Shaun's intention is to write this Captain's log weekly across the 2011/12 season
Last week we travelled to Campion who as
expected fought for their lives to inflict our 7th defeat of the
season (5 of which have been this calendar year) despite us leading
10-3 at half time courtesy of a converted Cunningham try from a
driving line out and a well struck penalty from Danny Smith, we were
well in control of this game as we turned around for the restart
only to start poorly with Campion raising their game to a level way
above their lowly league position to score 3 well taken tries and a
penalty. We did score a consolation try with the last play; SVB
charging down a clearance kick to score with the last play and
snatch a bonus point which could prove to be vital in our push for
promotion.
This was also the first time this season we have been officiated by
a female referee, who whilst being one of the best refs we have had
this season we as a team failed to get to grips with the ref’s
interpretation of the breakdown versus Campion who played this very
well, something we have been guilty of on other occasions throughout
the season.
MOM: As much as it pains me to say this goes to
Paul Eynon who for once was excellent in defence and not only doing
his own work (which he often leaves to the rest of the team!) but
made a number of strong cover tackles.
DOTM: Martin Cunningham who didn’t realise he had
scored a try thinking he was on the 5 metre line and then had to be
substituted due to suffering from sun stroke!
With 2 games to go this week we entertain South Woodham Ferrers at
home, the only other team who can double us given our strong home
record with only one home defeat all season (Holt) for a must win
game if we are to retain an outside hopes of promotion with
Stowmarket visiting Holt today, following the game we will be having
a team drink together and all club members are very welcome to join
us.
Lastly a BIG thank you to our home supporters this season who have
returned in their numbers to get behind the 1st XV and make their
presence known throughout a number of tough games.
Rams
Sounds like a good game, lost to Southend 4th XV 26-22
Ladies
The Ladies beat Tabard at home on Sunday 22-5
Youth:
U10 Second Game Drawn v Enfield Ignations 25 - 25
U12 First Game Lost v Enfield Ignations 20 - 25
U12 Second Game Won v Enfield Ignations 30 - 20
U13 Won v Braintree 14 - 10
U15 Won v Stanford 30 - 12
U17 Won v Saffron Walden 28 - 26
Coming Events:
Saturday 31/03/2012
Rugby - 1st XV Home Game v South Woodham Ferris
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice Presidents'
Lunch at the club
Saturday 31/03/2012
Rugby - Last 1st Home Game Celebration
To celebrate the last 1st XV league game of the season there will be
music at the club to help us party into the small hours.
Friday 06/04/2012
Rugby - Swedish Ladies
The Swedish Ladies Rugby team have made an number of visits to
Harlow to gain experience against English invitation sides and to
fit in some training. They are back to train and play at our club on
Friday 6th and Saturday 7th April. Put the dates in your diary it is
always a great occasion.
No game for the First
XV last week as we had a weekend off to reflect on where the
Upminster defeat leaves us and what is required for the final
promotion push to the end of the season starting with Campion away
this Saturday, a team fighting for their lives and have recently
beaten Norwich, narrowly lost to Holt on both occasions as well as
losing out to us by a point despite being the better side for large
parts of the game, as a former Campion School pupil myself this is a
game I always look forward to and we are expecting another very
tough game.
Looking ahead we have
South Woodham Ferrers (SWF) at home next week, the only team left
who can double us given our proud home record of one home defeat
this season to Holt with East London away on 14 April, another team
fighting for their lives with significantly improved results.
For the last home
game against SWF there will be a VP lunch and following this a band
at the club where we look forward to a big turnout from all senior
teams and guests are very welcome – notwithstanding the point that
our club relies on your support at events like these in order to
provide much needed funds to keep us ticking over during the summer
months so look forward to seeing as many people there as possible!
Last week’s games:
Rams
Won 20-10 against a
strong Upminster side and there is a report on-line.
Saints
No game this week
Ladies
Reversed last week’s
result against Romford in the cup beating them 10 – 7
Youth results
U13
Lost v Upminster 12 - 51
U14 Won v Chelmsford 61 - 5
U15 Lost v Upminster 7 - 22
U16 Won v Stevenage 12 – 10
Coming Events:
Sunday 25/03/2012
Rugby - Ladies XV Home Game v Tabard
The Ladies take on Tabard in the League the match preceded by a
Lunch at the club. If you would like to join the lunch contact Alan
Price on 01279418043 or email:
alanandjanetprice@gmail.com
Saturday
31/03/2012
Rugby - 1st XV Home Game v South Woodham Ferris
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice Presidents'
Lunch at the club
Saturday
31/03/2012
Rugby - Last 1st Home Game Celebration
To celebrate the last 1st XV league game of the season there will be
a band at the club to help us party into the small hours.
This week the 1st XV travelled to Upminster, the only side so far to
have beaten league leader Holt this season and we knew playing on
their notoriously sloped pitch this would be a tough game for us.
Having won the toss we elected to get the hard work out of the way
first half and play uphill, putting in a very strong performance to
keep Upminster in their half for the majority of the game although
unable to convert a number of our chances we turned around with just
a 3-0 deficit feeling confident playing downhill we would be able to
take the game, however from the KO Dobbo kicked it straight to their
best player. he bumped off 2 tackles before offloading to their
backs who finished exceptionally well.
We dusted ourselves down and took the game back to Upminster with
Allied Hills striking a superb drop goal from a difficult angle to
make it 10-3 with 25 minutes to play (prior to this Dobbo missed a
pen in front of the posts!) only for us to bodge up a KO and let
Upminster in for another soft try and now 15-3 down with 20 mins
left.
Two minutes later we responded well with Kain crashing over after
running an excellent line and Dobbo converting, 10-15.
Shortly after the restart and from inside our 22 I was able to turn
the ball over before flicking the ball to Rhys who made an excellent
break and put Josh away down the wing, Josh was stopped by the full
back although Onion was in support to take the pass but got chopped
down by their covering winger 5 metres short, despite making the
initial turnover I was able to get there first ; ) for Onion to
offload to me and dive over the line! Conversion missed by Dobbo
(what a surprise!) so 15-15 with 15 to play.
Once again we managed to bodge up a KO and then concede a penalty to
make the score 18-15 and despite lots of effort we were unable to
make the breakthrough to take the points as a game that seemed well
within our grasp was thrown away from 2 lapses in concentration,
even at this late stage in the season we need to learn from this and
take it into our next game away to Campion, my old school side who
are fighting for their lives.
MOM went to Josh Drake who had an excellent game on
the wing.
DOTM……………………… if you need me to say was Dobbo for
the above!
The defeat sees us fall out of the promotion places on points
difference for the first time this season, with 3 games to play it
could go to the wire with both ourselves and Stowmarket facing
difficult run ins. We therefore need to really pull together, get to
training between now and the end of the season for the final
promotion push.
Rams
Went down to Southend, holding the score in the second half despite
a number of injuries. 31-10
Ladies
Their cup run came to an end, loosing at Romford 18-5.
Youth Section
U13 Lost v Enfield Ignations 10-36
U14 Won v Wansted 33 - 22
U15 Lost v Bishops Stortford 12 – 32
U17 Lost v Chelmsford 12-19
Coming events:
Sunday 25th Ladies XV Home Game v Tabard
The Ladies take on Tabard in the League the match preceded
by a Lunch at the club. If you would like to join the lunch contact
Alan Price on 01279418043 or email: alanandjanetprice@gmail.com
Saturday 31st March 1st XV Home Game v South Woodham Ferris
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice Presidents'
Lunch at the club followed by “Last 1st Home Game
Celebration“
To celebrate the last 1st XV HOME league game of the season
there will be a band at the club to help us party into the small
hours, all senior teams welcome, let’s make sure we have a good
turnout.
The 1st XV got back to winning ways this weekend after the previous
weeks setback against Holt, a hard working (and probably hard to
watch!) performance as we ground out a 15-6 win with tries from SVB
and Kain plus a penalty and a conversion from Dobbo with no tries
conceded despite the best efforts of Sudbury’s speedy backs.
