Controversial conversion denies P&G’s in top of the table clash

Pinner & Grammarians RFC match report for Sat 27^th March 2010

Controversial conversion denies P&G’s in top of the table clash

In a tough away match with league leaders Ickenham Pinner just lost 17 – 16 with the attempted conversion to their first half try being signalled as successful by one touch-judge but denied by the home official. The referee was obliged to turn down the extra two points which would have ensured P&G’s second successive promotion and ruined Ickenham’s undefeated league record.  The start was delayed as there were no visible line markings and the large band of Pinner supporters were amused to watch Ickenham players filling in the lines with spray aerosols.

Ickenham, starting down the slope, soon had P&G’s on the back foot conceding a penalty on their own 22 which was successfully converted by home fly-half Hall.  Pinner now fought back and made ground into the opponent’s half where they were awarded a penalty when Ickenham were guilty of obstruction.  Fly-half Paul James equalised the score from the 10 metre line.  On 10 minutes Pinner lost the ball in a maul on their own 22.  Home fly-half Hall landed a drop-goal from 30 metres to restore the lead. A few minutes later P&G’s won a ruck on their 22 but the resulting kick-out only found the home full-back who landed a second drop-goal from 40 metres. At the end of the first quarter Pinner were adjudged guilty of handling the ball on the ground in a ruck to give Hall the chance to add a further 3 points to bring the score to 12 -3 to the home team.  P&G’s suffered a further blow when fly-half James was knocked out in a non too subtle tackle and hand to leave the field, his place being taken by Chris Hull.  Pinner then made their own attempt at a drop-goal but this just missed as did a long range penalty by Domenic Coyle, who had taken over the kicking duties.  Pinner, although under severe pressure, refused to be intimidated putting in powerful tackles and contesting every ball.  Turning the ball over on their own 22 winger Jon Kirby collected a kick-on still in the P&G half. He sprinted 60 metres out pacing and side-stepping the defence to score the first try. Now came the controversial conversion when Coyle’s kick left the touch judges divided.  However in the next encounter left the try scorer limping off the field to be replaced by Tim Tabua. At least P&G’s went into half-time within reach of their opponents with the score at 12 – 8.

With the weather deteriorating and the ball and foothold becoming difficult Ickenham were forced to concede a penalty for lying on the ball. Coyle landed the kick to bring the visitors within a point of the home side. Ickenham then missed a penalty for a similar offence but immediately elected to run another penalty. They moved the ball quickly to the right for their winger to score in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful bring the score to 17 – 12 to the home side.  Pinner now upped their game increasing the pressure on the home side. The whole team gave a totally committed performance led as usual by captain Reza Sibilant forcing the home team to defend desperately. Breaks from the scrum and hard running and tackling by the centres caused errors by the league leaders. Pinner mounted a series of attacks and Ickenham were forced into a failed long range drop goal attempt.  With 10 minutes remaining Sibilant took a quick penalty just inside the home half and, shaking off several tackles, moved to the right where he found hooker Aaron Nicholas in support to cover the remaining 20 metres to the line to score P&G’s second try. The score now stood at 17 – 16 but unfortunately Coyle’s attempt at the conversion from the touch-line was just wide. This was to prove to bee the final score with the home team’s undefeated record in tacked and the league title secure. 

On this showing P&G’s deserve promotion that victory would have ensured. They now have to wait for decisions on league restructuring and the final league match of the season at home to Cuffley on 10^th April.  On that occasion over 30 former players from the 1970’s will be entertained to a pre-match lunch at the Clubhouse.  Anyone wishing to join them to celebrate another successful season should contact Club President Dave Hiles on 020 8864 0787 or visit the club web-site www.pinnerrugby.com

1st XV versus Ickenham photographs

Pinner find going tough at Harrow

Sunday 21st March

Harrow U13s – 49 v Pinner U13s – 10

Up against it from the start Pinner found the pace of the Harrow back three simply too hot to handle for much of this match playing on a cloying pitch that sapped the energy from a young team.  Continuing to suffer from a list of injuries and absentees Pinner drafted in three players from the U12 squad Adam Stone, Jack Garraway and Lewis.  To their credit they soon found their feet didn’t looked out of place.

