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.

SENIOR RUGBY
Rugby at Saint Hill on Saturday started at 2pm as our 2’s welcomed Horsham as they push for a top three finish! A brilliant game unfolded as our young squad (with a sprinkling of experience!!) took it to the Greenies. With 10 trys, scored at regular intervals, the game was never in doubt, the five feathers leaving the pitch knowing a good job was done, the final scoreboard showing 58 - 14.

To see all Ben’s pics, click this link: Match pics

Next up was the 1XV as they welcomed Cobham. Trys from Ted, Aaron and Josh were not enough as G’s went down fighting with the final scoreboard showing 21 - 43. All Ben’s snaps of the game are here: Match pics

Sunday was always going to be a struggle for our Ladies as they welcomed ‘Top of the Table’ Dorking to HQ. To read all about it, Click here: Match report

To see Ben’s pics of the match, follow this link: Match pics

Next Saturday we have no senior games, but our Vets are hosting a round robin tournament (A trophy is at stake!!) with players from St Francis, Crawley, Eastbourne and Lewes, joining us for a feast of rugby at the club. The first game will kick off at 12, so please come and cheer our aging warriors on as they strive for Sussex supremacy!!

If you are over 35 (Or nearly!!) and fancy a trot out, contact James at: jamesadkin@hotmail.com

JUNIOR RUGBY
The EG junior section was spread far and wide across the county as it was Sussex minis weekend. A sunny week had given the host clubs a much needed boost and with a little rain on the Saturday night, the pitches were perfect for rugby.

U7s
G’s U7 took a big squad to the Sussex Festival at Worthing, fielding 3 mixed teams. Team Thunder, led by Coaches Henry and Hass, played against string opposition from Heathfield, Crawley, Burgess Hill and Pulborough. As ever, hungry work in defence and attack saw William Dirilmis leading from the front. The teams attacking prowess showed through against weaker opposition who could not match the fast footwork of Hudson Sargeant.

Team Lightning, led by coaches Nick and Quinton saw outstanding attitude and efforts from the team throughout all 4 games. Defence organisation from Ben Barcraft-Barnes, leading from the front, set the tone for the day. Followed up with a tackling masterclass from Seb Mehew and Finley Solomon, they seemed at times to be everywhere!! The team ran in over 15 try’s over the 4 games, scoring highlights saw some precise passing from Zachary Solomon to Alexander Libeau in space, who’s blistering pace was too much for the opposition. Ollie Andrews’ footwork trickery kept both the opposition and his coaches guessing, running in some impressive tries in the corner. No TMO needed (according to his dad!).

Team Storm were led out by coaches Will and Brendan, who were treated to an attacking masterclass - amassing 34 tries across 4 games.
Brothers Charlie and Elliot Wootley resumed their usual match day entertainment - with each trying to outscore the other - a debate I am sure raged on in the car a long time after the final whistle!

Henry Nicholas also showed a hunger for the wide open spaces and exploited gaps in the defence to score 9 tries across the day.

Excellent defensive effort from the remainder of the team (powerhouse Jonty Cunningham playing more game time than anybody else and still going strong at the end) helped to ensure Storm looked extremely strong amongst the opposition.

U8s - Pulborough

U9s
On Sunday we took 24 players split across three teams (EG1, EG2 and EG3) to the Sussex U9s Mini Festival, hosted by Uckfield. On arrival at Uckfield, we were greeted with our new EGRFC Gazebo (pretty sure coach Dan was there at the crack of dawn to set it up). This lucky talisman kept the rain and bay! A big thank you to Andy Crocker from Archers Build Ltd and Sarah and Dom Young from Rugbytots SE London for sponsoring the gazebo. The format was quick fire round robin matches (4/5 games in each group) throughout the day.

EG1 played teams from Crawley, Lewes, Seaford and Worthing; EG2 came up against Haywards Heath, Crawley, Midhurst and Bognor; and EG3 took on Pulborough, Crawley, Bognor, Uckfield and Heathfield. The matches were 7 aside with safe tackling, quick recycling and marshalling the offside being a particular focus for referees. All of our teams stepped up to the challenge thanks to all of the hard work they have put into recent training sessions.

Overall, it was a really good performance from all three teams particularly in their attacking play, quick recycling of the ball and support running. There were some fantastic defensive performances (including numerous try saving tackles)! Notably we had compliments from opposition parents on the sidelines about how respectful our players were, both to the other players on the pitch and to the referees. Coach Karen says, "We can take a lot from this festival and continue to improve. Well done to everyone who took part and did EGRFC proud!"

U10s - Bognor Regis.
It was a cloudy morning on the south coast but it was dry and mild. Saturday's rain had brought a bit of give in pitches and it was perfect for a rugby tournament. The 10s faced a line up of 5 matches against, Chichester, Hove, Seaford, Haywards Heath and finished against Guernsey which is the 1st time we have ever faced them. The players set about the tournament with gusto beating Chichester and Hove handsomely before coming undone against a very, very strong side from Haywards Heath.

We regrouped and put the result behind us before taking on Seaford who had some big, strong runners. However, as it had been for the majority of the day, our tackling was strong and having halted the progress of their dangermen on numerous occasions, they stopped coming. The G's were also making great turnovers and rucking well, which combined with getting the ball out wide we were running in tries galore.