MOM; Kain Claridge who had a great game and DOTM
went to Stewy Wilkins for losing the donkeys head ‘trophy’ when he
won it last time! Following these award we all raised a glass to
Sudbury’s Josh Rix who sadly passed away earlier in the year.
Four more games this season. One more home game against South
Woodham Ferris (31st March) after we are away to Upminster (this
Saturday) and Campion 24th March. Then the last game is away to East
London who have notched up a couple of good wins in the last two
weeks beating Norwich 22-12 on Saturday and Stowmarket the week
before.
We are in second place still, 4 points ahead of Stowmarket, any slip
ups will see them overtake us.
Rams
No game this week
Saints
No game this week
Vets
Good to see the Vets out this week, beating Southend 71-8 made for a
good atmosphere in the bar after the game. Quote from Dave Oastler
“Well Done to the lads who played some very entertaining rugby
against Southend on Saturday, and thanks to Barney, Chris Powell and
Daryl who played for the opposition who turned up 2 short. The final
score for everyone who has asked me was 71-8........! the deepest
cut wasn't the score for them though, or even the 11 tries we ran
in, it was the fact that they took a dummy sold by Pete Keeling”
Friday 16/03/2012 St. Patrick's Dinner
St. Patricks Day, Irish night with a few tables remaining at 25
pounds per person please contact Steve Foreman AKA Manski on his
mobile 07753749708 or talk to Diane behind the bar..
Saturday 31/03/2012 - 1st XV Home Game v South Woodham
Ferris
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice Presidents'
Lunch at the club
Friday 20/04/2012l - St. George's Dinner
Details to be announced
Thursday 03/05/2012 - Club AGM
From 8pm at the club. To encourage you all to come along,
this year there is free entry!
Friday 04/05/2012 Senior Players Presentation
Details to be announced
Saturday 12/05/2012 Liverpool Collegiate on Tour
Liverpool Collegiate (Michael Nutt and Matt Selway's team
since they left Harlow and moved to Liverpool) are coming to Harlow
on Tour and will be playing us, kick off likely to be 3pm with a
mixed ability (1st to 4th) team during the afternoon. Clear your
diaries for a day to remember! If you would like to play, please
email Paul Eynon on pauloweneynon@gmail.com
This week the 1st XV entertained Holt in a top of the table game
that we are all kicking ourselves about not taking the points from,
to quote Alan Brooking on Facebook: “Watched Harlow play Holt
yesterday and just lose and still woke up this morning thinking we
won, I really have no idea how we lost.”
We started at a ferocious pace but despite lots of possession
couldn’t turn this into points and ended up being punished by a push
over try and 2 scores from driving mauls which were largely against
the run of play with only a penalty from Dobbo to show for our
efforts, 21-3 down as our set piece failed to function although
credit should be given to Holt’s excellent defensive lineout as they
spoilt our ball on a number of occasions when we were in the
ascendancy.
We finally got the breakthrough we had been working so hard towards
with around 10 minutes to go when Onion ran a great line off Dobbo
to smash through 2 defenders and force his way over the line, from
the restart we took the game to Holt again as they hung on for dear
life and Darren Hawkins, on as a replacement winger for the injured
Kotze (normally a 2nd row or back row) ran a similar line off Dobbo
as his 2nd row mentor Onion had run a few minutes earlier to score
an even better try which Dobbo also converted leaving the score at
21-17, Holt were on the rack and all we needed was one more kick off
and we were sure we would find that winning score but sadly we had
left it too late and the ref blew for full time following the
successful conversion.
MOM went to Charlie Woodington who had a very good
game at 9 but scarpered before he could accept his award! I’m sure
we will catch up with him
DOTM went to player coach Lee harron who not only
pulled his calf walking over to the warm up to have to withdraw from
the bench, but failed to complete his post match team talk as his
wife summonsed him over to talk to her!
This week we host Sudbury, a club in mourning following the very sad
loss of their front rower Josh Rix earlier this year, a very good
player who always gave us a torrid time when we played each other in
recent seasons R.I.P.
Saints
Good win at Braintree 31-10 after a few weeks of losses
Ladies
Cup win at old rivals Southwold 15-0 through to the next
round
Youth Results:
U13 Lost v Southend 24 - 29
U14 Lost v Saffron Walden 5 - 39
U15 Lost v Chelmsford 7 - 26
U16 Lost v Sidcup 21 - 24
Mini’s trained this week, but have a number of matches at Harlow
this week against Wendes Ambo
Charity:
For Great Ormond Street
A walk in aid of Great Ormond St. Childrens Hospital: Alan Le Count
writes "I am walking the Jurassic Coast in September, fund raising
for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Its only 24 miles but up and down
the coastal path and toughish for a 62 year old ex referee with a
hip replacement. Donations very welcome thru the link below. Erin is
a friend's baby who was born with the pulmonary artery and the aorta
the wrong way round requiring open heart surgery at 8 days old and
is now doing well thanks to the superb surgeons at GOSH..
http://www.justgiving.com/erin
Events:
Saturday - 1st XV Home Game v Sudbury
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice
Presidents' Lunch at the club
Friday 16th March St. Patrick's Dinner
St. Patricks Day, Irish night with a few tables remaining
at 25 pounds per person please contact Steve Foreman AKA Manski on
his mobile 07753749708 or talk to Diane behind the bar..
Saturday 31st March our last home game 1st XV Home Game v
South Woodham Ferris
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice
Presidents' Lunch at the club
A tough week for the 1st XV with a number of injuries and players
unavailable meaning some of our players stepped up to play out of
position, particular praise goes to Josh Drake and Charlie
Woodington who played very well as we fought hard to secure victory
away at Wymondham on a heavy pitch that made it difficult to play
expansive rugby.
The forwards worked really hard all game and were rewarded with a
great push over try, pinched off Kain’s toes by Rhys Powell as Kain
was poised to score!
Having lead 8-0 for the majority of the game it was disappointing to
concede a converted try with the last play of the game when
seemingly in control of the ball as the clock ran down Branchy had a
mad moment where he picked and ran off on his own, promptly got
turned over just outside our 22 for Wymondham to execute a well
worked move to score by the posts.
MOM went to Martin Cunningham for his strong
scrumaging and defensive work round the breakdown BUT Martin also
picked up DOTM for having been warned twice by the
ref and me for hands in the ruck he seemed to think he was invisible
and did it again to get himself binned and force us to play 10
minutes with 14 men!
This was also the first time we had won on the road on a coach trip
for around 5 years which made the journey pass quickly on the way
home except for me when Charlie locked me in the toilet for about 10
minutes!
This week, at the third time of asking we entertain league leaders
Holt who make the long journey down to us and we understand are
brining a coach load of supporters which is impressive at this
level, let’s hope we have a good turnout from our excellent
supporters again this week.
After the game we will be showing the 6 Nations game between England
and Wales, KO is at 16:00 but the plan is to “pause” the game till
16:30 so that everyone can watch the game and Holt can have a few
beers with us before making their way home.
Rams Lost 25-0 to Eton Manor
Saints Lost to Renegades 23 – 33
Ladies Beat Tabard 22 – 0
Youth
U10 First Game Won v Enfield Ignatians 15 - 5
U10 Second Game Won v Wansted 30 - 15
U13 Lost v Chelmsford 5 - 20
U16 Won v Clacton 12 – 7
Coming Events:
Friday 24/02/2012 Social - U16 Quiz night Fundraiser
7.30pm-11pm. We will also be doing a Fish and chip supper.
5 pounds pp Saveloy/sausage & chips at 2.50pp, if interested need
monies by this Friday Entry in to quiz is 2.50pp there will be a
prize for the winning team and raffle prizes to be won. We are also
raffling (5 pounds per strip) off a tour place to value of 130
pounds, which will be given in cash as tour has been paid so you
will get your money back.
