DOUBLE CHAMPIONS!!!

July 24, 2015 by Becca  
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Champions Cup Final Match Report!

April 20, 2015 by Becca  
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PINNER RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB – Match report for Saturday 18th April

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.

CUP FINAL FEVER!!!

April 16, 2015 by Becca  
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Pinner play their cup final at Twickenham RFC on Saturday 18th April

Kick off  @ 2:30

All Support Welcome!!

Pinner Taggers Victorious

March 24, 2015 by paul  
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Pinner RFC under 7s Development squad were victorious in the Middlesex U7 Tag Tournament at Teddington last weekend.

Nine players, playing as two teams of four, started with a round robin group stage. Wins against Regent’s Park/Teddington (combined score 17-13) and Rosslyn Park (12-11) saw them progress to the semi-final.

A tight match against Wasps saw Pinner eventually triumph by a single score – 13-12.

The final, against Staines, was a tense affair. The Pinner A squad went down 9-6 losers,  however a strong showing by the B squad (10-5) saw them secure combined victory in their first ever tournament.

After the match, coach John Hone reflected, “At the end of the day, the kids have gone out there and done a job. They all played in good spirit and I’m proud of all of them.”

Assistant coach Anthony O’Donovan said, “Let’s hope there’s more to come from these promising youngsters!”

Pinner Tag squad train on a Sunday morning from 10 till 12 at Shaftesbury Playing Fields in Hatch End.

Under 14s get the run about

March 24, 2015 by paul  
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Pinner u14s took to the field with only 13 players helped by two from the u13 team, they started off well, but soon found Cheshunt had two runners within their team, which the Pinner team found difficult to stop in their tracks, this led to a half time score of 12 – 0

After a halftime team talk Pinner returned to the field with a bit more fire in their hearts, they began to take the game to Cheshunt camped near there try line Pinner finally got a 5m scrum which Tom Davies picked from his feet and thundered for the line to complete a unstoppable try, this was then successfully converted by Joseph Holden.

The restart went dead from the kick resulting in a 22 drop out, where Pinner started another attack on the Cheshunt try line, after a few tussles in midfield Joshua Parker-Brice made a darting run out wide supported well by James Nye who received the pop pass from the tackle on Josh Parker-Brice. Nye managed to squeeze into the corner for Pinners second try which was unconverted. Cheshunt were spurred on to use the runners again making use of the space available on the pitch due to the lack of numbers in the Pinner team, Cheshunt scored a penalty kick, and two converted tries leaving the final score 12 v 29 in Cheshunt favour.

Wonderful @ Watford

February 25, 2015 by paul  
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On Sunday 22nd February Pinner U14s travelled to Watford RFC for a friendly fixture. The team took to the ‘marsh like’ field and from the whistle took the game to Watford in their half; a place they were to spend most of the first half.

Some great tackles and support play saw James Nye weave through the opposition to score Pinners opening try. On receiving the kick-off Pinner were back into the Watford half, with some powerful play saw a break by centre Tom Davies stride over the line for the second try, shortly followed by Sam Alexander crashing through the defence to score under the posts.

Two more tries followed before the half time whistle blew 3 from 5 tries were converted by Joseph Holden leaving Pinner with an impressive first half lead 31 – 0

The second half began with a revitalised Watford team, Pinners central defence managed to keep the game tight for most of the second half with crunching tackles coming in from both sides eventually Watford managed to get a unconverted try, which was almost instantly cancelled out by Tom Davies again crashing through the Watford defence to score under the post followed by a conversion by Joseph.

In the dying moments Watford found the Pinner defence on the wrong side of the 5m scrum and scored a try which was converted, leaving the final score Watford 12 V Pinner 38, a great result for this vastly improving Pinner squad.

Pinner still undefeated

October 21, 2014 by paul  
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After last week’s fiasco of an 108 – 0 win at Quintin,  Pinner met much tougher opposition in Ealing Exiles at Hatch End. It was soon evident that they had a game on their hands when the visitors went ahead with a penalty after only five minutes.  This galvanised Pinner into more effort and organisation. They soon responded when the forwards won the ball to put winger Naill Curran over for the first try converted by scrum-half Chris Jepsen. He soon added further points when Ealing were penalised for not retreating. Now Pinner were in control and attacks looked promising. On the half-hour, winning a scrum in front of the posts, the ball was quickly fed out to left-winger Michael Baggs who scored the first of his three tries. This gave the home side a comfortable 15 – 3 lead at half-time.

