SENIORS NEWS 2009/10 SEASON
Report for Sunday 2nd May
A Gem of a Day a Fitting Finale to Grasshoppers 60th Season
Grasshoppers put on a fitting finale to their 60th Season on Sunday involving over 400 players from 3 different sports. Although the weather wasn’t sympathetic Grasshoppers made the most of the day kicking off at 10 with the Mini World Cup followed shortly after by the a vets netball against the juniors with the latter eventually running out winners but not before mother and daughter Mandy and Hannah Murray engaged in some mid court competition . More netball followed with the over 30’s playing the under 30’s with maturity winning the day.
Back on the rugby field - the Mini coaches and parents took part in the annual men v the ladies (George’s v Dragons) tag tournament with the men taking the honours, getting revenge for the previous year’s loss. Then Grasshoppers 2nds/3rds took on Chiswick and lost 22-7.
It was then Rugby League’s turn to entertain the crowd when West London Sharks took on South London Storm for their first league game of the summer and ran out 34-20 winners.
Grasshoppers Chairman, Juan Murray then led his side of vets out to play a combative Chiswick vets which also included the Chiswick Chairman, Kelvin Campbell. Chiswick took the honours in this game also but it was a narrower 17-7 loss for G’s.
And so it was to finale of the day when Grasshoppers Presidents XV took on Middlesex County Clubs which Grasshoppers won 37-5 to the delight of Founder Member and Past President, Fred Hallows. This game ended with two lots of father and sons on the field namely George Orishaguna with his sons, Matthew and Thomas and Chris Coakley with his sons, Matthew and Robert.
The day was made all the sweeter as the President of Middlesex, John Gunner, presented G’s Chairman, Juan Murray with two runners up awards in the RFU Presidents XV for developing volunteers and community links. In presenting the awards John Gunner explained how far Grasshoppers had come in their 60 years and wished them well for the future.
And so it was a fitting finale and a great family day including a mother and daughter, two fathers and sons, countless players oh and yes two 60th birthday cakes and whatever was required to wash them down!
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Match Report for Saturday 10th April
Hammersmith & Fulham 25 Grasshoppers 5
On a glorious spring day, with all that snow a distant memory, Grasshoppers went to Hammersmith & Fulham for their last league game of the season. Grasshoppers, with their three wins on the trot had consolidated their level 7 status but could, with a win, leapfrog one more side to make an even better season. H & F though knew that a win or draw would secure them as league runners up and set up a promotion play off.
So with each camp having much to play for H & F kicked off and G’s had the better start although both teams had good scoring chances but after 15 minutes with no score it was G’s who felt the most aggrieved. Then H & F started to show the sort of form they’d had all season but G’s tackling was sound. However, the deadlock was broken on the half hour mark when H & F went in for an unconverted try. This was then followed with a penalty to make the half time score retrievable 8-0.
Grasshoppers threw everything at the home side in the second half but were always help up short by some organised H & F defence. Then the home side took the game by the scruff of the neck with 3 tries and a conversion. Then in the final flurry of the league season G’s played some glorious rugby to let winger Tom Woodhouse score and unconverted try in the corner to make the final score a flattering 25-5 to the home side which sees them set to play Colchester in a London 1 north play off.
Grasshoppers for their part will move on to their 60th Anniversary Ball on 17th April to reflect on 60 previous seasons but as always at Grasshoppers looking back with pride and admiration but looking forward with hope and ambition.
Grasshoppers, next club action will be in the Middlesex Club 7’s at Richmond on 1st May. Then, on Sunday 2nd May, the culmination of their playing season, as they host a celebration of sport at MacFarlane Lane culminating in a game against Middlesex Clubs. Please log onto www.grasshoppersrfc.com for more details and as they say, we do it all again next season with pre-season starting in July.
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Match Report for Saturday 27th March
Grasshoppers 66 Finchley 10
Daniels Magical Hat Trick
Grasshoppers welcomed Finchley to MacFarlane Lane hoping to build on the previous weeks win against Chiswick. So it was with much optimism that they kicked off only to see that optimism dashed as Finchley opted to run everything in the opening 5 minutes of the game and were rewarded with a converted try.
Back came G’s though, with their backs playing some excellent running rugby brought about by a period of forward dominance. This eventually allowed winger, Tom Woodhouse room to score a converted try to bring the sides level.
