despite the conditions, the rugby on show was exceptional, support play, running lines, jinking, scoring tries…we had it all. We have also welcomed some new joiners in recent weeks and was brilliant to see them enjoy their first experience of competitive matches.

The calendar is now well and truly stacked, 4 festivals in the diary and another set of matches vs Edenbridge in the next couple of months. We can’t wait…

U9s
A special mention to the U9s — the brave souls who made it out onto the pitch in what can only be described as character-testing conditions. It wasn’t just raining. It wasn’t just muddy. It was properly cold too! The sort of cold that creeps into fingers and makes catching a rugby ball feel like handling an ice cube. Despite that, the boys and girls were outstanding. Energy levels stayed high, effort never dipped and there was some excellent skill work on display considering the circumstances. Coaches kept things moving to avoid anyone standing still for too long, but eventually common sense prevailed and the session was closed slightly early to give everyone a bit of respite (and to allow feeling to return to hands and toes).

It’s easy to play rugby when the sun is shining. It’s much harder — and far more impressive — when you’re squelching through mud in sideways rain. The U9s can be very proud of themselves this week.

U10s
On Sunday, the mighty U10s travelled to Hove for a festival in muddy conditions that made Pitch 3 look lush and green by comparison! It was wet, windy and cold at the start of the day and after losing 6 players over the preceding few days, our three teams were down to minimum numbers. The conditions might have put off a few other U10 sides, but playing all through the winter has held us in good stead, and nothing seems to faze this squad. The pitches were mush within seconds, the balls were basically large melted Easter eggs and the kids were covered from head to toe to the extent it was difficult to tell some of them apart.

Despite it all, they all got stuck in at the breakdown, put some impressive shots in that stopped a fair few opposition players in their tracks and put on a display of attacking rugby that really was a joy to behold. Next week we’re at Brighton for joint training and matches, where we’ll be hoping to see some grass!

U11s
East Grinstead U11s travelled to Pulborough on Sunday with two strong teams—and while the weather delivered its worst, the boys delivered their best. Cold, driving rain and muddy conditions didn’t dampen the spirits of the squad. Thanks to our brand‑new parent‑funded gazebo, the players stayed warm, dry, and focused during warm‑ups—an absolute game‑changer on a day like this!

Once the rugby started, both teams hit the ground running. They opened with impressive performances against as usual what were very strong Uckfield sides, showing great resilience and teamwork. This was followed by excellent wins against both Bognor and Worthing, with the players battling the elements as fiercely as the opposition. Throughout the day we saw some fantastic running rugby, with noticeable improvements in both the kicking and rucking aspects of our game. Every single player stepped up, showing courage, skill, and outstanding team spirit. They were a real credit to East Grinstead RFC.

And, of course, a huge shout‑out to all the parents who stood on the sidelines, soaked and freezing, cheering the players on. Your support makes all the difference—especially on days like these! Well done to all involved—another brilliant outing for the EG U11s!

Coaches Stu, Dan and Ben! It was another good weekend for the local car washes around town who were making the most out of making the family cars looks less like farm vehicles! Looking ahead, the longer-term forecast is finally showing signs of improvement, with warmer conditions on the horizon. Hopefully, the run-in to the end of the season will bring drier pitches, some sunshine, and a more enjoyable stretch for the players — who have more than earned a bit of a break after the winter they’ve endured.

Here’s hoping next Sunday involves less thermals and fewer washing machine emergencies. If the rain continues any longer, we may need to start building an ark on the training pitch! Our thoughts and prayers are with the grounds staff!

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
EG U12 Girls 40 - Hastings & Bexhill 30
With a relatively early 10:00 kick-off at home, our U12 girls came out today to play in their first ever game together against a more established and experienced Hastings side. With the conditions being, to put it mildly, less than favourable, and in driving rain, Hastings kicked-off.

