DOUBLE CHAMPIONS!!!

Champions Cup Final Match Report!

PINNER RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB – Match report for Saturday 18^th 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 1^st XV has won all of its 21 matches amassing 638 points and conceding only 114.

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

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

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

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

PINNER ARE CHAMPIONS!

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

Pinner win the play- off final

Man of the Match: Neill King

Having gone all season with a 100% win record to secure first place in the Middlesex merit Table 5 and having defeated 4^th placed Chiswick in the semi-final Pinner faced the much sterner task of Hammersmith & Fulham in the play-off final at Wasps on Saturday.  This was just one of six finals in a festival of Merit Table rugby held at the Wasps and Middlesex county HQ in Acton.

Strong wind most across the ground and a bone hard surface made conditions difficult. Right from the kick-off Pinner’s powerful pack showed its intent and were soon camped in the H&F 22. Pushing back the opposition‘s scrum led to a ruck and the ball was quickly got to their powerful left wing John [Bow] Petrella to get the first try after only 3 minutes.  From the re-start Pinner again won the scrum and number 8 Andrew Alexander burst through from the half-way line only to be brought down well in the H&F 22. Pinner were not to be denied and kept pressing.  Winning yet another scrum Alexander picker up and drove over for the second try to give a 10 – 0 lead.  Constant probing by scrum-half Chris Jepsen kept up the momentum.  Hammersmith & Fulham made a few excursions into the Pinner half but ferocious tackling and a well organised defence ensured little opportunity to threaten.  On one of these around half –way Pinner fly-half Chris Hall intercepted a H&F pass to sprint 50 m to score under the posts.  This time Jepsen’s kick was successful and the lead stretched to 17 – 0.  An injury to influential wing-forward Dan Smith caused a re-organisation of the Pinner pack with replacement Dave Logan going into the second-row but this in no- way weakened their dominance.  With half-time approaching Logan proved his worth when following a series of rucks near the H&F line he drove over for the fourth try to give Pinner a comfortable 22 – 0 lead at the interval.

The second half proved a different story.  The wind, having veered to the north, was now in Pinner’s face making progress up field very difficult.  Hammersmith made full use of this wind kicking deep into the Pinner half.  The Pinner defence was resolute and time and time again they resisted the H&F attacks.  Eventually the pressure told and some sloppy covering allowed H&F in for a try.  This inspired the opposition who now sensed an opportunity.  On the half-hour the swirling wind ruined a Pinner line-out which H&F capitalised upon. A few quick passes and they scored under the post. Pinner’s lead was now reduced to 22 -12.  Captain Aaron Nicholas now rallied his team and egged on by the biggest and most vocal group of supporters on the ground the Pinner were not going to see their season ruined in the last few minutes.  Stirling defence, courageous tackles and the line was held.  Agonising extra minutes of injury time all added to the drama but when the final whistle blew Pinner were Champions by 22 -12.

The Middlesex Shield was presented to Aaron Nicholas by Michael Barnes, immediate Past President on Middlesex Rugby and himself a vice-president and former captain and chairman of Pinner.  The celebrations were unreserved continuing back on the coach and well into the night at the Pinner clubhouse in Hatch End.

Next Saturday, with the chance of a double, Pinner travel to Twickenham RFC for the final of the Merit Cup kicking-off at 3:00 pm.  The coach for the team and supporters will leave Shaftesbury Playing fields around 12 noon.  All support welcome as having had the largest group at Wasps certainly inspired the team.

CUP FINAL FEVER!!!

Pinner play their cup final at Twickenham RFC on Saturday 18th April

Kick off  @ 2:30

All Support Welcome!!

Mini’s Award Day

Come and join in the fun on the mini’s awards day on Sunday 26th April!!

End of Season Awards Night

Come and Celebrate a great season of rugby on Friday 24th April!!!

Tickets £25

Contact: Aaron Nicholas

a.nicholas87@hotmail.com or

07795 250 706

Pinner Taggers Victorious

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.