Saturday 25/02/2012 Rugby - 1st XV Home Game v Holt
London League Three North East match
Saturday 03/03/2012 Rugby - 1st XV Home Game v Sudbury
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice
Presidents' Lunch at the club
Friday 16/03/2012 Social - St. Patrick's Dinner
The 16th March will be the St. Patricks Day, Irish night
with a few tables remaining at 25 pounds per person please contact
Steve Foreman AKA Manski on his mobile 07753749708 or talk to Diane
behind the bar
The w/e of 28/1 saw the 1st XV make the long coach
journey to Norwich and whilst we didn’t put in our strongest
performance of the season we held the lead for long periods of the
game until a disputed try was awarded with 77 minutes on the clock
that gave us little time to turn around a 5 point deficit although
we did pick up a losing bonus point this was scant consolation for
our efforts in this game as the gap between ourselves in 2nd
place and Norwich in 3rd closed to just 4 points.
MOM for probably the first time in a decade! Went to Kerry Palmer
for his tireless work around the breakdown.
DOTM was a close run thing between Mark Bowering and Martin
Cunningham, Kerry told MB just before we had a scrum not to give
away any more pens as he was likely to go in the bin as we had
given away a number of pens on the trot to which MB replied “you
don’t need to tell me I’m the good Bowering, you should be telling
the bad Bowering”! in reference to his brother Luke who was playing
in the centre, low and behold next breakdown the ‘good Bowering’
gives away a pen and goes in the bin! Nice one Mark! The other
contender and WINNER of the DOTM award was Cunningham for turning up
with a pair of boots that looked like someone had blown the end of
them with a 12 bore! As he ‘forgot’ to pick up his new ones and
ended up slipping all over the park before being substituted!
Epic coach journey back with one of the highlights being Malia’s
regularly repeated (by him!) suicide tequila party trick!
As the weather claimed our league game with Holt last week this
coming Saturday we hope to welcome league leaders Holt to Ram Gorse
as they make the long journey down to us (took us the best part of
4.5 hours to get there due to horrific traffic!) they were by far
the best side we have faced so far this season and in their words
sung to us as we left their club house ‘we gave you a F&%$£*%* good
hiding’ as we went down 33-3 so another very tough game awaits us
this weekend!
This could also be Prindy’ last game as he is due to retire at
the end of the season and has a shoulder operation coming up so if
you would like to see him running upright and getting turned over
one last time make sure you get down the club this Saturday!
After the game we will be showing England’s 6 nations game
against Italy, recorded on Sky Plus and we warmly welcome Holt to
stay down and have a few beers with us after whilst enjoying the
game before making the long journey home.
I understand our RAMS XV went down 69-0 on 28th January to a very strong
Barking 3rd XV although they no longer run a 2nd
team.
No news on the Saints XV result for the w/e of 28/1 and we
understand they lost narrowly to Ilford 24-20 this week in the only
game to beat the weather.
Ladies lost 32-10 versus Hammersmith & Fulham on 28/1
Upcoming fixtures:
11/02/2012 Home Harlow Rams XV -v- Maldon Friendly
11/02/2012 Away Harlow Saints XV -v- St. Ives Friendly
12/02/2012 Home Harlow Ladies -v- Southwold Cup
03/03/2012 Home Harlow Vets XV -v- Southend Vets Friendly
A bit of news....
London to Paris
Jon Locke is cycling from London to Paris this coming August and
raising funds for the Parkinson's Society in memory of his father,
Chris Locke. If you would consider sponsoring him please follow the
link below to his just giving page. Thanks for looking......
More info
Coming events:
Saturday 09/02/2012 - 1st XV Home Game v
Holt
London League Three North East match
Saturday 03/03/2012 - 1st XV Home Game v
Sudbury
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice Presidents'
Lunch at the club
Friday 16/03/2012 - St. Patrick's Dinner
Details to be announced shortly
Friday 20/04/2012 - St. George's Dinner
Details to be announced shortly
Shaun
A good home league win against Newmarket who lived up to our expectations from the previous time we played them and fought for everything to push us all the way for the second time this season, our cause was hindered slightly by me having to be unexpectedly withdrawn from the action just before half time due to a family emergency, this was not to be the end of the dramas for us as Goggins was knocked out cold later in the game and Darren suffered a head injury requiring him to be kept in hospital for a few days! Despite this we took the game 12-5 with well worked tries from Eynon and Wernez.
MOM went to Rhys for keeping things ticking over apparently – sniffs of player coaches colluding to me : )
DOTM went to me for having to be substituted before HT re the above!
The Rams XV Could have won apparently if we trained more! and actually went 21-0 up. Only to throw it away and lose 31-26, Wily old heads Palmer and SVB involved in this one on their way back from injury.
The Saints XV Played Saffron Walden again! Lost this time 14-10 although we understand this was a very good game
Last week the 1st XV and the Rams had a week off despite our best efforts to obtain fixtures and we understand the Saints lost 17-12 to Ilford, Whilst our Ladies beat Chesham 57-0 on Sunday in a very good performance.
Youth results:
U13 Won v Westcliff 12 - 10
U14 Won v South Woodham Ferris 14 - 10
U15 Lost v Southend 5 - 28
U8 First Game Drawn v Enfield Ignations 25 - 25
U8 Second Game Won v Enfield Ignations 40 - 30
U8 Third Game Lost v Enfield Ignations 20 - 25
This week the 1st XV are away to Norwich, a fixture that historically goes to the home team whenever we play each other as we won narrowly on out patch 12-6 earlier in the season, in fact I think you can go back to the 90’s to when we last won there! This is always a tough game between our clubs, played in the right spirit and good hospitality shown on both sides to the visiting team as we both have our eyes on securing a play off spot with 8 fixtures to go this game promises to be another tough game for us.
A Message from the President There will be a Club Lunch on Saturday 4th February, preceding crunch game v Holt, 12:15 for 12:30, 15 pounds per head to include wine. Numbers limited. Names to me ASAP please 01279418043/07939041308 or Email: alanandjanetpricr@gmail.com
Two more great social events coming up...
St Patricks Night..
Fri 16th. March...a few tables left only.....contact Steve Foreman/Alan Price.
St George's Night..
Fri 20th April..now selling out fast..contact Reg Goody/Alan Price. These events are always a great night out with friends and always well supported. Don't be disappointed, don't leave it to chance...book now!
Shaun
We were to lead 6-5 through 2 excellent long range pens from Dobbo right up until the 76th minute, which included holding out when losing Malia to the bin for 10 minutes with some real ‘Harlow dog’ defending! then as we looked to see the game out we had 2 mad minutes resulting in an unnecessary pen being given away and us falling behind 8-6 quickly followed by one missed tackle In our oppositions half allowed Stowmarket’s expansive backs to get in behind us, though still with a lot to do they demonstrated why they are the top scorers in the league to score in the corner to take their lead to 15-6 on 77 minutes. We made a final surge to try and at least take a bonus point form the game and following pressure on the oppositions line we won a pen in front of the posts which given it was the last play of the game elected to kick and take the bonus point, duly converted by Dobbo, nice to see this one go over rather than under the bar!
Good to see our former coach Graham Richards, who now lives in Suffolk make the effort to come and support Harlow on the day, myself, Prindy, Malia and Onion were pleasantly surprised that he managed to restrain himself from shouting at us during the game………………. cant have been easy for him! ; )
Our last 3 games have seen us slip to 2 defeats and a draw in very close games, we need to get back to winning these close games and with excellent turnouts at training this week plus the impending return from injury/non availability of 1st team players; Palmer, Stonheouse, Crafton, SVB, Grimley & Claridge competition for places is going to be fierce………..
MOM went to Dobbo for holding his nerve and kicking 3 difficult penalties and securing us a bonus point plus his overall game management was very good throughout the game.
DOM went to Luke Bowering for injuring himself in the warm up!
Looking forward to our first home game of 2012 against Newmarket on Saturday, who’s league position is not a fair reflection of their performances as they pushed us all the way on their patch and recently turned a strong Sudbury side over so will be a stern test for us.
