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SENIOR RUGBY
Our 1XV had their longest league journey on Saturday, as they travelled to Jersey to take on the Royals. An early start saw the boys at Gatwick, bright eyed and bushy tailed, but could they bring home the win? Click here to find out: Match report

The Royals pics of the match can be viewed on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalsRFCJersey

Meanwhile, our 2’s travelled to Uckfield hoping to do the double over thier rivals. How did they get on? Read the report here: Match report

Next week, both senior men’s teams play their last league games of the campaign. The 1’s are at home to Seaford. If you haven’t already booked up for the last pre-match lunch of the season, please do, using the link in the article below. The 2’s travel to Horsham in fine form, looking to end the season on a high.

We also still have silverware to fight for in the cup and of course the sunshine 7’s to come.

JUNIOR RUGBY
It may not have been particularly warm, but the sunshine is at least starting to become a regular feature — and it was great to see plenty of rugby being played in dry conditions. A busy weekend followed the Easter break, with the club back in full swing and lots going on at Saint Hill.

Most of our sections were out enjoying themselves on home turf, making the most of the improving conditions. There was a great atmosphere around the club, with players, coaches and parents all glad to be back into the routine after the long weekend.

The only exception were the U11s, who were on the road at the Lewes Festival, continuing their busy run of fixtures and representing the club superbly away from home.

U11s – Lewes Festival
With the season now entering its final stretch, the U11s made the trip to Lewes for one of their last ever junior festivals — and with only tournaments remaining before the step up to intermediate rugby next year, the group raised their game accordingly. First up was Eastbourne, where some intelligent kicking helped stretch the defence early on. That created space for Mattie and Thomas to cross for well-worked tries. Solid defensive efforts from Albert and Theo M ensured the team stayed in control to see out a deserved win.

Next came Burgess Hill, and the scoreboard quickly started ticking over. Slick handling and sharp distribution from Finley S and Finley McK kept the attack flowing, breaking down a well-organised defence and allowing the team to play with real confidence. Tonbridge provided a sterner test. Jude stepped in at scrum-half and did an excellent job controlling the tempo, while the team had to dig deep defensively. Big tackles from Ethan S and Ethan N helped keep things tight, and a hard-fought draw was a fair result. The final match against Haywards Heath saw East Grinstead save their best for last. Jack was outstanding at the breakdown, repeatedly getting to the ruck first and winning turnovers. Cam then used the boot superbly to open up the defence, creating the opportunity for Owen to burst through for the winning try.

With the junior chapter nearing its end and a run of tournaments ahead, the squad is building nicely towards the transition into intermediate rugby. There’s a clear sense of progress and confidence growing within the group.

Next up, many of the players head off to Bognor for the tour — another opportunity to test themselves, enjoy the rugby and, no doubt, create a few more memories along the way.

Looking ahead, next weekend will be a quieter one at HQ, with all sections away on festival duty. The U7s and U8s head to the Horsham Festival, while the U10s travel to Crowborough. Even the U5/6s are on the move, joining Edenbridge for a combined session.
It’s a particularly big weekend for the U9s and U10s, who head off on tour for the Leicester Tigers Challenge in Bognor Regis. Two back-to-back days of matches awaits both teams, alongside the traditional off-pitch tour activities. With Butlins taken over for the weekend by rugby teams and families from across the UK. Plenty of rugby, plenty of fun, and no doubt plenty of stories to bring back!

Let’s hope the sunshine continues to show up.

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
East Grinstead U12s "touring squad" vs Uckfield - Played Saturday 11th April
On a day where the bright spring sunshine was tempered only by a brisk, cool breeze, the East Grinstead U12s "touring squad" delivered an exhilarating and clinical performance against Uckfield.

Serving as a vital warm-up for next week’s highly anticipated tour to Butlins, the match required the G’s to navigate a series of unusual substitutions and players stepping into unfamiliar positions. Despite these tactical shifts, the team played magnificently from the opening whistle, immediately putting Uckfield on the back foot and crossing for their first try within the opening minutes. The performance was defined by powerful running and arguably the best rucking seen all season, which allowed the G’s to maintain total control and move the ball "coast to coast" with real flair.

Even with a few minor handling errors in the breezy conditions, the team’s clinical edge meant they were soon four tries to the good. While the first set of changes temporarily slowed the tempo, the players worked incredibly hard to adapt to their new roles, eventually re-finding their rhythm to score a superb fifth try just before the half-time whistle. The second half saw further rotations, yet the pattern of play remained relentless. Every player stepped up to the mark, and the game concluded in a resounding eleven try to nil victory, preserved by some truly heroic defensive efforts that ensured a well-deserved clean sheet.

Individual highlights were in abundance across the pitch. Owen put in what was possibly his best performance of the season, while Josh contributed significantly with several strong, effective carries. Lucas - as has become his way - was an absolute tackling machine throughout, also crossing for a well-earned try, while Stan and Jonah were constant threats, repeatedly breaking the gain line with clever and powerful runs. Stan crossing for a well earned try. Murray showed incredible versatility, contributing a brilliant hat-trick of tries despite navigating more positional changes than most. However, the scoreboard was dominated by Iestyn, who found more space than he had any right to from both outside centre and fullback, resulting in an incredible six tries.

All in all this was a display that was built on a truly magnificent squad performance and provides the perfect, enthusiastic send-off for the upcoming tour! Bring it on!