Then G’s showed the form they’d been promising over recent weeks and cruised ahead with a try and conversion from stand off, Stuart Daniels. This was followed by some excellent forward power-play which resulted in them driving over from a lineout with flanker, Olly Grindrod coming up with the ball and Daniels slotted the conversion to make the score 21-7. The G’s supremacy was then punctuated by a Finchley penalty before G’s made further advances before half time with a try and conversion from Stuart Daniels and then an unconverted try from winger, Matt Orishaguna to make the half time score 33-10.
G’s started the second half where they left of in the first half with a series of tries thanks to more forward dominance backed up with some slick back play. And so it was second row and player of the day, Micky Freeman who started the second half scoring when bulldozing over from 10 metres out and with Daniels adding the conversion it brought G’s a 40 point tally.
Then Stuart Daniels slipped in for his hat trick try and converted it to further stretch Grasshoppers lead. Then given a perfect platform from a scrum 10 metres out scrum half Remmy Coventry, forced his way over and yes Daniels added another conversion. Then centre, Tom Orishaguna, not to be outdone by his brother got on the score sheet with a try which was converted by Daniels to take his personal match tally to 31 points. The final action of the day saw full back, David Byrd score and unconverted try to make the final score 66-10.
Next week G’s are away to London Nigerians 3pm kick off
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Match Report for Saturday 20th March
Chiswick 15 Grasshoppers 23
Magical Daniels is no Illusion
Grasshoppers travelled to local rivals Chiswick without a recent win but in the knowledge that they had come so close over recent weeks against in form sides. Chiswick for their part still held aspirations of promotion.
G’s got of to a great start with their forwards starving Chiswick of any decent possession for their running backs. This pressure enabled G’s to edge ahead with two Stuart Daniels penalties. Then, shortly afterwards, Chiswick came back with a penalty of their own to narrow the gap.
Then, following up on another well aimed Daniels kick, winger Matthew Orishaguna, capitalised on a defensive error to ground the ball for an unconverted try to make the half time score 3-11. G’s continued their forward domination in the second half and were rewarded when skipper, Jeremy Easton slipped in for a try after some slick G’s handling. Stuart Daniels narrowly missed the kick, hitting the woodwork.
Then Stuart Daniels, not content with directing proceedings from stand off, followed up on some loose Chiswick defence to touch down for the try and then added to conversion to put clear light between the sides at 3-23.
Chiswick though would not lay down and had the last words in the contest with two well taken tries and a conversion to make the final score 15-23. Player of the day was Stuart Daniels closely followed by scrum half Thomas Orishaguna for his all round performance especially his tackling.
Next week G’s are at home to Finchley 3pm kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 13th March
Grasshoppers 11 Hampstead 19
Grasshoppers welcomed Hampstead to Macfarlane Lane who were hoping to get revenge for the 31-18 loss to G’s inflicted on them back in October. So on bright spring afternoon Hampstead kicked off down the slope and despite some early pressure G’s were the first to show some good form and score first with a Stuart Daniels penalty. This was followed shortly with a brilliant break from Stuart Daniels at stand off, who fed flanker, Olly Grindrod for an unconverted try. Then just before half time, Hampstead got on the score board with 2 penalties in short succession to make the half time score a nail biting 8-6.
So it was with much optimism that G’s turned around down the slope looking to close the game out. Unfortunately though, Hampstead had different ideas and gradually clawed their way back into the game despite G’s opening the gap further with another Daniels penalty. So with G’s ahead 11-6 Hampstead’s back row started to take control allowing their backs to make ground whenever set loose and back they came 11-9 then with their first try to take the lead for the first time in the game 11-14 and then to cap a great second half performance they killed the game with a second unconverted try 11-19.
Next week G’s are away to Chiswick 2.30 kick off
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Match Report for Saturday 6th March
Imperial Medics 18 Grasshoppers 11
Grasshoppers travelled to Teddington to play Imperial Medics in yet another crucial game to enable them to get their season back on track. So they kicked off on a bright but sharp early March day and were soon looking the in-form side but it was Medics who broke the deadlock within 5 minutes when they drove over for an unconverted try from the lineout.
Gs then shadowed Medics for the next 35 minutes and secured a penalty, try and conversion to take the lead 5-11. Medics though secured a second try on 48 minutes to make the half time score a nail biting 10-11.
Gs continued to press in the second half spurred on by their superior forwards but failed to put the game beyond Medics reach due to some stiff Medics tackling and counter attacking. Gs then saw the game ebb away after 55 minutes with a Medics penalty and then on 70 minutes they increased their lead to 18-11.
Gs though, had many chances to come back and during the last play of the game stand off, Thomas Orishaguna, almost went over under the posts only to be thwarted by some last ditch Medics defence to make the final score 18-11.
