This was new skipper Charlie Frost's first game in charge of the Originals, and so it came to pass on a balmy Autumn night that the old boys strapped themselves up and rubbed Ralgex in the places most muscle rubs don't reach to take to the all-weather pitch at Chiswick under lights, to take on the might of London Cornish, the lure of a curry and a pint with mates all that was needed to get 22 old sods together for a hit out.

Below are Charlie Frost's skipper's words on debut - well done lads!

Twenty-One Barnes Originals took the pitch on crisp Friday night, under lights at Dukes Meadows.

The game was structured into three 20-minute thirds, providing ample opportunities for both teams to showcase their skills and endurance with the latter being essential in deciding the outcome of the game.

From the outset, the Originals displayed remarkable cohesion and determination.

Despite having to lend a few players from our full squad to the opposition due to an agreement made prior to the match, the Originals adapted quickly. The first section utilised our seasoned experience to recycle the ball out to the backs and put Sami Younis through for our first try!

Cornish soon returned the favour, but the Barnes backs, with no hair left to gel, responded quickly - Felix putting Chris ‘Skeats’ Pini through for our second.

In all 17-7 at the end of the first 20. However, Cornish with an immediate unconverted try at the start of the second third dialled up the heat.

Now it was a test of resilience for Barnes, Cornish had come out strong pushing the Originals to defend fiercely. Low chops, and pure grit, from the front five!

The Originals soon regained control and added to our tally, demonstrating our ability to maintain composure under pressure.

Big Len Ashcroft-Leigh, on debut for the Originals, was safe under the high ball, repeatedly setting a platform for the backs to play.

Felix, carrying like a loaf of bread cut through their backs like butter.

Marek, chipping in behind for a rush to down the ball over the try line.

Codo slipping down the one wing, Kurt scoring on his wing, the game had it all!

Fitness and experience shone through as the boys executed well-timed passes and powerful runs, Ollie Horton and Tom Appleyard breaking the game line with every touch.

The Front Five ensured every scrum was stable, enabling momentum for the blind side options, often rewarded with points.

The Originals scored several more tries, bringing the final score to an impressive 51-12.

With a strong crowd to observe, the match was a fantastic display of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and the embers of this group’s potential are stoked.

The Barnes Originals hit a level of form that has not been seen since the peak of last season.

Despite the scoreline, full credit must be given to the opposition, who challenged the Originals at various points in the match.

Cornish turned up with 11 players and their efforts highlighted the original spirit of rugby, which gave us our name, and with skill and determination kept the game engaging throughout – an utterly fantastic evening of rugby!