We finished with our debut against Guernsey. Once Erikas Jonusas had put their big weapon into the mud a few times they had nothing to offer and we finished off with a big win. All the players were loving the day and none of them wanted to be substituted. Albert Turner was superb in leading the defensive charge every time (we will work on getting the team to go with him!!). He also made some great line breaks and nearly went the length of the pitch only to be denied by a last ditch tap tackle (a la Luke Cowan-Dickie). Erikas Jonusas was strong all round the pitch as usual making some big hits against some big boys that ended the threat they posed. Mighty mouse Mattie was everywhere and seemed impossible to stop. Jude 'No9' Pullen, was showing where we will find our future scrum half with brilliant work off the base of the breakdown not to mention his relentless tackle count (and some tries too). Sam and Cassius were gassing opponents left, right and centre to blast in for a number of scores. Nate Driver, was the picture of solid all round play, but these individuals are a sum of the great team play all round.

Coach Tom Goldsworthy commented, "This is the best Ive seen the U10s play. Our passing, tackling, breakdown and all round teamwork was outstanding all day. We have a clearer picture of work ons too as so many of the basics were done right! I couldn't have been more proud of them, they did themselves and EGRFC proud today."

It was safe to say that they all level grinning from ear to ear. Well done G's!!

U11s - Eastbourne.

Next week will be quiet again at HQ with Mother’s Day taking the limelight and a number of sections away at festivals.

INTERMEDIATE RUGBY
In an evenly balanced game, East Grinstead U15 narrowly lost to their Guernsey rivals by 21-19 points in the penultimate league game of this season. The game started well for EG U15 with two tries in quick succession, the rest of the game saw similar levels of commitment and aggression from both sides, but at the final whistle, the Channel Islands’ team won by one conversion.

East Grinstead’s tries were from Sid and two from Bailey with Declan converting two of them. The standout point for us was East Grinstead’s tackling being noticeably improved in this game; Guernsey reported that EG had the strongest defence they’d faced this season, and we hope to capitalise on this in the remaining games this season.

Guernsey was sitting just above EG in the league, with Hove below us. The next and last league game of this season is against Hove in two weeks’ time. A thrilling encounter not to be missed.

Continuing the Channel Island theme, our U16’s hosted Jersey on Sunday. A brilliant match ensued, with four well worked trys for the home side, leaving the scoreboard showing 26 - 12 to G’s. A fantastic result - Well played lads!!

To see Bens photos on the day, click here: Match pics

TATE WILLIAMS
For all those who have been following one of G’s finest prospects, Tate William’s, extraordinary rugby journey, you will be delighted to hear that Tate has been selected to represent England at U18 level.

Check out these links for more info: Quins news

England news

We will hopefully get our hands on a live stream or highlights of the matches. Watch this space.

Go well Tate - We are so proud!!

A LETTER OF THANKS
Many of you have been asking about Ethan, an U12 Crowborough player injured at Saint Hill at the weekend. Here is a letter from Ethans parents, Sally and David.

“Dear East Grinstead RFC

I’m Sally Powell, Ethan Powell’s mum - the boy who was injured today in the U12’s game. Writing to say a huge thank you to everyone at East Grinstead who was there today and helped us - so many people!

- the coach whose name I didn’t get who lay in the mud immediately with Ethan and held his head.
- the two parents from other year groups who were off duty ambulance and gave all their attention and care to Ethan, also lying in the mud for him, talking with 999 on the phone, supporting him to be moved inside, staying with us until the ambulance came.
- the other parents /coaches who brought blankets, coffees, looked after us.
- the mother and the player on the East Grinstead team who tackled Ethan and came to apologise then stayed close and checked on him later on. There was no issue with his tackle - please let the mother know he is fine!

Probably many others I’ve missed and I don’t know all the names.

The only two names I did get were the off duty ambulance volunteers - “River”, her son was playing on another group and also “Richard” whose son was playing there I don’t even know if either or both were East Grinstead parents. If there is any way to contact them directly if you know who they are we’d be very grateful. Or pass on our details if preferred rather than sharing theirs. We’d just like to send a personal thank you.

Ethan was given the all clear, no break, he’s feeling well this evening and we are so grateful for all the support from everyone, testament to the rugby community.

Thank you

Sally & David Powell”

Thank you from us all at EGRFC to all involved in this incident. It makes me very proud to be a part of this incredible rugby family!!

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!!

March 2025 Draw
1st Prize, Ticket No.14 - David Keetley - £125
2nd Prize, Ticket No.47 - Rita Russell -£50
3rd Prize, Ticket No.72 - Stephen Floodgate - £25

Well done to all our winners!

Could all winners please send their banking details, if not 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.

To find out more about our 200 Club, click here: 200 Club

RED ROSES v FRANCE
Support the Red Roses as they close out their Guinness Women's Six Nations 2025 campaign with a thrilling showdown against France on Saturday 26 April at Allianz Stadium.

With two of the world’s top teams playing against each other, this is set to be a thrilling encounter. Half-time entertainment features the highly anticipated return of Rizzle Kicks, as the chart-topping duo lights up the stage with fan favourites and tracks from their brand-new album, Competition Is For Losers.

Get your tickets now to be part of the action, or take your experience to the next level with an exclusive VIP package. Don't miss out on our brand-new Sticks’n’Sushi experience in The East Wing for a truly unforgettable time!

For tickets, click here: Eng v France tickets

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!!