The men travelled to our fiercest rivals Dorking for another epic encounter on The Big Field. There is something about this match up which gets the juices flowing for players and supporters like no other in the calendar. And this one went down to the wire with Barnes winning in the last play of the game 21-22.

The Women had their first league outing of the season and held on at Barn Elms to win 20-15 in a close encounter with Westcliff. The 2nd XV, supported by a smattering of Outriders, overcame Bishop Stortford’s 2nd XV 19-45 on the road, no mean feat. The Originals had their first outing of the season in the first leg of the Bosch Crabtree Cup and came up a little short this time going down valiantly 50-14 in the end.

Rugby is the gift that keeps on giving of course, and this weekend there are three Men’s games on at home.

Headlining is the Men’s 1st XV, who take on early league leaders Old Albanians at Barn Elms.

OAs come off the back of three straight wins, including last week's thrashing of Guernsey 87-17, a score of such magnitude that has never been seen before against the islanders in my memory of them in this league.

OAs are no doubt stronger than last season, that is very clear!

We had two hard monumental games against them last season. At their place in November, we were lucky to win 10-13 in extreme artic conditions, and we lost at Barn Elms 24-26, so they most certainly aren’t mugs, we know the OAs incoming storm will be hard, but we will be ready!

We have started the season well and Saturday will allow both us and OAs assess where we really are. Can’t wait for that one, 3pm kick off at Barn Elms.

The Men’s 2nd XV also plays OAs at Barn Elms, with a 2pm kick off. Making up the trio of home games this Saturday, the Originals will be playing against Weybridge Vandals, with a 1:30pm kick off.

I am also delighted to confirm that the Rugby World Cup Final will be shown in the clubhouse on Saturday, get there early if you want a seat, it is going to be very busy!

Here’s to 3 BIG BARNOW Ws and England winning the World Cup too!

Onwards and Upwards Barnow!

For Rugby! For Friendship! For Life!

Michael “Rhino” Whitfield – President Barnes Club

Dorking Men’s 1st XV 21-22 Barnes Men’s 1st XV – words by Rhino
The legend of games between Barnes and Dorking grew another level on Saturday with Barnes winning right at the death with Harvey Graham slotted a conversion in difficult conditions to take the win on Dorking’s home soil 211-22.

It was Harvey’s first game back in Barnes colours after a horrible leg break last year against Guernsey, and it is a tribute to his character that he proved to be the match winner.
But it didn’t start off being anything like a game Barnes might win, going 14 points down in the opening few minutes, as Dorking were relentless ball in hand whilst we looked shell shocked and as though we were still on the bus!

Just as Dorking dominated the first ten minutes, we pretty much dominated the rest of the game, our forwards were rampant, our defence amazing throughout, it does look like this side have stepped up this year in playing as a team who know what the plan is and are following it well!

Barnes clawed themselves back into the game patiently, and after Graham missed one penalty, not unreasonably readjusting his range finder after so long out, before slotting his second penalty. It was Barnes’s pressure on Dorking that saw an increasing penalty count for the home team as the game progressed. Just before the break, Barnes forwards drove through several phases before Ollie Walker ran in unopposed to make the half time score 14-8 to Dorking.

The first score in the second half was always going to be critical and Barnes forwards picked up where they left off, controlling the ball patiently before Euan Murphy leapt like a scalded cat over the remaining Dorking defenders to score, with Graham converting we took the lead for the first time 14-15.

Dorking did regain the lead after charging down a kick to go 21-15 ahead but we never panicked, we never over player, we just patiently applied the pressure. In previous season when I have occasionally seen us crack first under this type of pressure, one score down, five minutes to go, but the class of 25-26 seemed icy cold as they set up the opportunity for Dan Robertshaw to score to make the score 21-21 with just the kick to come before the game would be over.

Up stepped young Harvey Graham to take the conversion, set himself up slowly and calmy, he struck the ball cleanly enough, but was a little wobble and a little slice, before the ball sailed through the uprights for Barnes to take the points. A brilliant game – in our favour this time – can’t wait for the rematch at Barnes in early 2026!

Barnes Women’s 1st XV 20 - 15 Westcliff Women’s 1st XV - words by Kitty Robinson
Barnes came out of the gate firing with quick tries out wide by Atlanta and Liv in the first 15 minutes, the second of which was converted by Ruth. Barnes remained dominant with physicality upfront and safe hands out the backs. Westcliffe snuck in a breakaway try to make it 12-5. More impressive speed from Liv on the wing resulting in another try and at half time it was 17-5.
Westcliff came into the second half reinvigorated, their backs starting to click more they ran in 2 quick tries, beating Barnes on the outside to make it 17-15. Barnes fought back, big carries from the forwards kept us in their half for the remainder of the match and Barnes won a penalty on the last play which was kicked by an ever-cool Ruth for a final score 20-15.
A fantastic winning start to the season and a great performance by the whole team. Forward of the match was awarded to Lou for her dominant carries and great scrummaging. Back of the match was awarded to Angie for her quick thinking and control at 9. The coaches awarded their player of the match to Jeanette for her incredible work rate and dominant defence.

