SENIORS NEWS - 1st XV 2008/9 SEASON

senoir awards 2009

TOP TRY SCORER 2008-09 Tim Davies 13 tries

DAVE MCINNIS 3RD XV PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2008-09 Tim Davies

LAWRENCE JEAL 2ND XV PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2008-09 Tom Garriock

1ST XV PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2008-09 Hose Leokava-Taani

COACHES AWARD 2008-09 Jason Judkins

CHAIRMAN & PLAYERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2008-09 Matt Holding

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2008-09 Troy Shepherd

LEN IVE CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR 2008-09 Russell Cowley

2008/09 Honours

Honours ties
Peter Dymott
Mick Whitehead
Steve Reffould
Jeremy Easton
Eddie Drew

Honorary Vice Presidents
James Mason
Leroy Arbouine
Bill Pickett

Honorary Life Vice President
Tom Barber

Ladies Silver Pin
Sam Tomkins

Match Report for Saturday 18th April

Grasshoppers 21 Harpenden 41

Grasshoppers welcomed Harpenden to MacFarlane Lane, already crowned champions but still looking to put the icing on their great season. Grasshoppers for their part were hoping to find their pre-Christmas form.

So with G’s playing up the slope in the first half they found them selves under pressure for most of it with Harpenden showing their all round team strength. So with 15 minutes gone G’s found themselves 17 points down thanks to 2 tries and a conversion.

G’s though came back with a try of their own thanks to number 8, Callum McCormack, which stand off Gerwyn Hughes converted. There was though a swift response from Harpenden with another unconverted try. Then G’s got another try through full back, Chris Brown which Gerwyn Hughes converted to narrow the gap. This would have been a reasonable gap of 8 points with the advantage of the slope in the second half but in the end the gap moved to 15 points thanks to a converted Harpenden try.

G’s started the second half the better led by their forward drives but failed to convert this pressure to points. They did though get the first score of the second half thanks to a break out of his own 22 by Chris Brown only to be held up a metre short of the line but there was Callum McCormack in support to slip over for his second try. This was converted by Gerwyn Hughes to make it 3 out of 3.

Harpenden though rounded off the game and the season with a further 2 tries and a conversion to make the final score 21-41. Joint players of the day were Chris Brown and Hose Leokava-Taani.

The day though really belonged to Grasshoppers President, Fred Hallows who was standing down at the end of this season. Many tributes were paid to Fred at a pre-match lunch attended by 60 family, friends and rugby associates. Fred was a Founder Member and had guided the Club for nearly 60 years and had been President for over 20 years. Whilst Fred is taking a minor step backwards he’ll certainly be offering his help and support for many years to come.

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Match Report for Saturday 4th April

Tabard 49 Grasshoppers 18

Grasshoppers travelled to Radlett for their second last fence of their league season to play Tabard who still had an outside chance of promotion, but this was a must win game for them. G’s for their part were keen to get back to their early season winning form.

So in glorious sunshine Tabard kicked off and had the best of the first half but failed to convert territory into points due to strong G’s defence combined with last minute errors but did manage to score 2 first half tries. G’s for their part managed 3 excursions into Tabard territory and score on each visit all thanks to stand off Gerwyn Hughes in the guise of a converted try and 2 penalties. So at half time G’s held the lead at 10-13.

To use the cliché “a game of 2 halves” would be an understatement as a tiring Grasshoppers defence combined with a Tabard will to win saw then rack up a series of 7 tries and 2 conversions which gave them a 49-13 lead. G’s though had the last word as winger, Jeremy Easton, picked up an interception and forced his way over for the unconverted try to make the final score 49-18.

G’s 3rds had a fantastic win 10-8 in the final of the Middlesex Merit Table play for the 4th Division, winning promotion to the 3rd Division.

It’s off to Nottingham next week for the traditional Easter Tour and then on the following week G’s have their last game of the season at home to Harpenden 3pm kick off.

More on the 3rd team win from skipper, Tom Barber on 07900 698 058

More on 1st team or President’s XV Awards from Pete Baveystock on 07801 664 557

Match Report for Saturday 28th March

Grasshoppers 27 Imperial Medics 33

Grasshoppers welcomed Imperial Medics to MacFarlane Lane hoping to complete the league double following the win on the first game of the season. So playing up the slope in the first half and in bright albeit blustery conditions G’s set about their goal.

The first 15 minutes of the game though, were marked with 12 penalties being awarded against Grasshoppers, which denied them any sustained momentum. And saw the score board move to 5-23 with Imperial adding 3 penalties and 2 converted tries with G’s adding a well taken unconverted try from flanker, David Madigan. At half time both sides had added a penalty goal each to make the half time score 8-26.

The weather was a major factor in the second half with the conditions turning to gales and hail stones. With both sides failing to deal well with the conditions it was the Medics who scored first with a converted try to move even further forward.

Then G’s started to match their game to the conditions and played a brilliant driving game which the Medics found it difficult to deal with and G’s then got the score board ticking over themselves.

The first try came from replacement scrum half Remi Coventry which Gerwyn Hughes converted. Followed shortly by an unconverted try from hooker, Jason Judkins. Then with the last move of the game stand off Gerwyn Hughes got the try and converted it himself to leave G’s reflecting what might have been had they adopted the more direct approach earlier in the game. Player of the day was Mike Pellowe.

G’s 3rd team had a great win against Ealing 4ths to reach the final of the Middlesex Merit Table play offs on 4th April 16-0. Player of the day was Chris Birtles and skipper, Tom Barber said he was really impressed with the effort put in by his team in difficult conditions.

Next week G’s 1st XV are away to Tabard 3pm kick off and the 3rds travel to Acton for the play offs, kick off to be confirmed.

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Match Report for Saturday 14th March

Hampstead 22 Grasshoppers 3

Grasshoppers travelled round the North Circular to play one place above them Hampstead hoping to do the double on them. Hampstead for their part were hoping to keep their feint promotion hopes alive and certainly achieved that.

So G’s opted to play down the slope in the first half but against a strong wind and after 25 minutes Hampstead looked in good form leading 22 – 0 thanks to 4 tries and a conversion and looking to move even further ahead.

