After a run of disappointing results, Barnes were looking forward to playing one of the newly promoted teams in the league as Sutton and Epsom paid their first visit to Barn Elms in a couple of seasons.

That game was our first of the 2017/2018 campaign, the day that Tom O’Toole got married, and with half the team away at that wedding we lost on the opening day of that season, a season which we finished by winning promotion back to National 2.

We had no such excuse last Saturday. We did play well in patches, but were just weren’t consistently good enough, coughing up some tries through poor defence, something we too often rely on to dig us out of a difficult spot. But last Saturday it didn’t.

To say we put ourselves under pressure is an understatement, as we found ourselves 3-14 down after just 10 minutes. We clawed ourselves back to lead 15-14 after 30 minutes, with scores from, leading try scorer this season, Alex Hind, and Nick van Buuren, Josh Hammett converting one of the scores. But having done all of that hard work we conceded a penalty for the visitors to lead at the break 15-17.

Their lead increased to 18-31 with two scores in the third quarter, with only a Josh Hammett penalty for Barnes. Although Josh Hammett scored a try himself, and converted it, Sutton and Epsom had the last laugh, scoring another converted try and a penalty to win comfortably in the end 25-41.

It is back to the drawing board for Barnow, and it starts this weekend with a trip back to Bristol to play the uncompromising Old Redcliffians. Last year’s defeat there was the turning point of our season, let’s hope this weekend the same happens.

Finally, we all wish our talismanic winger and Vice-Captain Robbie Martey well after he broke his arm playing last week. We wish you a speedy recovery, and at least your hair still looked perfect in your hospital bed photo!

Other results last week
The 2nd XV had an excellent win last week against Rams 2nd XV, winning 38 -35 at Barn Elms. Trailing with five minutes to go, they heeded coach Paul Spencer’s words, and left nothing on the pitch, and scored at the death to overcome a huge Rams pack.

The Occies continued their good start to the season with a close-run win 24-21 at Barn Elms against London Scottish.

On Sunday, there were two great results. There was a brilliant performance by the Ladies 2nd XV away at Pulborough 7-10, and also Barnes Under 18's played, and won, their inaugural game 42 - 0 against Farnham Colts.

Here are this weekend’s games:

• Old Redcliffians vs Barnes 1st XV 3.00pm KO

• Canterbury vs Barnes 2nd XV - 3.00pm KO

• Mayfair Occasionals vs Old Tiffinians - 2.30pm KO

Here’s to a brilliant weekend of Barnes Rugby, all played in the original spirit we embrace at Barnes RFC - and to an England vs Wales Rugby World Cup Final, now wouldn’t that be something? Remember we are showing both games live in the clubhouse with a yummy breakfast too!

Onwards and Upwards Barnow!

Michael “Rhino” Whitfield
Chairman - Barnes RFC