Tries: Iestyn (6), Murray (3), Stan (1), Lucas (1)

U14s (5th April)
G’s 55 - Warlingham RFC 10
On Sunday 29th March, the U14 boys stepped out onto Pitch 1 to take on Warlingham in near perfect conditions. With a diminished squad size of only 15, due to injuries and holidays, and a number of boys having to play out of position as a result, our boys were determined to take control of the game, especially as some of the Warlingham players attend local schools.

Warlingham kicked off with the ball ending up in Lewis’ hands and, given some space and sight of the line, he didn’t need telling twice, brushing off players to open the scoring. With the boys feeling a boost to their confidence, Jack then ran through Warlingham to score his first of the game, a try which he then also converted. After a bit more back and forth on the pitch and some great hands, Arthur then found himself in a scoring position and didn’t disappoint, further stretching the lead. In quick succession, Jack scored a further two tries, with the second being converted by Rory before it was then Rory’s turn to find himself scoring with the conversion being successfully kicked by Thomas as we went into half-time.

The second half began with Warlingham who, having put on fresh legs, took full advantage of these whilst our boys seemed to have relaxed a little too much and worked hard as they put two tries over the line. The second of these seemed to fully reignite the fire in EG and having now identified the new threat worked hard to shut this down to great effect. With the ball back in EG hands, this was moved quickly down the line to find Billy, who then went over to score and resettle any remaining frayed nerves.

With some brilliant rucking on display, the boys continued to work hard and were rewarded with further tries from Jack and Lewis, both of which were converted by Jack. A brilliant morning of rugby at the club and a fantastic result for the boys, all of whom really stepped up on the day and left with smiles on their faces.

Warlingham’s Player of the match was awarded to Jack with the EG coaches Players of the Match going to MJ - who very capably played his first full game as hooker - and Arthur - for seemingly being everywhere on the pitch, constantly disrupting Warlingham’s plans.

Thanks to Kelly who helped out on the coaching side and all the parents, as usual, for their support.

U14’s (12th April)
Horsham 17 - EG 26
On a bright and breezy morning in Horsham, the boys took on Horsham on their AGP. With Horsham having kicked off, the game took a little while to settle down with both teams putting up sterling defences and determined not to allow the other to score. It was, however, EG who broke the deadlock with a brilliant offload from Jack allowing George S to score. This seemed to call Horsham into action and they answered this with their own converted try. In response, Jack found himself with enough space and, brushing opposition players aside, he found himself going over the line and followed this with his own successful conversion and, shortly afterwards, half time was called.

As the second half started, Horsham quickly showed their intent with an early try which left EG looking a little unsettled. After a further period of prolonged attacking play, Horsham found a way through our defence to score again. Following this, EG came out of the blocks fighting and Arthur, having been subbed back on, drove over the line to score leaving the three Horsham players who were hanging off him very frustrated.

With EG winning possession and spotting space out, the ball was spun out wide to Joey who, having outpaced the chasing Horsham players, went over to score. The final conversion was completed successfully by Jack and, with that, came the final whistle.

Well done to all the boys for a great result and for digging deep to turn round a challenging start to the second half. Parents and coaches alike were really pleased with the teamwork demonstrated and, of course, with the win in their final game this season.

G’s GIRLS TRAVEL TO HQ
On Saturday 11th April, a number of players, parents, siblings, grandparents and coaches from EG girls section (U12, U14 & U16), all travelled to Twickenham to watch the Red Roses beat Ireland in their opening game of the Womens’ Six Nations.

Everyone had a great time, getting to watch some quality rugby being played by both sides, whilst also seeing some of their heroes in action.

LAST LEAGUE LUNCH
Your last chance to join us for this last league pre match lunch of the season. We will be sitting down at 1pm to enjoy beef bourguignon & Cheese (Children's choice - chicken nuggets & chips or beef burger & chips for just £6.50). Vegetarian option is available.

This will set us up nicely for a 3pm kick off against Seaford which is always a tough encounter.

For all the info and to book your seat, click here: Lunch tickets

SUNSHINE 7’s
Just a reminder that the 68th Sunshine 7’s is fast approaching. Make sure you are free on Sunday the 26th April. This year we will be holding our three tournaments, Mens Elite - Mens Open - Womens Open all on the Sunday.

All the info can be found here: 7's info

FUN RUGBY IS BACK
Friday 24th April | 6pm
BBQ & drinks, Touch rugby for all, Community vibe!

Fun Rugby is simple - Touch rugby for everyone, aimed at families.
A great way to keep fit, learn the game, or just have a run about.
No tackling. Just rugby and fun.
Play alongside your kids. Whole families welcome. Plus a dedicated girls session.

For more info, email us at: egrfctouch@gmail.com

WHÀNAU CUP
The Ratana Marauders and Vixens represent the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation and play charity matches around the country, this will be the first time both Ratana teams will play at Saint Hill.

Former Leicester Tigers Coach, Dean Richards, will be the DOR for this event, so come down on the 30th May at midday to enjoy this great afternoon of rugby to remember Matt.

CAR BOOT AT THE CLUB
Anyone who has visited Ardingly Car Boot Sale at the showground, knows what a big event this is. We are excited to announce that, starting on the 10th May, it will be held at the club this summer. The bar will be open, so come down, grab a few bargains, a drink and enjoy the sunshine.

To book a pitch, contact Michael Cummings on 07563 822862.

LAST CHANCE FOR RED ROSES PRE-SALE
Secure your tickets before they go on general sale on Tuesday 14 April. Worldclass rugby returns to Allianz Stadium on Saturday 26 September when the Red Roses take on Black Ferns. The Red Roses play New Zealand as part of the new WXV Global Series.

Get tickets today with your pre-sale offer - Adults from £15, Juniors £5. Click here: RR tickets

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!!