Saints XV 12 Shelford IV 34,
Not sure what happened here, I think the Saints had been beating Shelford regularly.
Vets XV 36 Upper Clapton Vets 19,
Dave Oastler wanted to let everyone know the boys put out a tremendously entertaining display today at the club and turned over Upper Clapton, 36-19. Both sides fielded strong teams with players from their senior sides of 10 years ago but the greater skill levels of the Harlow lads shone through from kick off. Thanks to the boys who helped out at short notice and to those who accommodated their team mates to ensure everyone got some pitch time:
Team: Branchy, Digga, Danny Wright, Phil Riddell,* *John Macguckin, Rob Kelly, Twills, Jonny Hewlett, Duncan Reynolds, Rocky Clark, Gary Stanley, Dave Tatman, Algy Price, Rhys Loveday, Gavin Loveday, Matt Howard, Dale Reev-e-laaar, Simon VB, **Kezza Palmer**, Strads****
Kerry turned out for the vets for half a game and reports he has the following injuries.. Shoe'd on my....(showing visible marks), Neck (throat from high tackle), Leg (left), Top of arm (right), Lower back and said he once crossed the A414 blindfolded and came off better. Other than that great fun. Nathan loved being water boy.
Youth results:
U13 7 Upminster 50
U15 17 Clacton 19
U17 23 Chingford 26
Coming events
Saturday-14/01/2012-Rugby 1st XV Home Game v Newmarket
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice Presidents' Lunch at the club Please note that the first lunch of the year will be on
Saturday 14th 1st XV when we play Newmarket. We had a good ,lunch and a great game when we played them earlier in the season and look forward to hosting them, if you would like to attend, please let me know, Alansj.Brooking@gmail.com
Friday-27/01/2012-Social Burns Night
See Alan Price or Brian King for further details. 5 tables already reserved (November 2011). Get in early to avoid disappointment. Saturday-04/02/2012-Rugby 1st XV Home Game v Holt London League Three North East match preceded by a Sponsors Lunch at the club
Shaun
A good Boxing Day game with the Reds winning 24-19, Darren Hawkins with 2 Tries and jug avoidance passing near the line when about to claim a hattrick!
There has been a good response to training this week with good numbers as we took advantage of the indoor training facilities @ St Nicks in Old Harlow to get back into the swing of things, this was and is open to all with members from our Ladies, Saints and Under 17’s squad along with the 1st XV and Rams attending this session, future sessions at St Nicks continue to be open to all and will be advised via the website. The facility at St Nicks has been kindly arranged by our fitness coach Steve Woodroff who certainly put us through our paces on Tuesday!
This week we visit Stowmarket who were by far and away the best ‘Total Rugby’ side we have come across when we entertained them earlier in the season and looking at their results this has continued to pay dividends for them as they are the top scorers in our league.
Looking forward to this weekend’s games:
07-Jan
First Stowmarket I Away League Fourth
Shelford IV Away Merit Vets
Upper Clapton Vets Home Friendly 08-Jan
Minis Dagenham All Teams Home Friendly
Under 13 Upminster Away Friendly
Under 15 Clacton Home League
Under 16 Hitchin Home Friendly
Saturday-14/01/2012-Rugby 1st XV Home Game v Newmarket
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice Presidents' Lunch at the club. Please note that the first lunch of the year will be on Saturday 14th 1st Xv when we play Newmarket. We had a good ,lunch and a great game when we played them earlier in the season and look forward to hosting them, if you would like to attend, please let me know, Alansj.Brooking@gmail.com
Friday-27/01/2012-Social Burns Night
See Alan Price or Brian King for further details. 5 tables already reserved (November 2011). Get in early to avoid disappointment.
Saturday-04/02/2012-Rugby 1st XV Home Game v Holt
London League Three North East match preceded by a Sponsors Lunch at the club
Shaun
I failed to recover in time from injury which was very disappointing from a personal point of view having played in the previous 15 consecutive games, however we were fortunate to be able to call on Darren Hawkins who only became available last minute and Paul Eynon to step in as skipper for the day, Danny Stonehouse was back from injury and on the bench and Rhys Powell made his first start since early September ironically injuring himself against Wanstead, this was also due to be Prindy’s last game before retiring.
We started poorly conceding some soft tries and found ourselves 19-6 down at HT before a spirited fight back saw Wernez scored in the last minute to level the scores 22-22 and preserve our unbeaten home record, results elsewhere went our way meaning we stay second in the league although with some very tough fixtures in the New Year nothing has been decided yet and with 10 fixtures left in this campaign there is everything to play for and look forward to.
MOM this week went to Martin Malia for a great all round game as we dominated the lineouts, he was a total menace around the breakdown and really played on the edge! A second ‘special’ MOM award went to Prindy who had his best game for some time!
DOTM went to Wernez for being aggressive towards the ref when complaining about what the opposition had done to him managing to get himself sin binned!
The Rams went down narrowly to a strong Westcliff side 17-12, no saints game this week.
I would like to wish everyone a fantastic Christmas, we have had a good first half of the season across the club as we look to bounce back from relegation at the first attempt, no mean feat given that teams relegated from London 2 NE have historically struggled to hit the ground running and be in the mix for promotion straight away.
Youth results:
U15 10 Bishops Stortford 41
U16 19 Luton 22
Mini’s
Had their Christmas Party this week. Auntie, Jeff Bessent, was a great Santa Claus
From Louise Bell: Huge thanks to Allen & Helen Maddocks for a wonderful minis Christmas Party, you worked so hard xx PS Allen you're not allowed to give up on being Chairman for the minis - you've done a fab job xx
100 Club winners: Christmas 100 Club winners £400.00 goes to Dave Oastler £200.00 goes to Steve Smith - I think we can expect that we won’t run out of supplies for a bit now
Christmas Raffle winners:
A massive thank you to everyone that supplied the prizes for the raffle, the club raise £1600, which will help pay for the recent work done on the heating system.
1. England v Wales tickets - Allen Maddocks
2. £100.00 Cash - J Bicton
3. Diesel Bag - R Ingram
4. Drinks Selection - Terry Moseley
5. HRUFC Black Club Shirt - Emily Roze
6. 2 x Pairs Of Polaroid Junior Sunglasses - Daniel Knight
7. Victorinox Pen and Penknive set - Terry Moseley
8. PGA Hip Flask - Val Peacock
9. Mini Umberella - Terry MacNamara
10. LaPerla Face cream - Ian Dawson
11. Tin of Quality Street - John Harron
12. Jacobs Creek Wine Set - J Roze
13. Jacobs Creek Wine Set - Andy (U17)
14. Lindt Chocalates - Ian Gallentree
15. Thorntons Chocolates - David Oastler
16. Harolds Farm 4Ft Xmas Tree - Damian (The Rams)
17. Bells Special Blend whisky - Maxine Rhys Powell
18. Glenfiddich Whisky - John (Wymondham RFC)
19. Bacardi - P O'Brien
20. Gilbert Rugby Ball - Lucas
Coming events
Boxing Day Game, meet at 11:30 for a 12pm KO if you don’t want to play please come down and have a drink with your friends and watch the game.
Club opening hours over Christmas
Sunday 25th - Closed
Monday 26th (Boxing day) 1200-1500.
More Coming Events
Saturday-14/01/2012-Rugby 1st XV Home Game v Newmarket
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice Presidents' Lunch at the club
Friday-27/01/2012-Social Burns Night
See Alan Price or Brian King for further details. 5 tables already reserved (November 2011). Get in early to avoid disappointment. Saturday-04/02/2012-Rugby 1st XV Home Game v Holt
London League Three North East match preceded by a Sponsors Lunch at the club
Saturday-03/03/2012-Rugby 1st XV Home Game v Sudbury
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice Presidents' Lunch at the club Friday-16/03/2012-Social St. Patrick's Dinner
Details to be announced
Shaun
A disappointing weekend for the 1st Xv away to South Woodham Ferrers as we came unstuck against a highly motivated side that came at us hard in the first half and took all their chances to give us another difficult job to try and turnaround a significant deficit at half time, this was a performance which has been typical of the last few weeks and in all honesty we got what we deserved after making our normal late comeback we ran out of time and suffered our second away league defeat of the season going down 15-11.