Conceding the now customary early score Pinner were soon ringing the changes using frequent rolling substitutions in an attempt to stem the flow.  The second Harrow try, however, was not long coming and Pinner looked in trouble.  Picking up the missed conversion quickly, Pinner ran back for the restart catching Harrow cold, Harrison Davies’s cleverly placed kick into space gave Adam Rees the opportunity he relishes, in the blink of an eye he out-sprinted the cover to gather the ball on the 22 and score for the second week running.  A rattled Harrow did regroup, however, to make the half time score 24 – 5. 

The second half began in much the same vein with Harrow dominant and the wide players a constant menace running in four more tries before Pinner managed one of their own.  With Pinner backs using what little ball they had quite effectively they made several forages into the Harrow 22, and when Rees again spotted some space wide left he set off for what looked a certain score.  The Harrow full back had other ideas, and whilst he may not have had his kicking boots on, there is no doubting his pace and he hauled Rees down just short of the line.  Callum George, running a great supporting line, was able to gather the ball at the breakdown and burst over for his second in two weeks.

This was the catalyst for Pinner’s best spell when they re-established their self belief and tore into Harrow, tackling all who moved.  Jamie Benavides was outstanding playing at flanker with a tackle count second to none on the day, and Dominic Seiler rucked and mauled powerfully all game always looking for work, a fine example he set as Captain on the day.  The final Harrow try seemed a little unfair adding salt to the wounds of a defeated but determined Pinner.

Team: Bhogul; Marx-Carr, Rees, George C, Mahoney; Davies, Garraway: Beaumont, Perrilo, Seiler, Stevenson (George B), Williams, Andreon, Benavides, Stone (Lewis).

6 Nations Pinner league results

Well, with the final game of the 2010 6 Nations competition late on Saturday evening with France winning everything we have the final table of the Pinner RFC 6 Nations league table. As we see, Steven Griffiths did a lot better than his national team, well done for proving that if you select non Welsh players in your team then you are onto a winner!  The wooden spoon obviously goes to Dave Turner, nice try, more than could be said for those players in your selected teams!

	Manager	Team Name	Tries	Assists	Pts
1		Steven Griffiths	Badgers	13	10	316
2		Richard Ward	PSPG RFC	8	8	285
3		paul talbot	pinnerspud	12	7	260
4		Richard Matthews	Fred West Ham	7	10	251
5		Danny Allen	Allen RFC	3	6	220
6		steve devine	Devine Comedy	7	5	214
7		dave turner	tpots tbaggers	3	5	170

A small trophy will be presented during the end of season awards and of course if we could find a suitable wooden implement to hand to the loser.

Thanks to all who took part, hopefully this is the first of many leagues that will take place via the website.

Protected: Away @ Harrow RFC with Kilburn – Sunday 21st March: photographs

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

Youth Section: Under 13’s versus Teddington RFC – photographs

Under 10’s Middlesex Festival – photographs

1st XV versus Old Streetonians RFC – photographs

Pinner Win at last ‘By George’

Teddington U13s – 22 v Pinner U13s – 26

It was a long time coming but it was surely worth the wait as Pinner stormed back to win this terrific contest in final seconds thanks to a blistering sprint for the line from fully 40 metres out by scrum half Callum George after good work by Sam Williams and Ben George created just enough space on the blind side for that vital winning score.

Still suffering through injury and illness Teddington were generous hosts offering Pinner two players, Max and Oscar, to don Pinner jerseys and even up the numbers; each put in fine performances and truly played their part in the win.  It was clear from the first whistle these were two evenly matched sides, prepared to spread the ball wide through the hands in excellent playing conditions at Bushy Park.

