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.

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.

Presentations for the Herts Middx League 2012-13 Winners U13- Colts.

Pinner Under 14s attended the Saracens Herts Middx League Presentations 2013 at The Great Hall, Wembley Stadium on Friday 18^th October.

After a very successful season, becoming League Champions without losing a match, the lads, along with proud parents joined in with many other clubs in celebrating their achievements.

The evening started with a short introduction from Saracens Director Nigel Wray who after running the Leagues for the last nine years hoped that the thousands of players both past and present and enjoyed taking part and he himself stated that all had followed the values of rugby gaining friendship, discipline and teamwork.

Hosting the presentations Richard Gregg Saracens Rugby Development Manager, outlined the structures of the League, and thanked all players, coaches and parents who have given so much effort and time into making the matches a success.

The presentations were made to the Team Captain and Head Coach of each club by Saracens player Will Fraser –

(He finished the 2011/2 season as a regular choice in the Saracens back row in a breakthrough campaign that saw him make 16 first team appearances. He crossed the opposing line twice during the final matches to help his side into the semi-finals.Solid domestic displays prompted his Saxons inclusion last season. He previously represented England U16, was a regular member of Saracens Storm during his emergence and was dual registered with Bedford Blues. He also played alongside his three brothers at Fullerians, where his father Andrew was a stalwart.)

The Pinner Captain Kye Gordon probably received the loudest cheer from his team mates when he went up to get the trophy – based on the fact that Pinner had managed to get the nearest tables to the presentation stage!

The evening was then rounded off by watching the Heineken Cup pool match Saracens versus Toulouse along with another 61,248

Congratulations to the squad, who face Bishops Stortford away on 24^th November, hoping to continue their current form of winning both League Matches this season

Pinner RFC Under 13’s Celebrate a great Season @ the Awards

Pinner RFC Under 13s ended their successful season as Division Champions with a certain panache at the End of Season Awards on Friday 7^th June at the Shaftesbury Club House.

For something a little different and in keeping with the seniors’ tradition, Head Coach Steve George set all the players a challenge. The players had been given a budget of £5.00 to purchase an outfit from local charity shops, strange how many dresses could be bought for that amount!

The evening was a relaxed affair, the players spending the early part of it outside honing their rugby skills; seeing players tackling each other by grabbing nightdresses and flowing skirts was a little different!

There was great support from the parents who enjoyed a beer of two and spent the evening chatting about the seasons achievements and what the future holds; would the squad move up one or two divisions next season?

The togetherness of the squad was highlighted during the awards presentations, with all players receiving an award – the majority having a strong humorous content!

The following awards were given

Most Improved Player of the Season

Louis George

Coaches Player of the Season

Joseph Burling

Players Player of the Season

Freddy Hart

Other Awards went to the following:

Most injured: Jacob Talbot

Best butter fingers: George Tillett

Most Dramatic: Brandon Cotter

Tackle bag killer (mainly in training!) Thomas Barkshire

Most Committed: Dominic Boyden

Most Slippery member of the team: Kai Gordon

Thinks he’s a pretty boy!: Arthur Garvey

Most valuable player: Ryan Healy

Best Justin Bieber Impression: Charlie Gascoine

Most Inspirational use of the National Health System: Taylor Goodman

Biggest Hair: Dylan Kelly

The evening ended with pizza (the arrival of which saw what could only be described as a herd of wildebeest being chased by a pride of lions) and frolics whilst the adults watched on at the bar!

The challenge now really starts for the Under 13’s, summer fitness training, strengthening the squad and building on this seasons success, hopefully, continue where they finished the season.

Seniors End of Season Awards

The annual Pinner RFC End of Season Awards took place on Friday 26th May at the clubhouse in Shaftesbury Playing Fields. Many new and past members of the club enjoyed an evening of frivolity, friendship and fun.

In a short time the list of winners will be published on this page, until then here are some of the images from the evening……….

Slough 7s Aarons first trophy or how was that possible!

This might be remembered as ‘how did we get our hands on a trophy!’