If we are to get back to performances from earlier in the season we will need to respond how we have said we are going to respond, as at the moment we are not functioning as a team when we cross the white line………..
Danny Wright made his first team debut on Saturday and was playing well until his unfortunate foot injury after 35 minutes, I’m sure it won’t be long before Danny is back challenging for his place. We also saw the welcome return of player coach Rhys Powell as substitute following a nasty eye injury sustained when myself and Rhys clashed heads against Wanstead in early September (I was fine!).
A good training session on Monday taken by Popey and a well attended session by the 1st XV squad on Thursday although there are only a few Rams players training at the moment which we need to enhance.
MOM and DOTM to be addressed after our final league game before Christmas when we welcome Wanstead to Ram Gorse.
On another note this is likely to be Paul ‘Prndy’ Prindiville’s last ever 1st XV game as he has indicated he will be retiring at the end of the season and is due to have an operation in early January which will rule him out for the remainder of our 2011/12 campaign – pressures on not to be remembered for a poor last ever game mate! ; )
This week saw another good win for the Saints over Cambourne 46-15.
The Vets had a fixture away to Romford and here’s a few comments from Dave Oastler: “Just want to congratulate and thank all the boys who turned out for the vets yesterday against Romford. Unfortunately we lost some regulars late in the week and had a couple of expected players no-show on the day, so arrived at Romford with only 11. Romford lent us two of their least effective people but still had a 2-3 man advantage all game. Our boys put up an incredibly gutsy, resilient, brave ...performance, scoring a hatful of tries in response to Romford attacking blind at every opportunity. We went down on the day but won the morale victory- anyone with a 2 man advantage shouldn't concede anywhere near as often as they did to our plucky, skilful attacks. well done boys, particularly to those who travelled some distance and the lads who helped us out when we were short; you're welcome anytime in the vets and you've made a crocked, frustrated spectator extremely proud :0)”
We also had our first ever Harlow girls fixture on Sunday and the signs are encouraging for the future.
Other Youth Results:
U13 Lost v Thurrock 14 - 27
U14 Lost v Burnham 10 - 22 r> U16 Lost v Woodford 19 - 27 r> U17 Won v Chingford 32 – 29
Christmas Raffle
The draw will take place on Sunday 18th, at 1:30pm at the Club, lots of good prices, Diesel Handbag, 2 England V Wales Tickets, 100 pounds cash, plus lots more, also Christmas 100 Club draw. If you would like tickets they are still available from behind the bar...
Coming Events:
This Saturday 1st XV Home Game v Wansted
London League Three North East match preceded by a hot buffet, not a VP lunch as advertised. Cost five pounds per head, please let Alan Brooking Alansj.Brooking@gmail.com if you are attending.
Shaun
The first XV, despite dominating the early exchanges of our league game with Campion were close to being victims of a ‘smash & grab’ by my old school side who defended exceptionally well when under pressure and took points from every opportunity to leave us in real trouble with less than 10 minutes to play! However our never say die attitude enabled us to nick the game with a strong forward surge during the last quarter and a magnificent drop goal from Dobbo with 2 minutes to play leaving Campion shell shocked.
Dobbo was very fortunate to get away with not being awarded DOTM as he missed a penalty from almost in front of the posts with the ball ending up somewhere near the corner flag! This week’s DOTM award ended up being shared by Malia and Wilko, our hookers who had a day to forget when throwing in at the lineout’s.
MOTM went to Dave Roze who came in to the team at the last minute and gave his opposite number a torrid time in the front row as well as getting through a good level of work around the park.
We learnt a lot from this game against a stubborn and talented Campion side who’s league position is no guide to their ability and we are sure it won’t be long before they climb the table.
A good turnout at the drink up with the former players after the game resulting in a lot of players being the worse for wear through over indulging and not least myself!
This week we are away to South Woodham Ferrers for what will be the first fixture between our clubs at 1st team level for a number of years.
The Rams lost at home to a strong Southend XV 24-7 whist the Saints handed out a hiding to Biggleswade 45-5!
As we head towards the Christmas break let make sure we get to training, in particular the Rams who have tailed off in numbers of late which can’t be helping results.
Youth results:
U13 39 Braintree 0
U15 7 Romford 44
U16 7 Braintree 44
Mini’s were training this week
Coming events:
Saturday-17/12/2011-Rugby 1st XV Home Game v Wansted
London League Three North East match Last lunch before Christmas before we play Wansted, it’s VP lunch and we need all the support we can get. We managed the win with all the former players cheering us on last Saturday
Saturday-14/01/2012-Rugby 1st XV Home Game v Newmarket
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice Presidents' Lunch at the club
Friday-27/01/2012-Social Burns Night
See Alan Price or Brian King for further details. 5 tables already reserved (November 2011). Get in early to avoid disappointment.
Shaun
A very disappointing performance away to Maidstone in the RFU Senior Vase as we really let ourselves down with poor work rate and a lack of heart against a strong, highly motivated side, this type of performance was reminiscent of last season and one that the squad and coaches agreed that we need to put behind us quickly with a response in training and the upcoming games up till Christmas.
Saturday saw full 1st XV debuts for Alex Milne at 9 and Damo Ward on the wing as well as a debut from the bench for Simon Jenna, we also saw the return of Webby to full back. We also had a new centre pairing of Hills and Mackie and a return to first team action for Branchy and Woodington.
This week we have what is arguably our biggest social of the season with the former players lunch preceding our league game with Campion and the biggest turnout for this event so far is expected followed by a band in the evening where all are welcome.
As a Campion School old boy myself this has always been a fixture I have looked forward too over the years having thoroughly enjoyed my time at what was and is a great rugby school and old boys team who play a very entertaining brand of running rugby and will no doubt provide a stern test for us this weekend.
The saints XV went down narrowly to Ely Development 12-5, wonder how much of an effect their comedy social the night before had on the result!.
Well done to the Ladies for recording a 32-5 victory over Hackney.
Junior results:
U13 0 Brentwood 51
U14 0 Stanford Le-hope 37
U15 56 Barking 7
U7 First Game 1 Chingford 1
U7 First Game 8 Chingford 0
U7 Second Game 5 Chingford 3
U9 First Game 2 Chingford 5
U9 Second Game 0 Chingford 7
U9 Third Game 2 Chingford 3
U10 First Game 12 Chingford 4
U10 Second Game 11 Chingford 1
Friday-27/01/2012-Social Burns Night
See Alan Price or Brian King for further details. 5 tables already reserved (November 2011). Get in early to avoid disappointment.
Shaun
The 1st XV visited Sudbury for what has been a bit of a bogey fixture for us over the years and only 2 victories out of 10 previous visits up until Saturday so we knew league positions were irrelevant, which appears to be the same throughout this league with anyone capable of an upset on the day.
We went behind to two well struck penalties before winning a kickable pen of our own, up stepped Dobbo, assuming he would be taking a shot at goal but to the bemusement of Lee and on watching coach Rhys Powell I elected to go for the corner, backing our forwards who seemed highly motivated in the early stages to get us over the line, which we duly did with Malia getting the touchdown 6-5.
We would be next to score, again from good forward work I was able to pick and go, bounce off a couple of defenders before scoring my 3rd try of the season (I’m the only one who keeps count!) 10-6 up with 5 minutes of the half left we conceded against the run of play, as their mammoth prop and top try scorer finished well from a quick tap penalty 13-10 down at HT although there was no panic, boys remaining calm and confident.
We lost Denzil Crafton to a bad shoulder injury just after half time, which was a big loss given his performance the week before and how he had been playing in this game, and with the workshy Onion joining the fray, everyone’s workload was about to increase ; ).
