Match Reports


PINNER RFC – Match Report for Saturday 19th September 2015

PINNER OPEN THE SEASON IN GRAND STYLE

Man of the Match: Chris Jepsen

Having gone all of last season with a 100% winning record and gaining promotion Pinner started the new campaign determined to do it again. Pinner travelled to Old Deer Park, Richmond to meet their opponents London Welsh (Amateurs) Dragons. The first Try was quickly scored by Rohan Desai, with a conversion from Chris Jepsen. James O’Brien then took some hard tackles against London Welsh and went close to scoring. Pinner kept the pressure on which resulted in a second Try from Tom O’Connor and a conversion from Chris Jepson. London Welsh came back strongly and nearly scored a Try however sneaky Chris Jepson managed to dislodge the ball out of the try scores hands in the dead ball area.

Pinner absorb the Welsh pressure with Chris Jepson running  half the length of the pitch to overtake two London welsh players who were bearing down on a kick forward, and grabbed the ball he side stepped and then ran past them winning him the Man of the Match. Pinner regained control with the next try scored by Patrick Leahy. John Patrella went charging through the Welsh defence taking several player with him. Pinner’s 5th try came from Ollie Blazey who ran through the Welsh line and scored right under the posts giving Chris Jepsen a chance to give us another conversion. Captain Aaron Nicholas ran three quarters of the pitch to steal back the ball near the Welsh 22 and needed to be substituted. Near the end of the match Kimani Knight was substituted on and within minutes was running round the Welsh and scoring his first Try for Pinner with Chris Jepson making another conversion. Pinner eventually winning their first game of the season with 40-6 Victory.


PINNER RUGBY CLUB – Match report for Saturday 18th April 2015

PINNER PUT THE ICING ON THE CAKE

Man of the Match: James O’Brien

Pinner rounded off their very fine season with an emphatic  60 – 7 win in the final of the Middlesex Rugby Merit Vase at Twickenham RFC on Saturday to add this trophy to the Merit Table 5 championship won in the play-off the previous week.  For the first time in the Club’s eighty-one year history the 1st XV has won all of its 21 matches amassing 638 points and conceding only 114.

Once again the wind made playing conditions difficult but Pinner were soon on the score board when following a run by winger John Petrella, second row Dave Logan went over for a try.  Pinner’s powerful forwards soon established superiority in the set pieces driving the home pack off the ball in the tight. A superb break by flanker James O’Brien nearly allowed number 8 Andrew Alexander to score but the home defence held.  Pinner were awarded a penalty and opted for touch. Winning the line-out the forwards drove on, the ball was recycled to left winger Michael Baggs to score in the corner.  Baggs again had a hand in the next score. Winning yet another scrum Baggs made progress down the left, with fly-half Chris Hall in support to change the direction of the attack, linking with Captain Aaron Nicholas who scored on the left.  Jepsens kick was successful. On the half-hour Pinner had another penalty following a scum offence.  Scrum-half Chris Jepsen took it quickly to put Alexander in for the fourth try to give the visitors a  22 – 0 half-time lead.

This lead was the same as the interval score in the previous week’s pay-off final when facing the wind made life difficult but Pinner had no intension of losing the advantage.  Within five minutes the next try arrived. Twickenham won a scrum but fumbled the passing allowing Pinner left wing John [Beau] Petrella to pounce and score behind the posts.  Jepsen’s kick advanced the score to 29 – 0.  Pinner now became a bit complacent allowing Twickenham to use the wind to move into Pinner’s 22 from where they made their only score.  This was a wake-up call and once again Jepsen’s quick thinking put the game beyond doubt.  He took yet another quick penalty and evading half-hearted tackles scored try number six.  Into the final quarter the home side lost heart.  Another powerful scrum allowed Alexander to pick-up and knocking over several opponents scored one of his trade-mark tries. Jepsen converted.  Pinner backs were now moving with confidence, replacement centre Richard Southam made good ground to feed Petrella for his second try behind the posts.  Next it was the turn of the impressive centre Rohan Desai to put the icing on the cake.  A fine run by hooker and captain Nicholas gave Desai the chance to beat several defenders to score under the posts took Pinner past the halve century.  In the dying minutes of the season it was again Desai who gathered up a loose ball 40 metres out to leave the exhausted defence stranded to bring the final try tally to 10 and the score to 60 – 7.

As with the previous week’s play-off final the coach load of Pinner supporters had cheered their team home to the end of a memorable season.  The Middlesex Merit Vase plaque was presented to Captain Aaron Nicholas by Steve Rac, Honorary Secretary of Middlesex Rugby. Club President Dave Hiles, himself a former Middlesex Honorary Secretary, was full of praise for the team’s unique performance and the leadership of Nicholas and coach Tony Mullins.

Next Friday the club will holding its Annual Awards Dinner in its clubhouse in Hatch End when the success of this season will be well and truly celebrated.

Pinner Rugby Football Club –match report for Sat 11th April 2015


Pinner win the play- off final

Man of  the Match: Neill King

Having gone all season with a 100% win record to secure first place in the Middlesex merit Table 5 and having defeated 4th placed Chiswick in the semi-final Pinner faced the much sterner task of Hammersmith & Fulham in the play-off final at Wasps on Saturday.  This was just one of six finals in a festival of Merit Table rugby held at the Wasps and Middlesex county HQ in Acton.
Strong wind most across the ground and a bone hard surface made conditions difficult. Right from the kick-off Pinner’s powerful pack showed its intent and were soon camped in the H&F 22. Pushing back the opposition‘s scrum led to a ruck and the ball was quickly got to their powerful left wing John [Bow] Petrella to get the first try after only 3 minutes.  From the re-start Pinner again won the scrum and number 8 Andrew Alexander burst through from the half-way line only to be brought down well in the H&F 22. Pinner were not to be denied and kept pressing.  Winning yet another scrum Alexander picker up and drove over for the second try to give a 10 – 0 lead.  Constant probing by scrum-half Chris Jepsen kept up the momentum.  Hammersmith & Fulham made a few excursions into the Pinner half but ferocious tackling and a well organised defence ensured little opportunity to threaten.  On one of these around half –way Pinner fly-half Chris Hall intercepted a H&F pass to sprint 50 m to score under the posts.  This time Jepsen’s kick was successful and the lead stretched to 17 – 0.  An injury to influential wing-forward Dan Smith caused a re-organisation of the Pinner pack with replacement Dave Logan going into the second-row but this in no- way weakened their dominance.  With half-time approaching Logan proved his worth when following a series of rucks near the H&F line he drove over for the fourth try to give Pinner a comfortable 22 – 0 lead at the interval.
The second half proved a different story.  The wind, having veered to the north, was now in Pinner’s face making progress up field very difficult.  Hammersmith made full use of this wind kicking deep into the Pinner half.  The Pinner defence was resolute and time and time again they resisted the H&F attacks.  Eventually the pressure told and some sloppy covering allowed H&F in for a try.  This inspired the opposition who now sensed an opportunity.  On the half-hour the swirling wind ruined a Pinner line-out which H&F capitalised upon. A few quick passes and they scored under the post. Pinner’s lead was now reduced to 22 -12.  Captain Aaron Nicholas now rallied his team and egged on by the biggest and most vocal group of supporters on the ground the Pinner were not going to see their season ruined in the last few minutes.  Stirling defence, courageous tackles and the line was held.  Agonising extra minutes of injury time all added to the drama but when the final whistle blew Pinner were Champions by 22 -12.
The Middlesex Shield was presented to Aaron Nicholas by Michael Barnes, immediate Past President on Middlesex Rugby and himself a vice-president and former captain and chairman of Pinner.  The celebrations were unreserved continuing back on the coach and well into the night at the Pinner clubhouse in Hatch End.
Next Saturday, with the chance of a double, Pinner travel to Twickenham RFC for the final of the Merit Cup kicking-off at 3:00 pm.  The coach for the team and supporters will leave Shaftesbury Playing fields around 12 noon.  All support welcome as having had the largest group at Wasps certainly inspired the team.

Pinner & Grammarians RFC match report for Sat 20th October 2012

P&G’s convincing win at last

Pinner recorded their first league win if the season when fellow strugglers Old Grammarians from Tottenham were the visitors to Shaftesbury Playing Fields. P&G’s signified their intent from the off with a series of attacks and play was mainly in the O G’s territory. Early chances of scores went begging with missed penalties. With frustration at not getting points from their efforts they allowed Grammarians to get more into the game.  With twenty odd minutes gone Pinner won a line-out just inside the OG’s half.  The ball was fed to captain Aaron Nicholas who found support from flanker Goodwin who drove for the line. Prop Neill {bullet] King was on hand to force the first score.  Mark Razzell, back in his usual role of full-back, took over the kicking duties and promptly added the extra points. The next try was not long on coming when scrum-half Lane cut through the Grammarians defence to leave flanker Goodwin to power the last 15m to score on the left. The conversion was unsuccessful. P&G’s were now playing with confidence and three more chances of scores before half-time narrowly failed. Firstly OG’s were adjudged to have obstructed on the half-way line. The penalty was kicked into the corner.  Pinner gathered and drove forwards only to be held up on the line. P&G’s then won the resulting scrum against the head but the pass went forward.  Grammarians counter attacked and put a kick deep into the home 22 where full-back Razzell made an excellent ‘mark’ under pressure. Instead of kicking for touch he led a counter attack. Forty yards were made by Nicholas and winger Jepson seemed certain to score but lost control of the ball as he dived over the line.  However P&G’s went into half-time with a 12 – -0 lead.

