RBS Rugby Force Working weekend: 25th & 26th June (updated date)

Pinner RFC have been succesful in their bid to be part of the Rugby Force nationwide community volunteer programme which helps local rugby clubs to improve their facilities. It is an opportunity for clubs to gather members, supporters, friends and family for a weekend of fun-filled DIY.

The first 100 registered clubs received a support pack including T-shirts, food and drink vouchers, and a commemorative plaque.

So what’s going to be happening?

We will need an army of volunteers with definite promises from those who can come. A list of skills and tools and equipment that you have would be helpful in ensuring that the days are used effectively and not just a chance to socialise and have a few beers. Someone to organise catering plus a possible BBQ on one of the days would be much appreciated.  We are looking at starting each day at least by 10am.

We would like every member of Pinner RFC to make the time to come down to the clubhouse during the weekend to offer their support, including players of all  sections – seniors, Pelicans, Youth and Mini also friends are more than welcome, in fact the more the merrier – many hands make light work etc etc

Guaranteed to be fun, involving liquid refreshments and a great social event for the club.

What is RBS RugbyForce?

A self help programme for rugby clubs affiliated to the Scottish Rugby Union, Welsh Rugby Union, Irish Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football Union to help recruit more volunteers and to improve grounds and facilities. Evidence shows that the more you are prepared to help yourself, the more others are willing to help you.

What are the benefits of RBS RugbyForce?

• More Volunteers, Better Facilities!
• Online resources to help you set up your event and to gain support from your local community and local businesses. These can be found in the Toolkit pages
• A fresh start ahead of the new season
• Advice about how you could better run your club

In what other ways have past participants benefited from RBS RugbyForce?

Clubs that have participated have reported the following improvements since being involved with RBS RugbyForce:

• Improved playing standards
• Motivated membership
• Increased membership
• Increased hire of facilities
• Improved opportunities for sponsorship
• More members staying at the club/bar for longer on match days, training sessions and social events

Smile, you are on Sky Sports: Pinner RFC @ Saracens

On a glorious Easter Sunday afternoon, players from Pinner RFC mini section and Little Rugby Academy sauntered around the Vicarage Road pitch home of Saracens RFC; our partner club. As part of the Pride in Unity Parade over 500 players from a number of partnership clubs watched the Aviva game between Gloucester after walking around the pitch before the 1.30pm kick off. The players took part in the pitch side parade, completing a lap in front of the 10,000 strong crowd and got within a breadth of the Saracens players as they warmed up. Pinner RFC were represented by over 20 players, three coaches: Richard Evans, Paul Parker-Brice and Spud, with a strong turn out from the Little Rugby academy under the coaching guidance of Les Chaffe (who are affiliated to the club, players range from 2-5 yr olds). Pinner players, in club colours were one of three clubs from Middlesex and appeared to outnumber the others. Other clubs included; Amptill RFC, Saffron Waldon RFC and Biggleswade RFC.

The players witnessed a thrilling game with Saracens coming out victors. A great afternoon was had by all and to top it off, some of them managed to get themselves on television – the game was broadcast live on Sky Sports (the videos below are just what I have managed to get from the television – basic video from the screen and to some aspect a little bit of video piracy!!)

End of Season Awards: Top try Scorers – guess who!

End of Season Awards: Captains Shield – Steve Woad

End of Season Awards – Club Honours: Steve George, Jo & Paul Talbot

At it again! Mini Section book now available

Following the success of the seniors little book! I have gone and done it again, this time for the mini Section. As you may of noticed I have produced some promotional videos for the club (found on front page under fixtures and forthcoming events) e.g. why play  rugby for Pinner, here’s why….. etc etc

Obviously, having a great amount of time on my hands!!! I thought outside the box so to speak… resulting in the production/publishing of a book.
To have a look click below:

End of Season Awards – photographic evidence!

Following a very successful year the seniors held their annual End of Season awards night on Friday 15th April, the clubhouse was packed and a great evening was had by all.

