A much better weekend all round for the Barnow adult sides last weekend, with the Men’s 1st and 2nd XV’s winning convincingly, the 1st XV won 5-26 at Sevenoaks, whilst the 2’s overwhelmed local rivals Richmond Saxons 62-12, I am not sure I have seen a result that one-sided between these two teams in the last 20 years, Coach Tom Burkett's report below details the exciting win.

Talking of unusual results, our Women’s 2nd XV celebrated a 0-0 draw against their also local rivals, Battersea Ironsides, I can’t remember the last time I saw a 0-0 draw at Barnes, and from Beth McGarva’s match report below it look like an amazing game, despite the lack of points.

This weekend sees three more Barnow adult games take place.

The Men’s 1st XV is at Barn Elms against Worthing Raiders, who have had a very uncharacteristically poor start to the season, losing all four games so far, including a 5-38 thumping last week at home to TJ’s.

However, we have had some real humdingers against the Raiders, and it would be a big mistake to write them off so early in the season, and I am sure the lads will be taking their threat very seriously indeed this weekend.

The Men’s 2nd XV face a really stiff challenge, away to the 2nd XV of Championship side Chinnor, it will be an excellent barometer of where our 2nd XV is, and how they can follow up to their big win last weekend against Richmond.

On Sunday, the Women’s 1st XV will be looking to notch up their first win of the season as they travel to Hove, and we wish all the teams the very best of luck, may they all play in the original spirit that we so love at Barnes Rugby Club!

Onwards and Upwards Barnow.

For Rugby! For Friendship! For Life!

Michael Whitfield - President Barnes RFC

Sevenoaks RFC 5 – 26 Barnes Men’s 1st XV - words by Rhino
Last Saturday we had a tough old battle against Sevenoaks at their place, where they got one up on us last season.

They showed a marked improvement on their previous games this season to arm-wrestle us in the forwards, and frustrate us for much of the game, preventing us from getting that much clean ball.

In fact, the home team scored first, taking a 5-0 lead through Barney Stone, but we took control after that. Fullback Harvey Graham carried on his scoring streak to lead the fightback, with the metronomic fly-half Jack Martin slotting the extras. Hooker Ethan Sikorski then scored, Martin again converting before winger Jacques Birch scored just before halftime, Martin adding to his tally too, making the score at the break 5-21.

The second half was a curiously cagey affair, Barnes seemingly unable to further unlock the resolute redoubt of the Sevenoaks defence, a bit like the defence of Rorkes Drift by the 2nd Warwickshire Regiment of Foot, they just wouldn’t give in, despite a huge amount of huffing and puffing from the Barnow Boys, they could not blow the Oaks house down.

That second 40 was most definitely one for the purist, but Barnes did add one more score, Graham scoring his 2nd try of the match, making the final score 5-26 to Barnes.

Although a bit scrappy at times, it was indeed a valuable 5 points on the road, which moves us into 3rd place in National League 2 East.

And finally, I do want to mention the excellent performance of referee Jack Sutton. Refs often have a torrid time, at least from one set of fans or players, normally those on the losing side, but Jack was clear in his decisions, consistent throughout in the application of the laws to both teams, and was calm at all times. We don’t always get the best refs in Nat 2, but Jack was brilliant, which made the game flow with little, if any ill-temper or dissent from any player.

Onwards and upwards to next weekend when we face old rivals Worthing at Barn Elms!

Barnes Women’s 2nd XV 0 - 0 Battersea Ironsides 2nd XV - words by Beth McGarva
Sunday was a beautiful (although windy) day and everyone in the Barnes squad was up for the match.

It was the first run out for the 2’s this season, so there were some nerves, but from the first whistle Barnes showed their intent and desire to win.

To say it was a cagey match would be an understatement, Barnes worked hard to press an impressive Ironsides team's defence, we didn't falter and kept pinning Ironsides in their 22. A held up try gave Barnes even more determination in the second half.

The newbies showed their class by relentlessly running into contact, and tackling like pros.
Barnes won many penalties and made some great plays to get out wide, however, Ironsides had us covered. A big boot from El Russell helped us march up the pitch, but inexperience in the forwards saw our set play not quite work for us.

It was a hugely physical match, but Barnes rose to the challenge expertly to end the match in a rare 0-0 draw.

Overall, it was a hugely impressive performance from Barnes, with many newbies and players returning from extended breaks and the 2’s are very excited to see how they do in the league.

It was a great team performance with special mention to:

Forward of the match: Livia Soro for an impressive return from injury.

Back of the match: Went to Hollie Johnson who after taking time out to become a mum showed how classy a player she still is.

Players player: Went to absolute workhorse and the most enthusiastic player you could ask for Livia Branga.

Huge shout out to Ellie James, Molly Taylor and Emily Jeans for their Barnes (and rugby) debuts!

Barnes Men’s 2nd XV 62 - 12 Richmond Saxons - words by Coach Tom Burkett
In a thrilling encounter, Barnes 2nd XV delivered an emphatic performance, showcasing their attacking prowess, and fast flowing rugby, in the beautiful sunshine on the normal first team pitch.

The game began with both Barnes and Richmond trading attacks, but it didn’t take long for Barnes to penetrate the Richmond defence. With relentless fast-paced rugby, and dominance at the breakdown, Barnes earned a scrum just in front of the posts.

Smithy swiftly moved the ball to the right, allowing Barnes to surge forward effortlessly. As the Richmond defence arrived at the breakdown, the ball was quickly sent back the other way. Three phases later, Barnes found themselves near the opposite touchline.

With sheer strength and intensity, they advanced within a meter before recycling the ball. Olly Walker then sidestepped the Richmond 12 to score the first try in the corner.

Richmond kicked off, but Barnes quickly applied pressure again, Barnes continued to play beautiful rugby, exhibiting fluid passing and strong running lines.

They were clearly on top, with their forwards winning collisions and dominating the lineouts which lead to Finn Matthews scoring his first try. At this point, Richmond’s focus began to wane, allowing Mark McDermott to intercept a wayward pass and sprint under the posts from halfway.

Olly and Finn both added their second tries shortly after. However, Richmond found some energy and pushed back with a bit of pressure as Barnes also let their concentration slip.
Richmond struggled against Mark McDermott’s pinpoint kicking, and as the half came to a close, it was McDermott’s impressive run that set up Smithy for a try on the right side.
The half closed out with Mark scoring Barnes’s 7th try making the score 45-0.

The second half began with Richmond gaining momentum after making several substitutions in their pack. The Barnes pack, having endured 11 scrums in the first half, showed signs of fatigue as the game picked up pace. Richmond capitalised early, scoring just six minutes in with impressive forward play and keeping it tight upfront.

However, Barnes quickly regrouped and applied pressure, allowing JJ Palling to glide over the Richmond try line, followed closely by a powerful try from Ben Lodge, who was unstoppable throughout the match.

The game became a back-and-forth contest, with Richmond managing to score again as time wound down. Nevertheless, Barnes continued to press forward, and Joe Pannesse, on loan from Rams, capped off the scoring for Barnes, bringing the final score to 66-12. It was a strong team performance, and second team coach Tom Burkett found it impossible to single out a standout player for man of the match. Celebrating a home victory was a great boost, and the team hopes this win will spark a successful run as they head to Chinnor this coming weekend, filled with confidence.