A quieter weekend last weekend with all our teams away, the Men’s 1st XV continue to find ways to win, this time 29-36 against nuggety Havant, who came back from 8-29 to 29 all, before we took control of the last ten minutes to score again and ultimately win. The win maintains our 2nd place in National 2 League East, and the lads have a deserved rest this weekend to get over the bumps and bruises for their next home encounter on 1st March against Canterbury, they will be another tough nut to crack!

Last Saturday our Men’s 2nd XV travelled to Bishop Stortford and played their 2’s, in a full on encounter they came second 39-24, whilst on Sunday our Women’s 1st XV had a tough outing against local rivals Hammersmith, ultimately losing 67-7.

This weekend, All our fixtures are at home, so take your pick from the five below, I like the double Women’s header on Sunday and the Jonny Cole testimonial on Sunday myself!

A reminder that the Six Nations will be on in the clubhouse on both Saturday and Sunday if you fancy a stroll along the river and a beer after.

Here’s to a brilliant weekend of Barnow Rugby!

Michael Whitfield - President Barnes Rugby Club

Saturday 22nd February Fixtures
• Barnes Men’s 2nd XV vs Ampthill 2nd XV - 1pm KO
• Occies - Jonny Cole’s Testimonial Match - 2pm KO
• Barnes Originals vs London Welsh Vets - 2pm KO
Sunday 23rd February Fixtures
• Barnes Women’s 1st vs Guildford Ladies - 2pm KO
• Barnes Women 2nd XV - Ealing Ladies - 2pm KO

Bishop Stortford 2nd XV 39 - 24 Barnes Men’s 2nd XV - words by Dom Palacio
Saturday saw Barnes 2nd XV travel to Hertfordshire to play National 1 side Bishop Stortford 2 XV, in search of their first victory of 2025.

With some late withdrawals in the wider men’s squad, the selected team lost a few key forwards to the 1st XV. Last moment call ups filled the gaps, mainly in the forwards.
Despite travelling with an under strength squad, the mood within the team was still positive and focused.

With drizzle throughout the afternoon, and having to play on a pitch that resembled cabbage patch rather than a rugby pitch, it wasn’t going to be a day for fast running rugby!
We took an early lead after 10 minutes with full back Finn Matthews scoring a breakaway try, fly half (who is normally a scrum half) Cam MacDonald adding the extras.

Stortford’s forwards then came into the match with dominance in the set piece. They converted possession into points 24 minutes in and would also score once more before the half time break to lead 12-7

We lost two forwards to injury early in the second half which unfortunately then took its toll on the resilient defence we showed in the first half. However, our number 8 Ben Lodge scored after 10 minutes into the half bringing the scoreboard back level again.
Stortford were then ruthless with their attack and scored 5 more tries over the next 25 minutes. Despite our opposition now having a very healthy lead, our usual “never give up” attitude came to the fore and we scored in the 65 minute went over again for the last points of the afternoon.

Full time: Bishop Stortford – 39 -24

Man of the Match: Ben Lodge who was outstanding in both attack and defence.

Havant 1st XV 29-36 Barnes Men’s 1st XV - words by Rhino
Havant are getting more and more acclimatised to Nat 2 rugby and nearly sprung a surprise on Barnes but 10 minutes of calm controlled rugby saw us secure the win, and another 5 points on the road, maintaining our 2nd position in the league.

We started brightly scooting to a 0-12 lead with tries from hooker Matt Humphries and No:8 Jack Hill.

Although Havant reduced the deficit by three with a penalty a slick line out move saw Simon Linsell cruise over to give is a 3-19 lead. Havant scored their first try of the match but thenm ore points followed for Barnes, with full back Elliott Haydon and Ollie Walker scoring which appeared to give us an unassailable lead at half time 8-29.

Havant had very different ideas and dominated proceedings for much of the second half, scoring three unanswered converted tries to bring the scores all level at 29-29.