Within a minute of the restart OG’s were penalised for not retiring 10 m. Pinner, sensing the defence was not organised moved the ball swiftly for centre Southam to score.  Razzell added the 2 points. One more try would give P&G’s a much needed bonus point win and they continued with the attacks.  OG’s were forced to kick out but failed to find touch.  The ball was gathered by full-back Razzell who again counter attacked. The ball was moved out to the left where lock Dave Logan completed the last 20 m to score in the left corner. OG’s had little to offer other than to kick up-field which led to more counters by the home side. The next scoring chance petered out when an attack from their own 22 saw P&G’s interchanging the ball freely only there to be adjudged a forward pass deep in the OG’s half. After 15 minutes the next score did come, again Goodwin, who sensing the lack of  organisation in the visitor’s defence, made a solo run from the 22 to score under the posts, Razzell adding the 2 points. With half an hour of this half over the referee, who up till then had had a good game seem to lose the plot.  Having legitimately moved a penalty 10m forward when a Pinner player disagreed with a decision he moved it a further 10m because of further back-chat. At the next play just inside the Pinner 22 and near the touch-line he mysteriously awarded a penalty try when Pinner replacement Burns had too much to say for which he received a yellow card and 10 minutes ‘rest’.  The game now became scrappy with penalties coming thick and fast. With the end in sight scrumhalf Lane took a quick tap-penalty on the OG’s 22 and ran more or less unopposed to score under the posts.  ,Man of the match, Razzell again added the conversion to make the final score 38 – 7 to Pinner and with their six tries a much needed 5 league point win.

Pinner & Grammarians RFC match report for Sat 29th September 2012.

Depleted Pinner put in a spirited performance.

P&G’s depleted through several early season injuries when Uxbridge fly-half Michael Weymouth landed a forth minute penalty when the visitors were adjudge to have not released the ball in a tackle.  However a few minutes later Pinner won the ball against the head just inside the Uxbridge half.  Mark Razzell, normally the full-back but playing scrum half, quickly got the ball to his fly-half Ray Conboy who set the backs moving with centre Richard Southam powering through the last 25 m of the move to score putting  P&G’s 5 – 3 up. Uxbridge now stepped up the pressure but the Pinner defence held out. Finally P&G’s were caught off-side in their own 22 allowing Weymouth to slot his second penalty and restore the lead to the home team. With the half-hour approaching Uxbridge put in a driving maul near the P&G line, the ball came back and Glen Curtin dived over for a try. The kick was unsuccessful and the score remained at 13 – 5 at half-time.

Pinner started the second half with greater resolution and dominated much of the play. Several promising attacks sadly broke down through poor final passes. The nearest they came to an early score was when left winger Chris Jepson kicked ahead from the half way line but although he was too fast for the defence the ball just went dead. P&G’s frustration led to another penalty in front of the posts allowing Weymouth to increase the lead to 16 – 5.  An ruptured Achilles tendon injury to winger Jay Rawal meant further re-organisation for the visitors. Uxbridge then won a line-out 10m from the Pinner line and proceeded to drive over for Jake Lamport to score.  With ten minutes remaining P&G’s made a valiant attempt to narrow the score.  John Kirby broke out from his own goal-line and avoiding several attempts to tackle him carried the ball to the half-way line. Centre Richard Southam was on hand to race down the wing but was bundled into touch on the home 22. His attempted pass inside was gathered by an Uxbridge defender who set up a counter attack which resulted in Tom Cummings scoring the final try. The kick was unsuccessful leaving the result as a 26 – 5 win to the home side.

Pinner and Grammarians RFC Press report for Sat 19th November 2011.

Pinner pack set up platform for win.

Pinner, in need of a win, got off to a shaky start at Hatch end on Saturday against a free-running London French side.  With the low sun behind them French soon put P&G’s under pressure and should have got points from and early penalty when the home side offended in a ruck on their 22.  Luckily their kicker was having a day off but after only 7 minutes from a line-out 15 m from the Pinner line French drove forward causing the defence to offend once more. The visitors took a quick penalty for the wing-forward to score on the left.  At this stage things were not looking good for P&G’s but this was to prove to be the visitor’s only score.  Pinner now began to get their act together with the pack dominating the set pieces and play moving into the visitors half.  French conceded a penalty for off-side but fly-half Mark Razzell was not able to reduce the deficit.  With the first quarter approaching home skipper Reza Sibilant made a strong break through the defence but his final scoring pass was adjudge to be forward.  From the resulting scrum French put in a fine kick to return play to the P&G’s 22.  Pinner were soon back in French territory and home no. 8 Bernie Richter was just bundled into touch near the corner. Further pressure forced the visitors to be off-side on their 22 in front of the posts.  This time Razzell made no mistake to narrow the gap to 3 – 5.  With five minute of the half left flanker Martin Goodwin won the ball deep in his own half and found support from his co-back-rower Aaron Nicholas who burst through with a fine 40 m run into the French 22.  No 8 Richter was on hand to take the final pass to score wide on the right.  The conversion failed but the home team went in to half-time with a deserved 8 – 5 lead.

The second half started with the home team applying greater pressure winning scrums against the head.  French were penalised on three occasions for scrum offences on their own 5 m line but an attempt to change tactic and move the ball wide was thwarted by a knock-on.  With ten minutes of the half gone French tapped back in a line-out on their 22.  The ever alert JJ Cragg ceased the ball to score.  Razzell added the extra points to give the home side a more comfortable 15 – 5 lead.  The game now see-sawed back and forth but the Pinner forwards were exerting more control preventing French from getting the procession needed to launch their talented backs.  Into the final quarter and French were again caught off-side desperately defending on their own 22.  Razzell accepted the three points to put P&G’s 18 – 5 up meaning the visitors needed two converted tries to win. In the final ten minutes French launch a series of attacks with the scrum half showing typical flair in an attempt to get a ‘losing bonus point’.  They came very close and were halted by a crunching tackle from Martin Goodwin.  Pinner were happy to take the 18 – 5 win in a well refereed match.

Pinner RFC v Old Abbotstonians Saturday 12th November 2011

Pinner vs Old Abbotstonians

Fantastic playing conditions presented itself on the 12th of November, the day of which Pinner were to travel away to take on Old Abbotstonians. Abbots, on the back of 5 sequential losses, were looking to find some form and Pinner, on the back of their recent convincing win against Ickenham, were looking to capitalise on their forward motion.

Pinner were travelling light, with only one substitute in tow, but the conditions suited their style, so from the kick off they looked to utilise the favourable conditions. Taking the ball slowly up field, Pinner soon found themselves in the opposition 22. Desperate defence from Abbots forced a penalty, which fly half Blaine Healy duly kicked to get the board rolling. Following this, Pinner appeared to rest on their laurels. Not 5 minutes had passed when Pinner found themselves desperately defending in order to not concede a try. Old Abbots had clearly been taking pointers from the recent world cup winners and, led by their 8 man, produced offload after offload to really test the Pinner defence. The visitors could not keep up the scramble forever and, almost inevitably, the Abbots jinky number 9 found himself some space by stepping around numerous tackle attempts to cross under the sticks. The try was successfully converted.

Pinner switched on somewhat after this, realising it was not to be as easy a challenge as they clearly anticipated, but it was not enough. The two teams traded blows, testing one another’s defence continuously but both held strong. The closest either came to points came from a Pinner attack during which the Pinner back line chased a kick, collected and finished with Jepsen trying to force his way over the line. The referee deemed the ball to be dropped over the line however, much to the dismay of the visitors. 10-3 at half-time.

The second half saw much the same passages of play initially, but increasingly, Pinner appeared to be on the back foot. Inspiring offloading from Abbots was testing the Pinner defence continuously, and this eventually paid dividends following a scrum in the centre of the field. The no.8 collecting, he offloaded to a fellow back rower who dodged his way to the line, again crossing under the sticks. The score was now 14-3. Pinner regrouped, but could not find any answers to the challenge presented. A few close calls followed for the visitors with the back line finding some space but, despairingly, the attempts to break the line were brought down at the final hurdle.

Struggling to break free, Pinner produced a few desperate attempts to scramble back some points but some belief produced itself in the ever reliable Bernard Richter who received a fine pass while hitting a gap. He crossed the line under the sticks, Which Potatoes duly converted. With a little bit of wind now in their sails, Pinner were now trying to get off the ropes. Unfortunately, nearing the end of the game, the Abbots 15 managed to collect a loose pass and gas his way to the line under the sticks. It was to prove the final nail in the coffin and although Pinner tried to gather back some fight, they found themselves lacking in time and imagination. A deserved win for Abbots, but a signal that Pinner need to find some form if they want to compete at a higher level in the league.

Final score 21-10

(match report: Mark R)

Pinner RFC v Old Grammarians 8th October 2011

Injuries leave P&G’s with a lack lustre performance.

