The afternoon started with selection of fun activities for both parents and players: ‘moon ball rugby’ being a new edition to the activities, by Under 13s coach Chris Roycroft-Davies, which proved to be a great success with all ages scrambling for the large, white aerobics ball and eventually managing to get hold of it. The now, traditional game of ‘Dizzy Rascal’ (named before the rap singer) was enjoyed by all those who took part, who wouldn’t? Getting dizzy, trying to run straight and then drinking a mixture of soft drinks whilst being cheered on by team mates – great fun! Even Mini Chairman Spud (AKA Paul Talbot) was seen spinning around the pole and with some degree of control drink his drink without spilling it! With the bouncy castle in full use during the afternoon, hungry players and parents had their appetites nullified with burgers from the BBQ, brilliantly manned by Minty and Dev – Pinner RFCs answer to Ant & Dec of the catering world!

As the FA Cup reached half time in the clubhouse, the presentations started. It was the first time that the many new parents and kids – who have joined our club this season – had attended an End of Season awards. There were many positive comments for the vast variety of medals, cups and trophies laid out on display. These were both as club age group awards and cups won during the season.

The presentation was opened by Jo Talbot, Mini Section Administrator and Secretary, who welcomed both players and parents, thanking them all for their attendance, giving apologies for absence and highlighting some of the forthcoming events – Ickenham Gala Day, Saracens Summer Rugby Camp 9^th & 10^th August (Pinner RFC are hosting) and the Pinner Show.

Mini Section Chairman, Paul Talbot, then gave his introduction speech. He thanked everyone for their support throughout the year and their commitment in expanding the playing numbers; this year has seen the Mini Section increase in membership by over 50 players. He also thanked the club committee for their continued support, outlining future developments for the club, as well as thanking all the parents for their support, week in, week out helping the club to run so smoothly.

This year has been a very successful year for all age groups and even though some players have had to play up a year. Paul commended all players for their determination and more importantly their enthusiasm for playing rugby, the trophies on show proved this:

Under 7/8s – Egham Tag Festival Champions

Under 9/10s – Egham under 10s Festival Champions,

Middlesex under 10s Runners up

Under 11s – Middlesex under 11s Joint Winners,

Slough Under 11s Festival Winners

Under 12s –

Slough Under 12s Festival Joint Winner,

Middlesex under 12s Runners up

Presentation of Awards:

Under 6s

Players Player: James Evans

Most Improved: Leo Daines

Coaches Player:  Josh Luiz

Under 7s

Players Player: Thomas Hill

Most Improved: James Dawson

Coaches Player: Vivek Ambasna

Under 8s

Players Player: Jonathon Nye

Most Improved: Asher Woldman

Coaches Player: Jan Maguire

Under 9s

Players Player: Luke Selby

Most Improved: Jack Grey

Coaches Player: Maxwell Fullerton

Under 10s

Players Player: Mani Lee

Most Improved: Jameel Seidel

Coaches Player: Calum St John

Under 11s

Players Player: Josh Maloney

Most Improved: Joseph Edgar

Coaches Player: Joseph Holden

Under 12s

Players Player: Kai Gordon

Most Improved: Marc Souster

Coaches Player: Freddy Hart

Chairman’s Award:

Nominees – Leo Daines, Conner Walker, Jude Jackson, Reece Connolly, Calum St John, Cameron Fox, Findlay Schofield

Awarded to

Reece Connolly

Pinner crossed the county borders this weekend and ventured into sunny Surrey attending the Egham Knights Mini Rugby Festival. This was to be the last fixture of a very successful season for the mini section.

The Festival was for Under 8s and Under 10s teams. Throughout the season Pinner under8s have combined with Under7s to great effect, also, the Under 9s have stepped up and play with the Under 10s. It was going to be a big ask for all players as the teams they faced were orthodox age squads; but as is the Pinner way, we like a challenge!

Under 10s

The under 10s were in a pool with Chobham RFC and Slough RFC. Unfortunately, a last minute email meant that Slough had to pull out, a shame really, as they make worthy opponents and Pinner have always been victorious when we play them.

After a quick discussion with the Chobham head coach it was decided that we would still play the required three pool games; the winner of two games would go through to the finals.

