Eartha Kit Sings at the Christmas Party 6th December

Two long sleeved P & G rugby tops have gone missing from the changing rooms in the last two weeks. Could you please check your kit bags and make sure all kit is named or labelled as it costs money to replace.

 Christmas Party

Christmas Party reminder – Please bring food telling Caroline or Aisling what you are bringing

Caroline = cmwestgate@hotmail.com

Aisling    = anabs8@btinternet.com

- Bring a present for a child in hospital wrapped and labelled with age and gender.

 

Bring a bauble for each child to decorate the new tree we are buying for the club

Thanks Jo

Spirited Pinner lose out.

Maidenhead 36 Pinner 14.

More awful weather welcomed Pinner U13s to Berkshire for the second successive weekend. This time out the opposition were the highly regarded Maidenhead team who proved to be as well drilled as expected; and yet in truth Pinner came away feeling somewhat disappointed not to got more from the game.  Terrific commitment and team spirit from the boys meant Pinner had the luxury of their entire squad of 18 for the very first time.

They were at the opposition from the very start, spurred on by some committed forward play where the power of the front five was always evident and with the driving runs of Tyler Hone at No8 they were soon camped in the Maidenhead 22.  Only poor handling let them down when a score seemed a certainty, and Maidenhead took full advantage to break away and score twice against the run of play.  Bradley Stevenson and Sam Williams showed the way with a series of driving runs and following several phases just shy of the line Ryan Beaumont finally drove over from close range for the richly deserved try.  The conversion followed and Pinner were right back in the game.  With barely 2 minutes to half time a second try looked a certainly when Maidenhead’s accomplished fly half intercepted a loose pass, strode up field and provided the platform for Maidenhead’s third try.  Turning round 17 – 7 was down was a bitter pill to swallow.

Shortly after the start of the second half that soon became 22 – 7 and it was hard to see the boys coming back from that.  Undeterred, however, Bradley Stevenson did just that, crossing for his 13th try of the season, an incredible haul in only six appearances.  Despite their best efforts the boys could not force another score but continued to play some fine running rugby; as they tired late on Maidenhead’s replacements were able to take advantage and run in two further tries for a final score of 36 – 14 which arguably flattered the hosts.

Eliminate the few errors and build on a number of solid performances and Pinner will soon be back to winning ways.

Team: Davies, Mahoney (O’Riordan), Rees, George B (Jamie), Hill; Marx-Carr, George C; Villamil (Andreon), Seiler, Beaumont, Stevenson, Williams, Perillo, Smith, Hone.

Scorers: Tries – Beaumont, Stevenson: Cons – Davies 2

Tremendous fight back see’s Pinner deserved winners 38 – 26.

A late cancellation by Grasshoppers saw Pinner on the road again; this time to Slough RFC who had gamely stepped into the breech.

Having arrived with a squad of seventeen (including new boys Dylan and Jamie who were making their debut for the team), Pinner found themselves in the unusual position of lending the opposition a couple of players to make up their numbers. Jonathan and Liam sportingly volunteered to don the Slough jerseys.

Absences in the Pinner scrum saw Oscar Perillo playing hooker and Dominic Seiler moving to prop.

As the teams were getting ready to kick off, the heavens opened.

Pinner were playing into the weather and the freezing, heavy downpour quickly blinded eyes and numbed fingers.

Despite the elements, Pinner started brightly enough.

But the first time they lost possession a Slough player simply picked up the loose ball and sprinted along the wing to score, untroubled by some half-hearted tackling from the Pinner side.

From the restart Pinner were better. Tyler running powerfully into the opposition half and a typically mercurial Adam, skipping past tackles and making ground for his team.

But once again poor defensive work quickly saw Pinner 14-0 down. A situation not helped when, all too often, unsupported runners were forced to ground and, with no other Pinner players nearby, Slough gained easy possession.

However, even with cold fingers, Pinner’s passing was encouraging.

It paid off when twenty yards out Dylan received quick ball and made a successful burst for the line, running in a super first try for his team.

Harrison Davis converted into the wind and despite the team shipping another sloppy try soon after, Pinner began to scent they had the beating of Slough.

Bradley Stephenson was at the heart of most of Pinner’s dangerous moves, running bravely at the defence and absorbing some painful tackles. His unstinting efforts were rewarded with a try and he was unlucky to have another held up over the line.

The end of the first half saw Pinner behind by a single converted try.

