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SENIOR RUGBY
After a rest week for our senior teams, all three are back in action this weekend! Can we get three wins again?

On Saturday, our 1XV host local rivals Crawley, while our 2’s travel to Haywards Heath both these games kick off at 3pm. On Sunday, our Women travel to Worthing. This is a 2pm kick off.

Just a reminder to book your seat at the pre-match lunch before the Crawley game on Saturday. Please see the article below for menu and booking info.

JUNIOR RUGBY
After months of mud, puddles and relentless rain, Sunday finally gave us a glimpse of what junior rugby looks like in spring. We hosted the U8–U10s from Cobham RFC on the home leg of their tour, and the weather turned up in style. The pitches were holding up well and the glorious spring sunshine made for a fantastic morning of rugby. The forecast had threatened rain later in the day, but thankfully, it held off and allowed everyone to enjoy the games. It was a stark contrast to last year’s fixture when the heavens opened in truly biblical fashion. This time around, dry ground and blue skies made for a much more civilised experience for players, coaches and the watching parents.

Cobham were a real pleasure to host. The spirit of the games was excellent and the players across all age groups represented their clubs superbly. Touring sides always add a special feel to a Sunday morning and it was great to welcome them to East Grinstead. A big thank you also goes to the volunteers who helped make the morning run smoothly — from managing the car parking to helping the staff keep everyone fuelled with food and drinks. These mornings don’t happen without the help behind the scenes, and your efforts are hugely appreciated.

And with it being Mother’s Day, there was perhaps an extra level of gratitude owed at home later in the day — particularly from those who disappeared off to rugby for the morning. Hopefully, the sunshine, some good rugby, and maybe a slightly muddy but happy child counted as part of the celebrations.

U11s – Hove Festival
Spring sunshine by the sea greeted the U11s as they travelled to Hove for their latest festival — a welcome change after the long run of wet Sundays. Conditions were perfect for rugby and the team certainly made the most of it. The first match against Hove started a little slowly, with East Grinstead seemingly still waking up and then quickly finding themselves 2–0 down. Once the cobwebs were blown away though, the response was excellent. The team found their rhythm, started moving the ball well and showed great determination to fight back and turn the game around, eventually running out 3–2 winners.

Next up were Lewes in what turned into a niggly and very physical contest. Emotions ran a little high from the opposition at times, but credit to the East Grinstead players who kept their composure, stuck to their rugby and let their play do the talking. Calm heads and good teamwork saw them take control and finish as 3–0 winners. The third match brought a well-balanced encounter against Tunbridge Wells. By this stage the team were really starting to click, discovering just how effective running onto the ball at pace can be. Defensively, the group worked brilliantly as a unit, closing down some particularly big runners and keeping the line organised. With strong defence and confident attacking play, East Grinstead finished the match as convincing 4–0 winners.

The final game of the festival was against Uckfield, a very well coached and organised side. After an hour’s wait between matches and with some huge shifts already put in, it was always going to be a tough final test. The match was incredibly tight throughout and could easily have gone either way, but unfortunately East Grinstead narrowly missed out on a clean sweep of wins, going down 2–1. There was still plenty to be proud of across the morning. The tackling was tremendous, ruck speed was excellent and there were some brilliant offloads keeping the attack alive. One area to keep working on is coming up in defence as a unit, but the progress being made is clear.

Overall, a fantastic morning of rugby. The boys should be super proud of themselves and can take a lot of confidence from the performances as the festival run continues toward the end of the season.

U10s
A beautiful sunny morning set the stage for some fantastic rugby as Cobham U10s visited EGRFC on Sunday. Three EGRFC U10s teams took on three teams from Cobham, with each side playing three games in a great display of junior rugby. There was some excellent physical rugby on show from both clubs, with strong tackling, determined running and plenty of commitment across all the matches. The EGRFC teams gave a very good account of themselves, showing great effort and teamwork throughout.

There were lots of positives to take away from the morning, along with areas identified to be worked on in training. All in all, it was a fantastic morning of rugby, played in great spirit by both sides.