Club Awards

At the Club Awards Dinner held the previous week, attended by some 50 people, Club President David Hiles paid tribute to all those who had worked so hard during the year to raise the profile of the club.  The 1^st XV had finished 4^th in the Herts/Middx Div 2,  the 2^nd [Pelicans] XV was playing regularly and the U14’s Youth side had completed its first league programme. The Mini section had won the Middx U11 and U8 tag tournaments and the other age groups had been runners up. The £40000 invested by the RFU in pitch drainage had illustrated that P&G’s are a club going forward.  The following awards were made:

Best newcomer  Stuart Cooper

Best overseas player  David Luiz

Young player of the season  Alex Goring

Most improved player Philip Bristow

Player of the season Simon Whitcombe.

These awards were voted for by the players.

Reza Sibilant presented the Captain’s Shield to Steve Woad, a former Chairman and Captain, whose coaching had been inspirational in the success of the 1^st XV

Club Colours were awarded by the President to Neill King for long service to the 1^st XV, to Steve George Chairman of the Mini section, to Jo Talbot for dedicated administration of the Mini section and to her husband Paul for his work as a coach to the mini’s, as the club photographer and for maintaining the acclaimed P&G Web-site.

In keeping with Club tradition the JPR Williams Endeavour Shield was presented by Jo Talbot, the previous recipient, to Les Chaffe for his considerable efforts in raising and captaining the Pelicans XV, in running the Mini academy for 3 -5 year olds and support of the mini rugby.

Burnzy Award: Bullet

There may be one or two awards that have missed, if so let me know, taking photos, insulting Burnzy and indulging in Guiness may have led me to forget along the way!!

anyhow, here’s some photos of the evening, enjoy

Some nomination thoughts

Player of the Season:
Simon Whitcombe – He has quietly led the team as vice-captain (seeing firsthand how difficult it is to get numbers for a match!). Throughout games I have watched him direct and support players and is always there at rucks and mauls. Carrying the ball – very rarely does it leave his hands until he is ready to make a pass and even though he has a funny running action his short runs destroy many of the opposition.
Young player
Alex Goring – plays like he has been around for a few years not just one. Quick, direct and always prepared to take the ball in hand and work his magic up the pitch, often leaving the opposition looking bemused. Not very verbal on the pitch, but listens and follows instructions very well, he has a good brain for quick rugby and an asset to a team that is going from strength to strength
Most Improved Player
Sandy Maclean one of those unsung hero type of guys, just gets on with it; he has been very quick to pick up many of the complex elements of the game and is very reliable in the breakdowns, showing no fear in the tackle, again quiet member of the team but watches with keenest what others are doing both when on and off the pitch

Best new comer
Chris Jepsen – partly because he is the only one on the team who uses a childs rugby top; able to take a lot of abuse from the touchline every game without fail. His speed is fantastic and doesn’t shy away from making the big hits even though he knows that he will of course bounce off anyone. He does need more time with ball in hand to show us what he can really do apart from walking up and down the pitch flexing his muscles!
Overseas
David Luiz, initially on paper one would vote for Bernie – his power, speed and try scoring record; however my vote goes to David Luiz, he has had a sensational year, his kicking for touch and penalties have led to many point scoring situations. He has both quick hands and feet and he makes over 90% of his passes, he assesses situations quickly and his decision making under pressure is excellent always looking to put the ball into opposition territory either through a kick or a pass to a running player. An excellent season shame he is foreign

Buyrnzy – change position more times than a prostitute on a stag weekend, moving up to forwards/pack has been a revelation – he has no time to think (a major problem in the first place) and has grown in confidence with each game – he is really enjoying his rugby for playing the game not just the social aspects of Burnzy’s world

Steven Griffiths: one of the best players I have seen this season, his understanding of where to put the ball, passing and fearless tackling make him a joy to watch. He has created an air of calmness within the scrum and directs players into positions with great command and they are more than willing to go to where he tells them (possible future captain material). It is a shame that he can’t play more owing to his commitments both job wise and the need to constantly lick and caress the bonnet of his beloved Porsche.