Teddington broke the deadlock when their nimble 15 stepped inside to cross near the posts for a converted try.  A second try, this time unconverted, pushed Teddington out to a 12 – 0 lead that might have been more but for two try saving tackles from Jonathon Hill who was outstanding throughout on his debut at full back.  With Ryan Beaumont featuring in several solid forward drives and Harrison Davies at fly half making full use of Bradley Stevenson slotting in at inside centre Pinner began to force their way back into contention; when Stevenson powered through the midfield and offloaded in the tackle Adam Rees gathered and despite still having much to do he danced his way through the defence to score under the posts.  The conversion from Davies closing the gap further.

The game ebbed and flowed either side of half time.  Pinner fell further behind 17 – 7 when Teddington broke to score in the corner from turnover ball.  Pinner roared back with Stevenson taking a floated pass from Davies to burst clear from near halfway and score at the posts, the easy conversion bagged by Davies made it 17 – 14 and all to play for.  Teddington once more took advantage of some sloppy defence to pull out to 22 – 14, but when man of the match Rees once more latched onto a pass, this time from Bradley Smith, he accelerated away before cutting back inside to make the conversion easier for Davies and a score of 22 – 21 meant the game was on a knife edge.

Staunch Pinner defence held Teddington at bay, with the front row of Oscar Perillo, Daniel Villamil and Dominic Seiler showing grit and guile to take a vital heal against the head and set up a final attacking opportunity from which George scored the excellent winning try, much to the joy and relief of all concerned.

Team: Hill, George B, Rees, Stevenson, Oscar; Davies, George C; Villamil, Perrilo, Seiler, Beaumont, Williams, Max, Smith.

Doj

Pinner streets better on their road to victory

Saturday 13^th March Match report

Pinner & Grammarians versus Old Streetonians RFC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final Score: Pinner & Grammarians 43 Old Streetonians 10

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

Reunion of 1970’s players and Presidents Lunch

PINNER & GRAMMARIANS RFC

Cordially invites you to the

PRESIDENT’S LUNCH

AND

REUNION OF 1970’s PLAYERS

and those of any other decade, before or after.

SATURDAY 10^th APRIL

BAR OPENS 12 noon

LUNCH at 1 pm

1^st XV v Cuffley

K.O.  3 pm

Renew acquaintances with old friends

Support the 1^st XV in their final league match with a possibility of a second successive promotion

Please bring photos and memorabilia

Wives, partners and friends very welcome

Please pass this on to any former Pinner players with whom you are in contact

3 course lunch £20 per head

In order to facilitate catering please complete the proforma

and return it to Dave Hiles

please click on the link below for the form (pdf format)

Player’s reunion – Presidents Lunch form

Under 9s’ Under 10’s Middlesex Festival information

Below is some information regarding the Middlesex Festival for U9’s & U10’s Sunday 14th March

The venue is Ealing Trailfinders (click for link to map)

For the The Draw U9 & U10

Pitch layout U9 U10 Pitch Layout

At present there is no actual pitch layout – I fear that to know that you will have to purchase a programme @ £2.00 each or park and get one free when you pay £7.00 parking fee!

Marie Curie Middx Tag & Mini Festivals 2010 Rules

We do need to be at the Festival realistically by 9.30 – 9.40 as matches start at 10am (according to the schedule)

If you have any transport issues, attending or any other information required speak to Jo and hopefully she will be able to guide you in the right direction.

We expect all  under 9’s and under 10’s to attend – this is the first festival this season and would like to make a good impression.