Straight into the second half Pinner showed their intent by attacking from their own half. Good work by the half backs got the line moving and Curran again finished things off in the corner.  Jepsen added the conversion. Ealing Exiles now came more into the game but the Pinner defence held.  Injuries to No. 8 Alexander and prop Ken Ryan meant the home team had to re-group. A couple of scoring chances went begging when the ball was dropped near the line. Into the last quarter and the Pinner backs were now buzzing. Curran proving his finishing power with his third try.  Next Pinner were awarded a penalty on the half-way line and chose to run the ball. From the resulting ruck on the Ealing 5 m line replacement no. 8 Patrick O’Leary, playing in his first game for Pinner went over in the corner.  Ealing responded as Pinner got a bit too casual. They drove into the home 22 and scored under the posts. Pinner were not yet finished and centre Rohan Desai sliced through the defence to score their seventh try under the posts. Jepsen brought the final score to 48 – 8.

Pelicans [2nd XV]: For the second week running the Pelicans have had their Herts – Middlesex Merit table match cancelled as their opposition could not raise a team.  This avoided a long drive to Letchworth. They are awarded a 25 – 0 win giving them five out of five. However a last minute friendly home fixture with Chesham 2nd’s proved a bit too tough.   Pelicans, reduced to fourteen men for most of the match, went down 70 – 12. Home tries were scored by scrum-half Graeme Searles after a sniping run from the base of a scrum on the visitors 22 and by left –winger Clyde Gordon sprinting from his own half. The conversion was added by Chris Hall.  Later, in the clubhouse, Clyde was presented with his club Colours by Pinner President Dave Hiles in recognition for this long contribution as a coach and referee for the mini and youth sections.

Celebrations when on long into the evening marking ‘Deryck Westwood Day’ in memory of a former vice-president and founder member who left money in his will to mark his birthday each year in a suitable fashion.

Pinner Pelicans victory over Fullarians

September 28, 2014 by paul  
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Two out of two – Pinner Pelicans continued their winning ways with a great performance against Fullarians RFC on Saturday 27th September. Hopefully there will be a match report sent to the website soon, in the meantime here are some images from the game, again more to follow………

The Pelicans [2nd XV] took on Fullerians IV in the Herts-Middlesex merit table.  They found the going much harder against one of the stronger team in the division and were soon a converted try down. However Pinner fought back and by mid-half had established a 10 – 7 lead through a penalty by fly-half Don Williams.  Fullers responded with an unconverted try and penalty. Egged-on by home supporters Pinner added two further tries before half time. For one Arshood Joonoos, playing in his first rugby match, sprinting 40 m to score.  Half-time score 22 -15 to the Pelicans.

In the second half the play was very even with neither team willing to concede territory.  Both managed two further tries, one converted and the other not. In all Pelicans ran in five tries, three of which were scored by Rowan Desai and the other by youth team coach Clyde Gordon. The final score was 34 – 27.

The two Pinner teams are now undefeated in September and have amassed 190 points between them and are both sitting at the top of their respective merit tables.

Next Saturday the 1st XV have an away cup match against Civil Service Barbarians whilst the Pelicans travel to Hemel Hempstead for a merit table game.

Pinner 1st XV home win against London French

September 28, 2014 by paul  
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Sporting their new kit Pinner hosted the league match against a strong London French side on Saturday 27th September. The match report will follow but in the meantime enjoy some of the images from  the game…….

For the first time in several seasons Pinner, now with a regular 2nd XV, the Pelicans, hosted two home matches at Shaftesbury Playing Fields Hatch End on Saturday.  Both teams had started the season with 60 + points victories and were looking to build on this success.

The 1st XV entertained London French in the Middlesex Merit table.  From the start Pinner showed their intent and dominated the early play. The pack was in good form keeping the play in the opponents 22.  The first try was not long in coming when after only eight minutes the pack drove the visitors back and number 8 Andrew Alexander forced his way over. Scrum-half Chris Jepsen added the extra points.  Pinner continued to have territorial advantage with London French unable to match the home pack. However this led to some sloppy play allowing French to use their strong backs. From a Pinner mistake French ran in a try under the posts to equal the score. This galvanised the home side to greater efforts.  Spurred on by the large crowd the pack reasserted its control.  From a 5 m scrum Alexander dived over for his second try again converted by Jepsen. With half-time looming another Pinner lapse allowed French in for their second try to bring the score at the interval to 14 – 12 to the home team.

The second half started much as the first. Within 5 minutes Pinner one a scrum just inside the visitors half. Scrum-half Jepsen sprinted 40 m to score under the post and then convert his own try. He soon added a further 3 points from a penalty after French had failed to release the ball in a ruck. The game now went through a more even phase with the French backs always a threat.  Once again it was the pack that restored order and with only five minutes remaining number 8 Alexander drove over for his third and Pinner’s fourth try. Jepsen once more added the points to give Pinner a comfortable 31 – 12 lead.  Pinner now relaxed and were severely punished as the French backs, throwing caution to wind, attacked down the left wing.  This resulted first in a converted try and then, straight from the kick-off, another as the final whistle blew.  The final score was 31 – 24 earning bonus points for both teams.

