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.

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.

Pinner Under14s back to winning ways and top of the League

Pinner and Grammarians RFC U14s travelled to Tring on Sunday, knowing only a win with a try bonus point would get their season back on track after losing in the league game 2 weeks ago at Bishop Stortford.

The game was played in ideal conditions for running rugby. Pinner kicked off and a good follow up contained Tring in their own half. Both sides fought hard for the ball and the first try came from Kai Gordon for Pinner using his strength and pace to beat a number of Tring defenders down the right wing to touch down under the posts to give Freddie Hart and easy conversion and Pinner a nil-7 lead.

The lead was held for long as Tring put pressure on Pinner and after a couple of scrappy break downs and some weak tackling Ting scored a try close to Pinner’s right touchline. Trings kicker made a brave effort but the ball fell short leaving the score 5-7 in Pinner’s favour.

Following some further close rugby with both sides threatening each others try line, some great rucking by the Pinner forwards allowed the backs to ship the ball to outside centre Ryan Healy who burst a couple of tackles to score under the post giving Freddie another easy conversion, 5-14 to Pinner which remained the score at half time.

Tring kicked off the second half and were immediately put under pressure by an ever dominant Pinner team who were beginning to control the game in all areas and it wasn’t long before Kai burst a number of tackles down the right wing to score his second and Pinners third try of the game under the post. Freddie Hart, now minus his favourite kicking tee, duly converted putting Pinner in to a commanding 5-21 lead.

It wasn’t long until the Pinner got the fourth and bonus point try when Ryan again used his strength to burst past the Tring defence and score a try under the posts, which Freddie, still minus his favourite kicking tee, duly converted, 5-28 to Pinner.

Charlie Gascoine, playing back in his favoured position of number 8, added a fifth try for Pinner when he ripped the ball from a Tring attacker during a maul between the half way and their 10 metre line and burst down the left wing beating the winger and full back to crash over near the corner flag. Freddie, now no longer caring about what he kicked the ball off, slotted the long range conversion to make it 5-35 to Pinner.

Pinner taking more confidence took the game to Tring who were now visibly losing their confidence and discipline. Pinner looked to have scored their sixth try when Taylor Goodman powered over the Tring try line driving two Tring defenders with him only for the referee to rule the ball held up, no try, but as Taylor had driven over the Tring line, so Pinner had the put in to a 22 scrum.

With the game being completely dominated by Pinner at this stage and with about 5 minutes left on the clock Pinner held the a scrum and then drove Trings back the Pinner pack quickly worked the ball to the back of the scrum where Charlie picked up at the back and ran uncontested over the Tring try line to give Freddie another difficult conversion attempt which fell just short [maybe he was still missing that kicking tee] leaving the final score at 5-40 to Pinner.

The boys have given themselves a massive boost with only two league games, both at home, left of the season to get promoted two seasons in a row.

		HOME					AWAY					OVERALL
POS		P	W	D	L	F	A	W	D	L	F	A	W	D	L	F	A	DIFF	BP	PTS
1	Pinner and Grammarians	4	2	0	0	69	5	1	0	1	50	32	3	0	1	119	37	82	3	15
2	Bishop’s Stortford B	4	2	0	0	49	22	1	0	1	62	31	3	0	1	111	53	58	3	15
3	Twickenham	3	2	0	0	81	22	1	0	0	24	10	3	0	0	105	32	73	2	14
4	Teddington B	3	1	0	0	49	10	0	0	2	17	46	1	0	2	66	56	10	1	5
5	Tring B	3	1	0	1	43	52	0	0	1	5	50	1	0	2	48	102	-54	1	5
6	Saracens B	2	0	0	1	10	24	0	0	1	12	38	0	0	2	22	62	-40	0	0
7	Hackney Bulls	3	0	0	1	0	45	0	0	2	10	94	0	0	3	10	139	-129	0	0

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.