100 Club – Winter draw winners

Pinner & Grammarians RFC ‘100′ Club Draw Results Winter 2010
Draw No	Name	Amount £’s
6	Steve Crighton	10
11	Rich Barber	10
12	Howard Walters	20
13	Roger Palmer	30
14	Andy Nicoll	50
17	Gordon Cunningham	10
19	Andy Butler	100
24	Dave Hiles	10
30	Robin Greenford	10
32	Andy Butler	10
35	Stuart Brown	10
56	Pete Hudspeth	20
61	Mick Watts	10
62	Kevin Heymer	20
66	Andy Wright	10
68	Max Braithewaite	10
75	Carol Greenwood	10
76	Maria Dingle	30
79	Malcolm Knight	10
83	Mick Randall	20
85	Michele Walker	20
87	Phil Kojcinovic	10
88	Peter Greenwood	10
94	Andy Wright	10

Depleted Pinner suffer a Hammering

Hammersmith & Fulham U13s v Pinner U13s

WIth Hurlingham Park bathed in winter sunshine and a dry pitch suiting Pinner’s running game expectations were good for a solid performance after a two week absence of competitive rugby, despite missing players through illnes and concussion.  It was clear from the close fought opening exchanges, however, that Hammersmith and Fulham had ideas of their own and began using their powerful three quarters to good effect.  Two, carbon copy, breaks from the half way line saw the H & F outside centre sprint clear for scores midway through the half.  A third try saw H & F move into a 19 – 0 lead and Pinner needed to rally quickly to avoid a repeat of the London Welsh scoreline last month.

To their credit they did just that and with Harrison Davies in fine kicking form were able to benefit from some H & F indescretions and set up a line out close to the H & F line.  A smart throw, from a well rehearsed training ground move, saw Daniel Villamil drive for the line and link cleverly with his fellow prop Dominic Seiler, the latter diving over to ground the ball in the corner for his first try of the season; and well deserved it is too. 

Sadly on the stroke of half time Pinner were to suffer the loss of their Captain Tyler Hone with a suspected fractured collar bone after a typical brave pick and drive into the heart of the H & F forwards. It was blow Pinner could well do without and we all wish Tyler a speedy recovery. 

With Matthew Andreon, Pinner’s sole replacement now on the pitch, they could afford no more injuries and battled on after the half time turnaround, hopeful the sun behind them might prove advantageous in putting H & F under pressure.  Alas it was not to be the case as a number of unforced errors and missed tackles gave H & F the impetous through much of the second half and Pinner conceded another three tries before posting their second score of the day.  Once more the forwards were to the fore mauling the ball deep into H & F territory for Bradley Stephenson to break blind from the base of an insuing scrum.  He looked likely to score only to be denied by a high tackle.  The referee baulked at awarding a penalty try but opted for a straight penalty. Davies tapped and went, darted for the line and though held a metre short he smuggled the ball to Stephenson who dived over to score; fair reward for another tough game leading from the front.

H & F did manage the final score to put more gloss on their convincing win, leaving Pinner to lick their wounds and regroup for the last few weeks of the season, desparately seeking another win from somewhere.

Doj

Team: Mahoney, Benvanides, Rees, George C, Hill; Marx-Carr, Davies; Villamil, Perrilo, Seiler, Beaumont, Williams, Hone (Andreon 22), Smith, Stevenson.

Mini Section photos versus Staines RFC Sunday 7th March

Competition – seek and thou shalt find

Following previous successful competitions we have introduced another one. On the website there will posted this image

I know there is one on this post but there’s another one somewhere else on the website (very funny quoting this one!) nor is it the one in the ‘pelican brief’ that again is just advertising the competition – I give up!!

The first one to email me where it is on the website will win. The date it will posted will be Sunday 7th March. The prize…… something a little different; a personal graphite drawing 10”x 8” on paper of the winner in action, signed and dated. (personal choice of image and style) there are examples in the latest newsletter found on website as a pdf or a paper copy in the clubhouse

it has now been posted on the website, as of 8.13pm Good luck

email: paultalbot17@googlemail.com

‘The Pelican Brief’ – newsletter – new issue

The new issue of the ever popular Pinner & Grammarians newsletter has been published. There will be a number of copies available in the clubhouse for your perusal (especially for those who are still in the land of paper). For those who have embraced the technological world it is available to view / download using the link below. (in pdf format)

