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Women's 2nd XV hold on against Staines and Men face Bury at home this week
Barnes Women's 2nd XV won 15-10 last week and this weekend our Men's face Bury at home in a what is going to be a tasty encounter
Only one game to report on this week but what a game it was, with our magnificent Women’s 2nd XV holding on to win a brilliant encounter 15-10 at Barn Elms last weekend against Staines Ladies, that’s two on the bounce. Captain Bethan’s report is below, brimming with pride!
With the Autumn International already a distant memory, Barnes sides are back to playing rugby across the sections of the club.
We have three cracking home games on Saturday for the men, the 1st XV taking on old friends and foes Bury St Edmunds, whilst the 2nd XV face a tough challenge against Bishop Stortford, and lastly the Occies are at home to Old Walcoutians – all games kick off at 2pm at Barn Elms.
On Sunday, the Colts are at London Irish, kicking off at 12:30, whilst the Women’s 1st XV travel to play Streatham and Croydon’s 1st XV.
Some cracking games there!
The Men’s 1st XV has had some cracking games with Bury over the last ten years, always close, always tense, but always exciting!
Last season it was one win apiece, we lost 25-22 at their place, and won 47-34 at Barn Elms, so honours even.
As it stands in National League 2 East, Barnes are in 3rd place, Bury in 7th, but they come to Barnes having taken away TJ’s unbeaten record in their last game, winning convincingly 32-21, whilst we overcame Old Albanians in horrible weather 10-13 on a day better suited to being snuggled up by the fireside than standing pitchside!
This week’s encounter is almost certainly going to live up to previous Barnes vs Bury clashes, a real lip-smacking delicacy where no holds will be barred and commitment from the players on both sides will be unrelenting and brutal, what a prospect, I just cant wait!
Our lads have had two weeks off with the international break, and we welcome back Jack Hill from injury, and it is brilliant to see Angus Farquhar on the bench after a year out with injury, he is getting better and better each match!
If you can get down to Barn Elms you are in for a big old treat, and I hope to see you there!
Onwards and Upwards Barnow!
For Rugby! For Friendship! For Life!
Michael Whitfield - President Barnes RFC
Saturday 7th December Fixtures
• Barnes Men’s 1st XV vs Bury St Edmunds 1st XV - 2pm KO
• Barnes 2nd XV vs Bishops Stortford - 2pm KO
• Barnes Occies vs Old Walcountians - 2pm KO 1
Sunday 8th December Fixtures
• London Irish Colts vs Barnes Colts - 12:30 KO
• Streatham & Croydon vs Barnes Women’s 1st XV - 2pm KO
Barnes Women 2nd XV 15-10 Staines Ladies 2nd XV - words by Captain Bethan McGarva
Sunday saw the 2’s take to the field against Staines at home.
The rain cleared up just in time for kick off and Staines came out hard from the first whistle.
Whilst it's been a while since we played Staines, they stuck to their signature physical and direct style of play that we remembered from seasons gone by to get points on the board first.
Despite this, Barnes were determined in defence and fronted up to the challenge well. The forward pack carried hard to gain metres and the space needed for the backs to show just how clinical they are once presented with an opening.
Angie Chow and Millie Mitchell controlled the game wonderfully allowing the ball to find its way safely to Molly on the wing who scored her first ever try to level us up.
Staines' impressive crash ball style of attack in our 22 saw them score shortly after but Barnes kept their cool.
After dominant and patient play Barnes earned a penalty deep in Staines 22 and a solid tip link up between Bethan McGarva and Jess McLean -Wright saw Jess crash over the line to take us level heading into half time.
Feeling energised and that momentum was with them Barnes hit the second half hard with Meli Vilca driving for the line to score a fantastic try that was subsequently (and painfully) ruled out.
Wind in their sails the forward pack took inspiration from this and following a series of incredible carries and offloads Ellie James scored a beautiful try in the corner securing her first ever try.
The rest of the second half was a series of near misses for Barnes as they piled on the pressure but not quite being able to convert the chances.
It was a huge team effort with every single player leaving everything out on the pitch, but a few players stood out:
Forward of the match went to Jess McLean-Wright for her relentless carries and solid defence.
Back of the match was Claire Godwin for her ruthless exploitation of any gaps in defence.
Players player was Ellie James. Having only taken up the sport this season she has become an integral part of the squad and we are excited to see what she can achieve!
The 2’s have a week off but are back in action against Oxford Harlequins on the 15th December.