Match 1

Pinner 10 Chobham 5

Pinner, usually at festivals makes a slow start, it’s not until a couple of minutes into the game that they focus and start to really play. This time it was very different – straight from the whistle they were on the attack,  pushing their opponents deep into their own half. Great interplay from Reece and Josh saw the ball land in the hands of Mani who using his strength dived for the line with three Chobham players trying to stop him to no avail. This continued pressure kept the opposition team in their own half for the first half.  After a team talk by the Chobham coaches they were not going to let Pinner dominate them as much and this was evident from the off, quick passing saw the ball passed out wide and despite some heroic defending saw a try against Pinner levelling the score. From the restart Pinner yet again dominated in the opposition half unfortunately a couple of knock –on and a forward pass prevented them from pilling on the score, at this point Chobham made a break away charge and the fantastic intervention by Jameel saw an end to the attack, Pinner picking up the ball and surged ahead with Kieran reaching the try line to score Pinner’s second. Final score 2-1 to Pinner

Match 2

Pinner 15 Chobham 0

Again, this was against Chobham who now were rotating their team to put fresh legs on the pitch. Pinner needed to win this to guarantee a final place. The game was as fast paced as the first, with some outstanding tackling from both teams and excellent rucking and mauling. However, Pinner were in fine form and had a very determined frame of mind, also, one might add, an eye on that gleaming trophy!

The game ended up 3-0 victory to Pinner – they were in the final

Match 3

Knowing the Pinner had made the final, the players decided to use this match as a training session, fine tuning their passing skills and to work on different drills they had practice during the previous weeks at the club during training sessions. Unfortunately a bad injury to Mani meant the game finished at half time.

The Final

Pinner 5 Cobham 0

This was a very well contested match, both teams working hard to retain the ball.  The tackling made by Pinner was furious, with every advance made by Cobham, they were met with two players committed to regaining the ball. This was a match of gladiatorial proportions; no team prepared to surrender near the try line. A break away pass from inside the Pinner half saw the Pinner players take advantage of ground gained and with a succession of passes were on the oppositions try line, with driving support from nearly all of the team the ball was placed down for a try. As the half time whistle blew Pinner were one try to nil up, could they hold on in the second half?

The answer was yes; but it was a very difficult half, Pinner spent the majority of time deep in their own half, at times inches away from their try line. The defence was basically awesome, every player committed to the tackle, the opposition tried again and again to cross the line but kept coming across a defensive line that was not going to let them through.  This was tense, with time ticking down Pinner gave away a succession of four penalties for a number of errors. With each advance Pinner defended, they wanted the trophy!  The referee indicated it was the last play of the match with Cobham only five metres from the try line Pinner threw everything into defence,  the ball popped out of a ruck one metre from the line, quick thinking and great awareness saw Luke run the ball out. Pinner had won

Captain Calum St John collected the winners trophy

Squad: Manitou Lee, Majeed Muhammad, Joshua Beresford-Smart, Calum St John, Maxwell Fullerton, Reece Connolly, Luke Sealby, Ciara Evans, Kieran Wheeler, Mike Murphy,  Daniel,  Jameel

Under 8s

Group Match 1

Pinner 9 v Chobham 6

Great start to event by Pinner, a very quick and high scoring match, great defensive work from Jan and Jonathon with 9 recorded clear tags. Pinner achieved turnover with the 7 tag target being reached.  Try scorers for Pinner were Asher Woldman with 3 including a great individual effort that twisted and turned the length of the pitch. Jonathon Nye and Jan Maguire both with 2 trys and Ben Macdonald and Michael Ohio-Ezomo with a try each.

Group Match 2

Pinner 5 v Slough 3

A much tougher defensive game, both teams tagged realty well and stopped the opposition progressing to score. Michael Ohio-Ezomo scored 3 of Pinners Trys with Asher Woldman and Jonathon Nye with 1 a piece.

Those 2 wins put us through to the final, which turned out to be a long wait while the other Pool was decided. In the break we were able to see the u10’s win a very tight final 1-0 and receive there medals and trophy, the pressure was on could we do the double for Pinner?