Pinner’s visit to Old Grammarians in Wynchmore Hill proved a great disappointment.  Although lacking several regular players though injury they had hope for a win against a side yet to experience a victory.  Playing down the slope in the first half both sides seemed equally matched although Pinner gradually got their act together to put pressure on the home team.  With a quarter of an hour gone and P&G’s firmly camped in the OG’s 22 captain Reza Sibilant’ playing at centre burst through two tackles to score under the posts. Full back Mark Razzell added the conversion.  A few minutes later Pinner were judged off side at a ruck on their own 22 and the home fly-half reduced the deficit to 7 -3.  The visitors continued to threaten the home defence and several astute kicks by P&G fly-half Chris Hall kept play in the OG’s half.  Unfortunately  Pinner could not capitalise on any of these attacks and went into half-time just 7 – 3 ahead.

With only five minutes gone in the second half, and the home team knowing their sloping pitch,  the OG’s attacked down the right then moved the ball swiftly across the P&G’s 22 for their winger to score in the left corner.  The conversion was unsuccessful but OG’s were now ahead 8 – 7.   Pinner nearly hit back straight away when sibilant intercepted an OG’s pass on the half way line, fed the ball to Warren Woad who made good ground before putting  in a well judged grubber kick.  This just eluded Winger Chris Jeppson as few yards short of the line.  The Old Grammarians heavier pack, aided by the slope, now began  to dominate the set pieces and the mauls putting P&G’s on the back foot for most of the remainder of the match..  The home side managed two more tries one of which was converted giving OG’s their first league win at 20 points to 7.

Pinner 1st XV now have two league free week-ends but the Pelicans will host Belsize Park this Saturday at Shaftesbury Playing fields with Old Isleworthians being the visitors on Sat 22nd October when the Club will celebrate Deryck Westood Day in memory of a former vice-president who played for the club in 1936 and left a bequest to enable those who knew him to mark his birthday each year.

Pinner RFC v Uxbridge RFC 10th September 2011

Rusty Pinner suffer from the English problem of too many penalties

In their first match of the season P&G’s came unstuck against local rivals Uxbridge.  Playing into the wind in the first half Pinner were not helped by the elements nor the referee and did themselves no favours by conceding numerous penalties. Unfortunately they found the home fly-half Micky Weymouth in good kicking form. He not only kept play in the visitors half but landed five penalty kicks to give Uxbridge a 15 – 0 lead at half-time.

With the wind behind them in the second half Pinner began to show some cohesion and put pressure on the home team. It was soon the visitors turn to get a kickable penalty and fly-half David Luiz reduced the deficit to 15-3.  Uxbridge, having had three warm up matches before the league season began, showed greater coordination and team work. However Pinner began to find their form with several driving mauls deep into Uxbridge territory. From a ruck centre Alex Goring crushed through to score near the posts. David Luiz converted to bring the score to 15 -10 offering P&G’s some hope of a revival.  With 10 minutes remaining, and Pinner having to replace front-row, Uxbridge set up a powerful driving maul for Adam Lackey to score taking the home side to a 20 -10 lead. As fly-half Weymouth had been yellow carded the conversion did not succeed. Pinner’s lack of match fitness told when they lost the ball in their own 22. Uxbridge quickly moved the ball to the right catch the visitors out of position for Simon Bates to score near the touch line. The final score was 25 – 10 to the home team

Next week-end Pinner host Old Merchant Taylors in their first home match of the season at Shaftesbury Playing Fields Hatch End with the Pelicans home to Northolt. In the morning the Mini’s section will be at the Pinner Show supported by Saracens RFC.   On Sunday 25th September the Saracens will be at P&G’s to support and encourage the Youth and Mini Players.

Contact www.pinnerrugby.com for details of membership.

On Saturday the 10th September, Pinner kicked off this season’s campaign with a trip to face Uxbridge. Pinner enjoyed two emphatic wins over this particular club last year and were pleased with the fixture as a season debut to get the year off to a good start.

Report supplied: D Hiles

The wind was high and the rain flirted with making an appearance throughout the game, but the conditions were otherwise good and all players present were raring to go. Uxbridge had played two pre season warm ups and this showed fairly early on. Having the wind well in their favour for the first 40, the fly-half utilised this to its full capabilities. He pinned Pinner well within their own half with every opportunity that was given, and further utilised the wind to capitalise on the high number of penalties Pinner were conceding within kicking distance. Pinner launched several counter attacks but proved to lack the killing instinct and, subsequently, only added to their woe by giving away further penalties and infringements. Uxbridge failed to break the Pinner defence during the first half, but did walk away with a solid fifteen points thanks to their 10’s impeccable strategy and boot.

The second half told a different story initially as Pinner showed their tenacity and spirit from the off. They played the rugby they are known for and this proved fruitful within the first 5 minutes with the award of a penalty well within reach of David Luiz’ boot. He duly knocked it over to make the score 12-3. Following from this, Pinner pushed back hard despite the lack of a platform. They had been struggling in the scrums and line outs but, inched their way up the field through numerous breaks within the back line. Eventually, Pinner found themselves near the white-wash and scrum half Craig Lane made a break for it. He was grabbed agonisingly short, but the ever ready centre Alex Goring was, as usual, on hand to collect the offload and crash over the line. Luiz converted to make it 12-10.

Unfortunately for Pinner, the problems up front only got worse and they failed to capitalise on any of their scrums or lineouts, losing the ball fairly consistently. The Uxbridge pack winning the battle up front and beating Pinner to the breakdown regularly, they began to counter with full force. The defence held strong for some time but, almost inevitably, Uxbridge eventually broke through. After a gruelling mall within the 22, they finally ploughed over touched down with 15 minutes to go. Times were now desperate for Pinner and they began to counter hard. Spreading the ball wide and utilising the wind, they tried to catch the stretched back line off guard. With attackers getting isolated however, they were frequently turned over and again left wanting. With five minutes to go, all hope seemed lost, and this was told by the Uxbridge winger crossing the line after a nice piece of play from the victors.

Final score – 27-10. Congratulations to Uxbridge, they were very much the better team. Pinner have a lot of work to do if they wish their season to be successful.

Pinner will be less than happy with this result and will no doubt try to bounce back when they face Old Merchant Taylors next week, a fixture that will no doubt be tougher than the season debut.

Report Supplied: M Razzell

Saturday, 10 September 2011
Harrow 20 – 10 Royston
Kilburn Cosmos 39 – 3 Old Abbotstonians
Old Isleworthians 22 – 3 Ickenham
Old Merchant Taylors’ 18 – 15 Old Grammarians
Uxbridge 27 – 10 Pinner & Grammarians
Herts/Middlesex 2
Team P W D L F A Diff B Pts Pts Adjust
Kilburn Cosmos 1 1 0 0 39 3 36 1 5 0
Old Isleworthians 1 1 0 0 22 3 19 0 4 0
Uxbridge 1 1 0 0 27 10 17 0 4 0
Harrow 1 1 0 0 20 10 10 0 4 0
Old Merchant Taylors’ 1 1 0 0 18 15 3 0 4 0
Old Grammarians 1 0 0 1 15 18 -3 1 1 0
London French 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Royston 1 0 0 1 10 20 -10 0 0 0
Pinner & Grammarians 1 0 0 1 10 27 -17 0 0 0
Ickenham 1 0 0 1 3 22 -19 0 0 0
Old Abbotstonians 1 0 0 1 3 39 -36 0 0 0

Pinner & Grammarians v Ickenham 18th Sept 2010

Pinner’s first home game of the new season brought Ickenham to Shaftsbury Playing Fields. After a dramatic loss last week against Old Isleworthians this game needed to kick start Pinner’s campaign. A great day for running rugby, sun shining and a good crowd on the touch line the game got under way with Ickenham kicking off, the ball was caught by Pinner but they were put under immediate pressure and when full back Sam Markham was caught inside his own 22. Ickenham regained possession and within 5 minutes of the start Ickenham with a swift move through the backs went over for a try scored by Centre Ed Rastelli. With the conversion missed, 0-5 Ickenham, a great start from Ickenham and Pinner already under pressure.

Pinner then came back strong, great work from the forwards pushing Ickenham back, a line out was given and Pinner made progress into Ickenham’s half, when they were penalised for going over the top in a ruck. Pinner went for the three points but the penalty by Paul James went agonisingly wide. From the resulting 22 drop out from Ickenham Pinner picked up the ball and with slick passing through the backs made ground, the forwards and backs combined to make further progress but a handling error resulted in scrum to Ickenham. Pinner’s forwards showed immense power in the scrum and pushed Ickenham’s forwards back and took one against the head, Craig Lane went for a quick break down the blindside, with Pinner pushing for a try, the forwards went over the top and the 1st injury of the game prop Neill King being badly injured and Veteran prop Stephen Devine having to replace him this resulted in a Penalty for Ickenham. The game went into a battle of the forwards for next 10 minutes and both sets of players playing well but for forward passes and silly errors,  The game was tight, with Ickenham dominating and spoiling the line-outs and Pinner the scrums. Only handling errors were stopping this game from being a fast flowing game of rugby with tries a plenty. Ickenham moved into Pinner’s half and with ball going through their backs hard tackling by Pinner stopped them but the Ref saw an indiscretion by one of Pinner’s backs and a penalty to Ickenham was given. Ickenham took the 3 points with Barry Hall placing the kick through the middle of the posts. Ickenham and Pinner were having a bruising encounter, both sets of forwards playing well and tackling hard and fast, but with players enjoying some room to move the ball it was a good game to watch from the sidelines. Pinner once again proved strong in the scrum and from the resulting pressure was awarded another penalty, Pinner went for a quick move but again silly mistakes cost them and Ickenham regained possession. The game went to and fro, Ickenham attacking then Pinner attacking through their quick moves from rucks and mauls, James Byrne gathered the ball and went on a run with Chris Jepson on the inside but yet again handling errors cost Pinner dearly.

