What a weekend of Barnes rugby last weekend, pandemic, what pandemic? With three men’s teams, one women’s team and a host of Junior age groups all playing I am delighted to report that Barnes RFC is back to 100% full-on rugby! If you add to that mix over 350 Minis, from Under 5’s to Under 11’s, there really was something for every rugby lover.

All of the adult games last weekend at Barn Elms. On Saturday, there 1st XV easily overcame an understrength Westcliff side, ravaged by injuries and poaching from other clubs, the final score was 46-12. On the next pitch the 2nd XV put in a brilliant shift against Ampthill 2’s, forcing a 17-17 draw against the strong visitors from Bedfordshire. The Occies had their first outing on Saturday, their ranks reinforced by several colts players from last season. Alas they came up short in the end, losing 26-48 in a veritable try fest against Weybridge Vandals. On Sunday the Women were frustrated by a cancellation from Rosslyn Park and on the 2nd XV played, overcoming easily Ealing Trailfinders 70-0. In addition, three Junior teams played, and you can read about their performance below, along with reports on the Men’s 1st and 2nd XV games, and the Minis happy Saturday!

Another big weekend ahead awaits Barnes, with four adult teams playing. The Men’s 1st and 2nd XV both face very tough opposition away at Esher, whilst the Occies travel the short distance to Wimbledon and take on their 3rd XV. On Sunday, our Women’s 1st XV travel to Haringey and play their 1st XV. These are all tough games for us to face early in the season, but we are ready and waiting!

The very best of luck to all Barnow teams this weekend, may you play in the original spirit we embrace proudly at Barnes RFC.

Onwards and Upwards!

Michael “Rhino” Whitfield – Chairman Barnes RFC

Here are some game updates for you to enjoy!

Barnes 1st XV 46 Westcliff 12

On a day of dull weather, Barnes provided the sunshine against a depleted Westcliff side, who’s task was made all the more difficult with several injuries, which significantly depleted the visitors bench by half-time. The game was effectively over by the break with Westcliff down 25-0.

Learning from the fast start of Clifton last week, Barnes set off at pace, and almost immediately Josh Hammett slotted a penalty in the first minute, to establish a lead that Barnes never lost.

Barnes played at pace, and this high tempo led to Hammett slicing through the Westcliff defence to score, and convert, his own try after 10 minutes. Four minutes later, Jasper Cameron muscled over to make it 15-0 after fourteen minutes, and on 19 minutes, Hammett converted another penalty to establish an 18-0 which, and at that stage the game already looked won. With ten first choice players injured, and further injuries in the first half, Westcliff looked up against it from then on, they never gave up, but a Westcliff yellow card increased the pressure, allowing Barnes to add a further try, number 8 Ed Berridge touching down. Hammett added the extras to extend the lead to 25-0 in the 38th minute, and that was the score at half-time.

Barnes came out hard and fast after the oranges and tries from winger Frank Nickson a minute into the second half, and Jack Hutchinson on 46 minutes, put the game out of sight for the visitors. With Hammett converting both scores, Barnes led 39-0 and the game was beyond Westcliff.

The game meandered a bit after that, as you might expect with such a lead, but a second try for Ed Berridge on 65minutes, again converted by the metronomic Hammett, extended the Barnes lead to 46-0.

In the last 15 minutes, Barnes brought on their entire bench, and Westcliff mounted a series of spirited attacks, resulting in tries for Jake Campey in the 75th minutes and substitute Conor O’Brien in the 78th minute, converted by Greg Bannister. The final score was Barnes 46 Westcliff 12.

There were periods in both halves where Barnes sat back and allowed Westcliff to have the ball, and whilst you can do that against a weakened opposition, Barnes will do well to learn to keep up the pressure throughout the 80 minutes, and there is no doubt that they left half a dozen chances out there. In the end, an excellent home win for Barnes.

Barnes 2nd XV 17 Ampthill 2nd XV 17

Barnes 2nd XV took on a strong Ampthill 2nd XV at Barn Elms on Saturday in what ended up being a very gutsy 17-17 draw. Barnes started slowly, conceding two first half tries to Ampthill, and allowing the visitors to storm to a 10-point lead. Some brave tackling from the likes of Matt Steele, Tom Donegan, and the outstanding Freddie Avis amongst others, managed to hold the visitors out, and prevent them from extending their lead. Just before halftime, Barnes scored through Matt Dahl, and Oli Venni also kicked a vital touch line conversion to go into the second half 7-10 down. Barnes seemed to grow in confidence and were settling into the game when Ampthill score against the run of play, putting them almost out if reach in this tight game to 7-17. But Barnes 2’s were in no mood to throw in the towel. Jonny Burden kicked a penalty after some hard running from Dahl, Harbison and Avis, to make the game a 7 point one. In the final minutes, after sustained pressure from the pack, Paul O’Dell stormed over - Jonny Burden again secured the conversion to secure a very brave 17-17 draw. Some players really giving the coaching team some headaches this week by putting their cases forward for 1st XV selection.

Barnes Juniors

With a full range of games across the age groups last week, our Under 12’s performed really well at the Surrey Values Festival at Staines RFC. Two teams, altogether played 8 games, won 8, playing teams like Wimbledon, Farnham, Weybridge Vandals, Reeds Weybridge - a good mix of different styles. Some immense tackling and fantastic handling from Barnes - the teams looked really lifted by getting back to full competitive matches after such a long time away from proper matches.

Our Under 13’s were at Staines RFC festival on Sunday. After last season's disruptions, it was fantastic to have two teams of 12 getting back into full contact games, again against some good teams: like London Irish, London Welsh, Rosslyn Park, Guildfordians, and Richmond. It was great to see the boys get stuck in, working as a team, and having smiles on their faces again.

Our Under 16’s had an Impressive start to the season, playing Richmond RFC. The team was well organised and executed the Barnes game plan with precision. It was pleasing to see the building blocks from training coming together so effectively in the first game of the season.

Barnes Minis

Saturday training saw the largest Minis attendance of the season, with over 350 Under 5’s to Under 11’s playing, and enjoying, rugby in the original spirit. We were honoured to be joined by international 7’s player, and current Barnes first-teamer, Nicole Kwee, along with club legend Ashley Brandon, who ran a special session for our girls. Feedback from coaches, parents and players has been incredibly positive, and we hope to repeat the sessions over the course of the season.

This weekend, the focus shifts to our first tournaments in almost two years, with Under 7’s to Under 11’s, all pulling on the green and gold at the Richmond Athletic Ground. It will be a great chance to see how our brilliant players are progressing, and for them to get out and express themselves on the pitch. Come back next week for a full report.