The way we pressured Sudbury when they had the ball was excellent, never allowing them to settle forcing them into errors which resulted in us regaining possession, from one of these occasions good hands from Hills on the wing to Luke Bowering resulted in an excellent diving finish by Luke in the corner 15-13 to us.
We then lost Malia to the bin for a series of team offences and Sudbury took the lead 16-15, however down to 14 we worked even harder, winning a penalty wide out which Dobbo calmly put away to put us back in the lead 18-16 and holding out till Malia could rejoin the game, we then scored another excellent forwards try with Stonehouse (who can’t stop scoring at the moment) crashing over, 23-16 up, we never sat back and continued to pressure Sudbury winning another penalty which Dobbo coolly converted to put the game out of reach 26-16.
Every time we got in our opponents 22 we left with points, scored 4 tries, 2 pens and picking up a vital bonus point away from home and only conceded one try – our most complete away performance of the season so far…………
MOM went to Luke Bowering for a simply outstanding finish in the corner and faultless display in defence, DOTM went to his brother Mark who with a ‘free ball’ for an infringement by Sudbury, clean through and with minutes remaining, panicked (Mark has never scored a senior try) and with the line beckoning, well it would have been if he had composure and more importantly a bit of pace! He kicked the ball away ’advantage over’ and Sudbury launched an attack from his Mark’s first ever kick!
This week we welcome Upminster to Ram Gorse, a good running rugby side who will provide a stern test. We also look forward to receiving your support at home for this important game, the number of people making the effort to attend the pre-match VP lunches and lend their vocal support has been well received.
The Rams won away to Romford, a fantastic achievement given their 1st XV and top of the league and its always a very tough place to go and win.
Saints drew 14-14 with Ely Development.
The ladies lost 24-10 to Hampstead
Coming events:
Saturday-19/11/2011- 1st XV Home Game v Upminster
London League Three North East match preceded by a Vice Presidents' Lunch at the club
Friday-25/11/2011- Comedy Night
8pm till late and over 18s only Tickets are just £10 over the Club Bar or contact Tracey Lee (tmlee@hotmail.co.uk or call 07890 632238)
Saturday-03/12/2011- 1st XV Home Game v Campion
London League Three North East match will be preceded by the former players lunch. Make a note of the date now. Even better get in touch with the rest of the team you played with at the Club and book a table. This event is often a sell out so make your plans and book NOW. We have a band booked for after as well so no excuses for going home early.
Shaun
Once again we started very strongly racing into a first minute lead from the KO, with a strong break from Stonheouse after taking the initial offload from me he was able to bump off the first 2 tackles before putting Hawkins through although he ran out of steam after 60 yards, drew the defender and passed to Crafton, making his full home debut to score – on the walk back Denzil commented ‘it’s not the quickest try I have scored’! We then scored again quickly through Wayne Heapy on 3 minutes before taking our foot off the gas and letting them back in the game with a soft try around the fringes, before replying again through Mackie on 10 minutes.
A poor kick allowed Cheshunt to charge down and score before we replied with a penalty and a well taken drop goal by Danny Smith, who travelled back from university in Gloucester at short notice to help us out and although played very well the saluting the of crowd after his sublime drop goal undoing his good work! So a HT lead of 23-12.
Injured player coach Rhys Powell proceeded to dish out an uncharacteristic (although deserved!) half time roasting of our defensive performance which stirred us into a stronger 2nd half effort and further tries from Stonehouse, debutants Mark Goggins and Crafton for a 40-12 win and most importantly a 2nd half defensive shut out!
Saturday also saw a debut for Alex Milne at 9 as a 2nd half replacement who looks another good acquisition for our squad this season, increasing the completion for places further.
MOM went to Denzil Crafton for his 2 try debut and DOTM went to Rob ‘Super Grass’ Mackie who the previous week grassed up Lee Harron for his ridiculous WWE dwarf wrestling ‘You can’t see me’ try celebration and this week Rob grassed up Danny for the drop goal crowd salute – 2nd time Rob has picked up DOTM! - No one likes a grass!
The other results from our area of the competition are below and now with potentially 3 more games to a Twickenham final all the clubs involved will be keen to progress not least ourselves so let’s continue to work hard in training with good attendance.
London & SE Senior Vase Round 2
Saturday, 05 November 2011
East London 17 - 14 Stowmarket
Harlow 40 - 12 Cheshunt
Horsham 15 - 10 Winchester
Maidstone HWO Uckfield
Norwich 41 - 7 Barnet Elizabethans
Old Alleynians AWO Folkestone
Sheppey 26 - 6 KCS Old Boys
Wymondham 15 - 17 Newmarket
This week we visit Sudbury in the league who always provide very tough opposition and have more often than not turned us over on their patch irrespective of their league position over the years.
Events
Next lunch – Saturday 19th November before Upminster game
Comedy night - Friday 25th November
Former players lunch on 3rd December, before we play Campion in the league– James Ephgrave has made a huge effort and has got together 2 tables of 10 former players from his era (although we hope he will eventually make a comeback!) there are still spaces available as we look to make this a 120 person sell out with around 90 places gone already! So please let Alan Price know if you would like to attend – there will be a band playing after the game as well for ALL to enjoy so don’t plan to be home early!
Shaun
1st XV started extremely well scoring 2 tries in the first 15 minutes although as in previous weeks we failed to keep up this level of performance for the rest of the game as Wymondham came back at us hard, in particular punishing us with 3 points almost every time we gave away a penalty through their prolific goal kicker.
As has been the case for most games this season when we needed too we upped our performance almost scoring at will including a cheeky try from Harron (more on that later!) a good finish from Vanbeck and an excellent forwards try, which Harron nicked off us at the death! The defence on our line was also outstanding as we defended a 4 point lead in the dying minutes, we just need to get back to playing well for the full 80 minutes……..
MOM went to Darren Hawkins for his dominance at the kick off and the line out, strong ball carrying and defensive work.
DOTM (although this should be changed for this week to TOTM!) went to Lee Harron – he somehow skipped around the blind side of a ruck, with less than a foot of space from the touchline to manoeuvre in to score an excellent opportunist try, in fact the first our opposition and indeed we knew of this was when we looked up to see Lee dancing behind the try-line mimicking his favourite wrestler from the WWE (some dwarf apparently!) as part of his celebration waving his hand in front of his face and miming ‘you can’t see me’ repeatedly, upon arriving home after the game (despite being awarded DOTM for this in the bar) and still feeling particularly proud of himself Lee explained the try celebration to his teenage son who we understand said “OMG thank God I wasn’t there Dad that’s so embarrassing”! if this wasn’t bad enough Lee also tricked the forwards to let him have the ball as we drove over the line to score his second try of the game, when you don’t have many games left these aren’t the things to be remembered for………………..
This week we entertain local rivals Cheshunt in the RFU Senior Vase a competition which leads to a final at Twickenham from winning 5 games so a real opportunity for all the teams involved, Please continue to make every effort to get down and support us, the support to date has been excellent and very much appreciated.
I have listed below the other teams in our side of the draw:
Saturday, 05 November 2011
East London Vs. Stowmarket
Harlow Vs. Cheshunt
Horsham Vs. Winchester
Maidstone Vs. Uckfield
Norwich Vs. Barnet Elizabethans
Old Alleynians Vs. Folkestone
Sheppey Vs. KCS Old Boys
Wymondham Vs. Newmarket
The Rams overcame a strong Eton Manner side with a last minute try and 14-12 victory which was no doubt a reflection of the excellent number at training last week and this Tuesday.
The Saints got back to winning ways against Newmarket development XV 34-5, the game also finished early as a number of players from both side went to assist a road traffic accident which happened close to where the Saints were playing.
Club events:
We intend to put on a non- formal lunch for this Sat. game v Cheshunt in the cup. Lasagne and salad @ 1.00......£5.00 per plate. Let Alan Price know if you would like to attend or he will be even more miserable than normal!
