Not a great weekend for the green and gold last time out, with the 1st XV going down heavily against Clifton, however the 2’s provided a beacon of light, winning away at Westcombe Park, in a jamboree of tries, it was 12-47 in the end.

After Redruth the previous week, the 1st XV travelled to Clifton, the early pacesetters in National 2 League South, and we walked into a maelstrom of aggression, pace and relentless will.

Rugby is such a simple game, defend and keep the opposition out, attack and score tries, easy, eh?

Well, it was for Clifton, who were 21-0 up after only nine minutes, and they scored 12 more points in the last three minutes of the game.

We never recovered from a very poor start, and despite keeping Clifton at bay for a good hour in between the mayhem, we need to improve our match performance big time this weekend for the visit of Westcliff.

We know we can, we have the players, the ability and, whenever our backs are against the wall, I know we have the ability to dig deep and deliver. Against Westcliff, it needs of course to be all about actions, and not words, the boys know that, and I am sure they will be smarting from last week and will turn up massively motivated this Saturday, and we also need to turn up, get down to Barn Elms, and support them please, they will really appreciate it - it’s a 3pm kick off.

There is a full schedule of games this weekend across the adult section, with the 2’s and Occies also at home on Saturday, whilst on Sunday, it is the turn of the Women, with the 1st XV taking on Rosslyn Park at Barn Elms, and the 2nd XV taking on Ealing Trailfinders, two very tough fixtures which underpin how far the Women’s section has come. Both of the Women’s games are at home, the kick off times have yet to be confirmed so check the website later in the week.

Barnes Minis
The Colts got off to a winning start to the season last Sunday with a 20-0 victory against Battersea Ironsides at the Esher 10s festival. Back to training and reflection this week.

Juniors
Training last week was about preparation for the onset of a host of matches coming soon. Jack Heald, Cameron Ruddock and Chris Swam were helping the Under 13’s and Under 16’s with their game structure.

The Girls will join the Minis girls on Saturday this week, with a fabulous opportunity to be coached by Nicole Kwee, an ex 7s professional, and Level 2 coach, along with our very own Ashley Brandon.

This Sunday there are games are all Junior levels:
• The Under 12’s and Under 13’s will play away at the RFU Values’ festivals, hosted by Staines.
• The Under 14’s travelling to London Irish.
• The Under 15’s host Bank of England for training at Barn Elms
• The U16s host Richmond for a warm-up match prior to the start of the start of the Surrey Waterfall Cup.

In addition to the Junior fixtures, here is the full list of all of the adult games for you to plan your weekend!

Saturday 25th September
• Barnes 1st XV vs Westcliff - 3pm KO
• Barnes 2nd XV vs Ampthill - 3pm KO
• Occies vs Weybridge Vandals - 2pm KO)

Sunday 26th September
• Barnes Women 1st XV vs Rosslyn Park KO TBC
• Barnes Women 2nd XV vs Ealing Trailfinders KO TBC

So, a sobering report this week albeit, as I say, that the 2nd XV had a good away win, we simply must do better from the kick off, tackle like demons, and score when we have the opportunities. Admittedly, we had precious few chances against Clifton, a testament to their all-round quality, passion and pace.

Let’s all get behind Barnow this weekend - #OneClub #OneBarnow - and play our rugby in the original spirit we all so love and embrace at Barnes RFC.

Michael Whitfield – Chairman Barnes RFC