Immediately our girls ran the ball back at them but this was, unfortunately, lost and before we knew what had happened, Hastings had scored - something they repeated pretty much straight away following the restart. At this point, our girls settled down and started to find ways through Hastings defence with a try for Isla before the game settled into a back and forth battle until half-time. The game restarted for a short break with Hastings still ahead but our girls showed their grit and determination and quickly scored against Hastings a feat that was swiftly repeated to bring the scores level.

With no real sign of an improvement in the weather, the EG girls continued to show Hastings what they were made of with some brilliant ball carrying and tackles, including a fantastic, try saving, tackle from new starter, Chloe, who chased and successfully pulled down a Hastings player within a metre of the line. As our girls all continued to show their desire and determination, Hastings found it harder and harder to find an answer and, at the final whistle, had come back from behind at half-time to take a two try win.

Try scorers today were Isla, Sophia, Chloe and Callie.

It was a brilliant team effort and a fantastic result in a game that was enjoyed by players, parents and coaches alike with all the girls leaving the pitch with beaming smiles.

EG/Crowborough U14 Girls 34 - Southern Storm 5
With their confidence boosted following their epic performance at Lewes last Sunday, the EG/Crowborough girls took to the pitch for their game against Southern Storm.

The girls showed they had turned up with a fresh, can do, attitude and completely dominated the game, opening the scoring early, with a try for Izzy, and then closing down Southern Storm each and every time they dared to play, or as it seemed at times even thought about playing, the ball. They maintained this intensity throughout the entire game, forcing error after error and capitalising on every opportunity that was presented to them. Their tackling was most definitely on point as was their speed to the breakdown and we now look forward to our last two games of the season, and future seasons to come, with renewed optimism.

Try scorers for EG today were Izzy and Beth.

It was genuinely emotional watching the girls take their first win, especially as they did so at home and in such an emphatic and dignified way. A brilliant whole team effort and a thoroughly deserved win which left everyone leaving the pitch beaming and their coaches bursting with pride.

East Grinstead U12 Blues Dominate Lewes in Wet Weather Thriller (01. 04. 26.)
A cold, wet day didn’t slow the U12 Blues as they took on Lewes. Early preparation in the rain gave them the edge, and they started the first half with real intensity. The match began with strong play and powerful rucking from the U12 G’s, piling on the pressure from the very first whistle. Quickly looking for weaknesses to exploit in the Lewes setup, Iestyn opened the scoring with a driving run, sliding across the sodden pitch after some quick, decisive footwork.

Shortly after the restart, the G’s regained possession. Stan, playing from fly-half, set the platform and worked beautifully in combination with Iestyn and Jonah in the centre. With momentum swinging their way, Iestyn soon finished a clinical long-distance run for his second try; the Lewes full-back was unable to stop him despite a determined chase. Following another restart, some immense tackling from Lucas resulted in a turnover. More disciplined rucking allowed Bobby to continue the momentum with a sharp "pick and go" from the base of the ruck for his first try. Capitalising on the lion's share of possession, Bobby broke through again shortly after to score his second.

The G’s were fully in control now, moving the ball wide. The elusive Murray dove over just before half-time to give the Blues a commanding 25 point lead, showing great persistence after his initial attempt was held up.

The second half began as the first had ended, with Lewes struggling to contain the fast-moving and well-structured G’s. Huge tackling and line breaks from Lucas set Bobby up to complete a brilliant hat-trick early in the half. The G’s clearly had the upper hand and the keys to unlock the Lewes defence. Owen made great strides deep into opposition territory, while Justin and Harry tackled relentlessly to retain possession in contact. It wasn’t long before Bobby picked from the back of a ruck once more to cross the line for his fourth.

Up front, the scrums remained solid, and the boys defended stoutly whenever Lewes threatened. Iestyn found more space out wide, embarking on an unstoppable run down the wing to claim his third. Finally, after yet more tireless defensive work, Lucas regained possession and powered through the gain-line for a hard earned try - arguably the most deserved of the game.