However the promise of playing the second half with the wind and rain at their backs lifted spirits considerably. As luck would have it, the rain, which had been torrential for thirty minutes, stopped and spared Slough.

It didn’t matter. Pinner had their tails up now. Passing was slicker and they were playing like a team.

Tyler Hone and Piers Marx-Carr both ran in excellent tries. Harrison Davies who had kicked well all day crossed the line at a dive.

Finally Callum George who had stamped his authority on the game as Team Captain emerged victorious from a thrilling kick and chase to the try line from thirty yards out, shoulder to shoulder with a Slough player.

It capped a Man of the Match performance by the Captain and a huge collective effort by the Pinner team.

Report: Brad

Weather of almost Biblical proportions could not dampen Pinner’s spirit in what was an excellent match throughout.  Choosing to play against the wind and driving rain and hail seemed to be backfiring on Pinner as Slough made the most of possession handed them by Pinner over exuberance, and ran in two long range counter attacking tries.  The conversions added to push Slough into a 14 – 0 early lead. Despite the worsening conditions Pinner’s application and pressure finally paid off when newcomer Dillon Mahoney showed a real turn of speed to outstrip the defence from wide out to score between the posts.  The old adage of being vulnerable immediately after scoring was fully exploited by Slough who opened up the 14 point gap once more with a third converted score from turn over ball.  Spurred on by Bradley Stevenson’s trade mark surging runs Pinner fought back again and after Stevenson was just held up over the try line a quick burst up the short side from fly half Piers Marx, to score wide out, narrowed the gap to 9 points at half time.

If Pinner were expecting the wind and rain to work in their favour in the second they were to be mildly disappointed as the rain stopped and the wind died down;  the reality was that the improved playing conditions made for a far better second half when Pinner’s superior organisation proved key.  Two tries from No.8, Tyler Hone, his second the try of the match from a pick up and sprint clear from fully 50 metres, saw Pinner into a deserved lead that they never relinquished.  Two moments of quick thinking from Harrison Davies created a try for himself (to add to his four conversions) and another signature kick and chase for captain on the day Callum George to dive on and score.

A consolation score for Slough in the dying moments was justified yet took none of the gloss off what was a fine and spirited Pinner performance that all the boys should be proud of.

Team:-  Davies; Mahoney, Rees, George B (O’Riordon 25), Jamie (Hill 25) ; Marx, George C; Villamil, Perillo, Seiler, Williams, Stevenson, Andreon, Smith, Hone.

Report: Doj

First XV versus SODAM RFC (the photos)

P&G’s RFC move to joint leadership of Herts-Middx Div 3

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 17^th 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

First XV Victory over London French – photographic evidence!

November Newsletter – ‘The Pelican Brief’

Read all about it, read all about it ….. First XV victories, Halloween scares, player of the week, youth team in action. There’s a lot more, click on link (pdf file) to download or if you can wait, pick up a copy from the clubhouse after training on Sunday.

newsletter-nov-09

November Caption Competition

Each month a photo will be added to this page. It is hoped that you can come up with a suitable caption to go with it, a prize will be awarded at the end of each month – good luck

to submit caption please email paultalbot17@googlemail.com

By popular demand!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know the crossbar is very high but I still think that I can drop-kick it………….. Jon Blowers

I think therefore I am…………………………a total TWAT  Barry Whitecombe

Now that’s what I call a big prop.!!!!!!!   ‘Big John’ Hone
 

good luck – remember the prize this month: a Caramel, pint of lovely and a cuddle from Hobo!

The winner for the November Caption Competition: Barry Whitecombe, for basically spotting the obvious!

Protected: Mini Section versus Bank Of England & Hammersmith & Fulham

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Youth and Mini Section match reports Sunday 8th November

Pinner U13s returned form the mid term break with renewed spirit and raised their game both physically and tactically against a well drilled Staines team.  The opening exchanges set the tone for an even contest with the game ebbing and flowing almost with each passage of play.  Staines finally broke the deadlock with a hard earned forwards try after a staunch Pinner defence was finally breached.  Staines immediately took advantage of Pinner’s disappointment and lack of concentration to extend their lead straight from the kick off when tackling lapses allowed Staines centre to score near the posts.  A third try, just before half time, gave a rather flattering feel to the scoreline at 17 – 0 to Staines.