The resulting line out from Ickenham pushed them forward into Pinner’s half but with both sides kicking the ball it seemed like tennis, then the ball went to hand and with some fast hands Ickenham pushed forward into Pinner’s half, the ball went loose and Ickenham had a line out, another indiscretion by Pinner and Ickenham have another penalty in kicking distance. 3 points follow as Barry Hall slots it between the posts. Its half time as the ref blows his whistle. Pinner 0 Ickenham 11…A hard slog, but can Pinner stage a come back again.

At half time Pinner make a change Captain Reza Sibilant moves to the Centre (Paul James feeling a bit groggy from a hit in the first half) and Gwynne moving into the pack.

The game restarted with a bit of rugby tennis but it looked as though Pinner had a great team talk and start pushing forward with some fine moves through the forwards and backs, Reza collected the ball and makes a break through the Ickenham defence. Ickenham foul play results in a penalty to Pinner. New kicker David Luiz goes close but misses but now Pinner heads were up, once again handling errors by Pinner frustrated them, but some great moves ended up with a forward pass or dropped ball stopping Pinner from going over in the corner.  A scrum goes to ground and Stephen Divine gets hurt, another re shuffle in the pack and Martin Goodwin is moved to hooker. This move does not lose any of Pinners power in the scrum, they win the ball against the head another fine move in the backs with David Luiz pass to Bernie Richter, Jim Tabua and Reza also in the move and Pinner were bound to score only for another handling error to stop a certain try. It was only as matter of time, and another great scrum results in the ball going through the line and some great running and inter passing by Bernie Richter and Chris Jepson with Bernie scoring under the posts. The conversion taken by David Luiz goes over, its 7 – 11, the start of another great come back. A quick change in the front row brings Lee Seiler onto the pitch.

Ickenham’s heads start to drop, their fitness under the microscope as Pinner start rampaging into their half with some great moves, Ickenham start to kick the ball away which is helped Pinner. Sam Markham collects a high ball and starts another move, he makes good ground and Pinner are awarded the scrum. The forwards are now so dominant that every ball seems to be coming Pinner’s way; Ickenham’s defence seems to be dropping back and letting Pinner have the space to utilize the speed they have. Its nail biting stuff, as the game goes into the final 15 minutes,

Ickenham kick the ball into touch resulting in a Pinner Line out, ball is tapped down to Craig Lane who crafts a move with the backs, Jim Tabua drifts inside and scythes through the Ickenham defence is he going to score, no Ickenham finally get to him and bring him down but he manages to throw a pass behind him to the supporting Reza who skips and dances his way through to the corner. What a try!!!! The Pinner supporters go wild!!!!  12 – 11 to Pinner, Tough conversion attempt by David, just misses. We are now looking at a tough final 10 minutes, but Pinner now confidence high keep the ball cleverly, holding it tight in the forwards. A free kick awarded to Ickenham gives them a half chance on the break but Pinner thwart it.

In the last move of the game Pinner push Ickenham back again resulting in penalty. Reza kicks the ball into touch, the ref blows for time. Wow! What a game, both sides should be proud of their performances it was tough but Pinner’s overall fitness proved vital finishing strong again in the 2nd half. A pulsating game. No Nails left. No Voice left. This win moves Pinner and Grammarians into joint 4th in Middx/Herts League 2

See you in two weeks when I’ve got my breath back. Phew!!!!

Final Score

Pinner and Grammarians 12 v 11 Ickenham

Report: Les Chaffe


Pinner and Grammarians versus Old Isleworthians. 11th September 2010

Newly promoted Pinner and Grammarians travelled to Isleworth last weekend, to face their first challenge of the new season.

Pinner are hoping for this to be the third successive season from which they gain promotion, and after the performance shown from both teams, it is sure to be a gruelling and exciting year.

Old Isleworthians had the wind in favour for the first half, and immediately used it to their advantage by pinning Pinner deeply in their own half. Handling errors initially forced Pinner to defend scrums, but they showed their dominance in this area by pushing the opposition off the ball on numerous occasions. Seven minutes in, Pinner conceded their first penalty, which Isleworthian kicker Marrick Brazier took advantage of by adding three points to the board. Another penalty shortly after sailed just wide, but minutes later Isleworth asserted their dominance on the field. By further utilizing the wind, they forced Pinner to carry the ball over their own line, resulting in a five metre scrum. Despite Pinner’s dominance in this area, they held firm and put the ball through the hands for No. 14 Chris Couling to cross the line. The conversion was not completed.

This was the wakeup call that Pinner needed, and they responded by  displaying solid passages of play for the next ten minutes, during which they fell agonisingly short of the line numerous times.

Once Isleworth had regained possession, however, they again used the wind to push the ball deep down field, forcing Pinner to defend a line out in at their five metre line. The line out was lost, and after five good passages of play, the opposition crossed the line through fullback Stuart May, converted by Brazier.

Pinner again went on the attack, playing a tight and effective game that left them despairingly close to scoring. Then, a penalty was awarded to the home side at the half way line which they took quickly and sped up the field via Brazier. Drawing the defence, Brazier offloaded to Stuart May who crossed the line at the stroke of half time. The conversion was successful leaving the score at 22-0 in favour of Isleworth.

Despite the scoreboard, Pinner had been a strong force in the first half and now without the wind, Isleworth were struggling to keep them out. The defence was strong, but after a scrum owing to a handling error, Pinner winger Chris Jepson crossed the line to touch down a much deserved try. Fly half Paul James converted to put seven on the board for Pinner.

Following this, the team traded blows for twenty minutes, providing wonderful passages of play and testing every inch of each other’s defence. Pinner proved to be stronger on foot, however, and as the clock reached seventy minutes, a line out was given in their favour just over the half way line. A strong take, drive and two clinical phases allowed the dominant Pinner pack to push Prop Steven Devine over the line. The conversion missed making the score 22-12.

With ten minutes left, Pinner really upped the pace. Keeping the ball flowing and driving forward left the defence in disarray and after just five minutes, scrum half Craig Lane ducked around the blind side to add five more points. Paul James secured the conversion edging Pinner closer to snatching victory.

Pinner then continued the assault, knowing they only needed one try to secure the win. In the dying seconds, one last play released Pinner centre Jim Tabua who offloaded to Bernard Richter, crossing the line to the jubilation of players and fans alike. Unfortunately, the referee deemed the final pass to be forward, and the try was despairingly snatched away. A hard fought battle from both sides in which either would have been worthy victors, so congratulations are owed to the hosts and winners.

Final score

Old Isleworthians 22 – Pinner and Grammarians 19

Saturday 13th March Match report

Pinner & Grammarians versus Old Streetonians RFC

With a late cancellation of the arranged friendly fixture with Chess Valley, Pinner welcomed a team from Old Streetonians RFC.

A keen Pinner side still fresh from their epic victory over London French and a weeks gap fired on all cylinders from the start of play. Owing to some unavailable players the team rotated into unaccustomed positions but with the spirit that has developed within the ranks this made little impact to the playing style that Pinner have pushed this season.

From the kick off Pinner battled deep in the Old Streetonians half and with an uncompromising display of forwards strength found themselves inches from try line. Push after push to place the ball onto the ground kept coming up short until through an error made by the defence, stand-in 1st half referee S Devine awarded a penalty try, which was converted by present goal kicker Paul James.

A long kick down into the Pinner 22 was picked up by fullback for the match Reza Sibilant who made a winding run through the opponents defences and laying off a ball that was carried over the line by the stand in scrum half, again Paul James converted. Within the first 25 minutes the score was 14-0 and looking like Pinner were going to spend the rest of the game scoring tries. Alas, this air of confidence was knocked back when from a loose ball the visitors centres ran through air grabbing defence to make a neat pass to their winger who sprinted across the Pinner line, it was not converted leaving the score 14-5 at half time.

