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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.

Pinner and Grammarians RFC match report 28th March 2009

P&G’s overcome the Springboks and the weather.

Pinner’s successful season continued with a hard fought and occasionally niggly match with 3rd place  Sudbury and London Springbocs at Hatch End on Saturday.  Pinner kicked off with a strong NE wind behind them and Springbocs immediately conceded a penalty uner the posts. Quick thinking letd to P&G’s running the ball and prop Aaron Nicholas scored. Fly-half Mark Razzell converted to give an early 7-0 lead.  S&LS respond with some fierce interchanges but good defensive desciplin and strong tackling enabled P&G’s to hold on and evenually breakout of their 22. After 18 minutes the ball was passed back to centre Chris Hall who, using the strong wind kicked a 40 m drop goal from the half-way line. Five minutes later the springbocs had a penalty on the P&G’s 5 metre line but messed up an attempt to drive over giving winner Andy Wright a chance to break-out well into the visitors half. Play continued in mid-field until Pinner were awarded a penalty just in their own half. Chris Hall’s boot send the ball into the Springboc’s 5m area.  No 8 Bernie Richter won a subsequent line-out and drove over for a try which was not converted. With a really severe hail and sleat storm breaking the players sought the shelter of the clubhouse with the home team 15 – 0 up.

The storm had turned the field white with a covering of hail and slush. The players took an extended half-time only returning when it had blown over some 20 minutes later. There was now difficulty in making out the lines and staying on your feet in very unpleasant conditions. Soon after the resumption the Springboc mounted a strong attack with three-quarter Rian Snyman scoring under the posts. This was converted by fly-half Mike Vosler bring the score to 15 -7 and all to play for.

The match continued with strong tackling on both sides with players becoming increasingly frustrated and the penalty count mounting.  On the half-hour Pinner were again awarded a penalty in the Springbocs 22.  Electing once more to run the ball wide rather than kick into the strong wind the  ball reached flanker Warren Woad who drove over to give the home side a 20 -7 cusion. The remaining 10 minutes saw P&G’s keep their discipline and counter attack in the face of often provocative play. The final whistle gave Pinner their 11th win in 13 league matches and secured their second place slot. Already assured of promotion the final encounter is with Hatfield, currently the undeafed league leaders, away next Saturday. We hope to finish the season by ruining their record having only lost to them by a penalty in injury time before Christmas. The ‘Man of the Match’ was Alex Wheeler.

Pinner & Grammarians secure promotion

Northolt v P&G Sat 7th March

With yet another emphatic performance Pinner & Grammarians RFC secured promotion to the Herts / Middx Div 3 with a 34 – 6 victory over Northolt.

Playing down the slope in the first half P&G’s were soon in trouble by conceding a penalty in front of their posts. The Northolt fly-half kicked the 3 points.  That was the wake up P&G’s needed. From the kick-off a lineout resulted in the Northolt 22.  Pinner won the ball a flanker Aaron Nicholas drove over to score in the corner. The try was unconverted. Five minutes later a repeat performance saw captain Reza Sibilant drive strongly from a line out to feed the ball back inside for Nicholas to score his second try.  From the kick-off Pinner won the ball in their own half.. The ball was moved quickly through the backs wit No 7 Warren Woad in support but he was held up just short of the line.  Northolt were now under severe pressure conceding a penalty near their line. Pinner opted for the scrum. Once more the back row broke out. Second row Mike Turner was in support to give the final pass for Woad to score bring the total to 15 – 3.  Northolt scored another penalty when a P&G player was adjudged to have handled in a ruck following a hack on by the home side.  There was no stopping Pinner. A strong run from his own half by the Captain Reza Sibilant, leading by example as usual, was again supported by fellow lose forward Warren Woad to score his second try under the posts. The conversion hit the post but P&G’s went into half time with a 20 – 6 lead.

The second half showed Northolt still under pressure with their strong forwards short of pace although holding their own in the tight.  It took 17 minutes before the score line increased. From a tapped penalty on the Northolt 5 m line the ball eventually got to centre Russell Joynt who powered through from 20 m out, taking three players with him to score under the posts. This time the try was converted by fly-half Adrian Boue. Five minutes later from a scrum on the Northolt 5 m line fly-half Adrian Boue fed centre Russell Joyne who scored under the posts. Kicking duty was taken over by full-back Mark Razzel who duly converted. Although P&G’s attacked for much of the remainder of the game there were no more scores giving the visitors a 34 -6 win to secure at least second place in the league and to gain promotion.  Captain Reza Sibilant was named man of the match. A thoroughly deserved reward as he has led from the front throughout the season and has inspired his team to success.

The two remaining matches are against 3rd place Sudbury & London Springbocs at hatch End on 21st March and the final show down with league leader Hatfield away on 4th April.