However, G’s dug in and started to retain possession and held Hampstead for the remainder of the half due to some stern defence.

So with the wind G’s were hoping for a repeat of the seasons first encounter when G’s game from this far behind to win. G’s then pressed and pressed but failed to make any significant impact on the score apart from a Gerwyn Hughes penalty to slightly narrow the gap.

The last quarter of the game belonged to G’s and although no further scores were added Hampstead were happy to hear the full time whistle and keep their now less feint promotion hopes alive.

All eyes will be on the 6 Nations next week but G’s will be at home to Imperial Medics on 28th March 3pm kick Off.

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Match Report for Saturday 7th March

Grasshoppers 27 UCS Old Boys 15

Grasshoppers Spring Back to Winning Ways

With the recent bad weather looking and eternity away G’s welcomed UCS Old Boys to Macfarlane Lane for this mid table clash. G’s played up the slope in the first half in bright conditions and against a strong breeze.

So after 20 minutes there was nothing in the score line with a UCS penalty followed by a Gerwyn Hughes penalty for G’s. There then followed 10 minutes of sustained pressure for G’s which they failed to capitalise on but did show glimpses of quality play. Then from nothing came a brilliant solo try from the UCS centre under the posts to make the score 3-10 after the conversion was added.

The last 5 minutes of the half was all Grasshoppers led by marauding number 8, Hose Leokava-Taani, and although no score was added they were on the ascendancy and looking forward to the slope and wind in the second half with only a 4 point deficit.

With the start of the second half came the dawning that no points in this league would come easily, and that equal amounts of aggression and ability were required. So the first 10 minutes of the second half saw the visitors take the game to G’s and but for some tenacious defending combined with a lot of wrong decisions G’s held on. And so it was G’s who took the lead for the first time in the game with a try under the posts from centre, Stuart Daniels which Gerwyn Hughes converted to make the score 13 -10.

G’s then underlined this with another Stuart Daniels try under the posts created by the mercurial Thomas Orishaguna at stand off which Gerwyn Hughes converted to put clear light between the sides.

However, back came UCS with another period of sustained pressure which to be fair should have seen them re-take the lead but all they had to show was an unconverted try to narrow the gap to 20-15 which made for a nervous remaining 8 minutes. So it was left to player of the day, Hose Leokava-Taani, to consolidate the win with a try which Gerwyn Hughes converted to make the final score 27-15.

It was a great Rugby day at Grasshoppers with the 2nds and 3rds also at home to Imperial Medics and Ealing respectively, with the 2nds losing and the 3rds winning. The respective palyers of the day were prop Vince Davidson and winger Ian Macey.

Also in strict training were Grasshoppers Minis hoping to build on their recent successes at the High Wycombe Festival. This saw the under 10’s take their age group and the under 8’s runners up in theirs. The Club offers rugby at all age groups between 6 and 12 and for boys and girls so why not come along on Sunday morning between 10 and 12 and join in, get fit but most of all have fun. To find out more about mini rugby at Grasshoppers visit the minis homepage.

Next week G’s are away to Hampstead 2.45 kick off

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Match Report for Saturday 21st February

Twickenham 12 Grasshoppers 11

It was like turning the clock back on Saturday as Grasshoppers travelled to Twickenham to play one of their oldest fixtures and the pre-match lunch certainly brought back many competitive memories over the years. So with the focus moving to the pitch the up to the moment competition started.

For the second week running G’s got off to a good start making good use of their driving forwards. This enabled them to take the lead with a Gerwyn Hughes penalty, But as with previous weeks this pressure could not be sustained and so back came Twickenham with 3 penalties in succession to make the half time score 9-3.

Whilst it could be said that Twickenham took the first half it was definitely Grasshoppers who edged the second half and clawed their way back into the game with a second Gerwyn Hughes penalty, followed by a Stuart Daniels try which went unconverted with G’s looking now the likelier winner. Twickenham though would not lay down and kept coming back at G’s and eventually got a chance with a penalty on the 45 metre mark which their in form kicker took to retake the lead and the league points 12-11.

Match Report for Saturday 14th February

Grasshoppers 8 Finchley 27

On a glorious early February afternoon Grasshoppers welcome Finchley to MacFarlane Lane hoping to get their season back on track. Finchley for their part were looking to rekindle the form that made them London North West 4 Champions in 2007/08.

So with the perfect conditions considering the recent inclement weather Grasshoppers kicked off up the slope and had their best start to a game in recent weeks exerting pressure on the Finchley defence. However, whilst G’s had the better of the 1 quarter exchanges they continued to give the ball up at crucial times. This enabled Finchley to unleash their quick and elusive backs who made significant ground on each foray. One such foray gave them the chance to move ahead with a penalty, which they duly accepted and took the lead 0-3.

The rest of the half followed the same pattern with the Finchley backs operating a “fire at will policy” and but for some brilliant last ditch tackles from full back and player of the day Thomas Orishaguna, Finchley would have been out of site.

And so at half time after A Gerwyn Hughes penalty on 32 minutes G’s had stemmed the flow at 3-15 and were looking forward to a dominant second half down the slope.

Unfortunately, for G’s this wasn’t to be as G’s failed to deal with the kick off giving Finchley a lineout on G’s 22 which they won and scored an unconverted try to put clear light between the sides.

G’s though continued to press down the slope but failed to maintain any sustained momentum and on 65 minutes Finchley guaranteed themselves the points when they ran in a converted try from their own 22. Then on 72 minutes G’s got a consolation try from hooker Jason Judkins to make the final score 8-27. However disappointing the result there are some positives that G’s would take out of the game like the outstanding performance at full back by Thomas Orishaguna and the robust aggression of flanker David Madigan both excellent examples of Grasshoppers youth policy.

Next week G’s travel to local rivals Twickenham hoping to draw a line under recent poor results and find their early season form.

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Match Report for Saturday 31st January

St Albans 16 Grasshoppers 3

Grasshoppers travelled to Hertfordshire looking to re-light their season as did St Albans who also lost the previous week. So on a bitterly cold January afternoon G’s kicked of into a stiff breeze.