Final

Pinner v Grasshoppers

This proved a real end to end affair.  Both Pinner and Grasshoppers had a number of players with a real turn of speed and ability to twist and turn to avoid being tagged. As we went into half time Pinner led by just the 1 try, leading 5-4.  Pinner managed to get another try to take the gap to 2, but Grasshoppers broke straight back and scored again. Pinner did well after the restart and scored again to go 2 clear. Some great defence was now needed. After the allocated 6 minutes, the ref blew full time. Pinner winners by 7-5. Try scorers for Pinner Jonathan Nye with 3, Michael Ohio-Ezomo with 2 and Asher Woldman and Ben Macdonald with 1 each.

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He paid tribute to his predecessor Bill North, who had died aged 89 just before Christmas, to the coaches and administrators of the Youth and Mini sections, the latter either winning or being runners-up in several tournaments.

He also praised the leadership of the Club Captain, Reza Sibilant, who was stepping down after four years in the role.  Four years in which P&G’s had emerged from bottom of the Herts/Middx leagues, had gained promotion in two successive seasons and consolidated their position in Herts/Middx Division 2.

Reza was presented with a portrait of himself painted by Paul Talbot, the Chairman of the Mini-section.  Reza, in his response, thanked the Club Committee and administrators for all the help that they had given during the Club’s revival and to all the players who had so whole heartedly supported him.

It is a Pinner tradition that most of the wards are voted on by the players. Those receiving the engraved tankards were:

Best player Martin Goodwin

Best newcomer Richard Southam

Most improved player Sam Markham

Best young player Aaron Nicholas

‘Burnzy Award’ – Dale ‘Death Threat thumb movement across the throat to oppostion supporter’ Hirst

The Captain’s Shield was presented by Reza Sibilant to the Club Hon Secretary Robin Greenwood to recognise the support that he had given to the team during the past year.

The JPR Williams Endeavour Shield was presented by the 2010-11 recipient Les Chaffe to Brad Seiler for not only being the administrator and fixture secretary for both the youth section and the Pelicans XV but for providing the after match BBQ each week.

Club Colours were presented to Craig Lane for consistently good playing performances over several seasons and for helping with the coaching of the U15 team.

The second half started with Uxbridge again not being able to capitalise on kickable penalties but with only five minutes gone Pinner got another penalty on the Uxbridge 22. Rather than take the easy kick scrum-half Lane darted through the flat-footed defence to scored under the posts and with Razzell adding the extra two points P&G’s now had a comfortable 19 – 7 lead.  Uxbridge were not yet finished, breaking for the back of a ruck in the Pinner half they got the ball wide to score in the right corner.  With only ten minutes remaining both sides were engaged in attacking rugby and zealous commitment to rucks and mauls led to several more penalties.  Razzell now had his kicking-boots on and was able to stretch the P&G lead to 22 – 12.  However Uxbridge stirred themselves for a final onslaught.  Their backs were at last moving with more precision and a well executed try was their reward.  Now, with only one score between the teams, Uxbridge seemed to have the momentum.  Their backs began a promising move into the home sides territory but the ever alter Chris Jepson intercepted their final pass top sprint 60 m to score his second try under the posts.  Razzell added the points and a couple of minutes later he brought his personal tally to 12 with a final penalty.  Uxbridge now seems reconciled to defeat and Pinner had a last minute chance to add to their score but the final pass went astray.  P&G’s ended the season on a high note for Reza Sibilants last game as Captain with a bonus point win by 32 – 17.

Pelicans also in action.

Pinner Pelicans, a mixture of 2^nd XV and Veterans took on Fullerians from Watford.  The visitors had won their Vets League and with their 2^nd XV not having a match they brought a very large squad.  Such is the nature of this class of rugby that the visitors were able to substitute players at will and bring on a totally new front row at half time.  Pelican replacements were a few mature gentlemen putting in brief cameo performances.  However everyone enjoyed the day.

The Club will be defending the Middx CRFU 7 a-side Vase, which they won last season at the MCRFU Club 7’s at Richmond on Sunday 6^th May.

This year there is going to be a Grand Prize Raffle Draw.

First Prize will be a painted portrait of you either in action whilst playing rugby or a selected image of your choice.