Serious injury disrupts close match

Pinner, visiting promotion rivals Old Isleworthians on Saturday suffered another frustrating afternoon. In the last two seasons P&G’s were pipped in the closing minutes of their matches. This time a serious injury to prop forward Lee O’Callaghan disrupted the match for 50 minutes. Early exchanges were fairly even but with the home side, playing with the slope, having more territorial advantage.  Neither side generated any scoring opportunity other than a missed penalty by the O I’s fly half.  After about 15 minutes a scrum on the half way line collapsed and O’Callaghan appeared to have damaged his knee. With the replacement on the referee allowed play to continue even before the P&G player could be help to the touch-line.  A few minutes later the player went into shock and the game was suspended whilst first of all the paramedics arrive and then an ambulance.  Play was held up for 50 minutes and with the light failing the referee decided that he would abandon the first half having only played 19 minutes and restart the match with the second half. P&G’s were unhappy with this decision and many on the touch-line doubted if the game could be finished safely.

In the second half P&G’s played with great spirit and no little endeavour spending more time in their opponents half. Pinner had a chance of a score but rejected a kick at goal. Attacks by both sides were easily nullified by strong defence. Several powerful drives by the forwards eventually broke down but kicks from deep by full back Chris Jepsen often looked promising but many went into touch on the small pitch.  With about 15 minutes to go Old Isleworthians were awarded a penalty on the P&G 22 and this time their fly-half made no mistake. This appeared to be going to be the only score.  The P&G fly-half Chris Hall, attacking on the right chipped over the defence to produce a possible scoring chance. He was illegally held back and after saying a few words with the offending player he, and not the guilty man, was yellow carded by the referee whose general management of the game left much to be desired. All now looked up for the visitors but Chris Hall was to have the final say.  With minutes to go and in almost darkness Pinner won a line-out on the O I’s 10 metre line. Scrum half Sam Heath got the ball to Hall, now back on the field, who drop-kicked magnificent goal from 35 metres to equal the score at 3 all.  Probably a fair result in the circumstances.

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

Protected: Pinner U12s @ London Scottish Festival

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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.

Pinner & Grammarians battle up front for bonus point win.

Hatfield were the visitors at the Shaftsbury Playing Fields on Saturday in a revived grudge match which promised a good old fashioned arm wrestle. The rain eased off just in time for the kick-off and allowed fans to gather from both teams.

Pinner & Grammarians kicked off and immediately put pressure on the visitors by regaining possession and surging into the Hatfield twenty-two. The opening exchanges were very physical with both forward packs looking to stamp their authority on the game. The P&G forwards and backs combined well to retain possession and winger Chris Hall was able to find enough space out wide to sprint down the touch line for the games first try. The conversion was missed, but the early score put the home side in the driving seat and the pressure continued with Pinner & Grammarians able to again push up field into the Hatfield half.

The Pinner & Grammarians offloading game was proving very difficult to stifle and the flowing play exposed a couple of cracks in the Hatfield defence and Dan Muckley jinked his way through the attempted tackles to dot down for another Pinner & Grammarians try. Freddie Riley missed the conversion but found the mark minutes later with a penalty kick to put the score at 13-0.

Hatfield showed great determination to get themselves back into the game and sustained the pressure through forward drives and direct backs play to find themselves on the P&G try line. The home side defended bravely and kept them out for phase after phase until Hatfield found the numbers to beat the scrambling defenders for captain Leon Ellis to score in the corner, with Conan Hoey adding the extras from the kicking tee.

The second half began with just as much intensity as the first, with Pinner & Grammarians desperate to put the game beyond the reach of the visitors. Some good passing from fly-half Fraser Allan and impressive offloads from full-back Chris Jepsen and Riley on the wing, combined with the industrious work rate of flanker Dan Smith put P&G on the front foot deep in Hatfield territory. The home side penetrated the defence on numerous occasions only to be judged the ball had been held up over the line. Eventually however the ball was worked wide to Kit Smith who finished well and secured another five points, the conversion came back off the upright, but again Riley found his groove to slot another penalty moments later.