Richmond ‘Heavies’ 50 -14 Barnes Originals - words by Captain Charlie Frost
Barnes Originals and Richmond Heavies renewed their veterans’ rivalry on Saturday in a spirited contest played across three 20-minute intervals. The scoreboard told one story, but the atmosphere and camaraderie told another.
Richmond came out firing in the opening two thirds, making full use of their younger veterans and racking up tries with a mixture of power and pace. Barnes, while showing moments of grit and flair, were largely on the back foot as the Heavies established a comfortable overall lead.

But the final 20 minutes saw the contest shift. With Richmond fielding their over-35s proper, the game evened out and Barnes began to find their rhythm. Their persistence was rewarded with two well-worked tries; both finished under the posts. Stand out performance from Horts who picked up MoM as well as Felix who was outstanding in defence picking up a few try saving tries. Euan Boyd remained strong and aggressive in defence throughout, dislocating fingers and continuing the match in manner synonymous with veterans' rugby.

The match was played in great spirits and hosted superbly afterwards in the bar – exactly as veterans’ rugby should be. Post-match, Barnes presented the Bosch Crabtree Trophy to Richmond, acknowledging their comprehensive win on the day. However, the Originals made it clear that this is only the first round in the series and they fully intend to fight back in the next two encounters, with an eye on reclaiming the trophy next season.
For now, rugby was the winner, with both sides sharing laughs, stories, and a few well-earned pints in the bar.

Bishop Stortford 19 - 45 Barnes Men's 2nd XV - words by Coach Tommy Burkett

Barnes booted things off and immediately piled on the pressure, forcing a box kick so badly sliced it could’ve been served up at the local deli. Ethan Walker gratefully snapped it up, and after a few scrappy exchanges in midfield, Stortford were gifted a penalty and trotted up to the Barnes 22. The rain began to drizzle, the ball turned into a bar of soap, and Stortford obligingly fumbled just outside the 10-metre line.

For the next ten minutes it looked like both teams were auditioning for Strictly Come Slipping, as neither could keep hold of what appeared to be the shiniest, most gripless rugby ball ever manufactured.

Then Barnes earned a penalty on halfway, and up stepped Ned Watson, who hoofed it just shy of the Stortford 22. Everyone in the ground knew what was coming next: the old catch-and-drive special. The Barnes pack rumbled forward beautifully, only for the move to end in farce — what looked suspiciously like a Stortford pull-down was instead judged a Barnes knock-on. Outrage. Gasps. Probably some muttering in the stands.

The pack weren’t rattled, though. They scrummed down, shoved the Stortford eight back into their own postcode, and earned a penalty. Kick to the corner. Cue rolling maul. Cue chaos. Cue young back-rower Will Shanley thundering over for his first try in Barnes colours. Lovely stuff.

Moments later, Ned Watson produced a cheeky no-look pass that fell perfectly into the mitts of Giles Bromley-Martin, who gleefully slid under the posts. Two tries in quick succession and Barnes were flying.

Stortford tried to stir themselves with some pressure, but the green-and-gold defence was built like Fort Knox. From that resistance came counter-attacking flair, with Ethan Walker bagging a brace of tries that had the scoreboard operator working overtime. The hosts finished the half camped in the Barnes 22 but couldn’t break through. Half-time: Stortford 0, Barnes 24.

The second half began with less cheer as Jack Haythorthwaite copped a nasty clash of heads — stitches and a date with the MRI awaited. Credit to Polly for sorting him out like a pro.

Stortford got on the board first after play resumed, but their cheers were promptly flattened by Giles, who put in a bone-rattling tackle that nearly sent their winger into the Veo camera tower. Soon after, young gun Olly Cooke burst through midfield, stopped just short, and with brilliant support play, Francis Ogboru bulldozed over the line.

Both sides traded punches in open play, with Sam Peppitt sneaking in a try before Stortford finally clawed one back of their own. But by now the pattern was clear: Barnes were bigger, fitter, and sharper.

The final word went to winger Laughlin Moeller, who dotted down to cap another superb away day — three wins from three and confidence building like a fine head on a pint of Guinness.

Special mention goes to the “Outriders” squad, who slotted in seamlessly alongside the regular 2s and looked anything but out of place. The Man of the Match? Francis Ogboru, who not only scored but later revealed he may well be Barnes’ ticket to Britain’s Got Talent.

Onwards to Saturday. Four from four, anyone?