The home side started well with everything their backs tried coming off which had G’s on the back foot for much of the first quarter of the game. This enabled St Albans to keep the score board ticking over with 2 penalties and an unconverted try. G’s to be fair were industrious but couldn’t break the home sides defence and so at half time when the spectators ran for a warming drink G’s gathered to try to turn the tide in the second half.

G’s started the second half the better side and created some good scoring chances but either failed to secure the final pass or were thwarted by a very good defensive display. It was then when they had St Albans on the back foot in their own 22 that the home side broke out to score an unconverted try to make the game safe. G’s got a consolation Gerwyn Hughes penalty to make the final score 16-3 but in the end it just wasn’t their day.

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Match Report for Saturday 24th January

Grasshoppers 20 London Nigerians 29

On a bright albeit cold January day Grasshoppers welcomed London Nigerians to MacFarlane Lane for a league game that they hoped would keep their winning streak going. In the end it was the visitors who took the 2 points with a side that looked a million miles from the side that G’s easily beat earlier in the season in both ability and aggression.

So with G’s playing up the slope in the fist half they kicked off and the visitors had a try within a minute due to some slick back play helped by sloppy G’s defence. Then straight from the kick off another try came after a kick ahead was fielded with the visitors going over unopposed making it 0-10 with both conversions being missed.

G’s though did stem the flow and were able to get some possession but the visitors defence held and back they came to score a third converted try to widen the gap to 0-17. Then on the 30 minute mark G’s started to play some rugby of their own but once again found points hard to come by so were only able to add a Gerwyn Hughes penalty goal to slightly narrow the gap. Then just before half time London Nigerians got another converted try to make the score 3-24 at the break.

G’s started the second half much better and were soon on the attack but the visitors just wouldn’t give up points easily and it was they who struck the first blow of the second half with an unconverted try to make the game safe.

It was all G’s though, for the remaining 15 minutes as their forwards got on top and sustained some decent possession and started to reel the score in started by 2 unconverted tries from prop, Mike Pellowe and hooker Jason Judkins. Then with almost the last play of the game number eight, Hosea Leokava-Taani got a try with Gerwyn Hughes adding the conversion to make the final score 20-29 leaving them reflecting on those earlier defensive errors.

Next week G’s will be looking to get back to winning ways as they travel to St Albans 2.15 kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 17th Janaury

Grasshoppers 24 London New Zealand 8

It was a belated happy new year at Grasshoppers when they welcomed London New Zealand to Macfarlane Lane a week late due to the frosty start to 2009. So Grasshoppers opted to play up the slope in the first half into a strengthening breeze. So with 15 minutes gone there was no score despite the visitors being camped on G’s line for much of it and with the resultant pressure offering at least 4 kickable penalties.

It was G’s then who broke the deadlock after 18 minutes when they had a rare excursion into the LNZ 22 and came away with a try courtesy of second row, Russel Feilding with stand off, Thomas Orishaguna adding the difficult conversion. Then more or less straight from the kick off number, 8 Hosea Leokava-Taani, finished off an excellent passage of play with a try under the posts which Thomas Orishaguna converted to put clear light between the sides.

However, back came LNZ who had further opportunities to close the gap with another spate of penalty attempts but in the end only added 1 to make the half time score 14-3.

So with the slope and the breeze G’s were expected to cruise away in the second half only to be thwarted by a dogged and tenacious LNZ side and so it was they who edged themselves back into the game with an unconverted try.

G’s struggled to maintain any momentum during this phase of the game and but for some stern G’s defence LNZ looked the more likely to take the points. However, G's did eventually get themselves back into the game with a Gerwyn Hughes penalty, who had come in on the wing as a replacement. Then soon afterwards Thomas Orishaguna added a try and converted it himself to make the final score 24-8.

G’s second team lost at home to Hammersmith & Fulham 22-27 and their 3rds lost away to Old Hamptonians 13-10. Next week G’s are at home to London Nigerians 2.15 kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 20th December

Hammersmith & Fulham 21 Grasshoppers 39

“Advent”urous Grasshoppers Take Yule Tide Points

So in the midst of the pre-Christmas frenzy Grasshoppers travelled to Hammersmith & Fulham hoping to give officials and supporters an early Christmas. And so this proved to be as they scored a try thanks to prop, Mike Pello which stand off Gerwyn Hughes converted to make it the ideal start.

Then, more or less straight from the kick off the G’s forwards surged on again to be rewarded with an unconverted try from skipper, Matt Nemeth to stretch the score to 0-12. However, this would be the last score for G’s in the first half as Hammersmith and Fulham reeled G’s in and overtook them. This came with a drop goal, 2 tries and a conversion to make the half time score 18-12 and make G’s think that the earlier expected Christmas present had been opened only to find that batteries were not included.

G’s started the second half as they did the first and were soon on the attack, setting their silky backs clear when the time was right. This led to an unconverted try from winger, Stuart Daniels followed shortly with one from stand off, Tom Orishaguna which Gerwyn Hughes converted to put clear light between the sides. Then came another unconverted try from winger, Jeremy Easton which heralded the discovery of the previously missing batteries with the score at 18-29.

The home side though came back valiantly with a penalty to narrow the gap to 8 points and then threw everything but the turkey carcass at G’s only to be thwarted by some stern G’s defence. Then G’s put the gap back to 11 points with a well taken Gerwyn Hughes penalty. G’s followed this up with a well taken try from full back, Chris Brown which Gerwyn Hughes converted to make the final score 21-39. Player of the day was hooker David Madigan with second row Joe Deucher also putting in a fine performance.

One sub plot of the game saw George Orishaguna take the field as a replacement at 48 alongside his son Thomas at 18. This is 30 years on from George’s own 1st team debut and is a father and son first in a league game for G’s.

Grasshoppers would like to wish everyone a very merry festive season and return to league action on 10th January when they play London New Zealand 2.15 kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 13th December

London French 15 Grasshoppers 3rds 17

la troisième équipe de sauterelles sont victorieux dans la pluie!