Pinner & Grammarians RFC    Sat 28th Feb

1st XV

P&G’s took a rest as there was no league match on an International Saturday.  There main contenders for the league title Hatfield played a postponed match and still hold onto their unbeaten record. With three league matches to go in the season Pinner only need to draw one of these to secure promotion with Hathfield. Pinner have the superior points difference and have conceded less points than any other team in their divison.  Next week-end P&G’s visit Northolt for the first of these.

P & G’s avenge earlier defeat.
Pinner had a lot to prove in their Herts / Middx Div 4 match against British Airways at Hatch End on Saturday.  The unexpected loss to them before Christmas had slowed the promotion challenge. The game started in sombre mood with a minute silence in memory of one of their players who died in tragic circumstances earlier in the week.  This was observed by players from both teams and the large contingent of spectators who had turned up to show solidarity in the Club.
Within two minutes of the kick off it was obvious that Pinner were playing for something more than the league points. Centre Russell Joint powered through to score the first try which was converted by fly-half Adrian Boue.  P&G’s continued to dominate and there was no let up in the pressure being applied although BA managed to get into the Pinner half. However from deep in their half P&G’s broke out. A strong run by fly-half Adrian Boue took the ball into the BA 22. Captain Reza Sibilant was on had to score under the posts. Boue again converted.  On 20 minutes Pinner won a scrum on the BA 22 line. No 8 Bernie Richter broke from the base. The ball was fed left along the backs and Richter, following up as any good No8 should, was on hand to score in the corner.  Two minutes later Warren Woad drove from his own half deep into the opponent’s territory. The ball again went through the backs, and then was fed back inside where Richter was again on hand to score under the posts. Boue again converted taking the score to 26 – 0.  British Airways continued to offer strong resistance but unfortunately lost two players through injury. Their only replacement did not arrive till half time. Pinner scores two further unconverted tries in the first period.  One was by right wing Mike Stepney and the other just before half time was by Warren Woad.  In their total commitment Pinner had been leaking penalties by being off-side or for not staying on their feet at rucks and mauls but BA were unable to take advantage of these kicks. The half time score was 36 – 0.
 

 

In the first part of the second half P&G’s were guilty of a degree of complacency and lost some of their shape. It took 13 minutes before they could add to their score.  Again it started deep in their own half with centre Russell Joint finishing off the move with another powerful 40 m run to score his second try.  This spurred the home side into action with the forwards dominating the set scrums and much of the loose play. BA were becoming dispirited and another inter-passing move from their own half saw the Andy Wright, who had replaced the injured Mike Stepney on the right wing, run in the eighth try which again was converted by man-of -the match Adrian Boue.  A few minutes later No 8 Richter again broke from the back of a set scrum on the half-way line.  Boue took the balloon and yet again Richter was there to finish the move that he had started by scoring his third try.   Following further injuries the scrums were now uncontested but Pinner were lucky not to receive a yellow card for constance offence. Once more BA were unable to take advantage of the penalties. The final score came 7 minutes from the end when following a move to the right second row Mike Turner powered over to score. Pinner tally was ten tries with four converted giving a final score of 58 – 0 and their challenge on the league leaders Hatfield was in good shape.
 

Pinner & Grammarians continue winning streak

Saturday 31st January

P&G’s maintained their promotion bid with another highly focused performance  against G.W.R. at Ealing on Saturday.  The home side won the toss and chose to have the strong wind in their backs for the first half.  Consequently Pinner spent much of the first period in their own half. Heroic defence by the pack, with 20 year old prop Simon Whitcombe outstanding, prevent several certain tries. With 5 minutes to go to half-time No 8 Bernie Richter broke from deep in his own half. The ball was fed to Captain Reza Sibilant who took it on into the GWR 22.  After a couple more phases Pinner won a scrum on the GWR 5 metre line.  Richter again broke from the back to feed James Byrne who scored in the corner. The try was not converted but P&G’s had a 5 – 0 half-time lead.

Now with the wind behind them  Pinner dominated the second half pinning GWR in their own 22.  From a scrum the ball was quickly passed along the backs. Back row Reza Sibilant was again in support for a scissors movement with Russell Joynt before passing to centre Devon, playing his first match, to score in the corner. This time fly-half Mark Razzell converted from wide out.  The pack continued to dominate putting constant pressure on the GWR defence. The back row, lock Mike Turner and ‘man-of-the-match’ prop Simon Whitcombe were outstanding.  The final score of 12 – 0 puts P&G ’s only 2 point behind league leaders Hatfield who they meet in the final match of the season.