The half time ‘discussion’ provoked a more concentrated approach at the start of the second half, especially as some fresh legs were brought on to add more impact to the attack, this gave the chance to debutant Dillon Bosman the opportunity to show how he intends playing for the Pelicans in the future – determination, skill and a strong desire to win. This ethos quickly filed through the ranks and with quick hands a speedy passing allowed Alex to run under the posts for another Pinner try, not converted leaving score 19-5 after 14 mins of the second half. Again, from intense pressure by the forwards the ball was released to Bernie Richter, who despite having three defenders hanging onto him powered his way into the corner to notch up another unconverted try – 24-5

Three minutes later, with now a rampant back line, a driving run and a superb pass from man of the match James Byrne to Warren Woad could only leave the visitors as spectators, the try was converted bringing the score into the 30’s 31-5. At this stage of the game it should be mentioned that Old Streetonians did not let their heads drop and continued to work hard for every ball contested an a lucky interception and good hands from Sibilant and Nicholas allowed prop Simon Whitcombe to get his name on the score sheet, with a strong kick between the post from Paul James the score now moved to and impressive 38-5

The visitors still approached the game with a positive attitude and once inside the Pinner 22 after the re-start their tight head prop powered his way to the touchline with a cheer from his team mates, unfortunately this could not be extended as the ball past passed the outside of the post and failed to convert the try 38-10

From the restart and in the last play of the game, Aaron Nicholas weaved his way through the approaching defence to score Pinner’s final try of the game

Final Score: Pinner & Grammarians 43 Old Streetonians 10

With a friendly match against local rivals Harrow RFC next weekend, Pinner are building themselves up for their next league fixture against top team Ickenham RFC Saturday 27th March

P&G Match report Saturday 20th February

London French RFC versus Pinner & Grammarians RFC

In a scrappy game P&G’s overcame their promotion rivals London French at Barn Elms Playing Fields on Saturday.  Things started badly with a long diversion as Hammersmith Bridge was closed. Matters did not improve when a Pinner player was given a yellow card following almost the first tackle.  The first half was undistinguished although Pinner dominated the set pieces.  Both sides exchanged penalties giving a half-time score of 6 all, P&G’s points came from the boot of full-back Mark Razzell.  Shortly before the interval Pinner had worked a strong attacking position and would have scored had the London French flanker not killed the ball. He also received a yellow card in what was becoming quite a niggly match.

The second half proved more positive with the visitors mounting a series of attack. After only five minutes left wing Graham Searle gathered a French kick out and chipped for the corner. A knock on resulted in a powerful Pinner scrum on the home 22. The ball was moved quickly to the right for the captain, Reza Sibilant, this week playing at centre, to cover 30m avoiding several tackles to score the first try giving the visitors an 11 – 6 lead.  Pinner maintained the pressure with the home side becoming increasingly desperate, but taking advantage of some lax refereeing.  One blatant late tackle leaving the P&G right wing needing prolonged attention went unpunished.

The Pinner pack was now dominant electing to take scrums rather that penalty kicks. Mid-way through the half one such scrum nearly resulted in another Pinner score.  Several strong breaks through the centre kept most of the play near the home 22.  French were now relying of quick breaks but the P&G tackling was superb.  With only five minutes remaining the home side resorted to kick and chase but one such kick was quickly brought back into the home half going through several hands before Reza Sibilant was again in support to burst through the final 20m for his and P&G’s second try. With the score now 16 – 6 French threw everything at the Pinner line but the defence held.

London French were less than magnanimous in defeat having seen their position a second in the league slip away with P&G’s overtaking them in the race for promotion.

Saturday 6th February Pinner & Grammarians RFC v Old Tottonians RFC

Pinner & Grammarians resumed their Herts-Middx Div 3 campaign with a hard fought victory over Old Tottonians RFC on Saturday 6th February at Shaftesbury Playing Fields. The match was to prove a hard fought battle with a lot of close play and ferocious tackling, Pinner were out to revenge their loss to their opponents earlier in the season.

From the kick off Old Tottonians used their strength in the forwards to dominate the first 10 minutes, spending it within the Pinner half. After a strong run through the centers, the ball was kicked out to give Old Totts the advantage of a line out. The ball, caught at the second man was threaded to the scrum half who guided it out through the forward running pack to secure a try wide of the up rights which made the conversion a difficult task, unfortunately for the visitors it was not converted.

For the next ten minutes Pinner worked hard to retain the ball and although they continued to pressure Old Totts made several mistakes which the referee awarding a scrum deep in the Old Totts half, against the put in, Bernie Richter picked up the loose ball and drove towards the try line, managing a quick pass to Craig Lane who scrambled over to score a try, sadly, it was not converted leaving the score 5-5 at half time.

The second half saw a more determined Pinner start to put the weeks training moves into action, a series of strong drives saw the ball reach number 8, Richter; who shrugged off several tackles to score a second try. No conversion, leaving Pinner 10-5 in the lead

More pressure from Pinner with some excellent support from Man of the Match Lee Seiler resulted in Captain Aaron Nicholas take the ball in at the corner from line out and scrum deep in Old Totts 22 no conversion 15-5

More pressure from Pinner ensued and this paid off with another scrum being awarded, which despite their weight disadvantage, pushed Old Totts five metres. The advantage gained put Pinner into the Old Totts twenty two. Another scrum was given, this time Old Totts having the put in, a now confident pack pushed hard and forced the Old Totts scrum half make a quick pass to his centre, again quick pass to outside centre, slightly high, which was intercepted by Pinner’s number 10, who ran in, delivered a pop pass to debutant Alex Goring who was on his shoulder, as he went to ground managed to pass to Steven Griffiths who side stepped and dived for the line near to the uprights.

This gave Mark Razzle the opportunity to convert which he did taking the score to 22-5

With 10 minutes to go, Old Totts scrambled the ball from a ruck close to side line, it was passed through the hands of two players, kicked and caught by their no 14, who despite an attempt at a tap tackle scored a try, unfortunately for Old Totts it was not converted.

Final score Pinner 22 – Old Tottonians 10

This continues an excellent run for Pinner who have won their last three games

This now keeps them second in the Middlesex Division three league

Herts/Middlesex 3
1 Ickenham 15
2 Pinner & Grammarians 14
3 London French 14
4 Old Tottonians 8
5 Hatfield 8
6 Thamesians 8
7 Watford 2
8 Cuffley 1

Pinner & Grammarians RFC match report for Saturday 30th January

Pinner do the double over Watford

P&G’s continued their winning ways with a hard fought victory over local rivals Watford at Shaftesbury Playing Fields Hatch End on Saturday.  Watford gave early notice that they were intend on ruining Pinner’s promotion prospects with a series of attacks deep in the home sides territory.  They were awarded a penalty after only 8 minutes when P&G’s were off-side on their own 22. Fly-half James Betteley accepted the 3 points.  The visitors continued to exert pressure but with a quickly taken line-out on their own 22 Pinner produced a scintillating counter attack.  The ball went through the hands of the all the backs, the forwards were up in support continuing the movement which culminated in centre Paul James going over in the corner.   Pinner now came more into the game but promising attacks petered out.  On the half-hour after a series of scrums, which the home side were beginning to dominate, No 8 Bernie Richter broke to score the second try. The conversion again failed.  Watford replied with a drop-goal from fly-half Betteley to give a half time score of 10 – 6 to Pinner.

Immediately after the resumption P&G’s were guilty of over ambition in trying to rum the ball out of their 22.  From the scrum following a knock-on. Watford drove for the line and winning the resulting ruck Paul Wilson went over for a try to put the visitors in the lead 11 – 10.  Pinner forwards were now exerting some control with a series of rolling mauls and powerful scrummaging.  After 13 minutes of the second half flanker and captain Reza Sibilant went over for Pinner’s third try again wide out so the conversion failed but the lead was regained.  A couple of minutes later P&G’s were again adjudged to be off-side giving Betteley the chance to narrow the gap to 15 – 14.  This inspired Pinner to produce their best period of the match.  And almost immediately another passing movement, this time involving the forwards saw flanker Warren Woad go over in the right hand corner.  There then followed probably the best try of the season.  Starting on the right-hand side of the Pinner goal-line the ball was moved at speed through many pairs of hands, both forwards and backs with left-winger Ollie Blazey to score his maiden try for the club. With still 15 minutes left Pinner now had a comfortable lead of 25 -14.  There were several other fine attacks in particular a 50m dash by hooker Aaron Nicholas but he was brought down in the Watford 22 . There was now further scoring giving the home team a 25 – 14 victory that moves them into second place just one point behind Ickenham.

Herts/Middlesex 3
1 Ickenham 13
2 Pinner & Grammarians 12
3 London French 12
4 Old Tottonians 8
5 Hatfield 8
6 Thamesians 8
7 Watford 2
8 Cuffley 1

Next Saturday the visitors will be Old Tottonians for a match postponed from snows of January. The kick-off is 2pm as Engalnd are playing Wales at Twickenham at 5pm.

Pinner versus Hatfield RFC match report

Saturday 23rd January

On a cold and overcast afternoon sporting their new kit, Pinner 1st XV took to the field with high hopes of a second victory over Hatfield this season. From the kick off it was evident that both teams meant business with Hatfield dominating the first fifteen minutes driving the Pinner forwards deep into their own twenty-two. Much of the play was centered around rucks and mauls with Hatfield having the upper hand; although poor discipline gave the advantage to Pinner and they were awarded a penalty just inside the Hatfield half. The kick from Paul James went agonizingly close to the outside of the right upright leaving the score 0-0. Hatfield continued to push Pinner and quickly passed the ball moving it across the field to the number 4, despite a heroic chase by loose head prop Neill King, to score in the corner.

