Five-try barnstormer ends in hard-fought victory as The Outriders show grit and character

On a proper autumn rugby day - wind, rain and mud - Barnes Outriders made it our 6th win on the bounce with a gutsy 32–26 victory over Richmond Normans at home on Saturday, producing a performance full of attacking flair and a fair bit of resilience in defence as the Normans pushed them all the way on a tense afternoon at the GSP.

The Outriders came flying out of the blocks. Freddie H touched down on 12 minutes and, before Richmond had time to draw breath, fly-half Tom W sliced through to add a second just five minutes later. Skipper Jake converted both with the composure you’d expect from a leader in command of his side.

Jake himself then got in on the act, crossing for a third try on 25 minutes to put Barnes firmly in the driving seat. Throughout it all, the immovable front row of Frank “The Tank” (marking his 107th cap for the club), Shea (from Juniors-Adult) and Luke (Occies stalwart) were the engine room of everything Barnes built. True BRFC legends, all three of them ran hard and hit harder for every one of their 80 minutes (70 mins in Shea’s case ;) – see below), giving Richmond’s forwards a thoroughly uncomfortable afternoon.

Jake’s penalty on 44 minutes extended the lead further, but the second half brought sterner tests: a couple of injuries at half time to our outside centre (Freddie H) and 2R (Marcus) resulted in some unplanned and innovative coaching decisions with our 2 x subs (both props) having to play in unfamiliar positions and with Adam (our No8) moving to inside centre; Richmond, inspired by their influential hooker (and Instagram star) Tayo Akinbiyi (who contributed 21 of their 26 points) fought back with real purpose, crossing twice to level things up; and a yellow card on 55 minutes for a high tackle left the Outriders temporarily down to fourteen men and suddenly vulnerable. For a considerable spell the Home Supporters (and this coach/manager/and reporter) held their breath.

But this Outriders side showed exactly what they’re made of and rather than retreating the whole team dug in, worked as one big unit and struck back. Freddie T crossed the line from 2m on 65 minutes to restore some breathing space. And when the outstanding Shea (now back on the pitch after the yellow) drove over with just two minutes remaining, the game was put beyond doubt.

Five tries, a Skipper’s performance from Jake and another hard-earned Win on the board. The Outriders are certainly building something!

Next up, Rosslyn Park v Outriders at the Rock under the floodlights on Friday Night, 30 Oct.

Barnes Outriders 32 (Tries: Freddie H, Tom W, Jake, Freddie T, Shea; Conv: Jake ×2; Pen: Jake). Richmond Normans 26 (Tries: 4; Conv: 3 with Tayo Akinbiyi scoring 21pts).