This was to be the magnificent return of Pinner to the Slough Festival, having been invited for the past two years and Aarons first time out as captain. However, whether due to inclement weather; boy did it chuck it down, the time of year, family (girlfriend) commitments or just apathy, a full squad as promised whittled down to a mere eight players, a shadow of what was expected to turn up and enjoy, what is, always a fun day of rugby, socialising and drinking (more on that as the report progresses!)

The theme of the day, was fancy dress – nothing changes, from the original ’super pinner heroes’ of yesteryear to the modern thinking ‘Go Pink’, all participated to differing degrees of Primark!

In the tournament booklet Pinner were described as:

Pinner RFC sevens side is a mixture of any one from the club who feels fit enough to play at the time of each tournament. This means that players of all abilities are included in the team… big burly front rowers to the nippy wingers. Which is why at times we can show brilliance on the pitch and sometimes a bit like headless chicken like. 7s are becoming ever more popular with the club as regularly Pinner are entering two sides in each tournament…… well reading between the lines; who turns up plays, we still play 15 aside rugby, average age has got to be over 30oh and of course we must look ridiculous at all times especially if we have a tipple or two or three!

The pool in which Pinner landed itself into was a mixed bag:

The Met Police, Ernst & Young, Friends of Kenya and Woking College Old Boys

Now to be frank, Met Police were after a fight from the whistle, Ernst & Young fit, young as the name implies, quick and keen with a dashing rugby kit, Friends of Kenya; really? all were related Usain Bolt- watching them pass was basically a blur. Woking College Old Boys; how old, younger than our youngest player and not particularly good really.

Ok a quick rundown of the matches:

1st Game – couple of lagers down –  Met Police, started fairly well with Aaron scoring a try and converting it, Met then went on to score 2 tries and converted them both. Ollie then with a breakaway run scored a try for Pinner, which unfortunately was not converted. Met then goes onto score three more tries, converting all three. At this point, fatigue had already reared its ugly head, but the boys kept on trying especially in the breakdowns, winning most rucks and mauls as the game continued. And would you believe it, a Met Police player getting a yellow card, well that was a surprise! Especially in the opening exchanges of the first half one of the opposition ‘dared’ Razzell to ‘have a go’ at him, Mark, in his usual well mannered way laughed it off and smiled at him.

2nd Game: More lagers, and an incredible down pour leaving everyone soaked to the skin. Friends of Kenya, basically no match against the ultra fit and fast group of athletes (not Pinner in this case!). Pinner scored one try and I think, can’t quite recall FoK scored at least 4. Game played in very good spirit, especially as Laney had turned up in flip flops (no understanding of wet weather despite being from the land of permanent rainfall – Wales, for those who do not know) with the half time drink – Jagermeister, duly drank by the team

3rd Game: Ernst & Young – by this time Pinner were down to 7 players, no subs available, the rain had effected the reporters writing implements, paper was soggy, pen was flooded and the game went as expected, Pinner, despite some valiant work, especially in close contact situations were out run by the opposition and to top it all, our passing was fairly comical

4th Game: oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, this wasn’t going to be our finest hour, with Reza not sure which end of his body was leak first, suffering with food poisoning (I leave that to deduce what the outcome might be), luckily he found a wheelie bin pitch side and proceeded to fill it. Warren, in the warm up – yes they did warm up, dislocated two fingers and with no tape about bound them with a pink hair band – this later came back on him, as during the game they were ‘knocked out’ again, whilst asking Fred and Dave to pull them and put them right, a very young opposition player watched on, turning extremely pale asked Does it hurt? Gee join the dots. For the first time in what appeared to be an eternity, Pinner actually played really well, and if honest, had a couple of subs available would have won comfortably, however this was not the case, another loss.

By the magic of tournament rugby the next part was very weird.  Pinner, at this stage had played 4 lost 4, beer time was called, Pimms, Cider and an assortment of other beverages. The team relaxed and got themselves ready for the evening entertainment.

The tournament organisers had other plans, was it favouritism, was it spite or was it purely a mix up? Pinner had got a by to the final , oh dear.

The final: Pinner v Quintin

Pinner, have in the past played Quintin in the Middx/Herts league and have always performed well against them.