Another try from Chris Hall in the corner of the pitch sealed the four try bonus point for the home side but it was clear the unrelenting pace had taken its toll on the Pinner & Grammarians forwards. Although P&G had dominated all game, the closing stages saw Hatfield make a last ditch effort take them on a rampaging run up field and using big runners they pushed towards the try line, only for the referee to blow the whistle for a full time score of 26-7.

A spirited display from both teams and possibly more excitement for the spectators than had been seen at Twickenham that day… although not quite as entertaining as the P&G RFC Pop-Idol competition that evening.

Pinner & Grammarians fight hard in the driving rain.

In the shadow of Saracens’ Allianz Park stadium in Barnet, Pinner & Grammarians took on Mill Hill in the driving rain. Spectators braved the wind and rain in conditions which would have sent viewers rushing back to the club house, had it not been for the tense match on show.

Both sides have tasted victory in recent weeks and wanted to continue that run of form. However the relentless rain did not allow either team to exhibit their preferred styles of rugby, keeping the play tight and the ball safe was going to be the order of the day.

P&G started the match strongly and pushed Mill Hill deep into their own half with a driving maul, and set up camp on their five metre line. The home side rallied strongly, and despite the barrage of big ball carriers from the visitors they were able to keep the P&G attacks at bay. The defence’s hard work was rewarded with a penalty offence at the break-down allowing Mill Hill to clear their lines with a kick to touch.

The rest of the first half continued to entertain the dedicated crowds with hard play from both sides, and fewer unforced errors than could have been expected with the ball growing increasingly slippery. Mill Hill had a couple of shots at the posts going astray with the wind no doubt playing a factor, and the half ended with nothing on the scoreboard.

The Second half started with the same energy as the first with good solid play, with P&G able to string phase after phase together and keep the pressure applied, only to be denied by a knock-on or the referee’s whistle. The visitors added some fresh legs to the field and it may just have been what was needed, as for the first time in the game it looked like Mill Hill were starting to crack under the strain. After some hard graft from the P&G forwards the ball was spun out wide to Andrew Alexander who cut a great running line, allowing the big Number 8 to run in the game’s first try from twenty metres out. Chris Jepsen added the additional two points from the conversion to put the score at 7-0.

Mill Hill surged back into the game with several big scrums and brave play but were never able to penetrate the P&G defence. The game finished in the same manner that it started, with both teams fighting hard for possession and crunching tackles coming in from all angles, but by the eightieth minute both sides were spent. The referee blew up for full time on a game which displayed hard work, grit and enthusiasm in abundance, which was not reflected in the score line.

Fred Riley

Pinner RFC Under 15s Girls @ Herts

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.

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

Pelicans pump up the scoreboard

Pelicans run riot against a spirited SODOM

With no 1^st XV league match this week it was the turn of Pinner’s Pelicans to play hosts to SODOM RFC from Greenford. Many of the visitors were new to rugby as SODOM lost many players during the summer when a group left to form Hanwell RFC.

SODOM’s bulky forwards made an early impression in mauls pinning P&G’s in their own 22 but once the ball was with the home backs a try was inevitable. A move from their own half centre Graeme Searle and full-back Chris Jepson interchanged several passes before Jepson touched down. Forward play was evenly balanced with SODOM confining their attacks in this area. With only 10 minutes gone Jepson and Searle again combined to run the ball from defence with Searle scoring near the posts and Jepson converting to give the Pelicans at 12 – 0 lead.  Pinner’s play now became over confident resulting in some sloppy defending allowing the visitor’s captain Emmanuel Chukwueke to twist and side-step to score under the posts.  John Meharry added the two points. This snapped Pinner into action with backs and forwards moving the ball at will. SODOM were forced to defend and a panic kick-oout only found centre Don Williams who once more had Jepson in support to get try number three.  The pattern of play was now established with Pelicans running the ball from deep once SODOM pressure had been overturned. Three more tries came before half-time, two from Searle and one from fly-half Chris Hall. However SODOM refused to give up and with half-time approaching they got the ball into the home 22.  Their forwards drove on, over the line for John Meharry to score to give Pelicans a 36 – 12 lead.

