The Outriders continued their rapid maturity overwhelming Horsham 2nd XV 52-5. Horsham gallantly turned up with 14 players and in the spirit of rugby Barnes matched their numbers and still were far too good for the Surrey visitors.

On Sunday, our Women’s 2nd XV recorded an excellent win against Hammersmith and Fulham Women’s 2nd XV and our Men’s 1st XV continued their excellent early season form, beating Sevenoaks 43-24, and maintaining their push for the top in 2nd place in National League 2 East.

The match reports are below for your enjoyment!

This weekend is a rest weekend for the Men but on Sunday our Women’s 1st XV travel to Welwyn Women for their next league encounter.

Onwards and Upwards Barnow – and enjoy the Autumn Internationals, whichever team you support!

Michael Whitfield – President Barnes Rugby Club

Barnes RFC Men’s 1st XV 43 - 24 Sevenoaks RFC - words by Rhino
This was such a close game until the last quarter, when Barnes’s superior fitness told and the home team turned on the after burners to secure a 43-24 win.
Oaks started stronger, Matt Macrae scoring on 10 mins, Ben Adams converting to make it 0-7.

Barnes bounced straight back, Ollie Walker scoring after a neat chip through, Elliott Haydon added the conversion, bringing the two sides level at 7-7.

Veteran prop Ross Kane rolled back the years and ripped through to score for Barnes on 22 mins, Haydon again converting, extending the lead to 14-7.

Oaks were up for the contest and scored through Matt Engelbrecht, Adams again converting, and adding a penalty to make it 14-17 as half time approached,
But right on half time, Will Nicholson scored, converting his own try, robbing Oaks of what would have been a well-deserved lead at the break, Barnes going in 21-17 up.

Just like the start of the game, Oaks scored first after the restart, Scott Sedgwick going over, Adam converting, Oaks retaking the lead 21-24. It looked like this was going to be the tone for the rest of the game but on 59 minutes Barnes fully hit their straps.

The league’s top try scorer, hooker Dan Robertshaw, scoring, as the Barnes maul kicked in. Nicholson converting, restoring Barnes lead 28-24.

The last quarter was all Barnes, as Oaks tired in the face relentless forward pressure from the home pack.

Robertshaw inevitably scored another try, with Adam Musa also scoring for Barnes.
A Nicholson conversion and penalty saw Barnes home as convincing winners in the end 43 -24.
This weekend sees a well earned rest for the 1st XV squad before we pick up again on 8th November away at Westcombe Park.

Barnes Occies 25- 28 Hammersmith and Fulham - words by skipper Dan Shelley

Tough day at the office for the Barnes Occies, falling just 3 points short in a tight friendly against Hammersmith and Fulham.

After a slow start, the boys came out firing in the second half, winning it outright and finishing as the stronger side. Hammersmith saw two yellow cards in the final ten minutes as the pressure mounted, but we couldn’t quite turn the tide.

There are plenty of positives to take, and the momentum is building nicely for the Occies!

Barnes Women’s 2nd XV 39 - 19 Hammersmith and Fulham Women’s 2nd XV - words by Co-Captain Molly Taylor
What a performance from the Barnes Women’s 2nd XV in their plate clash against Hammersmith & Fulham 2nd XV!

Barnes ran out to the sound of Thunderstruck blasting from the loudspeaker - setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Barnes made an early statement, with Rosie breaking through Hammersmith’s defence to score the opening try and put Barnes firmly in control. The momentum stayed with Barnes throughout the first half with every player putting in a shift across the pitch.

Hammersmith fought back hard in the second half, testing Barnes’ defence as energy levels began to dip. But Barnes dug deep, showing real determination and composure, to secure a well-earned 39 -19 victory.

There’s plenty to build on, but this was a strong, committed performance from start to finish.

Coaches’ Player of the Match: Liv - outstanding carries in her first game at 13 and impressive debut conversion kicks. Forward of the Match: Rosie - alert and dynamic all game, scoring some brilliant tries and almost bagging a hat-trick. Back of the Match: Maddie - a fantastic finish on the wing.