Fuelled on a mixture of drinks, lack of match fitness, being knackered, having no subs available,  playing 15s rugby instead of the rehearsed 7s game……. well you can probably guess, they lost, having the half time cider didn’t help.

Strangely, Pinner came back with a trophy, this, hopefully will be the first of many for Aaron.

Post match: further drinking, banter and socialising with opponents, what could be better… next year no drinking, we either go to win or go for a laugh, the feeling I got was that was the last time Pinner would embarrass themselves on a pitch at this tournament, roll on next year hic

Mini & Youth Sections End of Season Awards: Saturday 5th May

The End of Season Awards Presentations on Saturday 5^th May, saw the end to a very successful season for the Mini Section, at Pinner Rugby Club, with each section winning a variety of tournaments and accolades.

The afternoon started with selection of fun activities for both parents and players: ‘moon ball rugby’ being a new edition to the activities, by Under 13s coach Chris Roycroft-Davies, which proved to be a great success with all ages scrambling for the large, white aerobics ball and eventually managing to get hold of it. The now, traditional game of ‘Dizzy Rascal’ (named before the rap singer) was enjoyed by all those who took part, who wouldn’t? Getting dizzy, trying to run straight and then drinking a mixture of soft drinks whilst being cheered on by team mates – great fun! Even Mini Chairman Spud (AKA Paul Talbot) was seen spinning around the pole and with some degree of control drink his drink without spilling it! With the bouncy castle in full use during the afternoon, hungry players and parents had their appetites nullified with burgers from the BBQ, brilliantly manned by Minty and Dev – Pinner RFCs answer to Ant & Dec of the catering world!

As the FA Cup reached half time in the clubhouse, the presentations started. It was the first time that the many new parents and kids – who have joined our club this season – had attended an End of Season awards. There were many positive comments for the vast variety of medals, cups and trophies laid out on display. These were both as club age group awards and cups won during the season.

The presentation was opened by Jo Talbot, Mini Section Administrator and Secretary, who welcomed both players and parents, thanking them all for their attendance, giving apologies for absence and highlighting some of the forthcoming events – Ickenham Gala Day, Saracens Summer Rugby Camp 9^th & 10^th August (Pinner RFC are hosting) and the Pinner Show.

Mini Section Chairman, Paul Talbot, then gave his introduction speech. He thanked everyone for their support throughout the year and their commitment in expanding the playing numbers; this year has seen the Mini Section increase in membership by over 50 players. He also thanked the club committee for their continued support, outlining future developments for the club, as well as thanking all the parents for their support, week in, week out helping the club to run so smoothly.

This year has been a very successful year for all age groups and even though some players have had to play up a year. Paul commended all players for their determination and more importantly their enthusiasm for playing rugby, the trophies on show proved this:

Under 7/8s – Egham Tag Festival Champions

Under 9/10s – Egham under 10s Festival Champions,

Middlesex under 10s Runners up

Under 11s – Middlesex under 11s Joint Winners,

Slough Under 11s Festival Winners

Under 12s –

Slough Under 12s Festival Joint Winner,

Middlesex under 12s Runners up

Presentation of Awards:

Under 6s

Players Player: James Evans

Most Improved: Leo Daines

Coaches Player:  Josh Luiz

Under 7s

Players Player: Thomas Hill

Most Improved: James Dawson

Coaches Player: Vivek Ambasna

Under 8s

Players Player: Jonathon Nye

Most Improved: Asher Woldman

Coaches Player: Jan Maguire

Under 9s

Players Player: Luke Selby

Most Improved: Jack Grey

Coaches Player: Maxwell Fullerton

Under 10s

Players Player: Mani Lee

Most Improved: Jameel Seidel

Coaches Player: Calum St John

Under 11s

Players Player: Josh Maloney

Most Improved: Joseph Edgar

Coaches Player: Joseph Holden

Under 12s

Players Player: Kai Gordon

Most Improved: Marc Souster

Coaches Player: Freddy Hart

Chairman’s Award:

Nominees – Leo Daines, Conner Walker, Jude Jackson, Reece Connolly, Calum St John, Cameron Fox, Findlay Schofield

Awarded to

Reece Connolly

Protected: Winners @ Egham Festival U8 & U10s

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End of Season Award Evening/night/morning…..!