Next lunch: 1st XV v Upminster 19th November It will be a Vice Presidents' Lunch at the club
Friday 25th November: Comedy Night
8pm till late and over 18s only Tickets are just £10 over the Club Bar or contact Tracey Lee (tmlee@hotmail.co.uk or call 07890 632238)
Saturday December 3rd: – Former players lunch prior to the 1st XV game against Campion followed by a band in the evening.
Shaun
The 1st XV were away to Holt, a journey which was to take in excess of 4 hours due to the M11 being closed (why does it always happen to us!), however we started well and were in the lead for around 30 minutes after Dobbo slotted an penalty after 5 minutes of pressure during the majority of this time we were camped in our opponents 22 but could not turn territory and possessions into points, Holt grew in confidence from this and took the lead 5-3 with a well executed move, then just before half time we conceded again when the opposition chipped over the onrushing defence and picked up a fortuitous bounce to score a converted try for a 12-3 HT lead.
Despite a spirited second half performance with long periods of possession we were unable to breach the oppositions excellent defence, at any level you have to retain possession at key points of attack and take your chances as well as make your first up tackles or you will get punished by the good sides which Holt clearly are and as we chased the game our defence became stretched and we were turned over at key moments as the game slipped away from us.
Saturday saw a long awaited 1st XV debut for Aled Hills as well as a first appearance of the season for Josh Drake.
MOM went to Wayne Heapy for his aggressive running and defence in the centres, DOTM rather surprisingly and uncharacteristically went to Mark Bowering for having what he thought was a discreet tantrum when substituted on 70 minutes, however I spotted it and he was duly dealt with on the long bus journey home with various fines!
The boys stuck together after the game, further enhancing the strong team spirit which has been developing in the early stages of the season having probably too many drinks on the bus home and then into town after, we are only 6 games into a 22 league game season, sometimes we fall so we can learn how to pick ourselves up and the first opportunity to do this has been at training this week where we trained hard in a physical session on Tuesday with an eye on the upcoming visit of Wymondham this Saturday who promise to be a real test of our resolve and unbeaten home record.
We need your positive support this week so please make every effort to get down to the club on Saturday to support us.
The Rams went down 42 -12 at home to a strong South Woodham Ferrers side, the Rams backs have been regularly at training however there have been few Rams forwards training recently making it difficult to train as a team so let’s all get back on the training field.
The Saints also lost Saturday to Renegades 48-24 which was a surprising margin of defeat given the strength of the Saints this season.
Other results from our junior sides were:
U14 5 Sudbury 58
U16 45 Stevenage 22
U17 0 Woodford 71
So a tough weekend all round for our club.
Socials this week: There is a VP lunch before the 1st XV home game versus Wymondahm, please contact Alan Price on : 07939 041308
Saints Curry Night Anyone who wishes to attend the Saints Curry Night this Saturday please let Auntie (Jeff Bessent) know ASAP 15 pounds per head mixed Thai and Indian buffet at the Garden of India restaurant 7:30pm. Mo has agreed to donate money for a new set of shirts for the away trip to Spain so a good turnout required he is also donating this week's raffle prize. Please attend and support your Saints, Auntie's mobile number is 07767452003....
Shaun
Our fitness is really starting to show through in games thanks to the hard work from fitness coach Steve ‘Eyeballs Out’ Woodroof throughout pre-season (which started on the 10th May!) and during normal weekly training sessions.
This was also our 5th win on the bounce – the first time we have achieved this run of results since the 2006-7 season and it was great to see such a large crowd down to support us on Saturday this is very much appreciated by the boys and was commented upon by a number of the Norwich players after the game.
MOM went to Twinner for; dominance in the lineout, his aggressive counter rucking and a never say die work ethic that included a try saving tackle a few yards from our line, although a pretty poor performance from our MOM when attempting to drink a pint in one as part of the MOM award after the game brought you down a bit in our estimations, stick to Jaeger Bombs mate!
Donkey of the match went to Dobbo for missing 4 kickable shots at goal after converting 6/6 far more difficult chances the previous week!
However there were some other contenders for DOTM that deserve a mention, Mackie for a drop goal attempt that didn’t even go above Lee Harron height! And for some reason I was picked on by the watching 4th team, following the conclusion of their game who were unimpressed with my sublime, outside of the right boot kick for the corner, suggesting this was a skill not befitting a forward and awarded me their unofficial donkey of the match fining me a horrific shot of their homemade chilli vodka which burnt for a few hours after! Thanks Weddy!
We have a weekend off coming up although it’s important we commit to training again this week to further enhance what we have been doing. Next game is Holt away who sit top of the league, this is likely to be a 9am meet on 22/10, supporters very welcome.
The Rams went down 16-11 to Barking 3’s in their merit table game, the boys did well to stay within a score given they only had 14 players for 50 minutes of the game, the game also saw Branchy return from injury/wasting away on his sofa!
The Saints got back to winning ways with a 50-0 win and the game ended early for a knee injury to a St. Ives player, which just so happened to co-inside with Peter Keeling running onto the pitch just in time to hear the whistle and trot back off again!
Congratulations to our Ladies team who won their first league game v Chesham 24-7.
Games this weekend:
15-Oct
Fourth Saffron Walden III Home GK Cup Prelim
16-Oct Ladies Medway Away Friendly
Minis Training All Teams
Under 13 Maldon Home League
Under 14 TBA TBA Ex Cup Prelim
Under 15 Upper Clapton Home Friendly
Under 16 Dagenham Home Friendly
Under 17 Brentwood Home League
These are the fixtures this week. Mark Wedd is looking to get the Rams a home game if possible. The u14’s have a bye to the next round as Brightlingsea have pulled out of the cup (hence no game)
Coming Social events:
Next 1st XV home game on 29th October will be preceded by a Chairman's Lunch at the club. Contact Alan Brooking to book a table.
Date for your diary, there will be a comedy night on Friday 25th November, make a note now.
Shaun
MOM went to Rob Mackie, playing with a confidence which we haven’t seen for a while, was faultless under the high ball, scored a great individual try and defended well when the last man – clearly demonstrating the hard work put in on developing his game away from training is paying off.
Donkey of the match went to Prindy, where do I start! Gobbing off at the ref, running off on his own and getting turned over when told not too by Woody, running upright, good to have you back mate! ; )
This week we welcome Norwich to Ram Gorse for what is a traditionally tough game between our clubs stretching back many years, please get yourself down to support us in what promises to be a hard fought game as our guests had a big win against Sudbury last week winning 41-14.
Other results from our league on Saturday:
Holt 38 Wymondham 7
Norwich 45 Sudbury 14
Stowmarket 73 Campion 22
Upminster 17 East London 7
Wanstead 51 South Woodham Ferrers 14
The Rams went down 23-3 at Basildon on Saturday in a merit table game, disappointing numbers from the 2nd XV at training last week after a good win the week before would not have helped so let’s get back on the training pitch this week to get back on track.
Saint XV suffered their first loss of the season away to Saffron Walden 3’s 10-5 against a very strong Walden side.
ALL - Training reminder – let’s get out by 7:15pm to run through lineout’s/moves/individual warm up so as to maximise our preparation time for the games on Saturday.
Shaun
I’m also naturally delighted to be posting this off the back of our 3rd straight 1st XV league victory, we had some excellent ball retention from our forwards and finishing by our backs, in particular Will Grimley (2) & Wernez Kotze (2) although we imploded for 15 minutes in the 2nd half allowing a talented Stowmarket side to draw level from being 31 -14 down to 31-31! With 7 minutes to play, I summonsed player coach Lee Harron from retirement/the bench to help guide us home and he duly controlled the forwards and won a penalty in front of the posts, which Danny Smith coolly slotted to break Stowmarket hearts and get us out of jail with the last play of the game and take the points with a 34-31 win! This was also the first win Kerry Palmer has experienced whilst playing for the 1st XV in 3 years, make your own conclusions on that ; )
This game was a reality check for us as we were punished with points for almost every error we made, if we are serious about the targets we have set ourselves we can’t afford to concede 31 points and expect to win games! our defence was at times excellent on Saturday, has been very good in previous games and I know we will enhance this further, we are all very positive that we won whilst accepting there is work to be done at training this week in preparation for a tough trip to Newmarket this coming Saturday.