U8s
The Under 8 team capitalised on the great early weather enjoying clear blue skies with the pitch conditions the best this year. The first half of the session was some joint training exercises where the players really showed their new drills off. With nearly thirty players all in this was a great demonstration of the teams learning. In the second half the teams broke up into mini matches, with a handful of EG players loaned to Cobham to beef out their numbers. These games again showed all the skills the team have developed over this season. These games again visiting coaches were very complimentary to the teams discipline and teamwork.

The team will definitely be taking up the offer of visiting Cobham to return the favour next year. Special mention to Ollie for some well aimed bullet passed as well as Bea for great skills in the drill session.

U7s
Mother’s day didn’t stop a 20-strong contingent of EGs U7s descend on Edenbridge Rugby Club this Sunday - while I am sure the Mums of the U7s were more than happy getting up early and out for an early start, their reward was watching some fantastic rugby once again. Following a superb display at Hove the previous weekend, the U7s continued their fine form. A quick warm up was followed by sets of matches against our good friends at Edenbridge. Given we had a slightly larger squad it also allowed us to have a EG v EG game which was particularly competitive… I thought full contact doesn’t start until U9s?! A weekend of firsts for many, some playing their first games for EGs, some scoring their first tries and also seeing our first attempted chip-and-chase…!

Given the packed schedule at the club this weekend, we needed to try and find a temporary home and we were struggling for a fixture - however, massive thanks to Edenbridge who were more than happy to host us, and once again put on a fantastic morning. This is our third session with them this year and it’s been brilliant seeing the development and improvement of the players in that time.” Another festival awaits on the 22nd as we head to Haywards Heath. We cannot wait…

U5/6s
With the sun shining high in the sky the youngest section at the club made their way to Edenbridge for a joint practice with their Broncos. After an enthusiastic reunion with our friends we warmed up with the bean game. Incredible moves on show from the coaches during the disco bean part. We then split out into age groups to focus on skills. The U5s were focused on moving the ball, collision avoidance, and fast feet. The U6s worked on passing at distance, scissors, and gladiator vs contender sprints. Both age groups did a stint on a fantastic obstacle course to break up the session too.

Finishing up we talked about rugby values and building friendships with clubs close to us. Mates off the pitch and competitors on, we’re always happy to spend time with Edenbridge RFC. Shout out to Luke Henderson for winning the medal today. Excellent effort, superb skills.

Looking ahead to next weekend, our juniors will be spread far and wide across the county for Sussex Minis Weekend. The U7s travel to Haywards Heath, the U8s head to Chichester, the U9s to Crowborough, the U10s to Lewes and the U11s to Horsham. A busy day of festivals ahead and another great opportunity for the players to represent the club across Sussex.

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
G’s U12 GIRLS v Burgess Hill
On Sunday, our U12 Girls stepped out to face an unbeaten Burgess Hill side at home. The game started quickly with Burgess Hill scoring almost immediately and leaving our girls shocked at what had just happened. A quick talk amongst themselves helped them refocus and the EG girls then found themselves scoring following the restart. The game then started to settle down for a while with great defence from both sides, before Burgess Hill started showing their experience, finding their way through to score on several occasions and, as our girls started to pick up injuries, Burgess Hill fully took hold of the advantage and pushed their dominance.

Despite the increasing Burgess Hill scoreline, our girls kept pushing and kept their heads up, before being rewarded with the final try of the game to conclude proceedings. It was a great effort from our girls, who all finished smiling, and a suitable ending to the game that rewarded their determination. Special mentions to try scorers Isla (3), Sophia and Jessie and also to Amelia for one particularly memorable drive toward the line which only ended when a fourth Burgess Hill player joined the other three already hanging off her. The Burgess Hill coach was very complimentary to our girls after the match, adding that our girls were roughly where the Burgess Hill girls had been in the previous season.

G’s U13s - 45 v Horsham - 30
The Reds delivered a fantastic all round team performance to secure their first red team league win of the season against Horsham and it couldn’t have come at a better time. In typical Red team fashion, it took the opening five minutes to really switch on. But once the team found their rhythm, there was no looking back. From that point on, the Reds took control of the game with energy, teamwork and relentless attacking intent. Trys were shared across multiple players, highlighting the collective effort and willingness from everyone to get involved. The attacking play was particularly impressive, with flowing passing moves sweeping down both the left and right channels to keep the pressure firmly on Horsham.