This is a one off opportunity to own an original painting – acrylic on canvas.

Previous winners of a painting have been ‘Bullet’ who requested a little more than what was originally on offer! See example below.

A fantastic new painting will be added shortly

How do you enter?

Simple, purchase a Prize Draw Ticket

What is the cost?

£7 per ticket or £10 for two now that’s not a bad return for a painting that would cost up to £750!

When will the draw take place?

Pinner Rugby Club AGM Friday 15th June (England v Sweden European Qualifier)

All profit will go to Pinner Rugby Club.

Pinner out-muscled by Kilburn Cosmos

The strength of the Kilburn pack was soon in evidence for with 2 minutes of the kick-off they produced a strong driving maul that forced the home side back on to their own goal-line.  The ball was quickly recycled and the winger cut in to score the first try giving the visitors and early 5 – 0 lead.  Pinner fought back and with Cosmos trying the referee’s patients with a series of off-side full-back Mark Razzell was able to reduce the deficit with a penalty from 25 metres out.  Both sides exchanged territory and an exciting game seem in prospect but with 2o minutes gone the visitors won their own line-out on the P&G 10 metre line. Pinner’s defence was not organised, Kilburn broke through the middle and seem destined to score.  A  desperate tap-tackle by home no. 8 Bernie Richter appear to a save the day but the ball bounce free into a Kilburn hand for a score under the posts which was converted by their fly-half.  Once again Kilburn’s indiscipline nullified their good work. Obstruction form the re-start enabled Razzell to kick yet another penalty.  Kilburn now reverted to their earlier tactic with a driving maul from a line-out in the P&G’s 22 and forced over their third try which was not converted. On the half hour it was Pinner’s turn top concede a kickable penalty to stretch the visitor’s lead to 20 – 6.  With half-time approaching Cosmos were twice guilty of killing the ball when Pinner attacks threatened.  Razzell was successful with one of the kicks giving a half-time score of 20 – 9 to Kilburn.

The early part of the second half was fiercely competitive but Pinner were unable to capitalise on more penalties by the visitors.  With 20 minutes gone  home winger Fred Riley hacked up field only to find his kick gathered by the Kilburn centre who scored close in to stretch the visitors lead to 27 – 9.  Injuries began to appear with a nasty clash of heads. Soon the Kilburn full-back added their 5^th try.  Pinner responded well and a fine break by Riley found no. Richter on hand to score the home team’s first try which Razzell converted.  P&G’s were reduced to 14 men having used all their permitted replacements.  This gave Kilburn more space to add two more tries.  However Pinner were not finished,  Kilburn conceded yet another penalty for killing the ball. This was quickly taken and passed to fly-half Chris Hall who scored under the posts.  Razzell added the two points on the final whistle leaving the score at 43 to 23 to Kilburn.

Pinner’s previous two wins had ensured that 2^nd division rugby would still be at Hatch End next season but Kilburn’s fine win was not enough to put them in the promotion race.

A short trip over to N12 saw a mixed Pelicans side take on Finchley for a friendly match under floodlights.

Despite a 7.30 K.O. many players had difficulty getting there in plenty of time; work commitments and Friday night traffic held up a few which left Dave Hiles chomping on the bit to get on and play from the start! Thankfully they all managed to get pitch side before the game started.

It was to be a very different looking Pelicans team from previous outings both in terms of players and kit – a very snazzy yellow and black top was adorned by the team, David Hiles providing his secret weapon from the kit bag – this was the new Pelicans away kit!

A very brief team talk led by Sir Les Chaffe was help minutes before the start – a quick name check, who are you? Hi mate what’s your name? could be heard from the circle of bodies. Positions were discussed and agreed  and the traditional squeeze primed the team.

At this point it should be noted that Pinner Pelicans had a squad of 17, these included three players nearing 50, six in their early 40s and a smattering of debutants, one of which had not played rugby before; football was his game but he was here to help out a mate and enjoy playing rugby. A special mention should be made also of the oldest player on the pitch, who at 73 took to the pitch like a spring chicken (more about that later.

Finchley on the other hand had a squad of 28 well with so many of them it was hard to keep track. There were some vets out there but you could see that players from the 1st and 2nd teams were in evidence and couple of youngsters who in the opinion of the travelling Pinner support weren’t old enough to shave and had slight whispers of bum-fluff below their noses!