 

In their first league match for 2009, postponed from the previous week, Pinner RFC renewed their promotion challenge with a 43 – 0 victory over Southgate on Saturday. Playing up the slope in the first half and with several key players missing it was clear that the pre-Christmas defeat by league leaders Hatfield had been forgotten. The all round performance was impressive with a powerful pack quickly dominating the opposition. The backs were soon in to their stride with the centre particularly strong.  The first try soon came from winger Ashley Fiston. Continued pressure form both forwards and backs gave Southgate little chance to recover and further tries followed from Devon Sardie, Mike Turner, Russell Joyne and No. 8 Bernie Richter. The last three were converted by fly-half Mark Rezzell giving Pinner a half time lead of 31 – 0.

Now playing down the slope Pinner were soon back on the score sheet. Following a strong run down the right by prop Arron. From the ruck the ball was quickly moved inside for No 11 Jarrod Sanghouse to score under the posts. This was again converted Mark Rezzell.  Another strong attack resulted in a scrum which Pinner won. The ball was quickly moved to the left and centre Garth Lindeman drove through to score P&G’s fifth and final try.  Pinner had several further chances but lack of concentration resulted in forward passes and dropped balls.  The game became rather disjointed with uncontested scrums whilst a Southgate prop received attension so no further scoring occurred.  Southgate continued to fight hard and on a couple of occasions threatened the Pinner line. There was an encouraging first time performance by 18 year old Danny Allen who, playing in his first adult game, came on as a second half wing replacement. The final score was 43 – 0.

Next Saturday P&G’s entertain old rivals Hayes at Shaftesbury Playing Fields, Hatch End. The match is being preceded by the President’s Lunch when the Mayor and Mayoress will be among the guests.

Pinner pipped in top of the table clash

Pinner & Grammarians RFC narrow lost to the undefeated Herts / Middx 4 league leaders Hatfield at Hatch End on Sat 20th December. The match was worthy of the two teams chasing promotion with strong running and uncompromising tackling throughout.  P&G’s got off to a good start when, after 2 minutes, the Hatfield captain was guilty of not releasing the ball. Fly-half Adrian Boue kicked the resulting penalty. Hatfield quickly hit back when following a scrum on the Pinner 22 their No 10 cross-kicked for the left-hand corner. Centre Owen Doyle followed up to score in the corner and then converted his own try. The remainder of the first half saw P&G’s having most of the territorial advantage with no quarter being given or received. However Pinner’s frequent killing of the rucks lost favour with the referee who ‘yellow carded’ one of the forwards.  Owen Doyle again kicked the subsequent penalty to give Hatfield a 10 – 3 lead at half-time.

The second half continued with both sides creating opportunities, which were snuffed out by excellent defence. Sadly Pinner had not heeded the referee and further penalties saw Hatfield’s lead stretch to 16 – 3 as the game entered the last quarter. However Pinner refused to give up and mounted a series of strong attacks with the pack driving hard for the Hatfield line. First captain and flanker Reza Sibilant and then lock Mike Turner forced their way over from close range bring the score up to 16 – 13. Unfortunately neither try was converted. With Pinner again attacking the final whistle left the score at 16 -13 to Hatfield who remain undefeated. The P&G’s ‘man of the match’ was scrum-half Dave Gumbley whilst, understandably, Hatfield’s award went to Owen Doyle who scored all their points.The return match in March will be the last League game of the season and it promises to be another fine match.

Pinner thunders past Springboks into second place

Pinner & Grammarians stormed to second in the league after dismantling promotion rivals Sudbury & London Springboks 24-3 at Northolt on Saturday 6th December

They showed no signs of rustiness after a four-week enforced break to produce a glorious display, which went a long way to avenging their NW Middlesex Cup defeat to the Springboks in October.

After only four minutes a driving maul, following a lineout, pushed the Boks back 10 metres and captain Reza Sibilant broke on the blind side to score.

A few minutes later, the Boks won their scrum at Pinner’s 22m line and their fly-half dropped a 10m goal for an easy three points.

Undaunted, Pinner hit back and, after another powerful scrum caused Sudbury problems, Sibilant drove for the line before passing to fellow flanker, Warren Woad, who crossed under the posts. Adrian Boue converted to give Pinner a 12-3 half-time lead.

Another devastating scrum saw Pinner number eight Bernie Richter cross the whitewash before a penalty try was awarded after Sudbury collapsed a scrum and rucked too many. Boue converted to put the gloss on a fine victory.

Pinner & Grammarians Rugby Club returned to winning ways at Hatch End last Saturday with a 12-7 victory over Northolt.

In a hard fought Herts / Middlesex Division Four clash the visitors raced into a 7-0 lead with a converted try but Pinner hit back immediately when Brett Graeme crossed the whitewash.

In the second half an inspired cross-kick by Pinner skipper Reza Sibilant saw Angus Wilson gather the ball to notch their second try and seal the match.

They are now second in the table with four wins from five games but their league campaign is now on hold while Twickenham plays host to international matches.