Next week Gs are at home to Hampstead 2.30 kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 20th February
UCS Old Boys 14 Grasshoppers 5
Due to an unplayable pitch at UCSÂ’s ground this fixture was switched to local club, Mill Hill, to ensure no further games were lost to the weather. So with the game saved Grasshoppers travelled with a positive attitude believing that they could take the valuable league points.
GÂ’s got off to a great start putting UCS under pressure for the first quarter of the game but a series of unforced errors and lack of patience meant no points were put on the board. It was then UCS who broke the deadlock when GÂ’s gave away a penalty from a seemingly safe position to put them 3-0 ahead.
Then for the last 10 minutes of the half it was all GÂ’s again and on this occasion they did cross the line for the an apparent try only to be denied by the referee who obstructed a defending player. Further attempts were made by GÂ’s but to no avail and more errors allowed UCS to add a second penalty to make the half time score 6-0.
GÂ’s defended well in the second half to repel some strong UCS attacks and then had some scoring chances themselves but it was UCS who added to their score with a third penalty to make it 9-0. This though injected some urgency into GÂ’s play and following wave after wave of attacks GÂ’s got their first score on 64 minutes when second row, Dave Simpson surged over for an unconverted try to narrow the gap.
So with GÂ’s on the ascendancy events conspired to take the game away from them with GÂ’s well on top at the scrum further injuries to the UCS front row meant that the scrums went uncontested which took a major advantage away from them. Then in the last quarter GÂ’s suffered 2 yellow cards which allowed UCS to have the last word with a try when GÂ’s failed to cover a high kick to the corner which made the final score 14-5.
Next week Grasshoppers travel to London Nigerians 2.30 kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 13th February
Tabard 56 Grasshoppers 13
GÂ’s Keep in Touch Till Half Time
Grasshoppers travelled to Radlett to play top of the table Tabard who even at this early stage look set for promotion. Grasshoppers, for their part, were looking to make it three wins in a row but had to contend with a number of forced changes.
So it was nip and tuck in the early stages with Tabard breaking the deadlock with an unconverted try but back came GÂ’s with a Stuart Daniels penalty to close the gap. Then Tabard got a converted second and third to open a clear gap at 19-3. But back came GÂ’s with a second Stuart Daniels penalty and then just before half time a try from flanker, Tala Petelo, which Stuart Daniels converted to make the half time score a tight 19-13.
Unfortunately, for GÂ’s despite many enterprising fortes in TabardÂ’s 22, the home side cruised ahead starting with a penalty and then a series of tries to make the final score 56-13.
Next week GÂ’s are away to UCS Old Boys 2.30 kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 30th January
Grasshoppers 18 St Albans 10
Diamond Win for Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers celebrated their 60th birthday with an excellent win at home to St Albans. They were untouchable in the first half when they cruised ahead down the slope with two Tom Orishaguna penalties thanks to an awesome performance from their forwards.
Then with the visitors still under pressure on their line the GÂ’s scrum put the push on a St Albans ball to see GÂ’s scrum half, Remmy Coventry, slip over for an unconverted try to put clear light between the sides. Then the move of the game saw skipper, Jeremy Easton, switch inside to feed fellow centre, Stuart Danniels, who went in under the posts unopposed for the try and added the conversion himself. Alas though, the visitors came back with a penalty to narrow the gap at half time 18-3.
The second half was a carbon copy of the first with the side going down the slope having all the territory and resultant pressure. However, thanks to some dogged work in defence, especially from second row and player of the day, Russel Fielding the visitors could only muster a converted try to make the final score 18-10.
Supporters of both sides were treated to an excellent display of rugby from Grasshoppers under 12’s who played Twickenham under 12’s in a curtain raiser. G’s run out 42-12 winners underling the success of their “Grow Your Own Policy” and ensuring a sustainable move into their next 60 years!
Next week GÂ’s have a non league week as we welcome Wales to Twickenham with their next league game on 13th February when they are away to league leaders Tabard.
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Match Report for Saturday 23rd January
Hemel Hempstead 30 Grasshoppers 17
At last it was back to rugby after the novelty of the snow had more than worn off and so it was off to Hemel Hempstead for Grasshoppers looking for a league win. It was a bright but chilly day which saw both sides intent on playing entertaining rugby and that’s exactly what they delivered.
G’s had the better of the opening exchanges but failed to fully capitalise on the pressure and so with 15 minutes gone and having had most of the pressure they had only 3 points on the board thanks to a Tom Orishaguna penalty.