The second half was rather a one-sided affair with Pelicans running in tries at regular intervals. The SODOM players continue to defend and did not give up but they had little answer to the Pinner backs who attacked at every opportunity.  Seven more tries were added to bring the final score to 77 -12.  Graeme Searle had a total of 5 tries, Jepson 3 Hall 3 with Lane, Gordon and Alex on each.

It’s Back – caption competition

Ok folks, due to unpopular demand its back.

Simple: Have a butchers at the photo, think of something mildly funny, email spud (paultalbot17@gmail.com)

Reward – making some one happy with your comment, or possibly a free drink for the best one

Pinner RFC Under 14s dampen Teddingtons day

On what can only be described as a very wet Sunday morning, Pinner U14s resumed their league endeavours against Teddington RFC. Newly promoted Pinner hoped to continue their winning performance after beating Hackney Bulls convincingly in their previous league game.

As both teams went through their pre-match warm ups the skies darkened and the rain penetrated even the most waterproof of coats and jackets of both players and supporters; but in fairness this was not going to dampen what turned out to be a great game.

The report, blow by blow, has unfortunately has had a soggy ending, only the sketchiest report remains!

The first half saw Teddington winning the toss and elected to kick. This was the first test of how good players were able to hold onto the ball in its very slippery state. Deep into the Pinner twenty two, the forwards progressed well until fierce tackling halted them on the half way line, the ball squeezed itself from the ensuing ruck to find itself now in the hands of a Teddington forward. A quick side step past two Pinner players saw him then create space to pass to his fly half, who, not expecting such a pass could not gather it in. With the ball now on the ground, Pinner powered over, driving the opposition on to their back feet. The ball was popped passed through the backs and into the hands of Kai Gordon, who with his trademark looping run crossed the line for the first of Pinners four tries.

This was converted by Freddy Hart.

From the restart, Pinner were slow to react from their own kick, within seconds, Teddington were deep within the home teams half, missed tackles and a lack of organisation allowed the opposition to cross the try line for their only try.

The first half was erratic, with many handling errors, penalties and scrums, partly because of the weather and partly both sets of players being a little too eager to get to the loose ball.  From one of these scrums, which was given five metres from the Teddington line, Pinner with a good drive under the posts resulted in a home try by Ben Stone. This was the break through that Pinner needed, it allowed them to play more freely and with great support play Pinner went on to score another try, again, in a similar fashion to the previous try, Pinner went into the half time break three tries to one up.

The second half continued much in the same manner as the first, broken play, knock-ons and great work from both sets of players who seemed to cancel each other out with every move. The rain at this point made both visibility and passing difficult and the call from both home and away coaches was to keep the ball close, use the forwards and hope for a loose ball. As it happened, the game plan appeared to work in favour of Pinner, who, from another scrum, worked the ball wide to Kai Gordon who sped towards the opposition try line, putting the ball down between the posts. Minutes later, Teddington mirrored the Pinner move, with the opposition fullback running through three defenders into the corner, fortunately for Pinner a quick thinking Gabriel Michaels managed to get a try saving tackle which took the player over the dead ball line.

With the final blow of the whistle, Pinner were winners, 24-5 making it two from two. Their next fixture is against Harrow RFC and then away at Bishops Stortford in November.

Rain doesn’t dampen Pinner Under 13s performance

It was a wet Sunday morning, when after 5 weeks of hard training on Sundays and Tuesday evenings that the Pinner u13 team finally got their first game of the season, in the Herts/Middlesex League.