Merit League Winners and the Italian Job

It has been a rather frustrating two week-ends for Pinner RFC adult teams. On the previous Saturday there were no matches due to the international at Twickenham and then last Friday the Pelicans [2nd XV] match v Barnet was called off by the opposition and as late as Saturday morning Chiswick cried off from the 1st XV game. However that gave Pinner a 25 – 0 nominal win and 5 league points ensuring, that with the undefeated run through the season, they are comfortably the winners of the Middlesex Merit table 5. They now enter the ‘play-off’ phase and semi-finals of the cup.

On the morning of the England v Italy international match 76 year old Pinner Club President had the honour of captaining the Middlesex Over 60’s team against a squad of visiting Italians at Staines RFC. A continuous three session match was played involving first Over 50’s, then the Over 60’s and finally a general game.  Most of the 130 strong Italian party from Milan and Parma went to the match at Twickenham but then returned to prepare an Italian meal for all in the evening utilising ingredients that they had shipped over from Italy. Four of the Italian International teams match jerseys were auctioned raising over £4000 to set up foundations in memory of the 19 year old son of one of the visitors who had been killed in a road accident.  A truly remarkable day of rugby !

Deryck Westwood Day Saturday 18th October

On Saturday October 18th the Club will celebrate “Deryck Westwood Day “ with a 1^st XV League Fixture in memory of our former vice-president who played for the club in 1936 and spent many an afternoon watching the team and dishing out Kit kats.

In his will Dereyck left a bequest for the Club to purchase a barrel of beer so that all who knew him or who have ever been involved with Pinner could mark his birthday with a pint. – All are welcome 1.00 pm till late.

Pinner Pelicans victory over Fullarians

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

Protected: Pinner RFC take to the Saracens Allianz Pitch

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Busy, busy morning @ Pinner RFC

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

Santa & Saracens @ Pinner Christmas Party

On Sunday the 15^th December Pinner RFC mini and youth section, carried out a fun training session at their club on Shaftsbury playing fields, Hatch End. After a short contact training session two teams were formed and a well committed game took place with plenty of great tackles and some superb running play, all cheered on by the parents from across the age groups who had come outside to cheer on the teams, all agreed that they played with great confidence and skill.

After the final whistle blew the players had a great surprise when they we joined at the club for photographs and signatures by Saracens prop NICK AUTERAC, the players all enjoyed being up close to a Saracens player. Everyone moved to the changing rooms and after a wash and a quick change into clean clothes they entered the clubhouse to see it had been transformed by the parents into a Christmas party room, with decorations, crackers, music and party food all the children sat down to a fun noisy lunch. But then another special visitor arrived this time it was Father Christmas. At Pinner RFC we have a tradition at Christmas the players donate a Christmas present for a boy or girl who is less fortunate than themselves so Father Christmas collected the presents to be delivered to the children’s wards at local hospitals.

So that was the first half of a great season finished, we have seen our team numbers increasing and a great family club developing, we are always after recruiting new players to join all our teams from u6 through u15, we are also looking for people to volunteer who may be able to help with coaching or sponsorship interested please call Paul on 07917088802.

By popular demand – Pinner Pop Idol is back

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls Pinner RFC is proud to present a night of pure entertainment. In connection with Les productions and P&G RFC gives you the first ‘PINNER POP IDOL’ of the 2013-2014 season. This event has it all…….singing, dancing, drinking and a not to be missed special guest performance then by none other than our first team captain Aaron Nicholas who will be performing ‘Celine Dions’ smash hit single ‘My heart Will Go On’ Live on stage. Friends, family and partners very much welcome the more the merrier.

Date: Saturday 9th November

Venue: Pinner Rugby Club

Time: 7pm onwards

Also Saturday 2nd + 9th November we will be showing the Autumn Internationals Live down the club so make the effort to come down and support England and the Club. Pinner Pelicans will also be playing on the 2nd before the England game so make sure you bring your kit or bring your support.

It’s all go @ Pinner Rugby Club

This Sunday was very busy at Shafestbury Playing Fields, home of Pinner RFC.

The installation of the new posts, during the week, saw a third pitch ready for action, demonstrating further development of the club.

Pinner Mini Section hosted Hampstead RFC for a set of friendly matches from under 7/8s to the under 12s.

In the Youth Section the Under 13s were supposed to have their first league match of the season, unfortunately the opposition were not able to field a team, so Pinner got a home win, their time was not wasted as a full and profitable training session went ahead with players honing their skills and going through game drills.