With the 1st XV having a free week and the 2nd XV game cancelled due to the weather all eyes turned to the 3rd XV for their Middlesex Merit Table game against London French.

And so on a very wet December afternoon G’s travelled to Barnes for what turned out to be an excellent and entertaining game with both sides trying to play open rugby in very difficult conditions. So after 10 minutes the score stood at 3-5 thanks to an unconverted try from Grasshoppers scrum half, Tim Small and an penalty goal from London French.

The game then ebbed and flowed the 30 minutes mark when Duncan Ribbans made a break on the outside eventually kicking through to allow Tim Small in for his second try to make the half time score 3-10.

London French started the second half stronger and created wave after wave of attack only to be thwarted by some stiff G’s tackling. Back came G’s though who got their third try through stand off Connie Curtin, which he duly converted.

This spurred the home side on and they came back with 2 tries and a conversion of their own to close the gap to 2 points and make for a nail biting finish with G’s eventually taking the merit table points 15-17.

Next week it’s back to league rugby and their return game away to Hammersmith & Fulham 2pm kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 6th December

Grasshoppers 15 Tabard 7

On a bright December day Grasshoppers welcomed Tabard to MacFarlane knowing that a win was essential to keep their promotion hopes alive, Tabard for their part knew that a win would maintain their own promotion campaign.

So with a festive feel it was G’s who kicked off down the slope with a strong lowering sun at their back and were soon using it to good effect and kept Tabard pinned in their own 22 for much of the first quarter of the game. However, with both sides putting up stern defences this game was always going to be low scoring with the points going to the side who made the most of their chances.

So it was G’s who broke the deadlock with an unconverted try from winger, Chris Brown after G’s retained good possession, setting their backs loose at the right time. To help this we saw stand off, Thomas Orishaguna, return from injury to put in a mercurial performance maximising his all round game.

Then on the half hour mark back came Tabard who started to sustain some pressure of their own on the G’s line and were rewarded with a converted try from their strong running centre after bursting over from 15 metres to retake the lead 5-7.

Back came G’s though and should have gone ahead with a push over try but for a sharp piece of work by the Tarbard scrum half who got to the ball ahead of the G’s number 8. This didn’t deter G’s who maintained their strangle hold on the game and got their reward in the guise of a second try just before half time from centre Stuart Daniels which scrum half Gerwyn Hughes converted to make the half time score 12-7.

Tabard playing down the slope threw everything at G’s in the first 10 minutes of the second half but, due to some solid G’s defence, especially from player of the day and winger, Paul Leluesoo they failed to score. So with the backs cancelling each other out and the G’s forwards well on top led by skipper, Matt Nemeth they took the game by the scruff of the neck when Gerwyn Hughes added a further 3 points to put them 2 scores clear. The last 5 minutes saw Tabard press but the G’s defence held and the final whistle brought some early Christmas cheer from the home supporters with the visitors feeling disappointed as if an expected early Christmas gift hadn’t arrived.

Grasshoppers have a week off from the league next week but resume on 20th December when they are away to Hammersmith & Fulham 2.15 kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 29th November

Harpenden 26 Grasshoppers 0

Grasshoppers travelled to top of the table Harpenden hoping to return to their winning ways but a number of unavailabilities for the second week running was always going to make the game difficult and so this prove to be.

Grasshoppers kicked off on a foggy day and were 7 points down straight away after Harpenden moved the ball wide against G’s inexperienced backs to score a try under the posts to make it 7-0 after an easy conversion.

Shortly afterwards the Harpenden backs were on the rampage again and got a try under the posts from the opposite wing which was converted to make the score 14-0.

This though, spurred G’s on who then got themselves back into the game thanks to their superior forwards especially the front five who dominated at the scrums and held their own at the line-outs. This dominance staved the home side of any decent ball and gave G’s many opportunities to close the gap, However, a good home defence and denied them. Then just before half time when the Grasshopper defence had come to terms with the Harpenden backs they tried to force the game and let them in for an intercepted try to make the half time score 19-0.

G’s had a much better second half as their tight forwards continued to be on top. However despite being camped in the Harpenden 22 for much of the second half G’s failed to score with the home side having the last word with a break out try to make the final score 26-0.

Grasshoppers did take many positives from the game especially the dominant front row of Vinnie Davidson, David Madigan and Jon Fletcher who not only scrummaged well but also made good ground on the pick and drive.

Next week G’s are at home to second in the table Tabard hoping to get back to full strength and their winning ways.

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Match Report for Saturday 22nd November

Grasshoppers 5 Staines 48

Grasshoppers welcomed, in form, Staines to MacFarlane Lane for this Middlesex Cup tie and expected a tough game against a side at the top of London 2 North and that’s exactly what they got! G’s had taken the opportunity to bring in a number of younger players who had shown good form in the second team like hooker, Matthew Coakley, back row, Callum McCormack & David Madigan, winger, John Griffiths with Chris Brown moving to full back from the wing.

G’s were combative throughout the game but the visitors eventually ran out easy winners with the only G’s score coming from a try scored by number 8, Hosea Leokava-Taani, unstoppable from 15 metres out.

G’s will reflect on this and take more from the game itself than the result as those players mentioned above along with player of the day, scrum half, Tom Reading, put in outstanding performances.

Next week it’s back to the league with G’s away to Harpenden 2.30 kick off

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Match Report for Saturday 15th November

Grasshoppers 24 Hammersmith & Fulham 32

Grasshopper welcomed Hammersmith & Fulham to MacFarlane Lane for what turned out to be an open, exhilarating but most all tough encounter. The visitors kicked of down the slope and had most of the game for the first 15 minutes but only had 1 penalty goal to show for their efforts.

G’s though, got themselves back into the game with a penalty of their own courtesy of stand off Gerwyn Hughes, to draw level on 20 minutes. However, back came the visitors who were able to develop a pattern of play based on good ball being taken wide to make good ground. This enabled them to go ahead once again with another penalty goal. G’s then took the game by the scruff of the neck which allowed them to draw level at 6-6. Then soon after another penalty attempt came back off the posts to be gathered by full back, Jeremy Easton, to go over for a bonus try which alas went unconverted.