The two Pinner teams are now undefeated in September and have amassed 190 points between them and are both sitting at the top of their respective merit tables.

Next Saturday the 1st XV have an away cup match against Civil Service Barbarians whilst the Pelicans travel to Hemel Hempstead for a merit table game.

Pinner’s resounding start to the season.

September 24, 2014 by paul  
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Pinner, playing their first match of the season, travelled to nearby Uxbridge for a Middlesex Merit table clash.  Inspired by their Pelicans [2ndXV]  60 – 0 win the  previous week the 1st XV did even better with an eleven try 65 – 0 win. Playing up the slope in the first half they took a while to settle with several new players in the team. However the forwards soon showed their strength .  With only 5 minutes gone Pinner won a scrum on the Uxbridge 22.  No 8 Andrew Alexander drove forward to set up a ruck under the posts. The ball was quickly recycled to the right for centre Ashley Hicks to score the first try.  This was converted by scrum half Chris Jepsen.  Soon Pinner were on the attack again initiated by Jepsen with Alexander taking the ball close to the Uxbridge line. However the home side managed to clear their lines but from their kick out Pinner rested control in their own half and after a couple of passes Hicks broke from the half-way line out pacing any defence to score wide on the left.  A few minutes later another scrum in the Uxbridge 22 saw Alexander pick up, dummy the defence to crash over for the third try.  From the kick off Pinner attacked from their own 22 getting the ball to left wing Fred Riley who cut inside the defence but his final pass was adjudged  to be forwards.  With five minutes to go to half-time Pinner again fielded a desperate Uxbridge kick-out. A good break by right-wing Niall Curran found fly –half Chris Hall on hand to score under the posts.  Jepsen converted to bring the score to 24 – 0 at the interval.

With Pinner now playing down the slope the next score wasn’t long  in coming. A powerful run through the middle by replacement centre John Petrella took the play deep in the Uxbridge half.  The ball was quickly re-cycled and a deft chip over the defence by fly-half Hall enabled captain and hooker Aaron Nicholas to score.  Riley added the points.  Pinner were soon back in the Uxbridge 22. A driving ruck near the line enabled prop Neill king to gather and dive over for try number seven.  With the score now at 41 – 0 Pinner realised that moving the ball through the backs would bring more tries. Once again the home side’s kick out failed to find touch. Rapid movement along the line put winger Curran over in the corner.  Straight from the kick-off Pinner brought the ball back to the half-way line  for open-side flanker Dan Smith to run 50 m shrugging off several tackles and then out pacing the cover to score under the posts.  With still the final quarter left Pinner became complacent and Uxbridge mounted a spirited effort to stay in the game. But with less than 10 minutes left Pinner stepped up a gear and James O’Brien added try number ten. Finally . with everyone waiting for the final whistle scum-half Jepsen ran round the exhausted home defence to score under the posts. He converted his own try to give a final score of 65 – 0.

For the first time in a few years Pinner will host two home matches at Hatch End next Saturday.  The 1st XV play London French whilst the Pelicans host Fullerians IVth .

Busy, busy morning @ Pinner RFC

March 2, 2014 by paul  
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With over a hundred plus visiting players today, at Pinner Rugby Club, it was all hands on deck to provide a warm Pinner welcome to all. Even some of our committee members were at the club today, to see how the minis do a Sunday! One made a comment that maybe the U11/U12s could show the first team a thing or two!

Today at Pinner Rugby club we hosted over 100 children playing rugby in the glorious spring sunshine. Chess Valley RFC brought their tag teams (U6 – U8), U9s and U10s to play some great games. Initially the teams joined together for a fun training session and then matches were played. Great fun was had by all.

The Pinner U12s played Barnes RFC and Teddington RFC in the U12s Middlesex Tournament. During the first match – Teddington v Barnes – Barnes played a strong game and won by 40 – 7. Barnes scored 6 tries and converted all but 1! Teddington scored 1 try with a conversion.

Pinner then played Teddington RFC. It was a close match but eventually Pinner stormed through to win 19 – 12.  Joseph Holden, Reece Connolly and Luke Sealby all scored tries and 2 tries were converted by Joseph.  Ciara Evans was spotted by the referee and congratulated for her fantastic tackling. Pinner’s scrums were strong and they won the ball on most occasions.

The final match between Pinner and Barnes was a different story. This started with both teams looking fairly equal, however Pinner, who were tired after playing the previous game, found a rested Barnes were just too strong overall. Barnes RFC won  0 – 26 scoring 4 tries with 3 conversions.