Undeterred Pinner dug deep and after a few tactical changes emerged a better balanced outfit in the second half when they put Staines firmly on the back foot for long spells.  A prolonged period of bruising forward play camped in the Staines 22 followed, illustrated Pinner’s determination.  This lead to Bradley Stephenson capping another fine, aggressive display with a well deserved try which brought his his team back into serious contention.  Chasing the game and with time running out Pinner played a risky open game and despite coming close paid the price when Staines broke clear in the closing minutes to seal the match.  To their credit Pinner never gave up and when quick thinking by Pinner’s player of the day, Harrison Davies, put Callum Gorge away in chase of an attacking kick to score in the clear it was no less than they deserved.

The final score of 24 – 10 to Staines belies what might have been with a little more discipline at crucial moments.  The team will learn from this close contest and look forward to their next match in fortnight.

Doj

Match Report Pinner v Bank of England

Under 10’s

Following last weeks very wet training session the Under 10’s travelled to the Bank of England RFC for a triangular fixture with themselves and Hammersmith & Fulham. Again there was an excellent turnout, affording Pinner & Grammarians the luxury of substitutes and being able to lend players to make up a Barbarians team.

Over the past weeks, coaches have put the team through tough fitness routines and focus on tackling; this became evident as the Under 10’s played four matches with no breathing space in between.

The first match saw a well drilled Bank of England side come up against some pretty ferocious tackling and rucking from the Pinner players which had the spectators standing on the narrow touchline wincing and looking away at a number of hard hits, although excellent referring from Clyde prevented any injury. The game was evenly balanced in the first half, with both teams attacking and defending with great determination. The second half saw a Pinner team growing in confidence and through a fantastic passage of play and a forceful drive pushed for the try line to score, it was difficult to see who actually scored under the mass of bodies but Ben Stone came up with a wry smile and claimed the try. This gave the team focus and pressed hard when defending from the start, running at full pace to the opposition and securing the scrum from an awarded penalty, the pack drove hard and made the ball available for the scrum half Sam Marchant to make a dash to the touchline, when he was tackled a quick pick up from Kai enabled him to cross the try line for Pinner’s second and winning try.

The second game, again against BoERFC started within minutes of the previous one finishing. In the first half, Pinner found the continuing pressure from a wave of attacks too much, and with a crafty side step from their winger put them in front. It took Pinner a while to get into their stride and spent most of the first half pinned within their own half, although, BoERFC did not make much ground as the defence held strong; each player picking off opposition players with tackles after tackles.

A quick water break and much needed oxygen saw Pinner resume onto the pitch. This time, with more of a sense of urgency passes across the field were made and a great catch from Louis George and quick pass enabled Brenden to dive for the line, it looked like he made it, unfortunately it was deemed a dropped ball, shame as this would have put Pinner right back in the game. Captain Jacob Talbot rallied his team back into action, leading with the ball he faced the full force of the BoERFC pack and with support from Ian, Thomas Matthews and Ryan kept possession for Sam Marchant to run into the corner and make the try that Pinner deserved. Final score 1-1

A third game followed, again with a strong BoERFC team and with one game lost, one drawn they were out to beat Pinner. Like the first game this was a very hard and well fought match, the game was end to end with both teams cancelling each other out with committed tackles and equal scrums. It wasn’t until the final minutes of the second half when Ben Stone broke away from a tight ruck and placed the ball down over the try line making it a victory for Pinner.

The fourth match saw Pinner play against Hammersmith and Fulham who they had previously beaten in the Middlesex Festival late last season. The first half was full of great attacking and defending moves, both teams not wanting to give the ball away. H&FRFC were the first to make a break through and despite some excellent tackling saw them cross the try line on two occasions. The second half was for the taking and Pinner placed themselves into a try scoring position within seconds of the whistle, with a massive drive from the pack the ball was passed out to the winger who dropped down over the touchline to score Pinner’s first of three tries. Despite continued tackling from the whole team they were unable to stop an individual run to give H&FRFC a second try, leaving the final score 3-2 in Pinner & grammarians favour.

Under 9’s

A damp autumn Sunday morning the Pinner U9’s travel to the lovely looking sports grounds of the Bank of England sports club in Roe Hampton. We all arrived by 10am and another great turn out from the U9’s, so a big thank you to the parents for making it possible. The coach Stewart set about a warming and stretching session to get the players in the mood for a morning of what would be a very competitive session. BofE club is able to choose players from some 40 children at the U9 age group, ourselves at Pinner have a compact but very well drilled 12 players, coaches from the other teams we meet often remark on how good a team we have from such a small group, l have to agree the commitment from the players on the pitch is a sight to see, everyone contributes something to make the team gel so well in attack or defence.