This spurred the visitors on and G’s saw themselves defending for the rest of the half and went into half time relieved at 11-6 with the slope to look forward to in the second half.

G’s started the half well but failed to convert pressure to points and so it was the visitors from a breakout from their own line who saw themselves re-take the lead with a converted try at 11-13. Then back they came again playing what looked a simple game with the forwards taking it on 2 or 3 times and then moving the right ball wide. This saw an unconverted try to stretch the lead to 11-18.

Then G’s started to play their best rugby of the game and got themselves back into the game with 2 well taken penalties from Gerwyn Hughes quickly followed by a try from winger, Chris Brown, which Gerwyn Hughes converted to retake and stretch the lead to 24-18.

Grasshoppers looked in a sound position to run the clock down and take the points but a combination of failing to retain possession combined with the visitors never say die attitude back they came to take the game 24-32 with 2 late converted tries. Player of the day was flanker Joe Ravono.

Next week G’s are at home in the Middlesex Cup to local rivals Staines 2pm kick off

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Match Report for Saturday 8th November

London New Zealand 6 Grasshoppers 32

Grasshoppers Maintain Gerwyning Run

Grasshoppers travelled to Acton hoping to keep their winning run in the league going, on a bright November day. London New Zealand for their part, were hoping to kick start their own season by showing their well known pedigree.

So the home side kicked off with the slight breeze and had the best of the opening exchanges due to some fine positional kicking. This kept G’s pinned in their own half for the first period of the game, which allowed them to break the deadlock with a penalty. Then with 15 minutes gone at last G’s got themselves into the LNZ 22 and came away with an unconverted try thanks to a take and drive from the lineout with hooker, Jason Judkins coming up with the ball. But back came LNZ straight from the kick off with another penalty to re-take the lead 6-5.

Then. G’s cruised into overdrive as their forwards took control. This control eventually saw them pull away from the home side with a try from winger, Paul Leulusoo followed by a conversion by stand off, Gerwyn Hughes who then slotted a further 2 penalties to make the half time score 6-18.

London New Zealand certainly upped their game in the second half but the G’s defence held firm. Then, with their forwards once again on the rampage, the pressure told and Gerwyn Hughes added 3 further penalties to stretch the lead further. The final score of the game though was a try by number 8, Schaun Heyliger, picking up from a scrum 40 metres out and making it all the way to the line. It went unconverted with the final score remaining at 6-32 but with G’s recording their 6th league win of the season.

Next week G’s are at home to Hammersmith & Fulham 2.30 kick off

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Match Report for Saturday 1st November

London Nigerians 7 Grasshoppers 47

4 Try Nemeth Brightens up Dismal Day

Grasshoppers travelled the short distance to north west London to pay London Nigerians knowing they’d never beaten them in the league or the cup. So it was wet and cold conditions as the season moved into November which put pay to any hope of flowing rugby.

London Nigerians kicked off with the wind and the G’s forwards were soon on the rampage and at half time had a 0-15 lead thanks to 2 tries from skipper, Matt Nemeth and a conversion and a penalty goal from stand off Gerwyn Hughes.

All looked hopeful for G’s in the second half with the strengthening wind and rain in their favour but a combination of good home defence and final pass mistakes saw no addition to the score 10 minutes into the second half but another Gerwyn Hughes penalty goal.

Then G’s cruised into overdrive with hooker Andrew Christie getting a try which Gerwyn Hughes converted to make the game safe at 0-25. Then came 2 tries from captain marvel, Matt Nemeth, to take his personal try tally to 4 with Gerwyn Hughes adding both conversions.

But then G’s let things slip and allowed the home side in under the posts for a converted try. But to their credit back came G’s with a try by Wayne Hayden converted by Gerwyn Hughes and then to round off an excellent day with the boot adding a further 3 points to make the final score 7-47.

Next week G’s are away to London New Zealand 2.30 kick off

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Match Report for Saturday 25th October

Grasshoppers 13 St.Albans 12

Hoppers win close encounter

Grasshoppers produced a gritty performance to outwit high flying St.Albans at MacFarlane Lane on a breezy afternoon last Saturday.

The match started with St.Albans taking advantage of the strong breeze and the early exchanges were played in the middle part of pitch with neither side in the ascendancy.

On 10 minutes saw the first penalty awarded to St.Albans for an infringement by the Hoppers prop Vinny Davidson but the effort was missed.

However, St.Albans raised their game and forced a try from scrum half Andrew Still who pounced on some indecision at half back by G’s to score a deserved try. The conversion was successful and St.Albans were ahead 7-0.

In the 25th minute it was a case of déjà vu for the G’s as the visitors increased their lead following another mishap at the base of the Hoppers scrum and the St.Albans scrum half Still took advantage of the home sides frailties to score an unconverted try.

At this point G’s started to pick and drive at the opposition and following a spell of close quarter work from the forwards G’s were rewarded with a penalty for offside which Gerwyn Hughes slotted over and G’s went into the interval 12-3 down.

The second half saw Hoppers start well and following an excellent breakout by fullback Jeremy Easton ably assisted by Matt Nemeth and Schuan Heyliger, Hoppers were deep in St.Albans territory and won a penalty only for Gerwyn Hughes to miss the kick at goal.

Hughes remedied his earlier miss by kicking a penalty in the 52nd minute after the away sides centre pairing were penalised for “crossing”. With the score 12-6 and the game entering the final 20 minutes Hoppers made some telling substitutions with Joe Ravono coming on at flank and Michael Pellowe at prop.

The fresh legs helped Hoppers to sustain some good pressure and this pressure eventually told when fly half Stuart Daniels wriggled out of several attempted tackles to escape under the posts for a fine individual score, which Gerwyn Hughes converted to win the game for Hoppers.

Next week Grasshoppers visit London Nigerians in London 3 league. Kick off 2.30pm

Match Report for Saturday 18th October

Grasshoppers 19 Enfield Ignatians 21

East beats West

This week saw both teams' first foray in this season EDF Energy Senior Vase, with today's visitors Enfield Ignatians being from London 3 North-East. This also gave G's the opportunity to rest several players from the past five weeks bruising league encounters, and saw Russell Cowley captain the side.