This was going to be a hard game not so much the physical aspect but stamina was really going to be the major factor between the two teams.

from the kick of Pinner Pelicans were pushed back deep into their own half, the ball being passed about by the Finchley team with ease, tackles were not being made to good effect and getting in the swing of the game was not happening for Pinner.

Just inside the Pinner half a ruck formed and the ball popped up into the hands of James Byrne who with quick thought – a very rare occurrence for those who know him! sided stepped the oncoming number 10 and kicked down the pitch, chasing the ball hard he was very lucky with the bounce and it fell nicely into his hands, using speed that very little have seen him make he shrugged off a tackle and crossed the try line to put 5 points on the board for Pinner. As he trotted back from the try line he held up his hand his little finger was at right angles and jogged off looking for someone to put in back in place (Hero). Whilst our attention was taken with the ‘finger’ Paul James stepped up and converted 7-0 to Pinner, was this going to be an upset against all odds? Finchley then rotated some more players in an attempt to change things round.

It made an instant impact, the Finchley number 10 starting to control the pack and with a quick change of direction drove through some very poor tackles by Pinner to score their first (of many) points of the game. the conversion was missed. 7-5

Finchley continued to press and playing some well rehearsed drills put the ball around from one side of the pitch to the other, several dubious forward passes were made but Pinners defence stood their ground, in particular Graeme Searle making some excellent tackles, stopping at least two try scoring moves. however this could only continue for a short while and the Pinner backs found themselves out of position and Finchley went through for a simple try, which was duly converted. 12-7

From the restart, Pinner were able to hold onto the ball, and the backs made some ground finding the boot of Paul James who hoofed it down deep into the Finchley 22, the chase was on, three Finchley players and Dan (in his second game for the Pelicans), the bounce was kind and as he swooped the ball from the air side stepped and ran over the line, supporters went wild, I do believe a little ale was spilled, but hey ho Pinner were back on track. Again, Paul James converted.

Rotation was the name of the game again, four players on, Pinner had Mark Bradshaw limp off with an ankle injury, the ice pack applied, but he was needed back on the turf so, on he went with a nice little limp!

The next 10 minutes sure Finchley dominate the game, their policy of rotating players clearly paying off. Before the whistle blew for half time they had put two more tries and a couple of conversions on the score sheet. There were some very tired looking players standing around during the team talk but all remained upbeat and ready to start the next half.

The second half took the same format as the first; Pinner defending with Finchley attacking. however, the kicking strengths that were used so effectively in the first 40 minutes were working again and after a passage of close play, the ball found itself high in the air with Pinner players chasing across the pitch, great hands from Richard ‘Muggins’ Ward passed out wide and saw Dan make his debutant try. The kicking boot of Paul James applied itself to convert the try.

At this stage of the evening the reporter was suffering with post operation social drinking cheers to Brad and Ross so the remainder of the game; shorted to 30 minutes is a little vague! To be honest, Finchley kept making changes which disrupted the flow of the game, the referee didn’t pick up their naughty scrum techniques and fatigue really hit the Pinner chaps. Finchley then went on to score a number of tries and conversions and nobody could be bothered at that point to keep score!

One notable event in the later stages of the half was the substitution of Chris Severyn to be replaced by David Hiles, 40 odd years his senior! Well done David, the true spirit of Vets rugby, unfortunately, despite having the 10 metre rule, Pinner were unable to utilise this and score a try.

The chaps played well, in the spirit of Vets rugby, enjoyed the post match drink and banter and along the way, Pinner might have picked up a player or two.

Man of the Match: James Byrne

More images to follow

Marie Curie Middlesex U11/12 Rugby Festival Sunday 18^th March 2012

Under 12s

The under 12s had been involved in league matches throughout the season and due to their excellent performances at these games had put themselves in a higher pool than the one they were initially in. They were now playing in the Middlesex Plate finals with Ealing and Teddington; two very big clubs with large squads and previous history as festival winners.

The first match versus Ealing kicked off at 10am on the dot, rare for festivals, but Wasps had organised this event with precision timings and an American announcer who jollied everyone into place!