Saturday was a busy day at Shaftesbury Playing Fields.  Following the two afternoon matches P&G���s held their annual Awards Dinner in their Clubhouse in the evening attended by nearly fifty people.  After enjoying an excellent meal the Club President David Hiles thanked everyone who had contributed to the continuing success and expansion of the club.

He paid tribute to his predecessor Bill North, who had died aged 89 just before Christmas, to the coaches and administrators of the Youth and Mini sections, the latter either winning or being runners-up in several tournaments.

He also praised the leadership of the Club Captain, Reza Sibilant, who was stepping down after four years in the role.  Four years in which P&G’s had emerged from bottom of the Herts/Middx leagues, had gained promotion in two successive seasons and consolidated their position in Herts/Middx Division 2.

Reza was presented with a portrait of himself painted by Paul Talbot, the Chairman of the Mini-section.  Reza, in his response, thanked the Club Committee and administrators for all the help that they had given during the Club’s revival and to all the players who had so whole heartedly supported him.

It is a Pinner tradition that most of the wards are voted on by the players. Those receiving the engraved tankards were:

Best player Martin Goodwin

Best newcomer Richard Southam

Most improved player Sam Markham

Best young player Aaron Nicholas

‘Burnzy Award’ – Dale ‘Death Threat thumb movement across the throat to oppostion supporter’ Hirst

The Captain’s Shield was presented by Reza Sibilant to the Club Hon Secretary Robin Greenwood to recognise the support that he had given to the team during the past year.

The JPR Williams Endeavour Shield was presented by the 2010-11 recipient Les Chaffe to Brad Seiler for not only being the administrator and fixture secretary for both the youth section and the Pelicans XV but for providing the after match BBQ each week.

Club Colours were presented to Craig Lane for consistently good playing performances over several seasons and for helping with the coaching of the U15 team.

Under 12s and Under 11s success @ Middlesex Festival

Following recent success at the Slough Rugby Festival and last weekends’ Middlesex Festival where the Under 10s reached the final, gaining runners up trophies and medals, it was up to the older members of Pinner Mini Section to continue with the winning streak and bring home more trophies for the club house.

Marie Curie Middlesex U11/12 Rugby Festival Sunday 18^th March 2012

Under 12s

The under 12s had been involved in league matches throughout the season and due to their excellent performances at these games had put themselves in a higher pool than the one they were initially in. They were now playing in the Middlesex Plate finals with Ealing and Teddington; two very big clubs with large squads and previous history as festival winners.

The first match versus Ealing kicked off at 10am on the dot, rare for festivals, but Wasps had organised this event with precision timings and an American announcer who jollied everyone into place!

The match started at a blistering pace, Pinner were rampant with their forward play; the pack driving through every tackle, securing the ball both in rucks and mauls. This allowed the ball to be passed around the field for all players on the Pinner team to be involved in set plays. Continued pressure by the pack pushed the Ealing defence back towards their try line and this allowed Kai Gordon to dive over the line for what was going to be the start of a try flurry. The conversion was successfully kicked by Freddie Hart, the first of six conversions, wow, that lad has a serious kicking foot!

From the restart, Pinner advanced into the Ealing half, again the pack bouncing off the tackles, the ball this time switched out to the right, where Marc Souster sprinted towards the try line, avoiding all attempts to tackle him and scored Pinner’s second try. The team was now full of confidence and started to play to their strengths. Before the half time whistle blew, Ben Stone charged through the defence and placed the ball over the try line. Half time the score was 21-0.

The half-time team talk, by coach Steve George, reminded players that there was still another half to go, to not let the concentration lapse and to start again as if it was 0-0.

Pinner took possession from the restart and immediately went on the attack; great passing by the front row with support from the second row, put the ball deep into the opposition’s half. Pinner now dominated the game, creating great spaces for the backs to pick up the ball and head straight for the try line. Through one of these gaps, ran Kai Gordon, team captain, to score his second and Pinner’s fourth try; the trusted boot of Freddie Hart converted again.