The referee spoke highly of the excellent sporting attitude of Pinner players, on and off the pitch. All the players put in a fantastic effort throughout the matches and some brilliant rugby played.

To see the images from this morning please go to

Pinner U14s Keep The Pressure On At The Top

January 13, 2014 by paul  
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Sunday saw a top of the table clash between Pinner U14s and Twickenham U14s with both teams knowing a win would put daylight between them. The conditions were excellent for rugby with the pitch soft under foot after all the recent rain.

Both teams started strongly, with fearless tackling and aggressive challenges at the breakdown and most of the game being played in the middle of the park.

The breakthrough came after six minutes when Pinner recycled clean ball from the breakdown and the ball was spun wide to the left giving Ben Stone a clear run in to score the first try half way between the posts and the touchline. The metronomic boot, now with a new kicking tee, of Freddie Hart added the conversion, 7 nil Pinner.

Buoyed by the try Pinner gathered the restart and worked their way back to the half way line with Twickenham working hard at the breakdown to turn over the ball. After some strong work from the Pinner pack the ball was again passed down the Pinner back line to Kai Gordon who ran in under the posts having broken a couple of tackles on the way. An easy conversion for Freddie and Pinner were ahead 14 nil.

The second try broke Twickenham’s resistance and Pinner started to dominate the game in all areas and it wasn’t long before try number three was scored. Pinner pack again recycled clean ball for scrumhalf Louis George to run down the blind side to score wide out near the left touchline. Unfortunately Freddie was unable to added the extras. Pinner 19 Twickenham 0.

An excellent catch from the restart by Charlie Gascoine set Pinner romping forward again. It took three defenders to bring Charlie down close to half way and out of the pursuing ruck appeared Joseph Burling with the ball. He set off on a jinking run dodging two or three tackles leaving him one on one with the fullback who surrendered and let Joseph score Pinner’s fourth and bonus point try under the post to which Freddie added the conversion. Pinner were now 26 ahead as we headed for half time.

However, Pinner weren’t finished there. Charlie again took a clean catch from the restart this time shipping the ball outside him where it eventually arrived in Kai’s arms and he set off with his after burners blazing running around the outside of the Twickenham players scoring closed to the posts. Unusually, Freddie missed a relatively simple opportunity to add the further two points and at half time Pinner were leading 31-0.

The second half was a lot tougher with Pinner making substitutions to give every player some game time and Twickenham starting to give their bigger boys more of the ball in an attempt to make ground against a Pinner defence which resolutely stayed strong with a ‘you shall not pass’ attitude we have come to see and expect from the boys in the past two seasons.

Pinner managed two more tries in the second half both from strong runs by Kai but only one was converted and the final score was 43-0 against a side the boys had expected to give them more of a game than they did.

The win moves Pinner 5 points ahead of Bishop Stortford and 6 points ahead of Twickenham, who both have a game in hand over our boys, giving them potentially 10 points each from their final 2 games. However, this will be irrelevant if Pinner can achieve a bonus point win against Saracens B on 23 March as they will be promoted with 25 points.

POS P W D L BP PTS
1 Pinner and Grammarians 5 4 0 1 4 20
2 Bishop’s Stortford B 4 3 0 1 3 15
3 Twickenham 4 3 0 1 2 14
4 Tring B 4 2 0 2 2 10
5 Teddington B 5 1 0 4 1 5
6 Saracens B 4 1 0 3 1 5
7 Hackney Bulls 4 1 0 3 1 5

Pinner pipped in the 11th minute of injury time

December 18, 2013 by paul  
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Two strange decisions by the referee cost P&G’s 14 point and a much needed win away to Old Grammarians of Tottenham.  The first was after 25 minutes of the first half when he gave a penalty for an offence in a ruck 5m from the visitor’s line.  He converted this to a penalty try under the posts.  The law requires that there would have been a high probability of a try had the offence not been committed. Not even the home supporters were convinced that this would have been the case.  The second decision was to allow the second half to run on for over 50 minutes, normally 40 minutes per half, and again those on the touch line could not remember ten minutes of stoppages or injuries.  Old Grammarians scored their second and decisive try which they converted to sneak the game 17 – 13.