In this issue:

Match reports from 1st XV games, Youth Under 13’s

Competition  – amazing prize on offer

Fun stuff – Player Profiles, caption competition, “first fifteen fashion freefall”

Fixtures

and a bit more

Enjoy

‘The Pelican Brief’

March 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

Ok folks, here’s this months caption competition; some might have already seen it, others; go wild!!!

to submit caption please email paultalbot17@googlemail.com

“Proof, that if you want to become a  Streaker you need Balls.” ken,Hull

 ”nice. . Was good times in the showers after! ” Aaron Nicholas

“paul is still a little bit fat paul though” Reza Sibilant

Raindrops keep falling on my head

Well it appeared to be a wash out this weekend for many followers of rugby. On the international front, apart from the Irish all the home teams all sunk without trace. A trip to Twickenham for a few ended with being wet on the outside as well as the inside!

		Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	PD	TF	Pt
	1	France	3	3	0	0	77	39	38	7	6
	2	England	3	2	0	1	63	49	14	5	4
	3	Ireland	3	2	0	1	59	60	-1	6	4
	4	Wales	3	1	0	2	68	80	-12	7	2
	5	Italy	3	1	0	2	39	58	-19	2	2
	6	Scotland	3	0	0	3	45	65	-20	2	0

On the Pinner front: The 1^st XV were able to rest this weekend following their hard fought battle and victory over London French “Sour French meet their Waterloo at the hands of Pinner” (Harrow Observer), we won’t mention the Reza Sibilant self appreciation society yet again I promise!!

Herts/Middlesex 3
1	Ickenham	19
2	Pinner & Grammarians	16
3	London French	16
4	Thamesians	12
5	Hatfield	8
6	Old Tottonians	8
7	Watford	3
8	Cuffley	2

This weekend they entertain Thamesians RFC who are currently 4^th in the Herts/Middx 3 League, should be a great game as Pinner will want revenge for an earlier defeat and secure their place as second in the league. Its worth coming down to the club this Saturday to cheer our lads on and undoubtedly watch a great competitive match.

On the Youth Section side; their away fixture with Hammersmith and Fulham RFC was cancelled owing to a waterlogged pitch, something a lot of clubs had to put up with this weekend. This weekend the under 13’s will be at home training.

The mini section had to unfortunately cancel their home fixture with Enfield Ignations RFC at the last minute, pitch inspections by several coaches (Steve George still missing under what is thought 3 inches of water) confirmed that the pitches were unplayable; it was posted on this site as soon as it was announced and texts were sent (if you didn’t receive a text please let your administrator/Jo know, also, some might find the need to turn their mobiles on in future!!)

On Sunday 7^th March the mini section will be at home with Staines RFC visiting.

It will be a very busy clubhouse this weekend so make sure you don’t miss out, reminder:

1^st XV @ home versus Thamesians Saturday 6^th March 2pm kick off

Under 13’s @ home – training Sunday 7^th March 10.30

Mini Section @ home versus Staines Sunday 7^th March 10.00

A big hello to all the new members who have joined us recently, especially to the car full who turned up on Sunday ready to play in the rain (dad then promised them he would pick up a rugby ball and get muddy!)

Other news: player profiles for youth and mini sections required; (speak to spud)

New caption competition photo – it doesn’t need any introductions!

Pinner six nations table – a Mr. S Griffiths retains his top spot for the time being (this being St David’s day, we’ll give him his moment of fame!)

		Manager	Team Name	Tries	Assists	Pts
1		Steven Griffiths	Badgers	8	8	199
2		Richard Ward	PSPG RFC	4	4	175
3		paul talbot	pinnerspud	7	4	156
4		Richard Matthews	Fred West Ham	4	5	146
5		Danny Allen	Allen RFC	2	3	146
6		mike nye	Flares	6	1	137
7		steve devine	Devine Comedy	4	3	130
8		dave turner	tpots tbaggers	1	3	105