The match finished with a clean sheet for EG, who celebrated a fantastic 45–0 victory before heading to the clubhouse for a well-earned post-match tea. Well done to Jonah for winning Man of the Match... a great achievement just before his birthday.

Tries: Bobby (4), Iestyn (3), Murray (1), Lucas (1)

St David’s Day Festival: East Grinstead U12’s Take on the Welsh in Richmond
It was a superb day for rugby at London Welsh as East Grinstead joined the St David’s Day celebrations. With our April tour fast approaching, the coaches took the opportunity to take the full tour squad to Richmond. The goal was simple: rotate the squad, test players in new positions, and build team cohesion. Facing a trio of big, physical, and well-organised Welsh sides, it was always going to be a formidable challenge.

East Grinstead 1 - 1 Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd
The opener against the Cardiff side was a physical, "old-school" battle. Cardiff exploded out of the blocks, and our defensive line was forced to absorb a constant battering. Owen, Bobby, Josh, Justin, Lucas, Morgan, Antonio, and Hugo put in a tremendous shift in the forwards, putting their bodies on the line. Despite this incredible work and all their best efforts, Cardiff finally managed to breach the G’s fortress, crashing over for the opening try.

It was a high-pressure environment, and a lapse in discipline from the Welsh side resulted in an enforced rest for one of the Cardiff players following some very unnecessary chat to the ref - a timely reminder of the importance of composure! The pack continued to compete heroically, and after being held up over the line from a powerful drive, they reset - went again -and by providing a solid platform for the backs Iestyn eventually cracked the Cardiff defence to level the score, securing a well-deserved draw in a game that set a high bar for the rest of the day.

East Grinstead 4 - 1 Caerphilly
The momentum stayed with the U12 G’s going into the second match as the team truly found their stride. A solid platform provided by the forwards' rucking and tackling allowed the backs to stretch their legs. Beau, Jonah, Luke, Myles, Stan, Finn, and Iestyn moved the ball with confidence, finding the overlaps out wide. Again, the competitive nature of the game saw the referee step in to enforce a period of sideline rest following some unnecessary back-chat from Caerphilly; however, the rugby on display remained clinical from the G’s.

Iestyn bagged a brace, while Justin and Stan also crossed the whitewash. The highlight was undoubtedly the "try of the tournament" - Beau executed a perfectly weighted chip over the oncoming Caerphilly line, which Iestyn gathered at full tilt to sprint clear, and was then never going to be stopped.

East Grinstead 1 - 7 London Welsh
The final match against the hosts proved a bridge too far. With heavy rotations and tired legs following two high-intensity matches, the energy levels began to lag. London Welsh were clinical, exploiting gaps and finding holes as the fatigue set in. Iestyn managed to claw back a consolation try, but the hosts ran out comfortable winners.

In Summary
With a win, a draw, and a loss, it was a highly productive outing for the tour squad. It was particularly pleasing to see several players from the usual B-team step up and look completely at home in this environment. Every player adapted brilliantly to new positions and tough opposition, giving the coaches plenty of food for thought ahead of next month’s tour. The squad showed immense character today, and the coaches couldn't be prouder of the effort. Well done all. Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!

G’s U15’s v Guernsey
Our lads put in a cracking performance to send the Channel Islanders back empty handed after a 22 - 17 victory.

G’s Colts v Crowborough
After what has seemed like an eternity of rain and postponed matches, the Colts finally got their 1st game of 2026 underway against league leaders Crowborough. The last time we played, it didn’t end well for us having decided we had no idea how to play rugby resulting in a 50 point loss and so after much soul searching and debatable social media banter between the teams, G’s were determined to right a few wrongs. Buoyed by the return of our senior colts, the lads were fired up from the beginning courtesy of a rousing speech by head coach Ryland….