The first half started with the home side kicking with the wind but against the slope. They were soon awarded a penalty, the first of a multitude given against both sides, to take a 3 – 0 lead.  Pinner were having difficulties in adjusting to the slope of the pitch and the rather heavy and ponderous O G’s pack. Yet another penalty on the P&G 22 for off-side was missed in front of the posts. Pinner now began to get their act together and mounted a series of pick and drive attacks which brought them into the home 22. Winning another ruck scrum-half Sam Heath found centre Ollie Blazey to fee is co-centre Richard Southam who shrugged of a few tackles to score in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful but P&G’s had a 5 – 3 lead.  Then came the penalty try to put the home side 10 – 5 up.  Pinner continued to threaten for the rest of the half with strong attacks through the centre but did not take advantage of getting the ball wide where their wingers would have out-paced the defence. O G’s were forced to defend and it was Pinner’s turn to be awarded penalties which took them in range of the goal line. With half-time over due they opted to kick at goal and Fred Riley stepped up to take the 3 points to bring the interval score to 10 – 8 to O G’s.

Pinner kicked off up the slope but with the wind. The kick went deep into the home 22 where the defenders made a mess of things. P&G’s won a turn-over at the resulting ruck. The ball was quickly fed along the backs and centre Ollie Blazey scored out on the right. The conversion was unsuccessful but the visitors had a 13 – 10 lead. Pinner continued to look threatening but didn’t use the wind enough to get often into the home 22. An injury to no. 8 Andy Alexander reduce the power of the pick and drives and the heavier O G’s pack was gaining momentum in the set scrums and mauls.  Pinner had a possible third try disallowed but the game never really flowed due to the constant awarding of penalties and free kicks.  With full-time past, there was little injury time to add on according to touch-line watches,    O G’s mounted a series of drives with the referee giving yet more penalties. From the last one with Pinner retreating O G’s dived over for the final conclusive converted try to snatch victory 17 – 13. The eight club Herts- Middx Div 3 now goes into an enforced period without competitive matched until 11th January.

Pinner Under 13s full on @ Fullerians

November 25, 2013 by paul  
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Pinner travelled away to Fullerians for their second league match of the season. Pinner started the day with a strong squad size of 16 players, however by the time we were at Fullerians we were at a squad size of 13 due to sickness and family commitments. Pinner was not put off by the fact that they would have to field their 13 players against Fullerians 15 and 6 subs.  The game started with both teams trying to assert themselves with some great tackles and running support play.  Suddenly a break in the play and a powerful run from the half way line by Josh Parker Brice saw him tackled 5 meters from the try line his momentum took him over with a stretching twisting score the first score to Pinner with no conversion. Fullerians were pushing forward and trying to get onto the scoreboard not helped by handling errors from both sides.  Pinner got another break leading to the second try courtesy of Sam Alexander and his huge physical handoffs.  Fullerians were not going to give this game up easily and scored a try to end the first half setting the score at 5 – 10 in Pinners favour.

The second half started with the same vigour and determination from both sides the first score of the half went to James Nye, picking up the ball moving at pace, no one got near him as he strode half the pitch to score under the posts. In response Fullerians confidence grew and they worked hard to score a try from a scrum close to Pinners try line using the overlap they had due to team numbers.  A few more knock ons and hard tackles from both sides and once again a darting run from James Nye to score his second try of the game.  He was not content with scoring two tries, James Nye went on to score a third try all were converted.  Pressure came from both sides but Pinner managed to keep the upper hand, helped by lots of encouragement from the parents.  The game was coming to a close when just as we thought it was over, Sam Alexander crashed through the opposition with his now signature handoffs, to score his second try which was converted, then the final whistle blew. A great team performance brilliant support and attack play from all of the Pinner RFC boys making this very much a team victory and well-deserved win for Pinner.

The final score Fullerians 12 Pinner 38.

A big thank you as always goes to the coaches Paul and Tom for their guidance and dedication and the parents who made the trip to support the team.

Report Lloyd Alexander

Pinner Under 12s play to their strengths

November 17, 2013 by paul  
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Festival at London Scottish 17th November 2013 U12s.

It is customary for Pinner to make a slow start at festivals and usually use the first game to find their feet, especially as many of the players had not played together as a team. The first game reflected this; and Pinner were not playing at their best. Pinner lost the 1st scrum and from some excellent forward play London Scottish took the lead. From the restart, Pinner became frustrated with themselves, missing tackles and making passes that didn’t go to hand. A change in fortunes came when they upped their game and begun to play with more conviction. Despite some great tackling, Ciara Evans in particular, combined with some fantastic attacking moves, Pinner were unable to score. London Scottish dominated the game. The final score was 47 – 0 to London Scottish.

The second game against Harringey Rhinos was totally different and Pinner came back with vengeance. They passed the ball with precision allowing players to move the ball to all areas of the pitch. The scrum started to gel and began to dominate allowing the scrum half time on the ball and deliver some great passes which widened the play from side to side. All the children played as a team and held their positions well. The tackles kept coming and we had developed line out strategies which, again helped with ball retention. The increase in positive movement and perfect passing meant that Pinner were now committed to the win, the try line began to be peppered with Pinner players who pushed the score along throughout the game; Josh Maloney and Manitou Lee scored fantastic individual tries and Luke Selby added to the score with two further tries. Haringey Rhinos came back with a try but Pinner remained strong. The final result was 28 – 5 to Pinner. Max Fullerton converted all tries in true Max style.