As the game progressed, the rucking speed and aggression noticeably improved, allowing the Reds to recycle possession quickly and maintain momentum. That quick ball gave the backs plenty of opportunities to stretch the defence and keep the scoreboard ticking. Defensively, the Reds were just as strong. Horsham were given very little space to build any real momentum thanks to disciplined line speed and determined tackling across the pitch. Cole, Jack and Aster led the way in the defensive effort, topping the tackle count and setting the standard for the rest of the side.

Overall it was a complete team performance. Hard work, smart rugby and great support play from start to finish. A well earned victory and the first league win of the season for the red team, arriving at exactly the right moment.

G’s U14’s - 36 v Guernsey 12
Many would groan at the prospect of spending the best part of Mother’s Day pitch side, especially given the recent weather, but not our U14’s parents and supporters who showed up in great numbers, despite the late kick-off time, to welcome Guernsey and cheer on the boys and what a match they were about to be treated to!

The weather was mercifully kind as the boys stepped out for their first appearance on pitch one and weren’t about to let the occasion slip. Guernsey were a sizeable bunch and, unbeknownst to the boys, as yet unbeaten during this half of the season. Captain George Shepherd led the team out from the tunnel and straight from the kick-off it was clear that EG was up for this game and the crowd were in for a treat. Something had clearly clicked within the team and all the training we’d worked on about speed to the breakdown, pod work, supporting the runners and pressure in defence was coming to fruition.

Despite their size, Guernsey couldn’t find a way through the EG defence with monster tackles coming in from everyone. Special mentions to Nathan and Dylan Ashley, Braeden Minter and Hayden Ward for tremendous defensive efforts against far bigger opponents. Our attacking plays proved bothersome for the visitors which, coupled with our defensive pressure, started to yield opportunities that found Lewis Gilbert in for the opening score. EG’s heads were up and the game was already looking to swing our way. Jack Flemming proved his worth in both attack and defence with some monstrous tackles and devastating runs as he set about disrupting the visitors day. He scored 2 fantastic tries including a brilliant solo effort from a tap and go penalty that the opposition had no answer to.

EG’s 3 other tries were all thrillers. Captain George Shepherd found himself being passed the ball on his own 5 meter line, after possession had been ripped from Guernsey by fantastic forwards play. Skilfully avoiding 2 oncoming defenders a gap appeared and he was off. A full pitch run and chase ensued with George shaking off his tail at the last min before diving over for the score. Sidney Shaw had a similar run after finding himself at the end of a well-worked team effort, with the ball making it out wide. Still with work to be done, and half a pitch to cover, Sidney showed his pace and determination to get around for another try under the posts.

Probably the best and most celebrated try of the match went to newcomer Joey Oliveira, in his first ever game for the club, and what a way to announce your arrival. Joey showed lightning speed and bags of grit as he found his feet on the pitch and made no hesitation when the opportunity arose for him to run with the ball. Dusting off his opposite man, Joey took off for another half pitch sprint to score under the posts, made even more memorable by the cheers and congratulations of his new teammates as they rushed to celebrate with him and showing what brilliant rugby culture is all about! Guernsey did manage to claw back 2 tries, having resorted to overhead kick chases to break through our line which succeeded following cruel bounces for the EG full back.

Further special mentions to Mark ‘MJ’ Turner - who played a brilliant 2nd half in a number of forward positions and has shown massive improvement whilst growing hugely in confidence throughout the season - and Lorcan Jones - who had his first start at centre for the club and played a superb game, earning him the coaches MOTM for his role.

A real highlight of a match to finish our league games for the season. Coaches and Parents couldn’t have been prouder of the boys performance and all the Mum’s agreed that it was a fantastic Mother’s Day out!

GIVE GIRLS RUGBY A GO
Free introduction to rugby sessions for girls aged 8-12.
Come and give rugby a go over 4 Wednesday evenings, 5.45 - 7pm on 25th March, 1st, 8th, and 15th April.
Email: girls@egrfc.com for more info or to book a place.

PRE-MATCH LUNCH (21st)
On the 21st March, we host Crawley in the big local derby. To celebrate and get us in the mood, we will be serving Moroccan chicken tagine. The good news is, there is still just time to get a seat!

For full menu and to buy your ticket, click here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/egrfc/2113011

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!!