The try was then converted to take the score 7-0. Pinner continued to defend in their twenty-two for the remainder of the first half, just holding on. The second half continued in the same vain, the Pinner pack working very hard to stop any advancement by a well organised team. Again, they found themselves stuck deep into their own half, with some ferocious tackling by the two Pinner flankers Hatfield gave away a penalty, which, like in the first half narrowly missed the posts. From this point on, it turned into a bit of a dog fight, the tackles coming in thick and fast and even harder; causing a spate of injuries; the Pinner scrum half

Steven Griffiths taking a particularly nasty fall after kicking and chasing the ball some thirty metres deep into the Hatfield half. Despite changes Pinner continued to hold fast and following a disputed off side were awarded a penalty, this time Paul James was able to kick this over the posts, making the score 7-3. However, Hatfield continued to cause Pinner a lot of problems, pushed back in the now familiar own twenty-two they showed great character and determination to not let the opposition score again. With the forwards under great pressure, the backs holding on the ball suddenly became loose; with quick mind and body, Jon Kirby intercepted it and ran the full length of the pitch, with others trailing him he placed the ball under the posts giving Paul James the opportunity to convert to bring the score to a winning 10-7 with a couple of minutes left on the referees watch. The final blow of the whistle saw a very jubilant side, having fought hard throughout the game, mainly in their own half they had overcome a strong Hatfield side and now sit second in the Herts/Middlesex 3 league.

Herts/Middlesex 3
1 Ickenham 12
2 Pinner & Grammarians 10
3 London French 10
4 Old Tottonians 8
5 Hatfield 8
6 Thamesians 6
7 Watford 2
8 Cuffley 0

A special mention to the debutants for their effort and commitment during the game should also be recorded.

Pinner who now face Watford RFC on Saturday 30th January at home, are looking to get the double over them following the earlier fixture in the season which saw them win 21-17

Pinner & Grammarians match report 5th December 2009
Whilst the Barbarians and All Blacks were entertaining spectators under glorious floodlights at Twickenham not a mile away in Marble Hill Park promotion contenders Pinner & Grammarians and Thamesians did battle in gathering gloom.  Kicking off late due to traffic problems in getting past the main stadium P&G’s soon announced their intentions. Within a minute of the kick off captain Reza Sibilant broke from a maul, passed to fly-half Paul James who found Bernie Richter in support. The no. 8 drove into the home team’s 22 to again find James who scored close in. Allen converted to give the visitors a 7 – 0 lead.  Thamesians were not long in recovering. Taking a quick penalty inside the P&G’s half the ball was moved to their powerful centre who broke through two tackles to score a try which was converted by the full-back.  A few minutes later Pinner conceded two penalties, the first for a high tackle and then for off-side. The Thamesians full-back was once more successful with his kick to put the home team 10 – 7 in the lead.  The light rain and gloom were making constructive play difficult with both sides guilty of dropped passes and knock-ons.  With less than 20 minutes played it was Thamesians turn to be off-side at a ruck on their own 22. James leveled the scores at 10 all.  There was no further scoring in the first half with both sides pressing hard and missing long range penalties. Both defences were in unforgiving form.

The home team, playing down the slope, attacked strongly from the kick-off in the second half pinning the visitors in their 22. Ultimately the pressure told with P&G’s again being judged off-side. Their full-back once more obliged.  Judgement of passes and tackles were becoming a lottery as the light faded. On the quarter hour a Thamesians player mistimed his tackle taking out a Pinner player early.  James again added the point to bring the score to 13 all. The final quarter saw the home side mount a series of strong attacks near the Pinner line. The visitors defended heroically with tackle after tackle.  In the poor light there was confusion  over a Thamesians kick going into touch. The referee awarded the line-out to Pinner on their 22 but Thamesians stole the ball. They moved it quickly across the field for the left winger to score in the corner. The try was not converted putting the score at 18 -13 to the home side.  With 5 minutes left and it being almost dark Pinner mounted a series of late attacks but were held up close to the Thamesians line. Several times they nearly broke through but it was not to be their day. The final score of 18 – 13 , Paul James having scored all of P&G’s points, leaves Thamesians sharing top spot with Ickenham who will be Pinner’s final opponents in the first half of the season at Shaftesbury Playing fields on 19th December.  P&G’s are only two point adrift and still in contention.

Next week 12th December P&G’s entertain local rivals Harrow in the North West Middlesex Cup. The club will be open on Boxing Day for the traditional match between sides made up from players from any local club who need to run off the Christmas excesses.  Spectators are, as usual, very welcome.  Anyone wishing to play should contact the P&G President Dave Hiles on 020 8864 0787.

Pinner & Grammarians resumed their Herts-Middx Div 3 campaign with a hard fought victory over London French at Shaftesbury Playing Fields on Saturday. With an early kick-off to allow players to watch the England v Argentina match on TV, Pinner attacked from the start. Playing into driving wind and rain their forwards began to dominate with the front row causing problems for the visitors.  The French were forced to kick down wind which they did with some effect.  From a line-out on the P&G’s 22 the home side were penalised at the resulting ruck. Centre Quintin Bassi gave the visitors a 3 point lead.  With 5 minutes to go before half-time the French again tried to take advantage of the strong wind but their kick was fielded by winger Graham Searle.  He set up an attack from his own 22 interchanging several times with full-back  Mark Razzell to take the ball into the French half.  Flanker Warren Woad was on hand to run the final 30 metres for a try in the left corner.  Razzell’s conversion attempt was blown off course by the wind but P&G’s went to half-time with a 5 – 3 lead.

With the wind, although not as strong, now behind them in the second -half, Pinner put pressure on the visitors and camped in their 22.  Ten minutes into the half and after a series of strong drives the home team were awarded a scrum on the visitors 5 metre line. Good work by the pack allowed No 8 Bernie Richter to pick up and drive over in the right hand corner for the second try. Again the conversion from wide out just missed.  Within a couple of minutes P&G’s lost a line-out on the half way line. French developed a fluid move among their backs with scrum-half Erwan Goureau going over for a try. Once more the conversion failed, not a day for kicks at goal.  London French, realising that the kicking game did not work into the wind, mounted a series of attacks deep into Pinner territory. From a ruck on the P&G’s 5 metre line the scrum-half got the ball back to centre Bassi who neatly dropped goal.  Now, finding themselves  11 – 10 down seeing their chances of a second successive promotion threatened. With only ten minutes remaining the home team, spurred on by rather wet but hardy supporters, stepped up the pressure. Winning a line-out on the visitors 22  Pinner drove towards the visitors line and rewarded with Warren Woad crashed over for his second try. Again the conversion failed to add points but Pinner held on  to win  15 – 11.

This was Pinner’s fourth win in five league outings.  With local rivals, Ickenham [previously St Nicholas OB's] losing their first match the two clubs are now equal on points. They meet in the  final match of the first half of the season on the 17th December with all to play for.  Warren Woad was declared ‘man of the match’ for his two tries and resounding tackles.

Pinner & Grammarians will host their traditional Boxing Day match with teams made up from the local clubs. Anyone wanting to get away from the turkey and mince-pies will be very welcome at Shaftesbury Playing Fields whether as a player or supporter.  KO is aimed for 11:30 am.

Herts/Middlesex 3
1 Pinner & Grammarians 8
2 Ickenham 8
3 London French 6
4 Old Tottonians 6
5 Thamesians 4
6 Hatfield 4
7 Cuffley 0
8 Watford 0
Recent Results
15 Pinner & Grammarians V’s London French 11
17 Watford V’s Pinner & Grammarians 21
20 Old Tottonians V’s Pinner & Grammarians 17
27 Pinner & Grammarians V’s Hatfield 23
19 Cuffley V’s Pinner & Grammarians 38

P&G’s resumed their league programme with a visit to near neighbours Watford on Saturday. Playing into a very strong wind in the first half P&G’s signalled their intention to play a running game with several early attacks. Watford, knowing their pitch, took advantage of the wind constantly kicking deep into Pinner territory. On 20 minutes they were awarded a penalty on the Pinner 22 when the visitors were  guilty of not releasing the ball. Flyhalf Tom Keily gave the home side a 3 – 0 lead.  From the kick-off Watford again tried to kick the ball back into the Pinner half but this time it only found flyhalf Lane who set off on a weaving run from his own 10 metre line to the home 22. Here he found Bernie Ritcher in support and the No 8  avoided three  tackles to go over for the first try.  This was converted by full-back Mark Razzell. A few minutes later another Watford kick was fielded by centre Danny Bartram who made good ground before being tackled. From the resulting ruck scrum-half Lane fed fly-half Chris Hall who scored under the posts. Razzell was again successful with his conversion. The remainder of the first half was a struggle against the wind and the Watford kicks but the visitors went into half-time with a 14 -3 lead.
Soon into the second half with Pinner increasing the pressure turned the ball over on the Watford 22. It went quickly through several pairs of hands before Richter got his second try of the afternoon with Razzell adding the extra two points.  The injury to prop Aaron Nicholas and a further substitution seemed to de-stabilise the Pinner play and with the wind dropping the home side came more into the game. Several missed passes and too many penalties did help the visitor’s cause. However their defence withstood a series of strong attacks. With only a few minutes remaining Watford won a line on the P&G’s 5 metre line and although tackle were put in centre James Bettly crashed over for a try, which he converted.  This spurred Watford to a final spurt. Into injury time some sloppy Pinner passing was intercepted by the home scrum-half who ran in a try from 40 metres. This was again convertedas the final whistle was blown.