Callum St John played at number 10 and finally realised why he was put at number 10. He pushed Pinner deep into the oppositions half on many occasions with tremendous kicking and with Reece Connolly making monumental runs chasing the ball covered the length of the pitch several times! Majeed Muhammad again, made some great interceptions, followed these with terrific passes his team players. Ibrahim Khurshid continued with his fearless tackling and in the scrum his role as second row allowed Pinner to dictate the play. Guru Patel supported his team players with some great passes, which lead to Pinner scoring tries. Jameel Seidel tackled hard as always, preventing the opposition from reaching the try line often completing a succession of two and three tackles in seconds.

Harry Shaw made some outstanding interceptions and with various determined runs changed the oppositions game plan, there passing was somewhat shaken and reverted to pop passes instead of the free flowing play they used in the first half. Mike Murphy and Joseph Holden helped balance the team with overall stamina and experience of playing in previous festivals; outstanding play from both.

Well done to all of the team who played some terrific rugby. A big thanks to the coaches Callum, Paul and Richard who supported them so well and of course the parents who supported the team.

Images from the festival are located in the gallery section – this is password protected

We look forward to the second leg of the competition on 8th Dec 2013 at Ealing Trailfinders, look out for emails and respond as soon as possible please.

Pinner RFC will be holding a schools Rugby fun day on Saturday 30th November at the Pinner Rugby Club, Shaftesbury Playing Fields,

Grimsdyke Rd, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 4PW. Where a number of local schools will be attending – years 6 to 9.

Pinner & Grammarians battle up front for bonus point win.

November 11, 2013 by paul  
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Hatfield were the visitors at the Shaftsbury Playing Fields on Saturday in a revived grudge match which promised a good old fashioned arm wrestle. The rain eased off just in time for the kick-off and allowed fans to gather from both teams.

Pinner & Grammarians kicked off and immediately put pressure on the visitors by regaining possession and surging into the Hatfield twenty-two. The opening exchanges were very physical with both forward packs looking to stamp their authority on the game. The P&G forwards and backs combined well to retain possession and winger Chris Hall was able to find enough space out wide to sprint down the touch line for the games first try. The conversion was missed, but the early score put the home side in the driving seat and the pressure continued with Pinner & Grammarians able to again push up field into the Hatfield half.

The Pinner & Grammarians offloading game was proving very difficult to stifle and the flowing play exposed a couple of cracks in the Hatfield defence and Dan Muckley jinked his way through the attempted tackles to dot down for another Pinner & Grammarians try. Freddie Riley missed the conversion but found the mark minutes later with a penalty kick to put the score at 13-0.

Hatfield showed great determination to get themselves back into the game and sustained the pressure through forward drives and direct backs play to find themselves on the P&G try line. The home side defended bravely and kept them out for phase after phase until Hatfield found the numbers to beat the scrambling defenders for captain Leon Ellis to score in the corner, with Conan Hoey adding the extras from the kicking tee.

The second half began with just as much intensity as the first, with Pinner & Grammarians desperate to put the game beyond the reach of the visitors. Some good passing from fly-half Fraser Allan and impressive offloads from full-back Chris Jepsen and Riley on the wing, combined with the industrious work rate of flanker Dan Smith put P&G on the front foot deep in Hatfield territory. The home side penetrated the defence on numerous occasions only to be judged the ball had been held up over the line. Eventually however the ball was worked wide to Kit Smith who finished well and secured another five points, the conversion came back off the upright, but again Riley found his groove to slot another penalty moments later.

Another try from Chris Hall in the corner of the pitch sealed the four try bonus point for the home side but it was clear the unrelenting pace had taken its toll on the Pinner & Grammarians forwards. Although P&G had dominated all game, the closing stages saw Hatfield make a last ditch effort take them on a rampaging run up field and using big runners they pushed towards the try line, only for the referee to blow the whistle for a full time score of 26-7.

A spirited display from both teams and possibly more excitement for the spectators than had been seen at Twickenham that day… although not quite as entertaining as the P&G RFC Pop-Idol competition that evening.

Pelicans pump up the scoreboard

October 21, 2013 by paul  
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Pelicans run riot against a spirited SODOM

With no 1st XV league match this week it was the turn of Pinner’s Pelicans to play hosts to SODOM RFC from Greenford. Many of the visitors were new to rugby as SODOM lost many players during the summer when a group left to form Hanwell RFC.