From the restart, Pinner dominated, the forwards linking well, starting with accurate draw passes, linking up with the centres, before the ball eventually found the hands of Ben Stone. It was a race to the line then for Stone, who turned the gas on and sprinted along the centre of the pitch, and despite a last ditch tackle, 1 metre from the touchline, used his power to drive over the line, scoring his second try of the match and Pinners fifth. At this point the referee asked the Ealing coach if they wanted to continue and quite rightly they wanted to finish the game, it was a hard initiation into the festival for them but with determination and grit they at least wanted a chance of scoring a try.

With a couple of minutes left in the game saw Pinner putting a strangle hold on the opposition, with some lovely passages of open play forcing Ealing to scramble their defences. Eventually an opportunity presented itself, after Charlie Gascoine shrugged of a tackle and charged past the gain line. With one man to beat, he needed only to look to his right to find scrum half Freddie Hart in support, who took the pass and easily touched down for his first try, which, predictably he converted taking the tally to six tries, six conversions – an emphatic win to Pinner 42-0

Pinner v Teddington

After such a great start this was going to be a very hard test for Pinner, as it was obvious that Teddington were going to be formidable opponents from our past encounters. It was time for Pinner to really concentrate and play their game.

From the start, Teddington gave Pinner no time on the ball, hurrying them at every breakdown, their rucking was very well drilled and to be honest after the first three minutes, Pinner looked a little shell shocked. Tackles were being missed, and more importantly the players were not supporting each other and individual runs were being picked off by the opposition easily. With great passing manoeuvres, two tries were scored simultaneously and converted even before Pinner could offer anything in return. Even though some dubious refereeing decisions went against them, possible three knock-ons, and a try that involved four movements on the ground before it was placed over the line, they still had only themselves to blame. The scrum had lost its edge and scrum half Freddie Hart was not being given the protection to make a pass; again the very well organised Teddington team prevented any real possession in the first half. A relieved Pinner side welcome the half time whistle!

Fresh legs and the movement of players into different positions, saw Pinner receive the ball from the restart and for the first time in the game saw them start to play like the team that had beaten Ealing. The forwards drove through towards the Teddington half, with revitalised tenacity, forcing Teddington to spend the next five minutes defending stoically; however, despite this resurgence of team spirit the try line evaded them.

The scrum was immense in the second half, driving the other team, at every opportunity, giving scrum-half Freddie more time on the ball whilst being able to release centres Ryan Healy and wing Sam Marchant with some defiant runs, just stopping short by smothering tackles from the opposition. This was a very different team to the first half. When Teddington managed to get the ball near to the try line, superb defensive qualities from Pinner prevented at least three try scoring opportunities. Making countless tackles, Pinner eventually managed to squeeze the ball out wide for Ryan to rampage through the opposition, who found themselves on the back foot, for what looked like a possible try scoring opportunity. Unfortunately, the ball popped up from a maul and was quickly dispatched to the Teddington wing who ran towards the corner. Despite a stern defensive effort, the ball was contentiously put over the line much to the bewilderment of Pinner, who had managed to hold the ball up. The referee’s watch appeared to hasten after this, as seven minutes disappeared into two, with Pinner making one final drive towards the Teddington’s tryline as the whistle blew. The final score ending 21-0 in favour of Teddington.

It was a lesson well learnt. All players had performed to their best and it demonstrated how far they have progressed over the season; increasing their squad size, stepping up a league and still walking away with a runner’s up trophy.

The festival proved a real test for the Under 12s who raised their game against two very big clubs. They should be very proud of what they achieved, especially as many of the team have only started playing rugby this season and for many this was their first experience of a festival, congratulations.

Next weekend they face Ealing again in a friendly fixture at Shaftesbury Playing Fields, home of Pinner Rugby Club… now that is something to look forward to.

Under 12s Squad:

Jacob Talbot, Ryan Healy, Kai Gordon, George Tillet, Dominic Boyden, Thomas Barkshire, Charlie Gascoine, Marc Souster, Paul Nash, Brendan Machell, Alex Gibbs,Dylan Kelly, Ben Stone, Taylor Goodman, Sam Marchant, Freddie Hart, Ewan Laidlaw.