Samuel Umfufu Markham: shame he has been ‘sooo luved up’ recently as at the start and middle of the season showed great talent, moving position from scrum half to fullback on alternative matches he gained a lot of experience in both positions and over a short period grew in confidence as scrum half.

Martin Goodwin: the gentle giant, always in at the breakdown, carries the ball without loss and has shown great second row power in the scrum. A very quiet guy who just gets on with it and players can rely on him to support them and is what is meant by the term ‘a team player’

Usual suspects:

Woady; for usual reasons

Craig Lane: quick, great hands, plays well both as scrum half and winger – though this does cause problems when he starts running, as noted earlier on the season his head is too big for his little legs and often over takes them by up to a metre causing him to topple over. Has quietly said he loves playing in the seconds – “Mae’n llawer mwy arafach – fy math o cyflymder” But being Welsh can never expect any awards/trophies

Bernie: as mentioned previously

Reza Sibilant: for usual reasons – 110% every game, (even when swanking it in Miami) ability to play almost anywhere on the pitch as long as there is a try scoring opportunity in it somewhere. Leader of men and Byrnzy, his passion from rugby is second to none and this rubs off on fellow members rather like a dog scenting a lamppost! Top player, an great pleasure to watch on the field, nuff said

Ollie: his game/confidence has steadily improved this season, playing in the 2nds has definitely given him a new view on the game, always committed to the team, attending training and matches even though he regularly didn’t get to play – superb enthusiasm. Playing in the centre this season has added a further dimension to his game and has found that this is his favoured position – when watching him this season particularly for the Pelicans he has not shirked away from a tackle and his quick pace has cut through the opposition many times

Phil ‘Feed’: if being committed and enthusiastic one awards he would have a shed full – always at games, the bridesmaid not the bride rings true. Is slowly understanding the role of front row and needs a lot of support in developing his game. His main downfall is his lack of aggression and as a front row player it comes with the territory! Another season playing in the Pelicans with the occasional 1^st team appearance would be a great way for him to develop.

Mark Razzle: Gay

Pinner Mini Section Bognor Tour 2011 Race Day!

Following a successful day at the tournament on Saturday, Sunday was a day of fun with the day starting of with go-karting on the Bun leisure site, Paul Parker – Brice organised a deal for Pinner and off we went. Here are some of the clips taken, more will be added as they are sent in

Protected: Mini Section Bognor Tour 2011 (additions ongoing!)

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Pinner end the season in fine style

Match Report Saturday 9th April

P&G’s put on a scintillating display of open rugby to entertain the large crowd at Shaftesbury Playing Fields on Saturday with an emphatic 46 – 5 win over Old Isleworthians to whom they had narrowly lost in the opening match of the season.  The day had started well with Club President David Hiles hosting a lunch for former players dating back to the 1960’s with former president Eric Dodge and Old Isleworthian’s former captain Bob Patten as principal guests.  In a short address Hiles praised the leadership of Club Captain Reza Sibilant and all those connected with the Youth and Mini rugby squads who had contributed so much to the continued revival and success of the Club.

When the game got underway Pinner soon opened their account with a penalty by fly-half David Luiz.  Very soon afterwards captain Reza Sibilant, demonstrating his on-field leadership, was on hand to finish off good work by the back row to score close in, the try being converted by Luiz.  P&G’s now dominated the game moving the ball freely across the backs and forwards giving good support.  Winning a scrum 30 metres out scrum-half Steve Griffiths made and impressive break through the visitor’s defence and when he was at last stopped fly-half Luiz was in support to score giving P&G’s a 15-0 lead.  Pinner were now in full flow, egged on by enthusiastic supporters.  Half  -way through the first half  a strong run by winger Lane found Griffiths in support who moved the ball to the right for back-row Warren Woad to score try number three, Luiz again converting.  As half-time approached Pinner relaxed a little letting the Old Isleworthians forwards back into the game. The visitors drove over for Darren West to score to bring the score to 22 -5.