Then it was down to the home side to exert the pressure which saw them come back with a converted try to take the lead but back came G’s with a Matthew Orishaguna try, converted by brother Tom, to retake the lead 7-10. The last lick of the half saw Hemel Hempstead convert a penalty to make the half time score 10-10.
Hemel Hempstead started the second half the better and soon reclaimed the lead with an unconverted try but back came G’s when scrum half, Stuart Daniels slipped over for a try to draw level and with the conversion by Tom Orishaguna G’s retook the lead 15-17.
Then straight from the kick off Hemel Hempstead scored a try worthy of turning any game passing through almost all of the side with the missed conversion seeing them cruise ahead 20-17. The home side them underlined this with a further try, converted this time to put the game beyond G’s reach. Then as a repeat of the first half they finished the half with a penalty to make the final score 30-17.
Next week G’s are at home to St Albans 2.15 kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 19th December
Grasshoppers 18 London New Zealand 22
London New Zealand Put Freeze on Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers welcomed London New Zealand to MacFarlane Lane on a wintery day hoping to build on their previous weeks win away to Finchley. London New Zealand for their part came looking for their first league points of the season.
So GÂ’s kicked off down the slope and saw themselves well on top through their dominant forwards. This pressure saw them move into a six point lead thanks to two Gerwyn Hughes penalties. Unfortunately though they werenÂ’t able to underline this and allowed the visitors to come back with an unconverted try.
Back came GÂ’s though with an excellent try from number eight Henry Montgomery-Smith which Gerwyn Hughes converted to put clear light between the sides at half time 13-5.
London New Zealand though took the game to Grasshoppers in the second half and within five minutes narrowed the gap with an unconverted try. But GÂ’s responded well occupying the visitors 22 for the next ten minutes but were denied any more points thanks to some sterling defence from the visitors who then took the lead with a converted try 13-17. Back came GÂ’s who pressed and pressed but in forcing the game LNZ capitalised and extended their lead with another unconverted try.
GÂ’s though had the last word with their best move of the game finished by winger, Tom Woodhouse to make the final score 18-22.
So Christmas and new year stand in the way of GÂ’s next game when they are away to London Nigerians 2.15 kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 12th December
Finchley 3 Grasshoppers 17
Young Guns Fire Grasshoppers Back to Winning Ways!
Grasshoppers negotiated the North Circular and then set about a convincing win against Finchley to bring some pre-Christmas cheer to MacFarlane Lane. GÂ’s sealed the game in the first half with a brilliant all round performance led by player of the day, Henry Montgomery-Smith at number eight.
GÂ’s got off to a great start looking to have put the recent string of losses behind them and were soon ahead thanks to a Gerwyn Hughes penalty. Then with some excellent possession from the forwards Tom Orishaguna played some mercurial rugby to carve through the Finchley defence to score two tries under the posts with Gerwyn Hughes adding the conversions to make it 0-17.
Finchley though came back and for the last ten minutes of the first half ran everything at Grasshoppers but only managed a penalty goal thanks to some excellent backs defence especially from skipper, Jeremy Easton.
Though the second half was 0-0 the excitement still remained with wave after wave of attacks coming from the Finchley backs. The GÂ’s defence held firm and they were able, through some well drilled forward play, hold on to take the game and get to double figures with ten league points.
Next week GÂ’s are at home to London New Zealand 2.15 kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 5th December
Grasshoppers 8 Chiswick 13
Line out won against Chiswick
As the season slid into December GÂ’s welcomed friends and local rivals, Chiswick hoping for a reversal of fortunes on recent weeks. In the end GÂ’s performance matched the weather in so far as a bright start but gloomy ending.
GÂ’s played up the slope in the first half and after some early sparing Chiswick broke the deadlock with a gift of a penalty goal which they gladly took. GÂ’s then took control of the game as their scrum got on top and soon saw Manu Pati score an unconverted try after a glorious silky solo run which enabled GÂ’s to take the lead 5-3.
Chiswick backs then, as if not to be outdone, created some of their own space and crafted a try out wide which, their in form kicker, converted to make the half time score a nail biting 5-10.
The second half became a bit of a stalemate as both sides gave it all they had to either retake the lead from GÂ’s viewpoint or consolidate the lead from ChiswickÂ’s. GÂ’s got their glimmer of hope early in the half as Gerwyn Hughes slotted a difficult penalty to bring them back to within two points. GÂ’s then asked many questions of the Chiswick defence but they responded well, coming back with a penalty of their own to take the lead back to five points and run out eventual 8-13 winners. GÂ’s were able to take some positives from the game as the scrum and lineout went well. Player of the day was Manu Pati who unfortunately played his last game for Grasshoppers.