U12 SHIELD
League Pos’n	Team
1st	Twickenham
2nd	Saracens B
3rd	London Scottish
4th	Teddington B
5th	Pinner
6th	Ealing B
7th	Hackney Bulls
8th	Rosslyn Park C
9th	Finchley B
10th	London Welsh B
11th	Wasps B
12th	Bank of England B

FINAL’S DAY ‘SHIELD’  RESULTS:
	Saracens B	0	London Scottish	0
Shield	Twickenham	14	London Scottish	0	Winner:	Twickenham
	Twickenham	14	Saracens B	14
	Ealing B	0	Pinner	42
Plate	Teddington B	21	Pinner	0	Winner:	Teddington B
	Teddington B	63	Ealing B	0
	Hackney Bulls	5	Rosslyn Park C	0
Shield	Hackney Bulls	7	Finchley B	0	Winner:	Hackney Bulls
	Rosslyn Park C	28	Finchley B	0
	Wasps B	5	Bank of England B	0
Vase	London Welsh B	42	Bank of England B	0	Winner:	London Welsh B
	London Welsh B	21	Wasps B	0

Under 11s

First game was against Teddington, a tough way to start against an experienced opposition, but the young Pinner team soon got stuck in with some excellent tackling and support play. Thanks to tries scored by James Nye and Luke Barrowman, the team soon had a 2 – 0 lead. On the final whistle the players left the field with the belief that this, possibly, was going to be their day.
After an hours break, Pinner returned to the field for their second game, this time against Hampstead. Now, as the Pinner players were more fired up, they were a force to be reckoned with. For the majority of the game Pinner attacked within Hampstead’s half once again with some fantastic tackling. The Pinner scrum suddenly came alive, their domination was to continue throughout every game they played becoming a main feature of Pinner’s game plan. The team played well together and again ended the game with a 2 -0 victory; tries scored this time by James Nye and Kieran Wheeler.
The third game of the day saw Pinner against Hackney Bulls. This game saw both teams very evenly matched so Pinner had to step it up a gear. It all came down to the determination of the Pinner team to not let the Bulls score against them. Again there was some awesome tackling on their own try line, prevented Hackney crossing to score any points. Eventually, Joseph Holden, for Pinner, scored two break away tries after some great support play. Final score 2 – 0 to Pinner.
The fourth and final pool game saw Pinner against Hammersmith & Fulham. An excellent match ensued until the try tally was 2-2. Then came a stalemate, with each team putting in crunching tackles, to stop the other scoring a winning try. Unfortunately some scrappy play in the final seconds of the game allowed Hammersmith to touch down a loose ball, in the dead ball area, thus winning the game 2-3. A disappointment for Pinner but a great game to watch.
After the table was completed the rests showed that Pinner’s U11s had won the pool section. Now the first and second place teams had to play each other again to determine the winner of the trophy.

This saw the Pinner team up against Hackney Bulls again. We took to the field and again a very well matched game, containing end to end play, with some great tackles and counter tackles. It soon started to show that Pinner were tiring as our substitutes had left. This then became a massively defensive game as Hackney threw all they could at Pinner. Due to the dogged determination of the players on both sides, Pinner were able to hold out to a 0-0 draw. No extra time is played in these tournaments, so it went back to pool section. The Pinner players were very chuffed to be going home with the winners trophy as the Under 11s continued their Middlesex Festival successes, by achieving joint winners with Hackney Bulls in the final.

I would like to thank the parents for giving up the majority of their Mothers’ Day and thank them for all their support this season. Don’t forget if you want to play in a winning team this or next season check out our website – www.pinnerrugby.com

Squad:

James Nye, Kieran Wheeler, Joseph Holden, Josh Parker-Brice, Cameron Fox, Maisie Balkin, Max Alexander, James Hurley, Michael Murphy, Louis George, Luke Barrowman, Joseph Edgar, Josh Maloney

Pinner RFC hosts the Saracens Rugby Camp

Under 9s and 10s combine for final @ Middlesex

Pinner Under 10s Finalist @ Middlesex Rugby Festival

After the previous weeks outing to a very wet, cold and miserable festival at Slough RFC we were greeted by sunshine, warmer temperatures and more importantly no rain – hiphiphoora!