SODOM’s bulky forwards made an early impression in mauls pinning P&G’s in their own 22 but once the ball was with the home backs a try was inevitable. A move from their own half centre Graeme Searle and full-back Chris Jepson interchanged several passes before Jepson touched down. Forward play was evenly balanced with SODOM confining their attacks in this area. With only 10 minutes gone Jepson and Searle again combined to run the ball from defence with Searle scoring near the posts and Jepson converting to give the Pelicans at 12 – 0 lead.  Pinner’s play now became over confident resulting in some sloppy defending allowing the visitor’s captain Emmanuel Chukwueke to twist and side-step to score under the posts.  John Meharry added the two points. This snapped Pinner into action with backs and forwards moving the ball at will. SODOM were forced to defend and a panic kick-oout only found centre Don Williams who once more had Jepson in support to get try number three.  The pattern of play was now established with Pelicans running the ball from deep once SODOM pressure had been overturned. Three more tries came before half-time, two from Searle and one from fly-half Chris Hall. However SODOM refused to give up and with half-time approaching they got the ball into the home 22.  Their forwards drove on, over the line for John Meharry to score to give Pelicans a 36 – 12 lead.

The second half was rather a one-sided affair with Pelicans running in tries at regular intervals. The SODOM players continue to defend and did not give up but they had little answer to the Pinner backs who attacked at every opportunity.  Seven more tries were added to bring the final score to 77 -12.  Graeme Searle had a total of 5 tries, Jepson 3 Hall 3 with Lane, Gordon and Alex on each.

Pinner RFC Under 14s dampen Teddingtons day

October 14, 2013 by paul  
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On what can only be described as a very wet Sunday morning, Pinner U14s resumed their league endeavours against Teddington RFC. Newly promoted Pinner hoped to continue their winning performance after beating Hackney Bulls convincingly in their previous league game.

As both teams went through their pre-match warm ups the skies darkened and the rain penetrated even the most waterproof of coats and jackets of both players and supporters; but in fairness this was not going to dampen what turned out to be a great game.

The report, blow by blow, has unfortunately has had a soggy ending, only the sketchiest report remains!

The first half saw Teddington winning the toss and elected to kick. This was the first test of how good players were able to hold onto the ball in its very slippery state. Deep into the Pinner twenty two, the forwards progressed well until fierce tackling halted them on the half way line, the ball squeezed itself from the ensuing ruck to find itself now in the hands of a Teddington forward. A quick side step past two Pinner players saw him then create space to pass to his fly half, who, not expecting such a pass could not gather it in. With the ball now on the ground, Pinner powered over, driving the opposition on to their back feet. The ball was popped passed through the backs and into the hands of Kai Gordon, who with his trademark looping run crossed the line for the first of Pinners four tries.

This was converted by Freddy Hart.

From the restart, Pinner were slow to react from their own kick, within seconds, Teddington were deep within the home teams half, missed tackles and a lack of organisation allowed the opposition to cross the try line for their only try.

The first half was erratic, with many handling errors, penalties and scrums, partly because of the weather and partly both sets of players being a little too eager to get to the loose ball.  From one of these scrums, which was given five metres from the Teddington line, Pinner with a good drive under the posts resulted in a home try by Ben Stone. This was the break through that Pinner needed, it allowed them to play more freely and with great support play Pinner went on to score another try, again, in a similar fashion to the previous try, Pinner went into the half time break three tries to one up.

The second half continued much in the same manner as the first, broken play, knock-ons and great work from both sets of players who seemed to cancel each other out with every move. The rain at this point made both visibility and passing difficult and the call from both home and away coaches was to keep the ball close, use the forwards and hope for a loose ball. As it happened, the game plan appeared to work in favour of Pinner, who, from another scrum, worked the ball wide to Kai Gordon who sped towards the opposition try line, putting the ball down between the posts. Minutes later, Teddington mirrored the Pinner move, with the opposition fullback running through three defenders into the corner, fortunately for Pinner a quick thinking Gabriel Michaels managed to get a try saving tackle which took the player over the dead ball line.

With the final blow of the whistle, Pinner were winners, 24-5 making it two from two. Their next fixture is against Harrow RFC and then away at Bishops Stortford in November.

Rain doesn’t dampen Pinner Under 13s performance

October 14, 2013 by paul  
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It was a wet Sunday morning, when after 5 weeks of hard training on Sundays and Tuesday evenings that the Pinner u13 team finally got their first game of the season, in the Herts/Middlesex League.

