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SENIOR RUGBY
A fantastic weekend for all three of our senior teams as all three had comfortable wins. First up, our 1XV traveled down the A22 to Eastbourne to tackle their 2’s. The game wasn’t always a beautiful spectacle, but the boys got the job done. Trys for Ted, Jack, Ali and a brace from Luke, made the final score 0 - 29. To see all of Ben’s pics of the match, please click here: Match pics

Meanwhile, the 2’s had a belter against Hellingly at home, the 31 - 5 scoreline meaning that G’s leapfrog the Loonies in the league table. Trys were scored by Harrison, Tom, Ben and a brace from Louis.

Our Ladies travelled to local neighbors Uckfield on Sunday full of confidence. Could they back it up with a win? Click here to read all about it: Match report

For all Ben’s pics, follow this link: Match pics

Next weekend is a rest week as we can all relax and watch England show us how rugby should be played!!??

JUNIOR RUGBY
At long last — a break in the rain. After what has felt like a never-ending winter of mud, puddles and questionable pitch inspections, we were finally treated to a weekend that didn’t require waterproof socks and industrial laundry planning. Friday briefly threatened to undo all that progress and send us straight back to square one, but thankfully things held together and rugby was able to go ahead across the junior sections.

With the previously scheduled U10/U11 festival cancelled due to the recent weather, many families had already made other plans and were away this weekend. Despite that, there was still plenty of junior rugby being played across the region. The ever-resourceful U10s even managed to arrange a last-minute fixture away at Brighton, while the U7s and U8s travelled to Hove and the U9s headed to Edenbridge.

Back at home the youngest members of the club, the U5s and U6s, were out in force as usual, making the most of the rare break in the weather.

U11s
With many players away, the U11s took the opportunity for a focused training session as they prepare for a busy run of six back-to-back festivals taking us through to the end of the season. Numbers were a little lighter than usual, but those who made it down were greeted by the familiar sight of slightly weary training pitches that have seen their fair share of winter action.

Coaches used the session to concentrate on contact skills, with a number of drills focusing on communication, defensive alignment and realigning after breakdowns. The group then finished with a match scenario to put the work into practice.

There were plenty of positives. Ruck speed was excellent and there were some very strong tackles going in across the session. The tap restart continues to cause the occasional headache, so that will be an area of focus over the coming weeks. Communication could also be louder, but the progress is clear and the group is definitely moving in the right direction.

Next up for the U11s is the Hove Festival next weekend, where they’ll be looking to build on the work done in training.

U10
On Sunday the U10s were, once again, off in search of some grass to play on and this time our quest took us down to our friends at Brighton RFC. We had a great morning of drills, concentrating on the maul, rucking and tackling and ended with two, fantastic mixed-club games before heading home to put the washing machine through its paces yet again!

U7
The 8th March saw 13 superstars of the U7s head to Hove for our first festival of 2026. Sporting our new team gazebo (kindly sorted by Henry’s father, Richard), we looked good and we certainly played good!

With the help of Jacob, Zach, Luca Louis H, Ollie, Albie, Louis D, Thea, Roman, Finley, Will, Sam and Henry, we entered 3 sets of teams to play against many of our friends across sussex - with 5 sets of 10 minute matches on a brutally efficient schedule, we undoubtedly played our best rugby of the season.

Brilliant handling, organised and tenacious defence, and superb running lines led to some eye catching rugby and very proud parents and coaches on the sidelines.

A quick word on our hosts - It was a fabulously organised tournament and many thanks to Hove for all their effort in putting on such a great morning.

Next Sunday we head to Edenbridge for a joint training session and matches. What better way to spend Mother’s Day morning…

Looking ahead, the forecast appears to be a bit of a mixed bag again, but largely drier than we’ve become accustomed to — which will be welcomed by players, coaches and washing machines alike. The U11s travel to Hove, the U7s head to Edenbridge, while the U8s, U9s and U10s host Cobham RFC on the home leg of their tour. As always, volunteers will be needed to help everything run smoothly on the day, so if you’re around and able to lend a hand it will be hugely appreciated.

With the weather (hopefully) improving and the season entering its final stretch of festivals, there’s plenty of rugby still to come — and if the pitches stay dry for a few weeks, the tiresome job of washing mud-caked kits might finally be less demanding which seems to have been a weekend staple chore since October.

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
U12 Blues Triumph in Misty Crowborough Thriller
A cool and misty morning greeted the Blues as they arrived ready to face Crowborough. After a quick team talk and warm-up drills, the squad burst from the changing rooms like Spartans, charging through the tunnel onto the pitch with chests thumping and voices roaring with pride.

From the opening whistle, it was clear the boys meant business. Hard carries, relentless work at the breakdown, and a fast-moving defensive line immediately put Crowborough under pressure. The first score came from Murray, who burst through a gap after a quick ball from the ruck to open the scoring.

East Grinstead soon took control of the breakdown, securing several strong turnovers to keep Crowborough pinned back. Thomas impressed everyone with sharp footwork, while Iestyn’s powerful rucking ensured EG maintained possession. Iestyn struck next, spotting space and accelerating through the line for the second try, before adding another soon after to secure his second of the morning. Beau added the fourth with a smart step inside the final defender, and Lucas powered over from a quick ball to extend the lead. Crowborough showed their resilience with a well-timed steal at the ruck that led to their first try, but EG quickly responded. Bobby smashed over after sustained pressure near the line, and Jonah followed with a sharp finish after spotting space in the defence.