The Under 15s were away at Hackney Bulls, but unfortunately a number of serious injuries picked up by both teams during the week meant that both teams agreed to postpone the game. In today’s world of youngsters, playing sports for schools and other clubs does have a knock effect on the weekend games. We wish all those who are injured a speedy recovery.

From what could be seen around the grounds, all players enjoyed a number of games and joint training sessions. Hopefully some match reports will come this way and be posted on the website.

The development of the club has entered a new and exciting area, not seen at Pinner for many years – a Girls Team. Coached by Caroline Westgate, they were having a light training session before setting off to have trails at Middlesex in the afternoon.

Next weekend sees home training session for all sections.

Under 13s Herts/Middlesex League Awards Presentations

Dear Herts/Middlesex League Winner,

Congratulations to you and your players on successfully winning your Saracens Herts Middlesex League Division last season. As your divisions winner Saracens would like to invite your players, parents, coaches and support staff to Wembley Stadium on the evening of Friday 18^th October for the Herts Middx League Awards Presentation. Please see the list of this year’s winners.

Age	League	Team
Colts	2	Tring
Colts Dev	East	Barnet
U13	2	Ealing
U13	4	Biggleswade
U13	6	Pinner & Grammarians
U14	2	Hertford
U14	3	Harrow
U15	7	Stevenage
U17	3	Twickenham
U17	4	Old Albanians B

The presentations will take place in the Great Hall on the Club Level of Wembley between the estimated times of 18:45 – 19:30 with an opportunity to enjoy the pre-game show and then see Saracens in Heineken Cup action (19:45 Kick Off).

Initially please can you let me know via email if you and your squad are able to attend in advance of  Monday 8^th July so that I can begin to make the relevant arrangements as required. Please see attached which team you have been assign to as the correct contact by the league administrators. It maybe the case you are the contact for more than one age group team.

All players, coaches and parents, wishing to attend the presentations must be in possession of a Club Level match ticket and the relevant accreditation. Each team will be required to place a group order for tickets and these will be priced at a discounted rate of £20.00 per adult and £10.00 per player. Full details regarding ticketing will follow upon receipt of confirmation of your attendance.

All players, coaches and parents, wishing to attend the presentations must be in possession of a Club Level match ticket and the relevant accreditation. Each team will be required to place a group order for tickets and these will be priced at a discounted rate of £20.00 per adult and £10.00 per player and any siblings (U16).

No rush on numbers the deadline for ticket orders is Wednesday 18^th September.

I look forward to hearing from you to confirm your attendance.

Kind Regards

Richard Gregg Head of Rugby Development

New Girls Rugby Team @ Pinner RFC gets underway

On Saturday 20th July, a small group of local girls got together at Pinner RFC in Hatch End, to help form a Girls U15 Rugby squad. The weather was just right not too hot especially since the previous week had been extremely hot. The girls set about a fun training day with the help of the Pinner RFC Youth and Mini section coaches.

The majority of the girls had not played rugby before but soon found themselves at home handling the rugby ball, passing, scoring and hitting tackle pads. Throughout the sessions, the girls also developed skills whilst playing rugby related games. The fun day fun day session finished with a well-played game of touch rugby; where the girls put into use all the skills they had learnt throughout the day.

The girls’ rugby team will be an Under15 squad which is combined age groups of Under13, Under14 and Under15 (School years Year 8, Year 9, Year 10) The girls team is due to start training at Pinner RFC on Sunday 1st September at 0945 until 1200, if you are interested in playing for the team please contact Paul on 07917088802 or the website at www.pinnerrugby.com

We also need female volunteers to help out with coaching; both qualified and those who would like to gain the RFU level 1 coaching.

As this is a new development at Pinner RFC, we would welcome the opportunity for businesses and/or individuals to be part of this exciting time and you would like to sponsor the girls rugby team please contact Paul on 07917088802.

Girls Rugby Fun Day

On Saturday 20th July, there will be a Girls rugby fun day held at Pinner RFC it will commence at 10am and complete at 1530.

Pinner RFC are looking to start a girls’ team within the youth section of the club. There will be two age groups as in line with the RFU continuum.

