On a chilly Spring Day, we took some time to warm up against Sutton and Epsom, drawing with a late try 7-7. Next up was a huge Cobham side, who definitely were wide awake and extremely lively. It looked ominous at 12-0 after only a few minutes but we eventually woke up in the second half to rally, I think the final score was 24-12, not bad considering the size difference, and Cobham in fact went on to win the overall competition.

By the last pool game against Guildford the boys came out firing on all cylinders, blasted 4 tires to nil in the first half and then rather sat back, allowing Guildford to pull a couple of scores back, but it was a comfortable win. It certainly showed that if this side has the opportunity to play more together, they will be a very good side.

The Men’s 1st XV plays their penultimate home game against Sevenoaks, a side we lost to at their place in January in a bit of a shocker 31-27 - and after the recent debacle at Henley I know the boys are desperate to take it to Sevenoaks and deny them the opportunity to do the home and away double on us. Whilst the scores were close in January when we lost, it was our performance that was so far from our best.

Sevenoaks have got better and better as the season has progressed, and this year they have fared really well against the top four sides running Esher close, and beating us, TJ’s and, on their last outing before Easter, they turned Dorking over 28-26.

Whatever Sevenoaks have been doing, Barnes have been quietly going about their business too, nothing flamboyant, a few ugly wins here and there, some beautiful phases in patches, and only two losses since Christmas, which has left us in 3rd place in National League 2 East. Sevenoaks’s consistent improvement sees them nicely balanced in mid-table, in 8th place.

But make no mistake, league positions will count for nothing in this contest, it is going to be a hell of a fixture, and the Kent boys will be more than up for this rematch.
The good news is that I 100% know that our lads will be more than up for it too. Over the years I have always seen us at our most dangerous when our backs are against the wall, and our performances in tough fixtures are often our best….come kick off we shall see won’t we?

This Saturday, the Raiders, our Men’s 2nd XV, travel away to Esher for a friendly, whilst the Occies are also in action, at home to Feltham with a 3pm kick off at Barn Elms.

May all our teams in the Original spirit we so embrace at Barnes Rugby Club.

Onwards and Upwards Barnow!

Michael “Rhino” Whitfield - President Barnes RFC