One of the standout moments of the match arrived when Stan weaved brilliantly through defenders to score. Moments later, Iestyn produced a memorable highlight, directly from a restart breaking from beyond the halfway line and sprinting clear to complete a superb hat-trick. Bobby added another hard-earned try after a series of strong carries close to the line, while Crowborough continued to battle and claimed their second. EG maintained their attacking momentum, with Jonah crossing again following a flowing move. After a couple of attacks were held up over the line, persistence paid off when Murray powered through for his second of the match.

Crowborough had the final say with their third try before the whistle brought an entertaining, high-scoring contest to a close. After the match, both teams shook hands and left the field to well-deserved applause from the supporters before heading to the clubhouse for a well-earned match tea.

A huge well done to all the players for their effort, the coaches for their guidance, and the referee for keeping the game flowing. A fantastic morning of rugby and a clinical performance from EG.

Man of the Match: Iestyn, whose three tries—including the outstanding run from beyond the halfway line—capped a superb captains performance.

Tries: Iestyn (3), Murray (2), Bobby (2), Jonah (2), Beau (1), Lucas (1), Stan (1)

That rounds off a captivating league season for the U12s Blues; an incredible 34 tries scored and just 6 conceded. A truly dominant performance in Sussex's 2nd division. Fingers crossed for more challenging ties next season in the top tier! Well done all.

East Grinstead Reds U12 - 25 v Horsham - 20
On Sunday, the EG Reds team travelled to Horsham full of hope they could end their league season on a high and bring back home a first win of this season. They were given the opportunity to play on a soft yet grass covered 1st XV pitch and parents gathered in anticipation of what was ahead. From the whistle, the reds showed excellent intensity and immediately put Horsham on the back foot. Delivering phase after phase of aggressive and positive, well structured rugby. Antonio crashed over from one of his many powerful runs to score.

Quickly from the restart they continued to apply pressure with Josh and Jack carrying well. This led to another try with Will G crossing after a good break through the backs. Soon after, it was Inigo’s turn to score as he crossed with another of his quick strong runs after more fantastic work from the reds. Parents cheering loudly from the sidelines, this was so far the best rugby rugby reds have played.

Into the second half and a slight upward slope to the pitch. Good work continuing from the reds however it was clear Horsham were desperate to respond and this led to a period of pressure and the reds working very hard in defence with Will P and Finn standing out with their tackling and Hugo constantly disrupting the breakdown. This paid off and soon the reds scored a fourth try through Will G.

Horsham came back and quickly scored two try’s which fuelled them to work hard and pressure our defence. As the clock ran down they managed to create space for two more scores and level the game.

Probably the longest half of rugby they’d played, surely not enough time for anyone to score a winner. The reds were desperate for the win they deserved, Finn taking a quick free kick tap and sniping down the line to score, only for the referee to rule it out believing he’d not grounded the ball properly. Hands on heads and hearts broken, the reds received the goal line drop out and Will G switched his line direction across the pitch evading tacklers to score his third try in the corner. Wow! Final whistle blown and wild celebrations from the team. What an end to the league season delivering their best all round performance.

The reds have had a tough season and the coaches are delighted their hard work has led to this very well deserved win. Well done! Player of the match awarded to Jack.

U16 Sussex League 2 – Worthing vs East Grinstead & Edenbridge (Combined)
East Grinstead & Edenbridge (The GE’s) produced a superb second-half comeback to draw level with a skilful Worthing team and move to the top of the Sussex League with just one game remaining to determine the final standings.

The match began with Worthing on the front foot, applying early pressure that resulted in the opening try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the home side 5–0 ahead. However, the GE’s responded well. A powerful and unpredictable run from Bailey cut through the defence to level the scores at 5–5, showcasing the attacking threat the GE’s would carry throughout the match. Worthing regained the advantage soon after, scoring again to edge ahead 10–5. They then extended their lead further with another well-worked try which was successfully converted, giving them a 17–5 lead at the break.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to the GE’s, with their continuous pressure resulting in Worthing players falling foul of the referee and receiving several cards to give them time to reflect on their behaviour.

The comeback began with a sustained period of attacking rugby that saw several players combine through the middle of the pitch with excellent support play. The pressure eventually told when Dylan powered over the line for a deserved try. Isaac added the conversion to close the gap to 17–12 and shift the momentum firmly in favour of the visitors. Buoyed by their growing confidence, the GE’s continued to press. Their persistence paid off when Alfie darted over to score the equalising try, bringing the score to 17–17 and completing an impressive turnaround.

Despite the increasing intensity of the contest, the GE’s side maintained excellent discipline throughout the match keeping their composure and focus. The final whistle confirmed a hard-earned result for East Grinstead & Edenbridge, whose resilience and teamwork in the second half proved decisive. The draw lifts East Grinstead to the top of the Sussex League table, with one final game remaining against Crowborough on 22 March (Away) that will determine the ultimate league positions.

Our U14’s also played at Worthing but couldn’t quite get the win in a 17 - 7 loss.

PRE-MATCH LUNCH (21st)
After a brilliant lunch before the Pulborough game, it’s time to get the next one in the diary. On the 21st March, we host Crawley in the big local derby. To celebrate and get us in the mood, we will be serving Beef Bourguignon. More details will follow, but get in there early and buy your ticket by clicking here: Lunch tickets

TATE
It was fantastic to see Tate Williams in the starting line up for England U20’s win against Italy last weekend. Tate helped beat Italy 17 - 37 in Treviso. Well done Tate.

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, or join the Sunshine 7’s team, please drop an email to: m.oliver1@hotmail.co.uk with your address and phone number.

6 NATIONS
The last game of this years 6 Nations will be France v England which is a pretty terrifying prospect for an England fan at the moment! The game kicks off at 8.10pm, so come to the club and see if we can ‘do a Scotland’!!!

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!!