Soon it was time to take to the field in the first of 4 games, the first was a touch rugby game which was closely contested with a lot of the play in the middle of the pitch, after some excellent runs Pinner came away 3-1 victors. Then a 5 minute gap and straight into another match against a BofE team. This time it was full contact which the young Pinner players love on the whole, again the tackling was hard, mainly in the middle of the field with the ball being ripped from side to side. Pinner managed to get some chances to break away and delivered a few good tries the score ended with Pinner the victors at 2-1.  We had another quick change over and we were up to play yet  another BofE team this time it was the heavies, Pinner and BofE had a real tussle with heavy tackles in from both sides and all the players managing to get back to their feet afterwards, after some great end to end runs Pinner were eventually defeated 4-1. We then had a break for 10 minutes until at  11 o’clock whistles were blown to mark remembrance Sunday with a 2 minute silence which was really well observed. To finish the morning off we had one last game and even though some of the Pinner players were getting tired they stuck at the job in hand and managed to achieve a 1-1 draw.

The coaches of the U9’s would like to say how happy we are with the teams performance against such a good opposition, all the time meeting these clubs from week to week has really improved the tenacity of the small Pinner team, so keep it up Pinner U9’s and I will see you all at home training next Sunday.

Under 7’s

Over 30 under 7’s played joined together from Bank of England, Hammersmith and Fulham and Pinner on a cold but dry Sunday morning. A mass game of Bulldog started proceedings, which gets everyone involved and warm ready for the games.  A round robin game format was played, each team of 7 getting 2 full games, there were 6 teams in total.  Pinner’s first game was tough with a very confident and quick Bank of England A side beating us 3-0.  The 2nd game versus another Bank of England side was much harder fought, the tagging was swifter and both side had good share of the action, Bank of England B took an early lead with 2 quick tries, by half time Pinner had got 1 back. Bank of England scored again after half time, Pinner down 3-1, consistent pressure got Pinner another try. And finally in the last play of the game Augustine Cheze scored an equaliser for Pinner, final score 3-3.

Halloween Party – the photos

Below are a selection of the photographs taken during the Pinner & Grammarians Halloween Party.

A great big thank you goes out to all those who contributed to our amazing Halloween Party on Saturday night – those who created the brilliant atmospheric party room; the very scary haunted house; the home-made biscuits; all the delicious food and to all of you who made the effort of dressing up – kids and adults alike. We are so lucky to have a commited few who are prepared to spend their whole Saturday and weekends before creating such a fantastic event. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did.

The trick or trunks were full of nasty surprises and great sound effects and illuminations – I know the 1^st  team enjoyed as much as the kids. The decorated biscuits looked scarily delicious, the pumpkins were well painted (although the paint refused to dry!) and the coaches made fantastic mummies!

Then there was the haunted house. Many bravely entered and only a few returned unchanged. It seemed the older you got them more scared you were, or were my hints to those in the rooms as to the ages of those entering them cues to pitch the experience – there were definitely some freaked out parents and U13s! We could not have created this experience without the help, creativity and enthusiasm of a few individuals like Aisling and Caroline and my hubby Paul (aka Spud) and let’s not forget – how could anyone forget the white room and the Ist team room which were definitely the scariest places to be. We are so lucky to be in a club where we all muck in together.

If you went I do hope you had a great evening and if you missed it please put Saturday 30^th or Sunday 31^st October 2010 into your diary – the date will be confirmed on next year’s fixture list.

So now we look forward to the rest of 2009, one away game (minis) and the rest training and home games up until the Christmas Party (planning meeting on Thursday 12^th November 8.30pm at the club). We will have a parents meeting during training on Sunday 15^th November to discuss how you can help us and what we can do for you – more details in my next email – let me know if you have any burning issues. Jo

email received

For all of you who were involved in Last nights Halloween Party, I would just like to say a big personal Thankyou on my behalf and on behalf from the rest of the club. I know Paul, Jo, Aisling and Caroline to name a few put an awful lot of time and effort into this evening and the clubhouse looked superb.

It was good to see so many people there and everyone  spoke too seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Thanks Again
Andy Wright

P&G Chairman