The festival held at Trail finders, was slightly different for the players of both Pinner Under 9s and Under 10s. When the submission date for entries was published we were not sure we could fill the squad numbers for each team; however, Hampstead RFC wanted to enter and as we had baba’d with them previously we said we would help them out.

After setting up the club gazebo (the only club gazebo at the festival – boy, did it stand out and everyone found us straight away!) we were joined by Hampstead under 10s manager Paul who indicated that he only had three players, luckily we had nearly all of our players from both ages, it was decided that we would ‘play up’ and Spud spoke to the ‘chief honcho’ and got permission – we were on!

Various names were banded about –Pinham, Hampin, Hammer, Hamper etc but the shouts from the touchline were generally based on the clubs names

Three players made themselves available for the Under 9s – Jack, Tom and Anthony who between them added the missing dimension for the team

We were in pool D along with Haringey, Old Grammarians and Hammersmith & Fulham

The first match pitted us against Haringey – from the whistle they were an attacking side, especially with two very fast players, we were 2 tries down within three minutes, time to get our heads on and start playing as a team. By half time, things had slowed down a fraction and after a team talk we held them to only scoring one try and just coming short on scoring one ourselves – it was evident at this stage that we had met the quickest team but our superb tackling and passing had proved that we were still in contention.

The second game v Old Grammarians

As the whistle blew, we were straight on the mark, great passing and rucking put us in their half, more pressure and passing out wide a try was on the cards.

To be honest, the game became a bit of a blur, if anyone has anything to add please email in. Tries by Majeed, who was unstoppable, and Joshu, meant we had won our first pool match bring on H&F

We haven’t played H&F for some years so we were a little apprehensive at what they could do on the pitch, however our scouts had been watching them and informed us we could beat them. Rotating the team players meant that we always had fresh legs to stop any try situations, but credit where credit is due; everyone played their heart out, the growing crowd witnessing some truly crunching tackles and some fantastic passing. Victory was ours, 3-0 now for the semi-finals (gulp)

After what seemed a very long time we found out who our opponents were – the host; Ealing, with their home support backing them we needed our own supporters to shout and cheer us on as they had been doing throughout the day but now with more gusto!

It was a closely fought game, with both sets of players a little nervous, one mistake, one error; one try could take you into the final or send you home.

The first half flew by, both teams cancelling out each others attacks, try line defending at its best, a mixture of rucks and mauls complimenting the swift passing, it was all going on, so much so, I have little memory of either half except that we beat them, we were in the final

The final

Hackney Bulls, an old favourite club of ours were our opposition. Before any detailed account of the final is written (over excitement again blurs the memory – help required) it must be reiterated that half the team contained under 9 players playing up which is a major tribute to them, demanding a greater effort, determination and in most cases several inches and pounds.

Hackney proved quicker off the mark than us, scoring two tries in quick succession in the first half. The second half proved more difficult for the opposition to score, which of course they did with a break away try, we responded with some great movement along the line and unfortunately the touch judge – a Hackney bulls parent! Said that Theo put a foot over the touchline and a line out was awarded – who knows that could have made a difference as Mani went over to score a try seconds later. The boys had played their hearts out and were a credit to both clubs

They were awarded the Middlesex County RFU Mini Rugby Festival Under 10 Bowl Runners-Up 2012 shield

squad

Squad: Manitou Lee, Majeed Muhammad, Joshua Beresford-Smart, Calum St John, Shiven Ambasna, Maxwell Fullerton, Reece Connolly, Luke Sealby, Jack Grey, Thomas Burns, Anthony Edgar,

When ‘Sarrie’ met Pinner Mini and Youth Sections

Sunday 25th September saw the Aviva Trophy make its second appearance around Pinner Players within a week. To protect and also to greet was the Saracens RFC mascot ‘Sarrie’ who proved to be a popular ‘extra’ during the training session!

Photos courtesy of Saracens Community Rugby Team

End of Season Awards Mini & Youth Sections

The awards brought to an end of a very successful season for the mini and youth sections at Pinner RFC.

The clubhouse in Shaftesbury Playing fields was buzzing this Saturday with over 150 players, parents and invited guests awaiting the results of the voting.