The match started at a blistering pace, Pinner were rampant with their forward play; the pack driving through every tackle, securing the ball both in rucks and mauls. This allowed the ball to be passed around the field for all players on the Pinner team to be involved in set plays. Continued pressure by the pack pushed the Ealing defence back towards their try line and this allowed Kai Gordon to dive over the line for what was going to be the start of a try flurry. The conversion was successfully kicked by Freddie Hart, the first of six conversions, wow, that lad has a serious kicking foot!

From the restart, Pinner advanced into the Ealing half, again the pack bouncing off the tackles, the ball this time switched out to the right, where Marc Souster sprinted towards the try line, avoiding all attempts to tackle him and scored Pinner’s second try. The team was now full of confidence and started to play to their strengths. Before the half time whistle blew, Ben Stone charged through the defence and placed the ball over the try line. Half time the score was 21-0.

The half-time team talk, by coach Steve George, reminded players that there was still another half to go, to not let the concentration lapse and to start again as if it was 0-0.

Pinner took possession from the restart and immediately went on the attack; great passing by the front row with support from the second row, put the ball deep into the opposition’s half. Pinner now dominated the game, creating great spaces for the backs to pick up the ball and head straight for the try line. Through one of these gaps, ran Kai Gordon, team captain, to score his second and Pinner’s fourth try; the trusted boot of Freddie Hart converted again.

From the restart, Pinner dominated, the forwards linking well, starting with accurate draw passes, linking up with the centres, before the ball eventually found the hands of Ben Stone. It was a race to the line then for Stone, who turned the gas on and sprinted along the centre of the pitch, and despite a last ditch tackle, 1 metre from the touchline, used his power to drive over the line, scoring his second try of the match and Pinners fifth. At this point the referee asked the Ealing coach if they wanted to continue and quite rightly they wanted to finish the game, it was a hard initiation into the festival for them but with determination and grit they at least wanted a chance of scoring a try.

With a couple of minutes left in the game saw Pinner putting a strangle hold on the opposition, with some lovely passages of open play forcing Ealing to scramble their defences. Eventually an opportunity presented itself, after Charlie Gascoine shrugged of a tackle and charged past the gain line. With one man to beat, he needed only to look to his right to find scrum half Freddie Hart in support, who took the pass and easily touched down for his first try, which, predictably he converted taking the tally to six tries, six conversions – an emphatic win to Pinner 42-0

Pinner v Teddington

After such a great start this was going to be a very hard test for Pinner, as it was obvious that Teddington were going to be formidable opponents from our past encounters. It was time for Pinner to really concentrate and play their game.

From the start, Teddington gave Pinner no time on the ball, hurrying them at every breakdown, their rucking was very well drilled and to be honest after the first three minutes, Pinner looked a little shell shocked. Tackles were being missed, and more importantly the players were not supporting each other and individual runs were being picked off by the opposition easily. With great passing manoeuvres, two tries were scored simultaneously and converted even before Pinner could offer anything in return. Even though some dubious refereeing decisions went against them, possible three knock-ons, and a try that involved four movements on the ground before it was placed over the line, they still had only themselves to blame. The scrum had lost its edge and scrum half Freddie Hart was not being given the protection to make a pass; again the very well organised Teddington team prevented any real possession in the first half. A relieved Pinner side welcome the half time whistle!

Fresh legs and the movement of players into different positions, saw Pinner receive the ball from the restart and for the first time in the game saw them start to play like the team that had beaten Ealing. The forwards drove through towards the Teddington half, with revitalised tenacity, forcing Teddington to spend the next five minutes defending stoically; however, despite this resurgence of team spirit the try line evaded them.