First being u15 containing players of ages u13, u14, u15.

Second being u18 containing players of u16, u17, u18.

girls rugby

The day will consist of a quick registration on arrival at the club, followed by being split into age groups and then going out onto the rugby pitch to carry out various training and fitness modules. A break for lunch with a BBQ being available, or bring your own packed lunch if you prefer, cold drink will be available throughout the day. After lunch we will continue with some training all heading towards a climax touch rugby match, where we will put all we have learnt into practice.

The girl’s team will be looking to start with the rest of the minis and youth section when we start back for the new season on 1st September. I am looking for support in setting up the girl’s team, please offer it, don’t wait to be asked, whether it is coaching, admin, catering or just stepping up on a Sunday to help out.

The girls, who play rugby at the club in the minis section, will continue to play rugby with in the minis team relevant to their age group. The u15 age group will give those girls who complete the minis section a place to continue their rugby into the youth section and beyond.

I hope to see a good turnout for the fun day, please pass the information around to friends, schools and other Rugby Clubs.

Contact for this day is: Paul Parker-Brice 07917088802 / precisebrice@hotmail.com

Please send an email to confirm your attendance to the fun day, so catering can be arranged.

Many thanks Paul PB

Pinner RFC @ Middlesex 7s

Rugby Force Weekend Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th June

Pinner RFC have been successful in their bid to be part of the rugby force nationwide community volunteer programme which helps local rugby clubs to improve their facilities. It is an opportunity for clubs to gather members, supporters, friends and family for a weekend of fun-filled diy.

The first 100 registered clubs received a support pack including a commemorative plaque.

So what’s going to be happening?

We will need an army of volunteers with definite promises from those who can come. A list of skills and tools and equipment that you have would be helpful in ensuring that the days are used effectively and not just a chance to socialise and have a few beers. Someone to organise catering plus a possible bbq on one of the days would be much appreciated.  We are looking at starting each day at least by 10am.

We would like every member of Pinner RFC to make the time to come down to the clubhouse during the weekend to offer their support, including players of all  sections – seniors, pelicans, youth and mini also friends are more than welcome, in fact the more the merrier – many hands make light work etc etc

Guaranteed to be fun, involving liquid refreshments and a great social event for the club.

Things needed:

• Guttering to replace existing and downpipes
• Drains – not sure what we need
• Sand and cement for back old cellar door skim
• White emulsion
• Black facia paint
• Two new female toilets, seats and flushes
• Two toilet holders for multi roll holding
• White tile cleaner
• Kitchen stuff
• Black bags
• Cleaning equipment
• Paint brushes

Things to do:

Clean behind bar area and cellar (2x people) – Phil Martin plus 1

• Clear all sides of glasses, boxes and stock
• Clean down sides and scrub
• Throw away rubbish
• Tidy up and sweep and clean all areas

Clean Kitchen (2x people) – Carol Greenwood plus 1

• Clear all cupboards and surfaces of cups, utensils and stuff
• Clean down sides and scrub all areas
• Clean cooker
• Throw away all unused cups and rubbish
• Tidy and sweep and clean all areas

Clean changing rooms and showers, and corridors (2x people)

• Clean out all changing rooms and showers
• Scrub down tiles in shower area’s and floors
• Sweep and scrub floors
• Throw away all old clothes and rubbish
• Paint over areas of dirty wall

Clean male and female toilets, Ref’s room and disabled toilet (2x people)

• Clean out all changing rooms and toilets
• Scrub down tiles in Ref’s shower area and floors
• Sweep and scrub floors
• Throw away all old clothes and rubbish
• Clean up Disabled toilet and throw away all old rubbish
• Paint over areas of dirty wall

Render back cellar door (1 x person) – Rob Merrick

• Render back door

Replace external gutters and downpipes (2x people) – Dave Hiles and Mickey Watts

• Replace downpipes
• Replace where necessary gutters

Drains (2x people)

• Jet wash and rod drains
• Replace drains if possible

Clean main hall floor and throw away rubbish (2 x people)

• Remove all rubbish from hall and throw away
• Sweep, Scrub and clean floors
• Paint walls where necessary

Pull up weeds and mud around the path and patio (1 x person)

• Scrap away weeds and mud around patio and path

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