Barely five minutes into the second half P&G’s gained turn-over possession on the O I’s 10 metre line, Griffiths got the ball moving to Sibilant who found the exciting young player Alex Goring, who had dominated the line-outs since moving to No 8 in the previous match.  Goring rampaged through the visitors defence to score on the left for the fourth and bonus point try.  A couple of minutes later Fijian centre ‘Tim’ Tabua made a strong break through the centre from the half-way line with hooker Aaron Nicholas on hand to finish off the move under the posts. Scrum-half Griffiths drop-kicked the conversion.  With ten minutes gone in the second –half the referee pulled a hamstring but fortunately the 2^nd XV match had finished and their ref took over.  Old Isleworthians never gave up but their best chances of further scores were squandered when first a penalty was missed and then the ball was dropped as they crossed the try-line.  The sixth try was not long in coming when back-row Woad weaved his way through the O I’s defence to score a brilliant individual try which Luiz converted.  With a quarter of an hour to go, and Pinner full of confidence, they decided to run the ball from deep in their own half. Once again Sibilant was prominent in the moves but, to the amazement of the many old time front-row players on the touch-line, hooker Aaron Nicholas completed the final 40 metres to score the seventh and final try.  P&G’s pressed hard for the half century but the final score remained at 46 – 5.

Saturday, 09 April 2011
Belsize Park	37 – 12	Ickenham
Old Millhillians	20 – 17	Royston
Pinner & Grammarians	46 – 5	Old Isleworthians
Quintin	HWO	Old Tottonians
Uxbridge	33 – 0	London French

Herts/Middlesex 2	Short Format Long Format
Team P W D L F A Diff B Pts Pts Adjust Old Millhillians 20 19 0 1 577 199 378 11 88 0 Belsize Park 20 15 1 4 595 232 363 13 76 0 Old Merchant Taylors’ 20 14 2 4 563 285 278 15 75 0 Pinner & Grammarians 20 11 1 8 511 371 140 12 58 0 Royston 20 12 1 7 370 229 141 11 56 -5 Ickenham 20 8 2 10 303 279 24 7 44 0 Old Isleworthians 20 9 0 11 321 468 -147 3 39 0 Uxbridge 20 7 0 13 381 510 -129 8 36 0 London French 20 6 0 14 273 408 -135 8 32 0 Quintin 20 4 1 15 215 445 -230 6 25 0 Old Tottonians 20 1 0 19 116 799 -683 1 0 -5

P&G Pelicans v Old Isleworthians 2^nd XV

IN a match that kicked-off earlier than the 1^st XV game to allow the lunch guests to see both games the home side lost by 26 -19 the difference being a single converted try.  Scrum-half Graeme Searle was prominent in much of the home side’s  play.  The fact that a Pelican’s XV has played regularly towards the end of the season augers well for the future after years of only being able to field a 1^st team.

Old Isleworthians played their part in a wonderful rugby day at Hatch End by travelling by coach with many supporters who stayed to join in the after-match celebrations.  Pinner’s 15-a-side programme is now completed finishing well in the top-half of Herts-Middx Div 2.  This follows two successive promotions after years in the doldrums.  With the Mini’s on tour in Bognor and the prospect of two youth age groups next season these are happy days at Hatch End. The successful season will be celebrated at the Awards Dinner next Friday and the season concluded at the Middlesex Club 7’s at Richmond on 1^st May.

Pinner Seniors book available

Hi All,

Following a request to put together a video for the End of Season Awards night (Friday 15th April – book in) I have produced something a little different. As you may of noticed I have produced some promotional videos for the club (found on front page under fixtures and forthcoming events) e.g. why play seniors rugby for Pinner, here’s why….. etc etc

Obviously, having a great amount of time on my hands!!! I thought outside the box so to speak… resulting in the production/publishing of a book.

Posted below is a link where you can view it on line and if you so desire purchaes, there are different prices available depending on your budget / how much you love yourself (Reza will probably order at least 10!!!!!)