Pinner had held on to win 21 -17 and maintained their challenge near the top of Herts -Middx Div 3.  With the international programme approaching P&G’s next league  game is against London French on 14th November.  This coming Saturday will be used as a training session with a friendly against Hayes the following week.

P&G RFC match report Saturday 10th October

Pinner & Grammarians first loss of the season
Pinner attacked from the whistle, spending much of the first ten minutes deep in the opposition half although poor passing and handling allowed Old Tottonians to edge their way back into the game. It was from a knock on that Old Totts were awarded a drop out from the 22, which to much surprise of both Stephen Devine and the rest of the team managed to catch the ball and pass to scrum half Craig Lane who ran in the try in the corner. Full-back Mark Razzell stepped up and converted to give P&G the start they wanted. The game continued in the same manner, errors from both teams for the remaining part of the half until a lack of concentration and again poor handling let in the ‘Old Totts’ number 12 to score a try, the conversion was not made.
An injury hit Pinner & Grammarians travelled across the county to ‘Old Tottonians in their third league match of the season. Missing eight of the regular first team players to an assortment of short and long term injuries they battled hard but were overcome by a strong opposition who were out to end the Pinner & Grammarians winning streak.
An injury hit Pinner & Grammarians travelled across the county to ‘Old Tottonians in their third league match of the season. Missing eight of the regular first team players to an assortment of short and long term injuries they battled hard but were overcome by a strong opposition who were out to end the Pinner & Grammarians winning streak.
Pinner attacked from the whistle, spending much of the first ten minutes deep in the opposition half although poor passing and handling allowed Old Tottonians to edge their way back into the game. It was from a knock on that Old Totts were awarded a drop out from the 22, which to much surprise of both Stephen Devine and the rest of the team managed to catch the ball and pass to scrum half Craig Lane who ran in the try in the corner. Full-back Mark Razzell stepped up and converted to give P&G the start they wanted. The game continued in the same manner, errors from both teams for the remaining part of the half until a lack of concentration and again poor handling let in the ‘Old Totts’ number 12 to score a try, the conversion was not made.

The second half saw a revitalised Old Tottonians side take the game to P&G, with long kicks deep into the travelling sides half it was soon clear that another try was imminent. Following a ruck on the half way line Old Totts fly half kicked the ball deep into the corner chasing up and pulling in a high bouncing ball dived over the line to complete the try, again, the conversion was not made, making the score Old Totts 10 -P&G 7

There now followed a period where neither side could put together any coherent play, the forwards hitting stalemate in rucks and mauls keeping the referee busy with an assortment of knock-ons and minor infringements, one of which, for holding the ball whilst on the ground gave P&G a life-line, again fullback Mark Razzell put the ball between the posts to bring the score to 10 all.

Pinner now down to 14 players (injury) did not build upon this and after hitting the post with another awarded penalty, appeared to switch off and give Old Tottonians the opportunity to yet again take full advantage, their strength in the scrums were now taking effect and their passing was quick and decisive allowing full back Gareth Bennett to both score and convert a try. Lack of organisation from Pinner once again let Old Totts gain more points when they conceded a penalty which was converted by the player causing P&G a lot of problems. With ten minutes remaining the unbeaten record of P&G was under threat. A late inclusion of a former first team player brought the team back up to full strength; the Pinner team rallied once more and when the ball emerged and kicked along the touch line Nick Freeman caught the bouncing ball, ran the twenty metres shaking off several tackles, to score under the posts. Mark Razzell redeemed himself by converting the try. Final score a victory to the home side Old Tottonians 20 -17

This was Pinner & Grammarians first defeat of the season and a deflated team walked off the pitch determined to use the next training session (Thursdays 7pm) to review the match and get back into their winning stride. The next match 17th October Chess Valley at home (friendly), next league match 24th October; Watford RFC away

P&G RFC Match report for Sat 3rd October

PINNER RUN IN 10 TRIES

P&G’s gave yet another scintillating display of running rugby when they overwhelmed British Airways RFC in the non-league match at Shaftesbury Playing fields on Saturday.  The supporters, who had enjoyed a pre-match President’s Lunch, were hardly out of the Clubhouse when centre, and eventual ‘Man of the Match’, Chris Hall was over for the first try. This was converted by full-back Mark Razzell.  With a very strong wind behind them for the first half Pinner kept up the pressure.  Aaron Nicholas, acting Captain for the day, won a line-out and from the ensuing maul the scrum-half Lane fed it back to the forwards with Nicholas breaking clear. Reza Sibilant was up in support to score with Razzell converting.   Nicholas was soon again leading from the front with a fine 40 m solo run evading three desperate tackles to go over for try number three and bringing the score to 19 – 0.  Pinner now began to over elaborate. A missed catch enabled BA to hack on, gain possession but sadly for the visitors, the ball was knocked-on in goal. BA now rallied, winning a scum on the P&G’s 22 the ball was quickly moved left for No 8 Mark Pamplin to score.  Another careless pass by Pinner was intercepted by Lee McCrae who ran in a try under the posts for Rob Lowe to convert.  This brought the half-time score to 19 -12 and with the wind gaining strength P&G’s expected a difficult second half.

However, with only a minute of the second period gone BA were adjudged off-side from a scrum on half way.  A quick series of interchanges between Sibilant and Lane saw prop Simon Whitcombe crash over in the corner. This was to the great delight of his father Barry, a former Pinner prop, watching on the touch-line. A few minutes later Pinner won a scrum on their own 10 m line. Scum-half Lane broke clear and once more Sibilant was on hand to run in the try, converted by fly-half Paul James.  There now followed a period where neither side could put together any coherent play, the wind making things difficult and the excellent referee kept busy with knock-ons and minor infringements. Eventually a passing movement found centre Chris Hall who scored in the corner.

Pinner now found their rhythm and attacked from the kick-off getting to the ball to left winger Danny Allen who beat two opponents to score in the corner. On the half-hour BA, seeking to use the wind, kicked down field. The ball was caught by full-back Razzell who took it into a maul, which was won by the P&G’s forwards. The ball emerged a fed to Angus Wilson who ran 50 m. shaking off several tackles, to score under the posts.  More was still to come. Another long kick by BA was fielded by Andy Wright who set Lane off on a jinking run.  Aaron Nickolas was able to round off his first match as captain with his second try.  A minute from time BA fumbled the ball in their own 5m area. Flanker Alex Wheeler gathered and drove in for try number ten.  This was converted bringing the final score to 58 -12 for the home team.

Pinner & Grammarians RFC match report Sat 26th Sept.
Defiant Pinner end Hatfield’s nineteen month undefeated run.

In the much awaited Herts – Middx Div 3 match between the two promoted sides Pinner avenged the two narrow defeats inflicted on them by Hatfield in last season’s title chase. The sterling 27 -23 victory in the first home match of the season ended a nineteen match undefeated league run by the visitors.

Pinner attacked from the kick-off and were soon ahead with an unconverted try by Steven Griffiths. Ten minutes later Hatfield responded with a penalty when a Pinner player was adjudged off-side in-front of the posts.  From the kick-off the ball was won and fed to centre Burns whose kick and chase was thwarted by an illegal obstruction. The referee awarded a penalty try that was converted by full-back Mark Razzell.  The game became rather scrappy with the inexperience of the referee beginning to have an unfortunate influence.  Attacks were nullified by strong defence on both sides but on the half-hour an Hatfield player was penalised for throwing the ball over the dead-ball line. Hatfield appeared to hinder the quick taking of the penalty so the referee awarded and second penalty try, which was again converted by Razzell.  Hatfield counter attacked strongly but the P&G’s defence was superb holding out to give a half-time lead of 19 – 3.

Hatfield came out in the second session determined to defend their record and mounted a series of attacks.  On ten minutes a clever cross kick by fly-half Ian Burnett found left-wing John Thompson who cut inside to score. Burnett added the extra 2 points and added 3 more eight minutes later when Pinner were again judged off-side. This brought the score to 19 -12 and the large crowd knew they were in for an exciting final quarter.   Neither side could establish any patterns to their play as the referee’s decisions became often pedantic and frequently indecisive. Pinner were now under severe pressure but determined and courageous tackling by all players held Hatfield at bay. Eventually the line was broken with Hatfield winning a ruck on the P&G 5 metre line for one of the forwards to crash over from short range.  The conversion failed but with a score line of 19 -18 we were in for a nail-biting finish.  There was still more to come. From the kick-off the ball went into touch on the Hatfield 22.  Pinner won the line-out, fed the ball rapidly across to the right where full-back Razzell came into the line to score in the corner.  His conversion attempt hit the post and bounced back.  The score, now 24 -18 to the home side, still left time for the visitors to sneak by.  Haunted by memories of the two encounters from last season when Hatfield won with last minute penalties in both games the Pinner team rallied once more and were awarded yet another penalty.  With only 2 minutes of regular time remaining Mark Razzell calmly kicked another 3 points to give and breathing space of 27 -18.  Bewilderingly the referee played a further 8 minutes but time enough for Hatfield to mount once successful last attack to save their record.  They broke out and ran in the final try wide on the left.  Burnett’s conversion failed and the final whistle blew. Victory for Pinner by 27 -23, the widest margin between the two sides for two seasons.