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Match Report for Saturday 28th November
Grasshoppers 11 Imperial Medics 42
Grasshoppers welcomed Imperial Medics to Macfarlane Lane hoping to end a losing streak and get back to their early season winning ways, winning four games in a row. Medics for their part had had accumulated seven league wins putting them in the promotion mix.
Grasshoppers played down the slope in the first half with a slight breeze at their backs on a bright end of autumn day and got off to an aggressive start which kept them in touch with but behind the visitors after twenty minutes 3-10 with a Gerwyn Hughes penalty being their only score.
GÂ’s pressed hard for the remainder of the half but failed to turn pressure into points only to see Medics add to theirs with a penalty and an unconverted try making the half time score 3-18.
The second half got off to a bad start for GÂ’s as Medics stole a GÂ’s lineout five metres out and went over for a converted try. This though seemed to bring GÂ’s to life and they got on top with some sustained pressure. This saw them claw their way back with a Gerwyn Hughes Penalty and an unconverted try from skipper, Jeremy Easton to narrow the gap 11-25.
Alas though this pressure was not maintained and a series of mistakes allowed Medics to pull away and make the final score 11-42.
Next week GÂ’s are at home to local rivals, Chiswick 2-15 kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 14th November
Grasshoppers 10 UCS Old Boys 37
This was a classic game of two halves with a howling gale heading down the pitch with in form UCS showing their class and winning both of them. GÂ’s got off to a great start, opting to play down the slope in the first half, but failed to turn lots of pressure into many points. So following a wonderful try from centre Manu Pati, set up by his centre partner Talu and converted by Gerwyn Hughes it looked as if it was going to be plain sailing. UCS though, came back up the slope and into the wind to get an unconverted try.
GÂ’s then pulled away again with a penalty from Gerwyn Hughes but just before half time back came UCS with a converted try to make the half time score 10-12.
Unfortunately, for GÂ’s the breeze stiffened in the second half but in fairness this didnÂ’t turn the game as UCS put in spurts of pressure rugby but unlike GÂ’s in the first half came away with points. This started with a penalty and then onto four tries and a conversion to make the final score 10-37 with Russell Cowley being the GÂ’s player of the day.
Next week GÂ’s play Hampstead in the Middlesex Cup on SUNDAY 2pm kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 7th November
Grasshoppers 16 Tabard 32
Grasshoppers Save Fireworks for Second
Grasshoppers welcomed top of the table Tabard to Macfarlane Lane looking rekindle their winning touch. Tabard, for their part, were keen to establish themselves at the top and in the end the latter prevailed.
So Tabard kicked off down the slope and within seconds had the chance to score after a G’s infringement in front of the posts and found themselves 0-3 up. With G’s failing to gain any momentum it was one way traffic and Tabard soon had another 3 points due to further indiscipline which led to the first of 2 yellow first half cards for G’s.
So with 14 men for most of the half Tabard streamed ahead with 3 tries and 2 conversions to make the half time score 0-25.
Well the G’s half time talk combined with having a full side saw a transformation in their performance as they clawed their way back into the game. And in a reversal of fortunes it was they who created wave after wave of attack down the slope. This saw them come back to within 9 points thanks to a 2 Gerwyn Hughes penalties and unconverted tries from captain and full back, Jeremy Easton and winger Tom Woodhouse.
It was though Tabard who had the last word with a converted try as G’s tried to take the game to them to make the final score 16-32. Player of the day was Tom Woodhouse.
Next week G’s are away to UCS Old Boys 2.30 kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 31st October
Grasshoppers 15 Sudbury 24
Grasshoppers Miss a Trick and Sudbury Get the Treats
Grasshoppers welcomed Sudbury from Suffolk to MacFarlane Lane for this National Cup round hoping to get back to their winning ways. The resulting game was a rugby feast of end to end entertainment.
Grasshoppers kicked off up the slope and got off to the better start with their forwards getting on top but only succeeded in a slight dent in the visitors defence when Gerwyn Hughes slotted a penalty to break the deadlock. This sparked the visitors into life and they scored a try thanks to a solo effort by their scrum half from a lineout on G’s 22 which was converted. G’s came back again but despite tremendous pressure they could only add a second Gerwyn Hughes penalty to make the half time score 6-7.
The second half was nip and tuck on the scoring front but it tended to be the same story as the first half with G’s being restricted to penalties and Sudbury able to turn pressure into tries when required.