The game saw them at home in Shaftsbury Playfields, Hatch End against visitor from Datchworth RFC

Kicking off just after 1030 as the sky’s opened with rain pouring down, the Pinner team started slowly allowing Datchworth to get a very early and simple score; this was what the Pinner team needed to wake them up. From the restart deep into the Datchworth half a great chase up followed by superb support play saw James Nye equal the score an excellent conversion by Joseph Holden put pinner into the lead 7 – 5, soon after the restart Pinner forwards worked hard to regain the ball and power forward creating a space for Joseph Holden to reach the line for a score, this open the hearts and minds of the Pinner team and with some great determination, tackling and movement of the ball they pushed the score for in their favour at halftime leading 31 – 12

The second half saw a revived Datchworth team, and a Pinner team determined to keep going with the contest. This half was a lot more even with both sides matching each other in tackles which was enjoyable to watch such well executed tackles. Pinner got a break away try when new boy Sam Alexander took on the Datchworth defence successfully and scored under the posts. Datchworth stuck at it and managed to get a couple of runs off scrums taking place within the Pinner 22, successfully scoring two try’s and one conversion. This now as the final whistle sounded to Pinner u13s joy of their well worked and well-earned win of 36 – 24.

Pinner u13 scorers were James Nye2, Joseph Holden 2, Joshua Maloney and Sam Alexander.

Pinner u13 require players now to build the squad numbers give it ago Sundays & Tuesday Eve

Interested please call Paul  07917088802.

Pinner power through to a victory

Pinner RFC 1st XV traveled ‘up the road’ to play a league fixture against Borehamwood who play fixtures from Harrow ground.

There will be match report put on this site as soon as the editorial staff receive it, in the mean tome enjoy some images from the victorious match 27-10 below…..

PInner too strong for Borehamwood

Pinner took a while to settle down when they visited Borehamwood who play their ‘home’ games at Harrow RFC.  After last week’s defeat by London French there were a few changes in the P&G line up. Early exchanges were balanced but gradually the Pinner pack began to dominate and there were signs that the backs were beginning to jell. But it took 2o minutes before the first score.  Pinner comfortably won a line out in Borehamwood’s 22, the forwards took the ball on and flanker Dan Smith took over 15m out avoiding half-hearted tackles to score. Then 5 minutes later with P&G’s exerting pressure a long kick up field produced for the second week running a freak bounce. The home side’s centre ran in for an unopposed try  which was converted by the  full –back to give then a 7 – 5 lead. Once again Borehamwood tried to clear their lines but this time the poor kick only found the P&G’s advancing into the 22. After a few passes among the backs the forwards again took the ball on and number 8 Andy Alexander brushed aside several defenders to get Pinner’s second try.  On the verge of half-time following a rather ragged scrum the Borehamwood full-back dropped a goal to level the score at 10 – 10.

The second half was dominated by P&G’s. Full-back Chris Jepson gather the ball deep in his half and sprinted past into the home half and the chipped ahead. Winger Fred Riley was soon up on the Borehamwood defended and bundled him into touch. P&G took a rehearsed short lineout only for the referee to decide tha ball hadn’t gone 5m. Borehamwood, now losing most scrums, opted for another lineout but the ball wasn’t put in straight.  Front the ensuing scrum No 8 Alexander again drove forward, the ball was quickly re-cycled and fly-half Fraser Allan side stepped two defenders to score under the posts.  Fred Riley added the conversion. A few minutes later P&G were judged off-side but due to foul play the penalty was reversed and Jepson again put in a fine attacking run. From the resulting ruck P&G forwards drove on.  After only 10 minutes Pinner won yet another scrum and acting captain and scrum-half Sam Heath put in several loops around his backs. The Borehamwood defence was all at sea so the ball went eventually to left-winger John Kirby to go over in the corner for P*G’s fourth and bonus point try. The pattern was now set and Borehamwood having used their replacement had to reorganise with the centre going to hooker and the full-back up to fly-half. Yet another Jepson attack was again taken on by Alexander and this time the try was scored by Dan Muckley. Jepson continued to be a threat and would have scored a much deserved try but the final pass was adjudged to be forward. Borehamwood’s problems increase when the first yellow card reduced them to 14 men following a low body check on Pinner prop Ken Ryan who with fellow forwards Lee O’Callaghan and Don Williams were causing havoc with power runs from close range. Borehamwood gained a consolation penalty when P&G were guilty of not releasing after a tackle. The no 15, now at fly-half landed a long distance kick only to blot his copybook a minute or so later. Gather the ball from the kick-off he short-armed the P&G tackler in the face and received a yellow card for his pains. Now down to 13 men P&G agreed to lend them a replacement for the last 5 minutes.  There was no further score giving P&G’s a well deserved 27 – 10 victory but they now have to wait several weeks for the next league game.