The scrum was immense in the second half, driving the other team, at every opportunity, giving scrum-half Freddie more time on the ball whilst being able to release centres Ryan Healy and wing Sam Marchant with some defiant runs, just stopping short by smothering tackles from the opposition. This was a very different team to the first half. When Teddington managed to get the ball near to the try line, superb defensive qualities from Pinner prevented at least three try scoring opportunities. Making countless tackles, Pinner eventually managed to squeeze the ball out wide for Ryan to rampage through the opposition, who found themselves on the back foot, for what looked like a possible try scoring opportunity. Unfortunately, the ball popped up from a maul and was quickly dispatched to the Teddington wing who ran towards the corner. Despite a stern defensive effort, the ball was contentiously put over the line much to the bewilderment of Pinner, who had managed to hold the ball up. The referee’s watch appeared to hasten after this, as seven minutes disappeared into two, with Pinner making one final drive towards the Teddington’s tryline as the whistle blew. The final score ending 21-0 in favour of Teddington.

It was a lesson well learnt. All players had performed to their best and it demonstrated how far they have progressed over the season; increasing their squad size, stepping up a league and still walking away with a runner’s up trophy.

The festival proved a real test for the Under 12s who raised their game against two very big clubs. They should be very proud of what they achieved, especially as many of the team have only started playing rugby this season and for many this was their first experience of a festival, congratulations.

Next weekend they face Ealing again in a friendly fixture at Shaftesbury Playing Fields, home of Pinner Rugby Club… now that is something to look forward to.

Under 12s Squad:

Jacob Talbot, Ryan Healy, Kai Gordon, George Tillet, Dominic Boyden, Thomas Barkshire, Charlie Gascoine, Marc Souster, Paul Nash, Brendan Machell, Alex Gibbs,Dylan Kelly, Ben Stone, Taylor Goodman, Sam Marchant, Freddie Hart, Ewan Laidlaw.

Under 11s

First game was against Teddington, a tough way to start against an experienced opposition, but the young Pinner team soon got stuck in with some excellent tackling and support play. Thanks to tries scored by James Nye and Luke Barrowman, the team soon had a 2 – 0 lead. On the final whistle the players left the field with the belief that this, possibly, was going to be their day.
After an hours break, Pinner returned to the field for their second game, this time against Hampstead. Now, as the Pinner players were more fired up, they were a force to be reckoned with. For the majority of the game Pinner attacked within Hampstead’s half once again with some fantastic tackling. The Pinner scrum suddenly came alive, their domination was to continue throughout every game they played becoming a main feature of Pinner’s game plan. The team played well together and again ended the game with a 2 -0 victory; tries scored this time by James Nye and Kieran Wheeler.
The third game of the day saw Pinner against Hackney Bulls. This game saw both teams very evenly matched so Pinner had to step it up a gear. It all came down to the determination of the Pinner team to not let the Bulls score against them. Again there was some awesome tackling on their own try line, prevented Hackney crossing to score any points. Eventually, Joseph Holden, for Pinner, scored two break away tries after some great support play. Final score 2 – 0 to Pinner.
The fourth and final pool game saw Pinner against Hammersmith & Fulham. An excellent match ensued until the try tally was 2-2. Then came a stalemate, with each team putting in crunching tackles, to stop the other scoring a winning try. Unfortunately some scrappy play in the final seconds of the game allowed Hammersmith to touch down a loose ball, in the dead ball area, thus winning the game 2-3. A disappointment for Pinner but a great game to watch.
After the table was completed the rests showed that Pinner’s U11s had won the pool section. Now the first and second place teams had to play each other again to determine the winner of the trophy.

This saw the Pinner team up against Hackney Bulls again. We took to the field and again a very well matched game, containing end to end play, with some great tackles and counter tackles. It soon started to show that Pinner were tiring as our substitutes had left. This then became a massively defensive game as Hackney threw all they could at Pinner. Due to the dogged determination of the players on both sides, Pinner were able to hold out to a 0-0 draw. No extra time is played in these tournaments, so it went back to pool section. The Pinner players were very chuffed to be going home with the winners trophy as the Under 11s continued their Middlesex Festival successes, by achieving joint winners with Hackney Bulls in the final.

I would like to thank the parents for giving up the majority of their Mothers’ Day and thank them for all their support this season. Don’t forget if you want to play in a winning team this or next season check out our website – www.pinnerrugby.com

Squad:

James Nye, Kieran Wheeler, Joseph Holden, Josh Parker-Brice, Cameron Fox, Maisie Balkin, Max Alexander, James Hurley, Michael Murphy, Louis George, Luke Barrowman, Joseph Edgar, Josh Maloney