Saturday 6th March

A great afternoons rugby at Barnes Elms provided by the ever improving minis.

The U7’s took Roslyn Park boys to task and ran out 2-0 winners over two tight games and remain unbeaten for the season, the U’7 had a tough encounter V Bank of England and clinched it in the final minute of the game to prevail 3-1. Sadly the U9’s were edged out 3-1 by a larger Richmond team but something of a travesty as our boys were held up over the line twice in the last minute of the game, the boys demonstrated outstanding defense aligned with aggressive attacking, though beaten the U9’s show great promise for the future. Special mention to Edouard for his all round performance, Max for a great try, Bertie for breaks and defense and Edgar who was held up over the line twice.

A great session of minis rugby with many supporters in a bitingly cold wind.

Between now and the end of the season....

Normal Saturday training resumes for the rest of the season except:

Saturday 13th March U8’s, U9’s, U10’s U11’s to the Harrodian School

o If there is critical mass U6s and U7s will train at Barnes Elms. Please discuss with your coach.

The last day of regular training at Barnes Elms for the season will be Saturday 17th April

We are trying to sign up for a festival on 18th April – more information to follow

The Rosslyn Park Curry Cup for the U6’s is confirmed for 25th April

Last Weekend Vs Old Emanuel

Thank you to everyone who turned out last weekend at Barn Elms to play Old Emanuel. The decision to go ahead in "marginal" conditions was justified by an enjoyable morning's rugby and some good wins by Barnes RFC, with the U9s particularly impressive. The results from the younger squads last weekend and elsewhere this season augur well for the future.

Old Emanuel went away with a first class impression of Barnes RFC's rugby and welcome - well done all - in particular our coaches - and finally Zoe, for laying on 200 hot dogs at 24 hours notice!

U11 - narrow loss, 0-3, and never out played

U9 - won 7-1

At our last appearance against Emmanuel, the young Barnes U9's were comprehensively beaten - was today going to be repeat of history?

Our young bucks said, No! On this very wet and cold morning the U9s showed their true metal and trained and played hard with the Emmanuel U9s. We dominated the play with strong rucking and mauling, accompanied with good passing and progressive rugby. They ran out winners with 7 tries to 1 - this was truly an exceptional strong performance by our U9's. A huge congratulations to all the boys.

U8 - won 1, drew 1, lost 1

U7 - won 5-4

U6 - won - score tbc - footage still with video referee!

7th Feb at Harlequins

7th February saw3 Barnes RFC Minis Teams give an outstanding overall display for the Club at the Harlequins Ethiad Cup.

The Harlequins organizer commented that he thought Barnes RFC Minis teams were a good reflection on what minis rugby should be about. Particularly pleasing was the improvement in standard since our trip to Havant this time last year.
The consistency and determination of tackling, together with attacking running and support play was exceptional. All the teams we played, as one might expect, were more experienced than the Barnes kids, but these so called superior teams got a rude awakening when the Barnes lads stepped up.

The U11’s recorded an excellent 2-0 win against Mitcham and surprisingly were only just defeated by an impressive and well drilled Ealing team, they were again narrowly defeated by Parkhouse and finally succumbed to the impressive Belfast Harlequins. The Barnes boys demonstrated fearless tackling , aggressive running and close support play. A proud display of entertaining rugby as the boys continue to learn, develop and have fun.

Barnes U9s were first faced against Bracknell and Ealing, who were well disciplined and well drilled teams. I don't know what they feed them at these clubs but they just appeared to twice the size of our boys - I think we need to feed ours more red meat or we need to check their birth certificates!! The U9's defended valiantly but were thwarted by some slick passing. They eventually fell to Bracknell 4 tries to nil and Ealing 6 tries to 1 - the Barnes try being scored by their Captain, Cameron Dahri, after a sterling run down the blind side. The final match against the Trojans was a more even affair. The first half had the Trojans keeping Barnes pinned in their own half of the pitch but they held out against a strong Trojan attack. The second half it was the turn of Barnes to dominate with slick passing and support play by all, which kept the Trojans on the back foot. Barnes utilized their speed and with an angled run across the field, Edgar Canham scored a try, giving Barnes their first victory.

Barnes U8 won 1, drew 1 and lost 2 close games - finishing in third position overall. Jason picks up the commentary during the Effingham game ......"this was the match in which we really showed off our skills: fast running, slick passing, superb support play (2 examples being: James L running fast with the ball with Calum B next to him and at the moment of tagging, James popping it off to Calum for a try; AND, Francis coming from deep, stepping inside to avoid the sideline and 2 defenders, offloading it to Fin who skipped passed 4 defenders and, again, at the moment of being tagged offloads it to Oscar for a try". The U8 are in with a shout of qualifying for the semi finals of this competition with that third place, and got a special commendation for sportsmanship.

Hats off to those who opted to stay for the senior Harlequins V Gloucester game (!) - and that you all for coming along to support - and as always to our outstanding coaches.

Barnes Mini Rugby -

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CLICK HERE FOR MINIS APPLICATION FORM

CLICK HERE FOR A MINIS PARENT GUIDE

Barnes RFC Minis is in its second full season, offering training and competition for boys and girls ages 6-12, and are the first London Club to offer Saturday Mini rugby. The boys and girls train each Saturday from 09:30 to 11:15, at Barn Elms, SW13 ODG - which is found at the end of Queen Elizabeth Walk in Barnes (near the Wetlands Centre). The launch of the minis section is another milestone for Barnes RFC, one of the oldest, friendliest and most successful rugby clubs in London.

We genuinely put children first, winning second and believe that rugby should be fun for every child attending our training sessions.

Children are coached by RFU qualified Barnes coaches, along with volunteer parents. We have a high ratio of coaches to children, including 1st squad players, providing a friendly, safe and professional coaching environment for all the children. Previous experience is not required. We play matches on some Sundays, some Saturdays - eight fixtures are planned for 2009/10.

We can still accept a few more Minis so if you are interested in joining our exciting club email us today to BarnesMinisSecretary@BarnesRFC.org Membership is a credit crunch busting £75 for parent(s) and one child and £25 for each additional child, for the 8 month season. Please click in the link to download the application form.

Key Contacts:

Minis Captain - Simon Bound - minirugby@barnesrfc.org

Minis Secretary - Tracy Ferridge - barnesminissecretary@BarnesRFC.org

Fixtures - Hugh Ferridge and Justin Knight

j.knight@infinitycm.co.uk

hugh.ferridge@eelconsulting.co.uk

U11/U10 Manager - Hugh Ferridge

hugh.ferridge@eelconsulting.co.uk

U9 Managers - Jim Canham, Martin Glanville and Tom Dahri

james.canham@accenture.com

martinglanville@mac.com

tldahri@hotmail.com