In the past we have lost games in this position but not now, now the boys are calmer under fire, they knew how to take control, absorb the pressure, go on the offensive and score the winning try, with Matt Humphries bagging his 2nd try of the game and, with the conversion good, that was the game, 29-36, five points in the bag.

Volunteer’s Recognised Every Month At Barnes Rugby Club With The Roebuck Estates Cuvee Champion Of The Month Award – words by Neil Hempsall

That ‘loving feeling’ is always in the air at Barnes RFC, and no more so apparent than when Spring is fast approaching!

What better time to share with you details of four Barnes Rugby Club volunteers, who go above and beyond to help others in the club, and who are the first four recipients of the ‘Roebuck Estates Barnes Champion Award’.

Roebuck Estates is one of our new sponsors for this season, they offer some of the finest English premium sparkling wines for purchase and enjoyment - and they especially wanted to recognise those who help run our great rugby club through this monthly programme.
Please do take a few minutes to read about these wonderful people who volunteer to help our players, and all involved in Barnow to have the best time:

Katie Rodney-Smith - Youth Finance Operations
Katie was the January 2025 winner and has performed the Youth Finance Operations role for 3 years as a volunteer.

In that time, Katie has worked miracles and has been able to establish robust processes and reporting that have given us exemplary control and visibility of our financial health. Thank you, Katie!

Angus Graham - International Tickets Manager
The December 2024 winner is a multi-talented club member and ex-player, who has been a member of Barnes RFC since the 1980’s and for most of these years has given his time to help run the club in various aspects. He has served as fixture secretary, he brings together 150 former players for the annual Vets lunch, he is on the Barnes Golf Day committee, has been a Vets player for more years than most can remember! He is a club man through and through - Thank you Gus!

Niall Wilson - Head of Minis Rugby
Niall was the November 2024. Since stepping into the role of Head of Minis Rugby, Niall has brought boundless energy and enthusiasm to the Minis section, making an incredible impact on our Minis programme. Under Niall’s leadership, Minis girls’ rugby has been revitalised, with more young players joining and thriving in the sport. His dedication and passion were on full display during the autumn schools tag festival, which was the most successful we’ve hosted since pre-COVID times. Niall’s commitment to creating a positive, inclusive, and fun environment for our Minis players embodies everything that makes Barnes Rugby Club special. Thank you, Niall, for your outstanding contributions!

George Frisby - Data Management Leader
Our very first recipient of the Roebuck Estates Champion Award in October 2024 could not have been presented to anyone more deserving than our very own George Frisby. 3 years ago, George responded to a request for volunteers posted on Next Door Barnes. He made an immediate positive impact, George organised, and significantly improved, the clubs data management system and quality of information, which included ensuring that all playing members transitioned over to the new RFU registration system - quietly, calmly and accurately George works his magic with polite courtesy, charm and immense patience! In addition, George is our 4th Official on home 1st XV Men’s match days - clip board and stopwatch in hand - he records every event during each game, from scores to substitutes, making sure we provide accurate information to the RFU on time.

Those recognised so far have been selected by the Barnes RFC Committee where every section of the club is represented.

However, any member of the club may nominate one of the helpers/volunteers who you think is deserving to receive the Roebuck Estates Barnes Champion of the Month award, simply contact your section lead/head and ask them to submit your recommendation to any of the club committee.

The club does not run itself and we would welcome more people come forward to offer their time, expertise and join in the help out - in small, medium and large amounts.
Don’t be shy, you will be welcomed with open arms and, who knows, you may end up receiving one of the beautiful, engraved bottles of Roebuck Classic Cuvee as a winner!
And remember, you don’t need to wait to receive a Roebuck Classic Cuvee award, why not treat yourself and/or your loved one to some exceptional Roebuck vintage English Sparkling wines!

Place your orders now, all fully paid up members may use BARNES20 at the online checkout to receive a 20% discount and Barnes RFC also receive a financial benefit in return too: https://www.roebuckestates.co.uk/shop/wines/vintage-sparkling-wines/