Having won the toss Enfield elected to play down the slope with the wind behind them. From the kick off they were soon in the G's half and were awarded a penalty after one minute, which was duly scored. Undeterred by this early setback G's levelled the score on eight minutes with a Gerwyn Hughes penalty, only for Enfield to slot another penalty after ten minutes.

Play continued mainly in midfield and after eighteen minutes G's were unlucky not to score a try following a fine Gerwyn Hughes through kick that was picked up by Andy Quinn, who was stopped one metre short of the line. From this Enfield moved play into G's half and a break from their number 8 from G's 10 metre line and some smart inter-passing saw their hooker score a try close to the posts, which was duly converted.

Gerwyn Hughes reduced the deficit on thirty-five minutes with a further penalty only for Enfield to strike back with a penalty of their own one minute later, but back came G's with another Gerwyn Hughes penalty to make the half time score 9 - 16.

From the kick off G's immediately made ground into Enfield 22 and after some fine forward play saw outside centre Matt Dawson touch down near the corner, with the try not being converted. Play continued mainly again in mid-field with neither side being able to gain any sustained territorial advantage. But the Enfield forwards began to gain the upper hand in the scrum. So it was after 60 minutes of the tie that following a scrum five metres from the G's line that the Enfield number 8 picked up from the back to power down the short side and stretched out his arm to touch down in the corner, this try going unconverted.

Again G's came straight back at Enfield from the kick off with some fine forward play and smart passing from the backs saw inside centre Andy Quinn touch down close to the corner, with Gerwyn Hughes failing to add the conversion.

G's had their chances in the final ten minutes to take the lead through a couple of long range penalties, but in the difficult windy conditions these were missed. So it was Enfield Ignatians that won the tie 19 - 21 and move on to the next round of the EDF Energy Senior Vase.

Match Report by Ron Chapman.

Next week G's are back in League action at Home to St Albans, 3pm kick off

Match Report for Saturday 11th October

Finchley 15 Grasshoppers 21

Valiant Grasshoppers Stand Tall at Finchley

Grasshoppers took the unusually clear route along the North Circular to face last years North West 4 Champions, Finchley with both sides holding a won 2 lost 2 record after their promotion. G’s though were keen to secure a win as Finchley were the only side to do the double on them last season.

So Finchley kicked off in glorious sunshine G’s having opted to take advantage of the wind and strong sun in the first half. So it was G’s who’s forwards were looking magnificent in the first quarter of the game. Giving themselves plenty of territorial advantage but with little to show for it until hooker, Jason Judkins, broke down the blind side to break the deadlock on the 20 minute mark with an unconverted try.

Grasshoppers forwards were soon on the rampage again led by number 8, Schaun Heyliger and skipper, Matt Nemeth at 6. This gave stand off, Gerwyn Hughes a chance to add another 3 points which he duly accepted and it was looking good for G’s.

However, the Finchley forwards then stepped up a gear and started to secure some possession and set their elusive and robust backs free. This court G’s slightly off guard and the home side pulled back and re-took the lead courtesy of 2 well taken tries and a conversion.

The 10 minutes leading up to half time were crucial to the eventual outcome of the game as G’s pulled a penalty back thanks to Gerwyn Hughes. Then on the last play of the game Finchley stretched the lead with a penalty of their own to make the half time score 15-11.

The first 20 minutes of the second half saw G’s pinned in their own half struggling to make any headway but defending brilliantly throughout the team. Then as we moved into the last quarter of the game the G’s forwards slowly moved through the gears and were once again dominant and on the attack. So it was fitting that Schaun Heyliger picked up from a 5 meter scrum to score an unconverted try to re-take the lead. Then scrum half Stuart Danniels took advantage of some sloppy Finchley defence to gather a loose ball, fend off a chasing defender to score a try, which also went unconverted.

I could say that the last 10 minutes of the game were “nail-biting” but as the G’s officials and supporters had no finger nails left, the pressure was too much to bear. Finchley did all they could though to retrieve the game but G’s held firm to take the 2 points.

Next week G’s are at home to Enfield Ignatians in the second round of the National Cup 3pm kick off

More from Matt Gilmore on: 07917 507939

Match Report for Saturday 4th October

Grasshoppers 22 Twickenham 27

Grasshoppers welcomed old rivals Twickenham to MacFarlane Lane on a day that heralded the onset of autumn and for a game that would test the resolve of both sides. The deteriorating conditions saw a strong wind driving down the slope setting up a classic game of 2 halves.

So it was Twickenham who kicked of down the slope keen to make the most of their first half advantage. And so they set to work on building a lead with most seeing the conditions needing at least 20 points.

So after 30 minutes Twickenham had their 20 points thanks to a virtuoso performance from their stand off who kicked well for position and set his backs free when the time was right. This saw a series of scores, which left G’s players and supporters reeling from 2 converted tries and 2 penalties. G’s did have their chances but failed to score any points of their own.

Then on 35 minutes the Twickenham stand off decided to take the game to G’s himself down the blind side and evaded 3 tackles to score unopposed under the posts to make the half time score 0-27.

So with the wind at their backs it was Grasshoppers chance to pile on the points. And so they set to work and had obvious territorial advantage but took too long to make any sustained attack. So their fist score of the game came from scrum half, Stuart Danniels, who slipped over for an unconverted try after some G’s pick and drive.

And so more pressure brought a penalty which Gerwyn Hughes duly slotted and then shortly afterwards a debut try from replacement 6, Callum McCormack reeled the visitors in further 13-27 and when Gerwyn Hughes added the conversion it was 15-27.

Then it got really nail-biting for both sets of supporters as Stuart Danniels got his second try of the game and Gerwyn Hughes added the conversion to bring Twickenham to within 1 score at 22-27. G’s were soon on the attack again but once again the possession was turned over. So it was fitting for the Twickenham stand off to have the last word. Knowing it was the last play of the game, he blasted the ball into touch to the sound of the final whistle and the cheers of the visiting supporters. The only thing running through the minds of the home supporters was that a 20 point lead would have indeed been enough!