The day was all about achievement, participation and fun; the heavily laid out table of assorted trophies bore witness to this, from players player trophy to most improved trophy all eagerly eyed by the players, you could feel the expectation in the air. But this was to happen later!

As the afternoon kicked off, most players could be found on the bouncy castle; always a popular draw at these events, from the under 7s to the youth team all could be seen bouncy to their hearts content, watched of course, by designated parents working in shifts: bouncy castle-bar-bouncy castle-BBQ-bouncy castle (you get the picture!)

Then of course there were the games; initially rugby golf was on the cards, unfortunately the parks department had been round with the mowers and cut the grass spoiling what would have been a perfect nine holes. Plan B was quickly put into action with players sorted in teams to play a combination of a boat race and spin the flag. Many a dizzy child with sodden tops was seen zig zagging across the field trying to find their way back to their team mates. The introduction of beer barrels caused a murmur around the field; some veterans of Pinner RFC fun days were keen to pass on their knowledge of how to play – veterans being those who are under the age of twelve!

The task, to carry a beer barrel between two posts either individually or in pairs, teamwork in pairs being the victors. Then back to the bouncy castle or into the clubhouse to scoff down the generous spread of food via the BBQ as a protein fix!

Now it was the time that everyone was waiting for; the awards.

Chairman Steve George welcomed all and gave a brief account of the successes this season – under 8s Middlesex winners, under 9/10s runners up, under 11s Middlesex champions, our first tour, success at slough and Egham Tournaments.

Jo Talbot, mini secretary and administrator thanked all the parents for their support the season and apologised for the constant emailing and texting! Although, she did manage to plug the forthcoming Rugby Summer Camp; Pinner are to host the only summer rugby camp in Middlesex this summer. The week long camp will start on Monday 22nd August. It is open to anyone from the age of 6-16, so if you are interested in learning rugby, building up the skills you already have or developing positional play come along.

The awards were presented by a combination of coaches, first team players including Club Captain Reza Sibilant, first team coach and Captains Shield winner Steve Woad. Also a special guest appearance of Martin Crossan RFU Community Coach.

A little surprise for most in the room was the video link with Under 10s coach Paul Parker-Brice who was at Wembley watching his team Manchester City in the FA Cup final who named his award winners via the flat screen TV (pure class)

As added surprises during the award presentations, special tour trophies were handed out to those who went to Bognor, also under 11s coach Paul (Spud) Talbot presented the under 11 squad with books that he had published about their season.

The awards went to the following players

The Chairman’s Award:

Maisie Balkin (who dashed from a party in time to receive the award, much to her and Brian’s surprise.)

Nominees: Craig Dungate, Louis George, James Evans, George Page, Maisie Balkin

Under 7s

Players Player Jan Maguire

Most Improved Asher Woldman

Coaches Player Jonathan Nye

Under 8s

Players Player Maxwell Fullerton

Most Improved Reece Connolly

Coaches Player Luke Sealby

Under 9s

Players Player Josh Beresford Smart

Most Improved Callum St John

Coaches Player Josh Beresford Smart

Under 10s

Players Player James Nye

Most Improved Cameron Fox

Coaches Player Josh Parker-Brice

Under 11s

Players Player Jacob Talbot

Most Improved Ryan Healy

Coaches Player Kai Gordon

Under 12s

Players Player Tomas Rycroft-Davies

Most Improved Matthew Beresford Smart

Coaches Player Jake Larman

Youth Awards

Coaches player Jamie Benavides

Most improved David Wilkinson

Best newcomer Adriaan Viljoen

Players player Jamie Benavides

Managers player Jonathan Hill

Clubman cash prize Dominic Seiler

The final presentation was made by Spud (Paul Talbot) who ran a competition on the website to locate a picture of Tommy Cooper wearing a his famous fez with the Pinner RFC logo on it. For the first person to find it the prize was a portrait drawing, completed by Spud, this was extended by the winner’s request; Neill ‘Bullet’ King for a painting, not only of himself but with three of his first team mates (the Burnzey award was obviously given to him for this action!)

A great day, a great season, time for a break………………………….

Protected: Mini & Youth Sections End of Season Awards, photos from the great day

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