The French Connection returns

It has been a season or two since Pinner RFC Seniors faced London French in a league fixture. On a pleasant Saturday afternoon the visitors put on a victorious score of 30-12. Hopefully there will be match report on its way, in the meantime here’s some of the images from the game thanks to Andy Wright. Also, congratulations to first team player Ollie on his marriage to Elaine x

Here we go … the match report

Pinner’s slow start to league programme

After a convincing win in last week’s friendly P&G’s came down to earth when they entertained London French at Hatch End for their first match in Herts / Middx div 3. With several ‘regulars’ from last season not available the new players took a while to blend in. Pinner’s pack started well and carried early attacks into the French half. However the pace and power of the French backs was soon in evidence and breaking out from their own 22 they created an overlap to leave the home defence at sixes and sevens for the first score in the right hand corner. Soon they attacked again but this time P&G’s held firm. After 10 minutes P&G’s were adjudged to have gone over the top of a ruck. The French no. 12 landed a 35 m penalty to make the score 8 – 0 to the visitors. Luck was on the visitor’s side as Pinner put in a strong attack only to lose the ball. The visitors full-back delivered a long kick-out which seemed to be heading straight for his opposite number but a freak bounce sent the ball back 10 metres into the arms of the LF centre who ran in unopposed. However P&G’s were becoming better coordinated and several promising attacks were mounted with the forwards winning loose and set-piece ball. Mid-way through the half P&G’s knocked on in the visitors 22 only to see the ball booted up-field for the centre to collect and score his second try. With the no. 12 again adding the conversion things were not looking good for the home side at 22 – 0 down.  Now the P&G forwards showed their power and kept up pressure and spent most to the remainder of the half in the visitor’s 22. A good drive under the posts should have resulted in a home try but the ball was lost at the last moment. On the half hour a penalty chance to put points on the board was missed by acting captain Sam Heath.  With a minute to go to half-time London French got into the home 22 and although attacking on the right they were awarded a penalty for off-side in front of the posts. Instead of taking kick the ball was chipped out to the left wing where their second-row was loitering. This caught P&G knapping and he score French’s fourth and bonus point try to bring the half-time score to 27 – 0.

Pinner having re-grouped during the interval came out with greater intent and method in the second-half. After a series of line-outs in the French 22 the home forwards set up an impressive drive to force the visitors back over their own goal line for flanker Dan Smith to score.  Winger Fred Riley added the conversion.  The French backs continued to be a threat but now the Pinner defence was equal to it.  Both sides had scoring chances and French misses a relatively easy penalty kick.  After 15 minutes French were successful with a kick to bring the score to 30 – 7. With the French backs tiring and the P&G pack gaining in confidence the game was much more evenly balanced than the first half would have suggested. With 10 minutes remaining and French pinned in their own 22 the visitors won a line-out only to see their scrum-half’s kick charged down by the impressive and ‘man of the match’ Alex Dixon who scored to bring the final score to 30 – 12 to the visitors.

Pinner RFC now starting on line shop

Please follow link on the right hand side bar

Pinner & Grammarians RFC is pleased to announce the partnership with Kalibazar to provide its rugby team wear and club clothing via their online shop platform.

The shop is open all year round and any orders will usually be delivered within a week.

Kalibazar have a strong pedigree in the team wear and clothing market and service over 240 clubs and 4 counties and we at Pinner & Grammarians RFC are looking forward to a long and successful partnership.

Here is the link to the new online shop

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