On Thursday we had a healthy group of U9 coaches attending the U9 Quilter Kids First Rugby evening at the Club. This was well run by Reece from the RFU and much appreciated by all who attended. Friday evening saw our U9s, U10s, U11s & U12s playing under floodlights at Finchley RFC. As always, the atmosphere under lights lends an additional something to rugby. There was some really good running and exciting rugby on display and an enjoyable evening was had by all.

The Seniors (1st XV) had their first league win on Saturday, away at Verulamians, winning 12-24, in an hard physical game. The hard work put in at training and coaching has now reaped justifiable benefits. Onwards and upwards.

Sunday saw a change in weather from previous weeks but the deluge and thunder storms that were forecast did not materialise. Again, we had a full complement of Minis training in preparation for 2 major festivals coming up over the next few weeks. The U13s were playing 2 friendly games away at Hitchin RFC, and whilst the results were not in our favour against a very strong Hitchin set up, it gave the boys valuable experience in playing Junior rugby after leaving the Minis structure behind this season. The U14s were also playing away at Bishops Stortford where they recorded a 10-47 win. On the main pitch at 11-00, the U16s played a very hard-fought game against Bedford RFC in their first league game, and unfortunately were not able to overcome a side who seemed to be much larger and more physically dominant than the Saracens boys. But as with any side, lessons would be learnt to apply in future games.

With the World Cup kicking off last Friday in Japan, it was good to see a full and very vocal clubhouse supporting Ireland…..or Scotland for some!!!!.....for the first game on Sunday, and with many groups starting training early, they were able to support England in their game against Tonga. Many of those present, I noticed were enjoying the breakfast baps from Luan……..which I can testify, were excellent. For the duration of the World Cup, the bar opening times have been posted around the Club and are also on the Club website and Facepaint pages.

There is a full weekend of World Cup Rugby this coming weekend with also the Saracens (1stXV) and the Crusaders (2nd XV) playing at home against Bank of England & USCOB respectively…..kick offs at 3-00 PM and 2-00 PM respectively. On Sunday, Rob and Steve have organised a joint training session with Old Grammarians RFC for the Minis and the U13s, U15s and U17s all have home leagu