TJ’s started better then Barnes and were 0 - 5 up after only three minutes, but we bounced back quickly with a line out drive, from which the ball was popped to the ever-threatening Robbie Martey, who scored to level the score at 5 - 5 after only nine hectic minutes.

The visitors scored again though a few minutes later, taking the score to 5 - 12, which is where it remained for the rest of the half, where there was much huffing and puffing but no houses being blown down.

TJ’s were the first to score in the second half too, extending their lead to 5 -19 after only five minutes. Barnes fought back though and, with TJ’s down to 14 men through a yellow card, took advantage of the extra man, Nick Van Buuren finding a way through the visitor's defence to close the gap to 12 - 17. At that point, it looked like a Barnes comeback was on the cards. But a penalty, and another converted try, made sure that comeback wasn’t to be. Leading 12 - 29, victory was assured for the Kent side. Barnes had not given up though, and a final try to Josh Davies, converted by Josh Hammett, made the score look more respectable but it was, nevertheless, another loss for Barnow.

This weekend Barnes travel to Bristol to play Old Redcliffians in a game they will be looking to win and complete the double, having won very narrowly at Barn Elms last October 17-10. With OR’s one point, and one place, above Barnes in National League 2, this is a very important game for us as we look to get back to winning ways, and a more comfortable league position as we approach the sharp end of the season.

In other results last weekend, the 2nd XV were put under the cosh by an Old Elthamians 2nd XV bristling with confidence and ability, which reflects the National 1 League leaders talent pool, and we lost 24 - 45 in the end.

On Sunday Barnes Ladies 2nd XV overcame local rivals Battersea Ironsides, winning 34 - 14 in the end, bringing some cheer at last for Barnow supporters.

This weekend we have four big games on Saturday, with the 1’s making that trip to Bristol, the 2’s closer to home against Wimbledon and the Occies and Vets at Barn Elms. Here are the full details:

Saturday 9th February

• Old Redcliffians vs Barnes 1st XV - 2.30pm KO

• Wimbledon 2's vs Barnes 2nd XV - 2.30pm KO

• Mayfair Occasionals vs Old Tiffinians -1.00pm KO

• Barnes Harrodians Vets vs Farnham Vets - 2.00pm KO

So that's it for this week, some of you who read this stuff will realise that it is much shorter than normal, this is due to me severing the tip of one of my two typing fingers yesterday whilst trying to open a packet of mangos - don't ask - anyway it rather hampers my output hall we say!

Here's to another cracking game of Barnow Rugby, all played in the original spirit that we embrace at Barnes.

Onwards and Upwards Barnow!

Michael "Rhino" Whitfield - Chairman Barnes RFC