The friendly rivalry between these two clubs is now firmly established, with no quarter asked for or given on the pitch but excellent relations off it.  On the evidence of each of their starts to this season they could be both in contention for successive promotions by next April. The return match in January is eagerly awaited.  This Saturday P&G’s will welcome British Airways for a non-league game at Shaftesbury Playing Fields. The visitors were the only other team to inflict a league defeat on Pinner early last season but this was avenged in the return match.  The Club will also celebrate ‘Deryck Westwood Day’ in memory of one of the founder members who played for the club in 1934 and remained a member for over 70 years.

To see more photographs from the match please look in the seniors gallery

Pinner & Grammarians RFC match report Sat 19th September
PROMOTED PINNER GIVE A POWERFUL WARNING
Newly promoted Pinner & Grammarians RFC put on a display of dynamic rugby in their first league match of the season.  Playing at Chesthunt against Cuffley, who were promoted two seasons ago, quickly got into their stride.  After only two minutes and series of strong drives the ball reached hooker Aaron Nicholas who shrugged off several tackles to score in the left corner. The conversion attempt failed but P&G’s were soon back on the score sheet.  Electing to run the ball out of their own 22  a strong run down the left wing saw the ball passed inside, moved through several pairs of hands before centre Nick Freeman went roung the defence to score close in.  This time Mark Razzell made sure of the extra points.  Half way through the first half P&G’s won a line out on Cuffley’s 22, the ball was fed to the right through Warren Woad,  to right-winner Graeme Searles who flicked it inside to Captain Reza Sibilant to score under the posts. Again Mark Razzell made the conversion.  Just after the half-hour, with the heavier Cuffley front five beginning to cause problems, they gained a push-over try by Louis Clarke. James Hardacre proved the two point.  This inspired Pinner to greater effort.  Winning the ball at a Cuffley line-out P&G’s moved it quickly out to the right for Captain Reza Sibilant to be on hand to score his second try.  This gave Pinner a comfortable half-
time lead of 24 -7.
Soon into the second half Cuffley failed to find touch with a penalty from their 22.  Warren Woad, catching the ball on the half-way line moved it inside to Graeme Searle.  Reza Sibilant took up the running back into the home side’s 22. Prop Dave Manning took it the final 20 yards to score. Razzell was again successful with the kick.  Pinner were not finished yet.  Aaron Nicholas caught the Cuffley kick-off, made progress and with the ball going then to Sibilant and on to scrum-half Lane who also made ground.  No 8 Richter came into the line before feeding flanker Woad who covered the remaining 30 yards to score Pinner’s sixth try under the posts. Razzell once more converted.  Cuffley forwards again raised their game and, aided by several infringements, mounted a series on attacks from close range.  The referee then awarded a penalty try for an alleged trip. This was converted by Hardacre to bring the score to 38 -14 with a quarter of an hour remaining.  The Pinner defence withstood numerous attacks but with 5 minutes left the referee gave yet another penalty to the home side.  Pinner repulsed the first two drives but eventually Ross Lovett crashed over for an unconverted try.  With a final score of 38 -19 Pinner gave notice that they will be no push over in Herts- Middx Div 3 and that they are a force to be reckoned with.

The first home match of the season will be at Shaftesbury Playing Fields Hatch End next Saturday. The opponents are Hatfield, who last season were undefeated and were also promoted with Pinner.

Pinner versus Harrow RFC Saturday 12th September

Newly promoted P&G’s kicked of the season with a non-league match against local rivals Harrow at Grove Field on Saturday.  The match was played over four periods of 20 minutes to give all players a chance of a run-out before the league fixtures starts in earnest next week.  After only 5 minutes Harrow took the lead with a penalty but this was soon matched when full-back Mark Razzell equalized from 40 yards. Pinner established a series of attacks and were awarded another penalty on the Harrow 22.  Electing to run the ball it was quickly moved to the right for flanker Warren Woad to score. Razzell’s conversion attempt rebounded off the post leaving the score at 8 -3 to P&G at the first interval. Soon into the second period Harrow began to exert more pressure which resulted in an unconverted try after 30 minutes. Still under pressure, Pinner gained possession in their own 22 and, instead of settling for the safe kick to touch, launched an ambitious counter attack.  With first rate passing the ball went through several pairs of hands before finding the strong running No 8 Bernie Richter to cover the final 40 yards to score. Fly-half Paul James provided the conversion giving P&G’s a 15 -8 lead at half-time.

With several changes of players on both sides much of the rhythm went out of the play. In the third period Harrow mounted a series of close range attacks but every one of them was repelled by Pinner’s  tenacious defense and brave tackling. This continued into the final session although Pinner regained control and played the more constructive rugby. There was no further scoring to leave Pinner winners against their old adversaries by 15 points to 8.

Captain Reza Sibilant was very pleased with the result and the performance of the players. The team has been training twice a week throughout the summer and spirits are high. They intend not only to survive in the Herts – Middlesex Division 3 but to aim for successive promotions. P&G hope to establish a second XV and are currently looking for players.

Middlesex Club 7’s

Saturday 2nd May – Richmond
So as many of you know, we won our Middlesex 7’s tournament this weekend. As Ian mentioned, we played teams that are all above us in the leagues and we beat two of them with 40+ points (The final was 43-7). To come away with the trophy shows how far we have come as a team in one season. The team work and commitment to the team is like nothing I have seen in my 10 years at the club. The players we have is like nothing I have seen in 10 years at the club.

In previous years we have struggled to have 5 players out, but this year we had 14 players turn up with 12 supporters!! It was a great day of rugby and something we should all be proud of.
All the players this weekend were superb and the commitment we showed to each other was amazing. We worked our socks off, put in big tackles and scored some great tries. After such a great year, we deserved to win something, so this is as much for the boys who were there on the weekend as everyone else.
I shouldn’t mention individuals, but Adrien and Nick (fluff jr) were the players of the tournament from our team. Also, Damo flew across the globe to come and play and was excellent for us. I could go on and mention something about everyone, but I don’t have enough space. However, everyone who played can hold their heads up high knowing they contributed to our win. Special mention to the supporters as well, you were fantastic.
I asked the boys in a huddle seconds before the final to leave everything on the pitch. Don’t come off thinking you could have made one more run or made one more tackle.. And my god did they deliver! Pinner 43 v Hackney 7. Well done guys
Reza 1st Team Captain
Pinner & Grammarians RFC match report 4th April 2009
Last minute penalty again robs Pinner

The long awaited return battle with leaders Hatfield played in front of a large crowd of both home and visiting supporters, ended great disappointment for P&G’s in the final league match of the season.  Pinner registered their intent to spoil Hatfield’s unbeaten record with a very powerful first half display. They were soon in the lead when after six minutes they won a scrum on the Hatfield 22 for No 8 Bernie Richter to score under the posts. The try was converted by fly-half Adrian Boue giving P&G’s a  7 – 0 leaded which was maintained till half time. Most of the first half play was in the Hatfield half with Pinner attacking time and again. The strong wind made line-outs much of a lottery. Hatfield became desperate but gradually the strong pack brought some semblance of order to their play. Final passes going astray due to some extent to the wind and a soft poor quality ball added to the frustration of not converting territory into points.

Hatfield came out in the second half intend on retaining their record and with the wind and slope in their favour put constant pressure on the committed Pinner defence.  Continuity of play was hampered by the referee constant use of the whistle and not allowing players time to place the ball in the tackle.  The penalty count mounted on both sides but the wind advantage gave Hatfield more opportunity to convert their kicks. After 12 minute, again for supposedly not releasing the ball quickly enough P&G’s were penalised and the Hatfield fly-half landed a 30 yard kick to bring the score to 7 – 3. Several kicks were missed on both sides and a player from each team was yellow-carded for the same offence added to the tension.  Hatfield changed their kicker who then landed a 40 m penalty to bring the score to 7 – 6 with 10 minutes remaining and all to play for.  Pinner’s defence held against the Hatfield onslaught and counter attacks by the visitors were equally repulsed. With two minutes to go when it looked as though Hatfield’s unbeaten record was on the way out and Pinner would get their revenge for the narrow defeat in December the referee again intervened. With the last scrum not settling the referee adjudged that the Pinner scrum-half had delayed his put-in and awarded a penalty. For this offence a free-kick should be given from which an attempt at goal cannot be made. So Pinner were unjustly deprived of the win as the Hatfield full-back landed his kick from 40 yards to make the final score 9 -7 to the home side.

This was a match worthy of both sides with the result in doubt to the last minute. Pinner have only conceded one try in the second half of the season and their line remained uncrossed in this epic battle.  Both teams, with a large points gap to the third place, will be promoted to the Herts / Middx Div 3 next season. Hatfield players and spectators were delighted with their teams achievement and Pinner, although disappointed in the final decision, can be justly proud of their considerable progress under Captain Reza Sibilant. The advantages of having training facilities made the difference. Hatfield play on a local authority playing field surrounded by houses just as do Pinner.  The Herfordshire club have training floodlights and the local authority promising further ground improvements, Pinner have only one serviceable pitch as much of the ground is water-logged in winter and no permanent lights under which to train.