In reality it was reminiscent of a fisherman reeling in a fish, only to see it pull away when close to landing. So with scoring from both sides G’s would pull them into within 5 points at 9-14 and then 12-17 but then the killer blow saw Sudbury get a converted try to stretch the score to 12-24. The final word though went to Gerwyn Hughes who rounded off a 100% kicking performance with 5 out of 5 to make the final score 15-24.
Next week its back to the league when they welcome Tabard to MacFarlane Lane 2.30 kick off.
Match Report for Saturday 24th October
St Albans 37 Grasshoppers 21
Aggressive St Albans End Grasshoppers Run
Grasshoppers travelled to St Albans who hadn’t yet had a league win, hoping to keep their winning streak going. However, in a game controlled by the home sides aggressive forward play it was they who deservedly took the 2 league points.
G’s kicked off and looked in good form as winger Henry Martin kicked through from inside his own half following up to score an unconverted try. Then came a penalty exchange with the home kicker having the edge 2 to 1 over Thomas Orishaguna bringing the score to 6-8 to Grasshoppers. This seemed to give the home side a jolt which led to their forwards taking complete control as they bludgeoned their way over for a try which their, in form, kicker converted. Then just before half time Thomas Orishaguna added another penalty to put the half time score on a knife edge at 13-11.
St Albans forwards continued where they left off in the first half denying once again the G’s backs of any decent possession. This enable them to surge ahead 30-11 with 2 converted tries and a penalty. G’s then started to throw the ball around which led to an unconverted try from winger Tom Woodhouse only for St Albans to come straight back with a converted try. G’s though had the last word with a brilliantly taken try from full back, David Bird to make the final score 37-21 leaving Grasshoppers feeling like Halloween had arrived a week early!
Next week G’s welcome Suffolk side Sudbury to MacFarlane Lane in the National Cup 2.30 kick off.
Match Report for Saturday 17th October
Grasshoppers 20 Hemel Hempstead 13
Grasshoppers welcomed newly promoted Hemel Hempstead to MacFarlane Lane and were treated to some pre-match entertainment as their under 9’s took on the Hemel Hempstead under 9’s. In the end it was Hemel Hempstead who took the honours setting the scene for the main event.
G’s then kicked off up the slope and played some fantastic rugby but failed to turn pressure into points until Gerwyn Hughes slotted a penalty to break the deadlock. This was followed shortly with an Ollie Grindrod try, touching down after a defensive slip. Gerwyn Hughes added the conversion to make it 10-0. With the advantage of the slope in the second half G’s would have settled for this but Hemel Hempstead weren’t and so took the game by the scruff of the neck for the final 5 minutes of the half and played some power rugby, scoring an unconverted try to make the half time score 10-5.
Hemel Hempstead started the second half where they finished the first as their forwards took control of the game allowing their elusive backs to launch wave after wave of attack but due to some desperate G’s defence and last minute errors all the visitors could add was a drop goal to close the gap. G’s steadied themselves though and came of the ropes like a prize fighter and forced a penalty on the visitors 22 which Gerwyn Hughes took to the relief of the home supporters to put the gap back at 5 points.
This spurred the visitors on and they were soon back on the rampage but a loose pass allowed centre, Stuart Daniels, to break away and although caught he was able to feed stand off, Thomas Orishaguna, who slipped over under the posts and Gerwyn Hughes added the conversion to, what you would think, make the game safe at 20-8. But it was Hemel Hempstead who had the last word with an unconverted try to make the final score 20-13 leaving Grasshoppers feeling like that afore mentioned prize fighter who rode all the punches the opposition threw at them, landing a couple of knockout blows to take the points. Player of the day was Steve Refould.
Next week G’s travel to St Albans 3pm kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 10th October
Hampstead 18 Grasshoppers 31
On a beautiful autumn day Grasshoppers travelled to inform Hampstead hoping to make it 3 league wins in a row with an increasingly settled side. GÂ’s kicked of up the slope with a breeze at their backs and got off to a magnificent start camping in HampsteadÂ’s 22 for the first 10 minutes of the game but in the end only had a Gerwyn Hughes penalty to show for it.
This spurred Hampstead to life who started to let their outside backs loose and make ground. One such move allowed their winger to circumvent the GÂ’s defence and score under the posts, convert and take the lead 7-3.
