Saturday saw a full day of activity for the Women’s section, who kicked off ladies kicked off the day with club fundraising, selling home-baked goods & raffle tickets to the Barnes masses. Top prize a superb chance to win England v France 6 nations tickets.

Thanks to everyone who supported the fundraising, in particular to all the parents of the Minis who had little to no choice but to give their little one some sugary goodness before entering the clubhouse (yes that was some clever strategic positioning!).
Overall we managed to raise just over £1000 for the club, which is both amazing and really needed to help us grow Barnes RFC.

Barnes 1st XV then took on a well drilled Hampstead side which proved the tough game we anticipated it would be!. Hampstead demonstrated their ability to run a hard line, and ship it wide. They immediately took the first points, just minutes into the game. After a couple more tries for Hampstead, Barnes had their first period of prolonged possession, capitalising from our set pieces with our eagle eyed scrum half Ash Tipping taking the ball over the line to secure us 5 points. The now reliable boot of Eleanor Russell took us to 7.

The first half ended at 7 - 47. Despite the scoreline, energy levels & momentum remained high in the Barnes camp. After a motivating speech from coach Andy and Hellie, Barnes came out firing on all cylinders. We pinned Hampstead in their own half for the majority of the next 80 minutes, forcing a yellow-card from their continuous penalties, however not managing to convert the pressure into points, despite several opportunities. Hampstead only managed to break the line twice more, making the final score to 7 - 57.

Heads and morale remained high, we clearly showed our social side, partaking in a joint shindig with Hampstead post-game!

Forward of the match went to Jess Maclean-Wright for her relentless desire to get stuck into some massive tackles, some superb tip balls & all round greatness.

Back of the match went to one of our regular receivers of this award, our littlest, but by no means, quietest player, Ashley Tipping for her savvy spot of a gap to earn us 5 points.
Players Player went to our reliable, and strong, prop Annie Nikaj, back from injury this season, and making herself known to the opposition with some excellent turnover ball and some hits I’m sure the opposition would rather forget!

The next game for the 1st XV is Sunday 10th November away at Guildford, whilst the 2nd XV are away at Ealing.