So it’s off to Finchley next week having won 2 and lost 2 knowing that it could have easily been played 4 won 4 but with a long way to go and all to play for.

More from Pete Baveystock on 07801 664 557

Match Report for Saturday 27th September

UCS Old Boys 19 Grasshoppers 18

Grasshoppers travelled to north west London hoping to keep their 100% league record intact on another glorious September afternoon. UCS kicked off down the slope and started the stronger and camped on G’s line for the first 10 minutes of the game but due to some brilliant G’s defence only had a penalty to show for it.

Then the G’s forwards got on top led by Russel Fielding at 6, Schaun Heyliger at 8 and Andrew Christie at 7 with drive after drive. Eventually releasing the ball to the backs for full back, Jeremy Easton to score a try under the posts, which stand off, Gerwyn Hughes converted to take the lead 3-7 after 15 minutes.

Then UCS came back at G’s with another penalty to close the gap to 1 point. Then it was all G’s for the rest of the half with UCS happy to hear the half time whistle but not before G’s had racked up another 8 points via a Schaun Heyliger try and Gerwyn Hughes penalty to make the half time score 6-15.

So as the second half started it was new territory for G’s so used to playing catch up in the second half. However, they started the stronger but failed to add any score despite the early half pressure.

UCS then turned the tables on G’s when their forwards came to life with some pick and drive of their own which saw them score an unconverted try to bring them back to within 4 points and make it the first second half score conceded by G’s this season. G’s failed to clear their lines and get back on the score sheet and so it was UCS who took the lead after setting their backs loose for another unconverted try 16-15.

Then the boot of Gerwyn Hughes looked to have saved the game and G’s 100% record as he slotted a penalty to retake the lead 16-18. All looked well, until the last play of the game when on their own 22 G’s won a scrum and decided to take the ball on rather than kick for touch. This resulted in a UCS penalty in front of G’s posts which was gratefully taken along with the 2 league points. In the end it would not be fair to look on this last minute error as the cause of the defeat and G’s will take many positives out of the game like the excellent all round performance of player of the day was Andrew Christie. Next week G’s are at home to Twickenham 3pm kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 20th September

Grasshoppers 27 Hampstead 22

Grasshoppers welcomed Hampstead to MacFarlane Lane on a September afternoon bathed in sunshine. The grounds created a resplendent backdrop to this, G’s first home league game of the season.

The game started with G’s playing up the slope and for the second week running they got off to a terrible start. This was due to a combination of some simple defensive errors, which allowed Hampstead to go 12 points ahead with 2 tries and a conversion. And then with just 15 minutes gone this stretched to 15 points with a penalty after indiscipline at the scrum.

This though, was the turning point of the game as the vocal home crowd spurred G’s on and they started at last to retain possession and set their backs free. Thomas Orishaguna, conducted proceedings from stand off by setting outside centres, Stuart Little and Donny Lam, through the gaps like heavy percussion and then the subtle strings in the guise of the wide backs, to gradually reel the visitors in and eventually take the lead. So it was winger Paul Leulusoo who started the comeback with a well taken try and up stepped Gerwyn Hughes to slot the conversion. G’s were soon on the surge again thanks to their dominant forwards led by Schaun Heyliger at 8 when it was full back Jeremy Easton’s turn to score under the posts and yes Gerwyn made sure of the conversion to bring G’s back with 1 point of the visitors.

The lead came via a Gerwyn Hughes penalty with about 30 minutes gone. Then the lead was stretched further with Paul Leulusoo’s second try and Gerwyn Hughes duly obliged with the conversion and then underlined it with a penalty to put clear light between the sides at 24-15.

Then just before half time G’s relaxed and allowed Hampstead to score a converted try to bring them back to within 2 points at 24-22 as the half time whistle blew.

The second half was a quiet affair compared the first with the only score coming from a Gerwyn Hughes penalty rounding off a fine debut performance at scrum half but more importantly a 100% kicking tally of 12 points.

So for the second week running the G’s forwards got on top and the defence held to make it 2 league wins out of 2 - 27-22. Player of the day was centre Stuart Little who along with his partner, Donny Lam defended and attacked brilliantly throughout the game. Next week G’s are away to UCS 3pm kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 13th September

Imperial Medics 20 Grasshoppers 23

Clinical Finishing Beats Medics

So here we were after all the preparation ready to start our 2008/09 league campaign in London North West 3. So it was a short trip to Teddington to face last years runners up but with confidence high and a full strength team.

So it was Medics who kicked off on a glorious afternoon and soon showed their pedigree and cruised ahead 14-0 with 2 converted tries thanks to some disorganised defence in midfield. G’s though came back and were unlucky not to score themselves but for some stern Medics defence. With around half an hour gone Medics went further ahead when a silly infringement at a lineout on G’s 22 gave them the opportunity to kick a penalty which they took to make it 17-0.

Then the game took an unfortunate twist from the G’s kick off when the Medics number 3 sustained a serious neck injury in what seemed a freak fall. However, as you will appreciate his qualified team mates took great care of him and an ambulance called. The game was understandably delayed for 40 minutes whilst the player was safely transferred from the pitch to the ambulance and then onto hospital with the usual respectful clapping from all in attendance as is customary in Rugby.

So the game restarted with a Medics scrum on the half way line as the original kick had not travelled 10 metres. Medics duly won the scrum and were soon on the attack but the Grasshopper defence held well until the referee deemed one of the tackles illegal and up stepped Medics to slot the penalty and place a seemingly irreversible prognosis on Grasshoppers.

However Grasshoppers, players and supporters alike, rallied and despatched the life support machine. Number 8, Schaun Heyliger, moved to centre and settled things down defensively and soon made a break to set Thomas Orishaguna up for an unconverted try. Then just before half time Thomas Orishaguna himself made the break to set winger Ian Macey up for the try which also went unconverted. So as the half time whistle blew 20-10 looked pretty good to what might have been.

