DOUBLE CHAMPIONS!!!

Watch the World cup @ Pinner RFC

Watch the Rugby World Cup at Pinner RFC!

We will be showing the following games at the club on our BIG Screen! All Friends, family and Children welcome.

Friday 18th Sept England v Fiji (opening Ceremony) Kick Off 8pm

Sunday 20th Sept Samoa v USA Kick off 12pm

Sunday 20th Sept Wales Uruguay Kick off 14:30

Sunday 20th Sept New Zealand v Argentina Kick off 14:45

Saturday 26th Sept England v Wales Kick off 8pm

Saturday 3rd October England v Australia Kick off 8pm

Saturday 10th October England v Uruguay Kick off 8pm

Saturday 17th October Quarter Final Kick off 4pm & 8pm

Sunday 18th October Quarter Final Kick off 1pm & 4pm

Saturday 24th October Semi Final Kick off Kick off 4pm

Sunday 25th October Semi Final Kick off 4pm

Saturday 31st October Final Kick off 4pm

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

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 bring home the title

After a fantastic Saturday of Six Nations rugby we are back to the business end of the Middlesex League play offs with the 1st team playing at home this Saturday against Chiswick 3rd’s (again!!)

Pinner beat Hammersmith & Fulham 22-12 in the final to win the Merit League

Under 14s get the run about

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.

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 !

R.I.P. Ian Peak

Pinner RFC is saddened to learn of the death of Ian Peak who played for the Club in the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s.  He was instantly recognisable with his splendid ‘handle-bar’ moustache.

Long after his playing days he continued to take an interest the Clubs progress.

He and his wife Deirdre were regular attendees at many social functions. His last visit to the Club was to the President’s Lunch in 2012 when he was accompanied by his son Duncan.

The Club extends its sincere sympathies to his family.

Pinner still undefeated

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 [2^nd 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 2^nd’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

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.

Pinner 1st XV home win against London French

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

Rugby Force Weekend

Dear all,

A big thank you to all who came along this weekend to help spruce up the Club and clear the rubbish, it looks really great so lets all keep it that way!

Especially well done to all those who did the 2 full days especially Dave Hiles, Aaron Nicholas, Sandy, Chris Jepsen and the rest of the first team who came along.

Also thanks to Caroline and family and the other mini parents who supported the weekend.

If you were unable to attend your financial support is always welcomed, donations or sponsorship can be sent to me or any of the committee and don’t forget subscriptions for the 2014/15 season are due to Biffo who can be contacted on peter.hudspeth@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks again

Pinner U14s Keep The Pressure On At The Top

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

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 11^th January.

Pinner disappointing first half.

Expectations were high for P&G’s encounter with local rivals Watford. A bonus point win would see Pinner go to the top of Herts / Middlesex Division 3.  The home side started well enough but with many changes caused by injuries in the previous match early team coordination left much to be desired.  Three penalties in the first quarter of an hour inside the P&G 10 meter area were all kicked by the Watford fly-half posting an early   9- 0 lead.  The visitors were now full of confidence and running the ball with some purpose.  Another penalty in front of the posts was quickly taken whilst P&G’s were not alert. A try resulted on the left and the extra points added.  Pinner’s cause was not helped when their powerful no 8 Andy Alexander was yellow carded for holding back an opponent.  A Pinner attack broke down and Watford fly-hacked ahead getting the luck of the bounce to score their second converted try. On the half hour Pinner were awarded only their second penalty which was slotted over by Fred Riley.  With half-time approaching the powerful Watford forwards set up a driving maul to score the third try and make the score 30 – 3 at the break.

Pinner started the second half with much more purpose and greater coordination. The teams appeared evenly match with the home side dominating much of the play.  However injuries to key players again caused disruption.  There was no score for nearly half an hour when Fred Riley kicked his second penalty.  This gave the home side more confidence and several promising attacks developed. In one of these P&G lost the ball in the Watford 22 and the visitors broke away at speed with support to get their fourth and bonus point try.  The coordination of their backs and drills of their forwards showed the benefit of being able to train under lights the opportunity for which the home side is denied.  Pinner had their best chance to add points when winger Fred Riley intercept a Watford pass in his own 22 and sprinted deep into visitors half before being caught by an even faster defender.  With this chance gone the visitors great fluency resulted in a further final try to bring a the score to 44 – 6 to the great disappointment of the home crowd.

Pinner Under 13s full on @ Fullerians

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

Festival at London Scottish 17^th 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 1^st 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 8^th 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 30^th 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.

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