MOM this week went to Danny Smith who controlled the game well from 10, showed great feet to beat the first defender on several occasions, scored a try when collecting his own chip ahead and of course won the game with the last play, Donkey of the week was the whole squad for throwing away a 17 point lead! Although Charlie Woodington made a strong run for this award by throwing a ’14 point pass’ that I was poised to score from had it been on target, which was intercepted to bring the score to 31-31! Let off because, Lee and Danny got us out of jail, Charlie played very well throughout the game and us taking collective responsibility as a squad for our performance.
Rams having had their merit table opposition withdraw at the last minute won a friendly against the Honourable Artillery Company, we seem to be building some momentum in the 2nd XV, let’s take this to Basildon on Saturday.
The Saints remain undefeated after a convincing win over Shelford IV in the Greene King Merit Table Premier Division. This weekend the 1st XV are away to Newmarket in the league, the Rams are at home to Basildon II, KO 3pm, and the Saints are away to Saffron Walden III.
Training has been pretty intense so far with players arriving early and running through moves/line-outs before the session starts, this is having a positive impact but can only work if we get ourselves out early SO……….Let’s get on the training paddock by 7:15 competition is also fierce with a number of players returning from injury and others putting themselves in contention with strong performances for the 2nd XV. The more players we have the more we can do.
Looking forward to this weekend we have the following going on:
England v Scotland on Saturday morning with a full Irish breakfast available at the club.
01-Oct First
Newmarket I Away League
Fourth Saffron Walden III Away Merit
Second Basildon Home Merit
02-Oct Ladies
Hammersmith & Fulham Home League
Confirmed Minis Training All Teams
Under 14 Saffron Walden Away Friendly Confirmed
Under 15 Sudbury Away Friendly
Under 16 Sudbury Away Friendly
Under 17 TBA TBA Ex Cup
Shaun
The 1st XV recorded a hard fought 5-3 away win against a Wanstead side who are formidable on their own patch having lost only 1 game at home last season and recording positive home results against both sides promoted out of this league in 2010/11, we knew this was going to be a big test and our defence was outstanding in its work ethic in ensuring for the second game in a row we did not concede a try, (even Onion was putting in big hits!) a real turnaround from a side that conceded over 700 points last season! Rob Mackie scored our try as he charged down their clearance kick, (quite what he was doing so far up the pitch we don’t know!) although did his best to almost knock it on, (no surprises there!) in the process of his Bambi like dive on the ball!
Congratulations to Denzil Crafton who made a good impact on his 1st XV league debut (Onion has your card marked to celebrate this on the first away trip!) when replacing Kain Claridge suffering with an injury who up until this point was having his usual no nonsense destructive game.
We also had strong performances from Simon Van Beck, Luke Bowering & Danny Smith in the backs along with our hard working front row of Dan Stonehouse, Martin Malia & Dave Roze performing well again.
One sour note was the serious injury to our inspirational 9 Rhys Powell in the dying minutes as we defended their scrum ,the talented Wanstead 8 picked up with myself and Rhys both trying to hit him hard and accidently smashed our heads together (and their 8!) this resulted in Rhys having to leave the field in somewhat of daze (I was fine!) and we understand Rhys has a double fractured eye socket, we all wish Rhys a speedy recovery.
MOM went to ME for my defensive work and hard running all game, I could go on…………! I also picked up Donkey of the match for injuring Rhys and coming off unscathed!
A big thank you to our match day management team of; Manski, Kev and Wendy Ellis, the boys really appreciate everything you do for us appreciation also to our travelling supporters who outnumbered the home teams following and remained vocal and positive throughout the game *except for Alan Price of course who can’t help himself! ; )
The Rams XV beat Upminster 38-26 Great result for the boys in the first merit table game of the season (another away win!), we knew it was only a matter of time given the amount of quality in our 2nd XV!
Saints XV look unstoppable at the moment beating St. Neots 38 – 12 on the road, this is no real surprise to those of us training with the Saints as the senior squad had a live scrumaging session against the Saints and they gave us a very tough and worthwhile workout from their powerful pack to help us prepare for our upcoming league games! We look forward to the next one!
Junior results:
U13 38 Harpenden 10
U15 5 Rochford 36
U16 50 Saffron Walden 22
U17 37 South Woodham Ferris 7
Great to see our youth section performing well with 3 victories out of 4 and our U15 coming up against a very strong Rochford side but appear to be having a good start to the season from earlier results.
This weekend, the 1st XV are at home v Stowmarket and there will be a lunch buffet of lasagne and salad before the all the home games served between 1pm to 1:15pm. All three teams are at home and they are all on winning streaks so there will be something for everyone. Why not come and have a pre- match beer, discuss the latest world cup action a bite to eat and then support your team(s). All welcome, £5 per head. Please let Alan Price (alanandjanetprice@gmail.com) know of your intentions so that we can cater accordingly. Book a place to avoid disappointment!
There is also a golf day this Friday:
The club is organising another golf day for members and friends on Friday 23rd September at Manor of Groves Golf Club. 1st tee time @ 9-12am. The format will consist of coffee and bacon roll on arrival, an 18 hole stableford competition followed by a 2 course meal. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, nearest the pin, nearest the pin in 2 etc and a team prize. Total cost is £35.Payment is required by 1st September at the latest (but you never know). Cheques payable to Harlow RFC can be given to Ian Gallantree, Jack Tillotson, Alan Brooking or Alan Price or left behind the bar marked Golf Day for their attention. Further information from Ian Gallantree (01279 418652) or Jack Tillotson (01279 439839).
The club is open Saturday morning 7am, for England v Romania
For those that have ordered club Polo shirts we hope to have these next week.
Last words……. With 3 wins for our 3 senior sides and a real club spirit developing let’s keep the momentum going with another good turnout at training this week and continue to carry it into our games this weekend it’s the same old clichés but look at the difference we are making………………
Shaun
The Rams lost to Dagenham 1st XV after conceding two early scores against a well organised team which was always going to make it a big ask although an encouraging performance from a Rams side that on paper looks formidable and can only be a matter of time before the results go our way.
The Saints never seem to lose! Another big win against Biggleswade 55-5!
Congratulations to the ladies who won their first game of the season 24-12.
Two great socials were held at the club last week; firstly the U17’s had a 60's evening on Friday and the fancy dresses and the music were awesome and then on Saturday we had our ‘Start of season Bash’ which was very well attended and supported – thanks in particular to Kerry Palmer for organising, everyone who made it along seemed to enjoy themselves with the club as busy as we have seen it for some time – we look forward to the next one!
Lets ensure we continue to develop across all the teams in our club by busting a gut to get to training this week with the 1st XV away to Wanstead in the league, Rams away to Upminster and Saints away to St Neots in merit table games whilst the ladies open their league campaign away to Old Albanians.
Shaun
The Rams (2nd XV) went down narrowly to a strong Bishops Stortford side on Saturday with a number of good performances from; Sean Banks, Aled Hills, Neil McMullen, Stuart Wilkins who returned to Harlow colours this season as well as a good debut from Andy Wickham.
Our Saints XV continued where they left off last season with a strong victory over Black Horse.
Numbers at training have been excellent and it’s important we continue this trend if we are to be successful and reach the targets set at the start of the season across all sides.
This week we commence our 1st XV league campaign and will be welcoming East London to Ram Gorse whilst the Saints play Biggleswade at home in a the first Merit table game, your support at the games will be very much appreciated.
The Ladies open the season with a friendly on Sunday against New Ash Green.
We also have our first VP lunch before the game on Saturday which promises to be well supported followed by our start of season bash after the game with Russell Snowdon’s band the Rolling Nines providing the entertainment so please come and support this big club event.
Shaun
This photo is from the 2008/09 season
This photo is owned by: Dave Sharp
This photo shows:
4th XV
Breaking from the scrum
The opposition were: Brentwood Vets