G’s kicked off the second half and were soon on the rampage led by skipper Matt Nemeth as his forwards got on top in the loose and at the scrum. However, it was from deep in their own 22 that their third try came as wing, Paul Leulusoo, gathered the ball and ran to half way. He then put full back Jeremy Easton through the gap but with much to do as he glided away from one tackle and then outran the fullback for a glorious albeit unconverted try.

And so as the minutes ticked away Medics struggled to clear their lines and it was fitting that players of the day and skipper slipped over from 3 yards to bring the sides level with the conversion to take the lead, but it wasn’t to be and the half time aspirations “I’d settle for a draw” looked likely. However, more pressure from the G’s rampaging forwards brought a penalty which Thomas Orishaguna stroked over, putting the earlier failures to the back of his mind to take the lead at 20-23. So it was a great if not nail biting start with plenty to do to maintain the progress.

Next week Grasshoppers are at home to Hampstead 3pm Kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 6th September

Grasshoppers 32 Windsor 8

A Royal win for Hoppers!

The hopes for a late summer seemed to be forlorn as this friendly kicked off in torrential rain with both sides exchanging metaphorical blows as the respective coaches ticked their final boxes with just 1 week to go for the start of the league season.

Windsor kicked off down the slope with a small breeze at their backs and had the better of the early exchanges but after 10 minutes and plenty of pressure all they had to show was a penalty goal. This was mainly due to G’s excellent defence with nearly all first time tackles counting.

So with 20 minutes gone and G’s eventually retaining possession, and using it well, their first try came from new winger, Kugu Williams, which went unconverted to put the home side in front. Then despite much more pressure on the Windsor line it was Windsor who had the last word in the first half with an unconverted try to retake the lead 5-8.

So with the slope and a stiffening breeze G’s set to work in building a win with some great running rugby made possible with an excellent forward performance. The first score of the second half came when stand off, Thomas Orishaguna, ghosted through the Windsor line to penetrate deep into the Windsor 22 with hooker Jason Judkins scoring the try which Thomas Orishaguna converted. He then followed this with a penalty to put clear light between the sides.

There then followed tries from number 8 Schuan Heyliger, flanker, Joe Ravono and centre, Gerwyn Hughes with Thomas Orishaguna adding one conversion to make the final score 32-8.

So with many vital positions resolved and with more ticks than crosses on the Coach, Richard Hick’s, sheet it’s down to business next week away to Imperial Medics for the start of the league season 3pm kick off. So whether it’s a late summer, early autumn or late winter there’s only 1760 nail-biting, exiting and hopefully winning minutes to spring.

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Match Report for Saturday 30th August

Barn Elms Pre-season Tournament

On a scorching day that was more suited to swigging beers in sun hats and flip flops, Grasshoppers sent two squads to Barn Elms to take part in a pre-season tournament designed to hammer home the new ELV’s before the season starts in earnest.

With several experienced players carrying knocks, the tournament was an ideal opportunity for Director of Rugby Matt Gilmore and Head Coach Richard Hicks to look at the younger players coming through the ranks at G’s and it was fascinating to see the squads include a dozen lads under 21 years of age.

The 1st XV had the more difficult group and after a tension riddled draw against London Scottish Academy the boys faced Weybridge Vandals in their second match winning comfortably 24-0 with the pack and young fly half Tom Orishaguna in total control.

In the next game against Battersea, G’s took the opportunity to blood 6 lads under the age of 19 years and this injection of youth saw an excellent performance and a comprehensive victory 17-0 with 18 year old’s Korede Okelana, Ciaren Clement-Pascall, Jon Royer-Harris and Wajam Said instrumental in many of the team plays.

The final pool game saw Hoppers take on local rivals London New Zealand and again in a fine match G’s ran out worthy winners 12-7 with the backrow of Steve Reffould, Joe Ravono and skipper Matt Nemeth running the show.

The 2nd XV endured a tight opening match in their pool and despite territorial advantage squandered some great scoring opportunities eventually losing 5-0. In the second pool match against Old Millhillians 1st team, the Hoppers youngsters lost a close encounter 17-12 but were buoyed by tries from young wingers Tom Dixon and the rapid Darius Jafari. The final pool game saw G’s go down 17-0 against eventual tournament winners Bourneville from Birmingham.

Overall the day was a success for the G’s with DoR Matt Gilmore enthusiastic about the coming season “we came here today with several experienced players missing and we replaced them with many of our Colts. Our goal was to blood several of our youngsters and play good rugby under the new laws and I’m delighted we met our objectives and I’m happy with what I saw today. All our guys showed great desire and commitment and I’m confident once our injuries clear we will have a strong squad to compete in London 3 and on top of that I’m delighted for our 2nds where it is evident we will have a strong young squad with a real competition for places”.

Match Report for Saturday 23rd August

Grasshoppers 31 Weybridge Vandals 3

Club Coach, Richard Hicks and Director of Rugby, Matt Gilmore wanted a strong pre-season test for their newly promoted squad and that’s exactly what they got as they welcomed Weybridge Vandals to MacFarlane Lane.

So as many were enjoying a bank holiday break and heading for the coast it was time for both Clubs to judge their respective pre-season preparations albeit with many 1st XV possibles missing. Therefore, for Grasshoppers, it was the individual performances that were more important than the eventual outcome.

So Grasshoppers kicked off up the slope and were soon under pressure from a strong Vandals side who retained the ball and used it well. This overall control gave them the first 20 minute session 3 tries to 0.

G’s regrouped as they went down the slope and eventually settled down and started to exert pressure themselves mainly through their back row of Jo Ravono, Schaun Heyliger and Russel Fielding building on the good tight possession. This allowed them to take the second session with a solitary try from number 8 Schaun Heyliger.

However, the 3rd and 4th sessions saw Vandals put on another 4 tries with no G’s response. In the end this would go down as a loss but only time will tell which Club took the most out of the day and onto their next pre-season benchmark. For G’s part they go the Barnes for a 15 a side tournament continuing their work to develop their best squad when they play their fist north west 3 game away to Imperial Medicals on 13th September.

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