Enjoy

Spud

AKA Paul Talbot (real name)

Preview below

‘Breaking Down the ‘Breakdown’

I hope that you are well and that you have enjoyed the season to date. As the season starts to reach it’s dramatic and hopefully successful conclusion, the coaching staff behind the Saracens success on the field continue to aid the development of coaches from Partner Clubs and Partner Schools through the Saracens Coach Education Programme. During the victory against Leeds coaches from across our community were in attendance for the ‘Observation & Analysis’ session delivered by Saracens Team Manager Mike Hynard. The session focused on the planning that goes in to preparing for a Premiership fixture which included details analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Leeds side. On cue the first two tries came from areas that the Saracens Coaches’ had highlighted as areas to attack.

The next session for the Saracens Coach Education Programme will be delivered on the 18^th April by Alex Sanderson. The session will focus on the contentious area of that is the breakdown. Alex Sanderson will share his thoughts and insight in the session entitled ‘Breaking Down the ‘Breakdown’ and will look at how teams can be more effective in both attack and defence.

The breakdown is becoming ever more important with games being decided by which team dominates, manages or pushes the laws most effectively at the collision zone. Small margins between quick and slow ball, between slowing the ball legally or penalised for offences at the breakdown are deciding who will be victorious come the final whistle. Every fan, referee and player has a ‘different’ view on the tackle area and the session will offer a unique insight in to how Alex Sanderson and Saracens view and approach the ‘Breakdown’  for Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup fixtures.

Places are priced at only £10.00 per head and will provide an opportunity to attend a theory seminar and observe a practical session utilising National League players. To book your place or for further information please contact alexaustebrerry@saracens.net on 01707 285 026.

Date: Monday 18^th April 2011

Venue: Old Albanians RFC (AL3 6BB)

Time: 19:00 – 21:00

Cost: £10

Under 11’s winning squad: Middlesex County Championships

Under 10’s clean sweep at Egham Tournament

Egham Under 10’s Tournament

A hard fought campaign by both A and B teams (mixed with Slough RFC) resulted in the A team’s clean sweep, winning all four games, gaining a maximum 16 points against the nearest competitor’s 11, and the Tournament trophy.  Paul Parker-Brice, coach of the team took important decisions about which players should play in which team, mixing ability and skill. It was an inspired pairing between the two teams.

It was a sunny start and the pitch was perfect for playing on.  First up was an unusual match that pitched the A team against their usual training partners in the B team. As the whistle blew to start the game the A & B teams started their campaign of the day, the A team took the advantage with the first try of the day coming quite quickly, the B team defended their area really well, carrying out some excellent tackles and counter attacks sadly however, the strength of the A’s wore them down with the A team winning 8-0 trys in this game came from James Nye scoring 4 with his swift running around the pitch, 2 more trys came from Joshua Parker-Brice who’s constant forward play deep in the mauls and rucks helped retrieve the ball from the opposition with his fierce ripping of the ball on numerous occasions, himself rolling off the mauls to score his trys, two more trys came from Joshua who is from our slough team mates scored following some close support play. During the break scouts for Pinner spotted the weaknesses and strengths of two other teams playing, and major rivals, Staines and Phoenix, whose own battle resulted in a tough 3 all draw.

Next up for the A team was against home side Egham; this proved to be a much more organised team. The A team worked well together managing to pin the Egham team inside their own half for nearly all the game, the one or two times they did break out they were met by some fantastic covering tackles from the A team who were always ready the strike. After an exhausting game to watch let alone play the A team came out on top, winning 4-0, with Maisie Balkin the teams scrum half, scooping the ball from rucks, then with her agile light footed speed allowing her to score her first two tries of the season, a loose ball picked up was passed out to the teams whippet James Nye, who again dodged his way up the pitch to go over for a try in the corner, the 4^th try came from another slough team mates Ned, working his way through to the try line pasted many a missed tackle.

The B side then took on Staines, whilst expectant coaches and team mates looked on. However the strong Staines team pushed forward to the try line in the first half only to be stopped in the last few feet, dogged defence close to their own try line save 3 trys in the early stages of the game, the best of all coming from a Pinner player Joshua Beresford-Smart who’s perfectly timed covering tackle just short of his try line saved the team from a certain try being scored, this tackle was met with cheers and applause from the parents stood along the touch line. The Staines team gradually wore the Bs down and after a brave battle they conceded 6 tries to none. But however the Bs had done well, wearing down Staines for the A’s, when they played.