GÂ’s responded well to this challenge with the GÂ’s forwards taking control of the game which saw second row, Matt Nemeth drive over for a try under the posts which Gerwyn Hughes converted to put clear light between the sides. Hampstead though brought the scores level with a penalty goal. Then 4 minutes into added time winger, Tom Woodhouse went over for a well worked try by the GÂ’s backs, underlined with the Gerwyn Hughes conversion to make the half time score 10-17.
Hampstead started the second half the stronger and closed the gap again with another penalty but the GÂ’s backs were also now getting on top and worked a second try for Tom Woodhouse which Gerwyn Hughes converted. However, Hampstead then closed the gap again with an unconverted try. The final score of the game saw Tom Woodhouse get his hat trick of tries and Gerwyn Hughes round of yet another extemporary kicking performance and stretch the score to 18-31 with around 15 minutes to go.
The final 15 minutes brought wave after wave of Hampstead attacks only to be thwarted but some brilliant GÂ’s defence to maintain the 13 point gap and take the 2 league points and thereby achieving the goal of 3 wins in a row.
Next week GÂ’s are at home to Hemel Hempstead 3pm kick off
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Match Report for Saturday 26th September
Grasshoppers 19 London Nigerians 0
Grasshoppers kicked off up the slope on a gloriously sunny afternoon and London Nigerians didnÂ’t allow GÂ’s back into their half for around 30 minutes during which time they threw everything including the proverbial kitchen sink at GÂ’s. It was then a tribute to GÂ’s excellent and at times last ditch defence combined with an inaccurate kicking display by the visitors that saw the scoreboard still at 0-0 at the half hour mark.
GÂ’s then got themselves into the game with some good work by their forwards who set their own elusive backs loose to eventually get a grip on the game. And so it was GÂ’s scrum half Gerwyn Hughes who broke the deadlock with a penalty goal which became the only score of the half to make it 3-0 at the break to the dismay of the shell shocked visitors.
GÂ’s started the second half as they finished the first with their forwards on top which allowed the first try of the game by GÂ’s winger, Tom Woodhouse who capitalised on some loose defensive play by London Nigerians which went unconverted. Shortly afterwards Gerwyn Hughes slotted another penalty to put clear light between the sides at 11-0.
This though spurred the visitors on as they threw wave after wave of attack at Grasshoppers but once again the defence held and during a brief breakout Gerwyn Hughes added a further penalty. However, back came the visitors and yes once again the GÂ’s defence held. Then in the best move of the game centre, Stuart Daniels put skipper and full back Jeremy Easton in for an unconverted try to make the final score 19-0. Player of the day was number eight, Jo Ravono who put in a tremendous all round performance.
ItÂ’s a week off from the league next week but GÂ’s will be keen to keep their form going and hit the ground running away to Hampstead on 10th October 3pm kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 19th September 2009
London New Zealand 23 Grasshoppers 35
London New Zealand (LNZ) kicked off the match playing up the slightly sloping pitch. They were soon on the attack and applying concerted pressure on Gs. They were rewarded after 12 minutes when Gs conceded a penalty for deliberately wheeling the scrum, this was duly scored.
LNZ continued to press but after 16 minutes a fine interception from Gs centre Manu Pati saw him run clear from the half way line to touch down under the posts, Gerwyn Hughes duly added the conversion for Gs to lead 7-3. This seemed to give Gs a large confidence boost and following a clever tactical kick from Thomas Orishaguna, from the ensuring line-out a good catch by David North was fed to the backs with strong running from Manu breaking through the LNZ backs to fed Tom Woodhouse who touched down in the corner after 26 minutes, this try going unconverted.
Gs continued to exert pressure on LNZ and were rewarded with two further penalties after 32 and 40 minutes which were both duly converted by Gerwyn Hughes to make the Half-Time score 18-3 to Gs.
Gs continued the second half as they finished the first and their forwards were soon rampaging in the LNZ 22, following a series of powerful rucks and scrums from Gs and some good running moves from their backs Manu powered over the line to score after 42 minutes, this again being converted by Gerwyn Hughes.
Gs then seemed to take their foot off the gas and allowed LNZ to score three tries in the 46, 52 and 60 minutes, all of which went unconverted which narrowed the score to 25-18
These scores acted as a wake up call for Gs and their forwards were soon back on top and their pressure resulted in a penalty try after 65 minutes, Gerwyn Hughes again adding the conversion.
LNZ were still not finished and came back with another unconverted try after 72 minutes, but Gs had the final say in this game with Gerwyn Hughes capping a fine display with another penalty with the last kick of the game for Gs to run out winners 35-23.