The game saw them at home in Shaftsbury Playfields, Hatch End against visitor from Datchworth RFC

Kicking off just after 1030 as the sky’s opened with rain pouring down, the Pinner team started slowly allowing Datchworth to get a very early and simple score; this was what the Pinner team needed to wake them up. From the restart deep into the Datchworth half a great chase up followed by superb support play saw James Nye equal the score an excellent conversion by Joseph Holden put pinner into the lead 7 – 5, soon after the restart Pinner forwards worked hard to regain the ball and power forward creating a space for Joseph Holden to reach the line for a score, this open the hearts and minds of the Pinner team and with some great determination, tackling and movement of the ball they pushed the score for in their favour at halftime leading 31 – 12

The second half saw a revived Datchworth team, and a Pinner team determined to keep going with the contest. This half was a lot more even with both sides matching each other in tackles which was enjoyable to watch such well executed tackles. Pinner got a break away try when new boy Sam Alexander took on the Datchworth defence successfully and scored under the posts. Datchworth stuck at it and managed to get a couple of runs off scrums taking place within the Pinner 22, successfully scoring two try’s and one conversion. This now as the final whistle sounded to Pinner u13s joy of their well worked and well-earned win of 36 – 24.

Pinner u13 scorers were James Nye2, Joseph Holden 2, Joshua Maloney and Sam Alexander.

Pinner u13 require players now to build the squad numbers give it ago Sundays & Tuesday Eve

Interested please call Paul  07917088802.

Pinner power through to a victory

October 12, 2013 by paul  
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Pinner RFC 1st XV traveled ‘up the road’ to play a league fixture against Borehamwood who play fixtures from Harrow ground.

There will be match report put on this site as soon as the editorial staff receive it, in the mean tome enjoy some images from the victorious match 27-10 below…..

PInner too strong for Borehamwood

Pinner took a while to settle down when they visited Borehamwood who play their ���home’ games at Harrow RFC.  After last week’s defeat by London French there were a few changes in the P&G line up. Early exchanges were balanced but gradually the Pinner pack began to dominate and there were signs that the backs were beginning to jell. But it took 2o minutes before the first score.  Pinner comfortably won a line out in Borehamwood’s 22, the forwards took the ball on and flanker Dan Smith took over 15m out avoiding half-hearted tackles to score. Then 5 minutes later with P&G’s exerting pressure a long kick up field produced for the second week running a freak bounce. The home side’s centre ran in for an unopposed try  which was converted by the  full –back to give then a 7 – 5 lead. Once again Borehamwood tried to clear their lines but this time the poor kick only found the P&G’s advancing into the 22. After a few passes among the backs the forwards again took the ball on and number 8 Andy Alexander brushed aside several defenders to get Pinner’s second try.  On the verge of half-time following a rather ragged scrum the Borehamwood full-back dropped a goal to level the score at 10 – 10.

The second half was dominated by P&G’s. Full-back Chris Jepson gather the ball deep in his half and sprinted past into the home half and the chipped ahead. Winger Fred Riley was soon up on the Borehamwood defended and bundled him into touch. P&G took a rehearsed short lineout only for the referee to decide tha ball hadn’t gone 5m. Borehamwood, now losing most scrums, opted for another lineout but the ball wasn’t put in straight.  Front the ensuing scrum No 8 Alexander again drove forward, the ball was quickly re-cycled and fly-half Fraser Allan side stepped two defenders to score under the posts.  Fred Riley added the conversion. A few minutes later P&G were judged off-side but due to foul play the penalty was reversed and Jepson again put in a fine attacking run. From the resulting ruck P&G forwards drove on.  After only 10 minutes Pinner won yet another scrum and acting captain and scrum-half Sam Heath put in several loops around his backs. The Borehamwood defence was all at sea so the ball went eventually to left-winger John Kirby to go over in the corner for P*G’s fourth and bonus point try. The pattern was now set and Borehamwood having used their replacement had to reorganise with the centre going to hooker and the full-back up to fly-half. Yet another Jepson attack was again taken on by Alexander and this time the try was scored by Dan Muckley. Jepson continued to be a threat and would have scored a much deserved try but the final pass was adjudged to be forward. Borehamwood’s problems increase when the first yellow card reduced them to 14 men following a low body check on Pinner prop Ken Ryan who with fellow forwards Lee O’Callaghan and Don Williams were causing havoc with power runs from close range. Borehamwood gained a consolation penalty when P&G were guilty of not releasing after a tackle. The no 15, now at fly-half landed a long distance kick only to blot his copybook a minute or so later. Gather the ball from the kick-off he short-armed the P&G tackler in the face and received a yellow card for his pains. Now down to 13 men P&G agreed to lend them a replacement for the last 5 minutes.  There was no further score giving P&G’s a well deserved 27 – 10 victory but they now have to wait several weeks for the next league game.

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