Phoenix were the next team to come up against the A’s, as the competition moved on the opposition was getting tougher they fielded a well drilled, strong side.  A dogged battle ensued with Josh Parker-Brice scoring another 2 trys again from his strong forward work ripping and hard running knocking aside anyone who tried to tackle him, James Nye again received the ball numerous times managing to sprint and side step his way twice more over the line to score and Max Alexander scored his first try for the club with his excellent support play being in the right place at the right time to receive a pop pass from Joshua P-B so he could force his way past 2 defenders to go over the line for a score, eventually helping A’s to a 5-2 win.

As the day went on, hard tackles were made and knocks received by all those in both A and B teams.  But, true to the Pinner spirit, imbued by Paul Parker-Brice over his four years coaching the same kids in the team, and his fellow coaches from Slough, all the children fought bravely on.

Egham were the next fixture for the B’s, again the B team fought hard with some great tackling but it looked as though the heat and hardness of the matches was starting to show on the young team, with a couple of substitutions for injured players along with the tiredness they were eventually defeated 6-0.

Now it was crunch time; A’s versus Staines, Staines played 3 won 2 drawn 1, Pinner who had 3 wins were in the best position but not safe yet, it all depended on how the Barbarian side held up in defence against Staines fast agile wingmen. A’s had seen what Staines were capable of in attack, their two fast wingers and a couple of larger runners who just bashed through the centre. A defensive strategy to narrow the field by getting the A’s to tackle hard and first time to keep the game in the centre of the pitch until we could counter attack and open the game up. With fierce play in the midfield the chance finally came Mike Murphy broke a tackle and headed up the touchline as he came to the next opposition player he off loaded the ball to James Nye who again was away off into the corner to score our opener to the crowds delight. Then as the A’s progressed through the half they were awarded numerous penalties as the pressure they were putting on Staines started to show which left the Referee to make some tough calls. The match continued to see James Nye score another 2 trys in this game and a final try came from Liam a player with Slough which resulted in A’s winning 4-3! A very hard fought, hard tackling and hard run game which made this the game of the day for the A’s, all the players from these 2 small clubs had shown that by joining together playing in the correct spirit of Rugby Union that they may have ached and been bruised all over but the victory took that all away they had won their first trophy! The smiles from cheek to cheek were a picture to see.

That victory won the tournament for A’s but everyone remained for B’s final fixture against Phoenix.  Unfortunately, with such an early start and some other difficult games under their belts on the day, B’s found it really hard to get their tired feet moving they still stuck at it though and were rewarded by their first try, scored by new Pinner boy Calum St John, he only started playing rugby 4 weeks ago but has show a great aptitude towards the game. Sadly the final score was 9-1 in favour of Phoenix.

All the players were presented with medals for their participation in the tournament and the A’s had the additional honour of picking up the trophy in front of some proud coaches, parents, guardians and grandparents! At this time I would like to thank the parents for bringing the players along on Mothers Day sorry mums, without your support it would not possible to let the children feel the achievement of sportsmanship and working as team to get a victory that does mean so much to them, thank you.

All the children were presented with medals for their participation and A’s had the additional honour of picking up the trophy in front of some proud coaches, parents, guardians and grandparents!

WE AT PINNER RFC ARE ALWAYS LOOKING TO RECRUIT NEW PLAYERS TO OUR TEAMS, SO PLEASE DON’T BE SHY COME DOWN TO VISIT US AT THE CLUB, CHECK OUR WEBSITE OUT www:pinnerrugby.com THIS YEAR IS A RUGBY WORLD CUP YEAR, WATCH THE GAMES AT OUR CLUB, BUT MOST OF ALL BRING YOUR KIDS DOWN SO THEY CAN DISCOVER THE FUN AND FRIENDSHIP RUGBY UNION CAN BRING.

THIS YEAR OUR U8s, U10s & U11s ARE ALL CUP WINNERS COME AND BE PART OF IT!