Match Report by Ron Chapman
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Next Week Gs are at HOME to London Nigerians 3pm Kick-Off
Match Report for Saturday 12th September 2009
Grasshoppers 7 Hammersmith & Fulham 30
The first day of a new league season always creates an air of excitement and expectancy for the coming season but this was particularly heightened as Grasshoppers had designated this as a “Club Day” to kick off their 60th season.
So before the game there was a volunteers Lunch after which they were entertained by training sessions and games from GÂ’s Mini Section as well as an interclub game between the 3rds and 4ths. All of which, helped build to the 1st VX game against Hammersmith & Fulham.
GÂ’s played up the slope in the first half keen to jell together the relatively new side but found themselves under pressure for the first quarter of the game. This gave Hammersmith & Fulham a number of early chances to score but only capitalised on a penalty goal to break the deadlock. This urged GÂ’s into action so with good ball retention in the forwards used well by the backs it bore fruit with a well taken try by winger Tom Wodhouse which Gerwyn Hughes converted. GÂ’s continued to press up the slope but lost the ability to retain possession which allowed the visitors to moved ahead at the break 7-13 with 2 unconverted tries.
GÂ’s started the second half in lively fashion and looked likely to score but the visitors held firm and made the 4th quarter of the game their own as they moved the score up to 30 points with 2 converted tries and a penalty.
Next week GÂ’s are away to London New Zealand 3pm kick off.
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Match Report for Saturday 5th September 2009
Weybridge Vandals 25 Grasshoppers 10
Grasshoppers travelled to Surrey on the banks of the River Thames to play Weybridge Vandals for what has become an annual pre-season friendly. Grasshopper Coach, Mike Reilly, was keen to use the 4 x 20 minute sessions to finalise his team for the first league game against Hammersmith & Fulham this coming Saturday.
With many regulars from last season not on parade it gave an ideal opportunity for new and non-established players to make their mark. Vandals started the first session the stronger with the GÂ’s defence looking well drilled and organised for much of it. Vandals though broke the deadlock with a well taken converted try after moving the ball wide to take the first session 7-0.
The second session was much more even with GÂ’s enjoying more possession which stand off Thomas Orishaguna and inside centre Matthew Reilly used well. However, the net result of much hard work from both sides was a single Vandals penalty to just edge the second session 3-0.
GÂ’s steady progress enabled them to take the third session as they were able
to retain and use to good effect better possession. This saw a penalty goal
from Gerwyn Hughes followed shortly by the best try of the game as centre Matthew
Reilly chipped over the Vandals backs for Thomas Orishaguna to dribble through
and score the try.
With Gerwyn Hughes slotting the conversion GÂ’s looked to
be on the ascendency. Alas though Vandals came back with a converted try of
their own finish9ing the session 7-10.
Whilst GÂ’s did have some of the fourth session Vandals took the overall score to 25-10. GÂ’s player of the day was new boy and flanker Ollie Grindrod with an aggressive all round performance. As previously stated GÂ’s 2009-10 league season starts this Saturday at home against Hammersmith & Fulham 3pm kick off.
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22.08.09 Pre-season Tournament
GLORIOUS DAY AT GRASSHOPPERS
Grasshoppers started their 60th season on Saturday by hosting a 15 a side tournament at MacFarlane Lane which included 2 teams each from Battersea Ironsides and Grasshoppers and then Club sides from Windsor, Hampstead and Readingensians.
It was an excellent chance for Grasshoppers coaching team headed by Mike Reilly to see the fruits of their pre-season training with a squad of over 40 to select the two squads from giving an excellent blend of established and new players.
The four emerging semi-finalists were Grasshoppers 1st, Battersea 2nds, Hampstead and Windsor with Grasshoppers and Windsor eventually winning through to the final with Windsor running out eventual winners 7-13 after taking a 0-13 lead into the second half with a converted try and two penalties. GÂ’s came back at Windsor down the slope but could only manage one converted try despite being camped in the Windsor 22 for most of the second half.
Coach, Mike Reilly said “I’m pleased with the overall performances of both sides today with lots of positives to come out and plenty of things to work on ahead of our first league game on 12th September”. Director of Rugby, Matt Gilmore added “Training and recruitment have gone well and there’s a tremendous atmosphere at the Club with players old and new blending well both on and off the pitch. I’m therefore very confident that Grasshoppers will be strong at the start of our 60th season”.
Recruitment though is still a major factor for Grasshoppers so anyone whoÂ’d like to get involved should contact Matt Gilmore on: 07917 507939 or log onto www.grasshoppersrfc.com Alternatively, just come along to training at 7.30 on Tuesday or Thursday.
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