With the training pitch resembling the Somme, and pitch 1 not faring much better, hopes for a speedy, fast flowing game were not high and expectations were very much met, with both sides unable to keep hold of the ball for long in disgusting conditions. However, what followed was one of the most fiercely contested matches seen at Saint Hill all season. Taking their defensive inspiration from the 1st XVs display the day before, and with some of the senior players down to support them, the Colts gave Crowborough the shock of their season, fronting up in D and fighting fire with fire.

Clearly Crowborough thought they were going to steamroller us, but the lads were more than up to the task. Right from the off it looked like defence was going to win the day and so it proved. Gs backs led the way with some big hits going in early from Jude out wide on the wing, both centres getting involved and Will, our scrum half, taking the legs out of several Crowborough players. Up front the pack were getting stuck in with Tom McM leading from the front as always and some strong carries by Radley.

We managed to put Crowborough on the back foot on numerous occasions with some decent handling, with Harvey and Louis in the centres giving their opposition players trouble all day long. If not for a couple of spilled balls we could easily have gone in for a couple of scores, but to give Crowborough their dues, they defended very well managing to keep G’s out, turning the ball over when we threatened to break through.

As half time approached, the one defensive lapse in the entire game led to the Crowborough backs breaking through out wide to score, and with the conversion successful the teams went into the break with Crowborough 7-0 up. The second half was much the same as the first, with defensive brilliance on both sides marked by turnovers and handling errors. Crowborough capitalised on a ruck turnover, and looked like they could be in down the wing but our fullback Bailey saved the day with a fantastic cover tackle.

For the most of the half Gs were pinned down in our own 22 with all the lads defending as though their lives depended on it, leading to penalty after penalty and we worked our way slowly back up the pitch and with a break from our fly-half Conor G’s made it into the Crowborough 22 for the first time in the half. With the clock ticking, could G’s make the pressure tell and get their elusive first try? Phase after phase the lads battered the Crowborough line but sadly couldn’t break through, and with one final turnover, scrum and exit, that was the game done with the final score a 7-0 win to Crowborough.

Despite the loss, the lads were valiant in their performance. Ryland asked them before kick off to show their character and what they were made of (OK, so he may have phrased it slightly differently…!) and the lads answered in spades. They all rose to the challenge, with every man getting stuck in time after time, showing courage and heart, easily matching Crowborough in every department. The match could have gone either way, with G’s just not able to capitalise on the moments of pressure.

An amazing crowd in the stands and the sidelines weren’t privy to the fastest, prettiest game of rugby ever seen at Saint Hill, but they got a fiercely competitive defensive masterclass from both sides and went away happy.

G’s Colts now have 2 away fixtures to conclude their season to consolidate their second place in the table and move into next year full of confidence.

POTM – Captain Fantastic, Tom McMahon.

HALF TERM RUGBY CAMP
Coaches Ryland, Dan and Billy held their first ever Half Term Rugby Camp, and what a success it was! They took part in a variety of fun rugby based activities which helped grow confidence and community spirit within our club. Thank you to all those that attended and we hope to see more at the next one!

200 CLUB
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!

February 2026 Draw Results
1st Prize, Ticket No. 87 - Matthew Collins - £125
2nd Prize, Ticket No. 46 - Rita Russell - £50
3rd Prize, Ticket No 8 - Chris Poore - £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

SUNSHINE 7s
It’s that time of year again!
The Sunshine 7’s committee have again teamed up with Mansell McTaggart and are looking for volunteers to have a “for sale” board outside their property for approx. 4 weeks, advertising the Sunshine 7’s.

If you’d be keen to take part please drop an email to: m.oliver1@hotmail.co.uk with your address and phone number.

6 NATIONS
After the last two huge disapointments, let’s hope that the wholesale changes to the team actually help rather than making it worse. Get up to the club for 4.40 on Saturday to see, as England take on a resergent Italy in Rome!!

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!!