SENIORS NEWS 2010/11 SEASON

Match Report for Saturday 9th April

Grasshoppers 5 Hammersmith & Fulham 41

The Ups and Downs of League Rugby

Grasshoppers welcomed crowned league champions Hammersmith & Fulham to MacFarlane Lane knowing that they wouldn't be easing up as they wanted to go the season winning every game. Grasshoppers for their part had to get at least a bonus point out of this game if results at London New Zealand and St Albans didn't go their way.

And so with a nail biting afternoon ahead the visitors kicked off up the slope and it was G's who started the better and after only two minutes flanker, Zoran Higgins drive over after a great take at a lineout five metres out. Three more of these and the bonus point would be secure. G's did have further opportunities to score again in the first half but for various reasons it wasn't to be with the half time score standing at and assailable 5-22.

Grasshoppers stuck at it in the second half but the visitors showed that they were a good side in defence as well as attack and so as they stretched away, the dream of a bonus point slipped with it and so attentions turned to the other two games.

In the end it was so so close and as the result at London New Zealand filtered through that they had lost 20-19 but were only one try away from a bonus point win muted celebrations broke out as it was confirmed that London New Zealand would be relegated with West London and that G's would fight another day at this level but knowing that a much better 2011-12 season would be required if didnt don't want to suffer another perilous last day of the season like this.

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Match Report for Saturday 2nd April

Grasshoppers 49 Old Abbotstonians 17

A non league weekend at Grasshoppers brought the opportunity to welcome Old Abbotstonians to Macfarlane Lane in what is now termed as a friendly. However, the more mature rugby observers will remember this as the norm.

As with most non league weeks neither Club could be assured of their actual playing strength on the day but more importantly and as it transpired a good competitive game ensued on a bright early April day.

Both teams played end to end entertaining rugby keen to throw the ball around and by half time G's have moved ahead with tries from: wingers, Mike Randell and Tom Woodhouse, prop, Matt Coakley, number eight, Mike Pellowe, full back, Matt Orishuguna and hooker, Robert Coakley, with two conversions added by Mark Cunningham. In response Old Abbotstonians scored two unconverted tries to make the score 34-10.

The second half saw the visitors forwards come into the game by taking the game to Grasshoppers but failed to convert this pressure into points G's for their part were able to add to their score mainly due to counter attacks which saw second tries from Mike Pellowe, Tom Woodhouse and Matt Orishaguna with the final flourish coming from the visitors with a converted try to make the score 49-17.

Next week G's are at home to Hammersmith & Fulham 3pm kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 26th March 2011

UCS Old Boys 7 Grasshoppers 37

Hoppers Have Spring in their Step!

Grasshoppers travelled to North West London to play UCS Old Boys knowing that a win was the only outcome if they were to sustain themselves at this level next season. In the end, thanks to a complete team performance, the win came which included a bonus point for scoring four tries.

So G's kicked off down the slope and their forwards were soon on the rampage and so it took only two minutes to break the deadlock with an unconverted try from skipper, Jeremy Easton, shortly followed by a try from prop, Mike Pellowe and with Mark Cunningham adding the conversion it was dream start at 0-12.

G's continued to control the game at all phases and got another unconverted try thanks to centre, Tom Orishaguna to make it 0-17. This was shortly followed by a second and unconverted try from Jeremy Easton to make it 0-22. Then just before half time, UCS showed their true potential and got a converted try to make the half time score 7-22.

At the start of the second half G's realised just what a slope and therefore metaphorical hill they had to climb in the send half to secure the win. And so the third quarter of the game saw UCS take hold of the game but they failed to add any further points thanks to some brilliant G's defence in all positions.

It was then G's who got the scoreboard moving again thanks to a Mark Cunningham penalty followed by a second Tom Orishaguna try converted by Mark Cunningham to stretch the lead to 7-32. This was followed by another spell of stern defence but the last word went to G?s in the guise of second row David North finishing off driving maul from the robust and experienced pack and with the conversion narrowly missed it was time to reflect on a 7-37 victory and look forward to the final game of the season at home to Hammersmith & Fulham on 9th April 3pm kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 19th March 2011

Grasshoppers 27 Ruislip 40

Spring Fever at Hoppers in Middlesex Cup Tie

Grasshoppers gave a warm welcome to League One, North West, Ruislip in this Middlesex Cup quarter final tie. So with no recent league comparison between the sides Ruislip kicked off up the slope on another glorious and sunny day.

Ruislip were on the front foot for most of the first quarter of the game with G?s struggling to gain any momentum. This saw Ruislip move the scoreboard along to 0-15 thanks to two tries, a conversion and a penalty.

Then as with previous weeks the G?s forwards got going and started asserting pressure on the Ruislip forwards and were rewarded with a try from second row, Andy Randell which was converted by Mark Cunningham then back came Ruislip with an unconverted try to stretch their lead and with a penalty added from both sides the half time score was 10-23.

During the half time break both sets of supporters were reflecting on their respective first halves, looking forward with hope to the second half with hope and excitement that matched that of the great tits and black birds building their respective nests in the local hedgerows.

So Grasshoppers kicked off the second half hopping to get back into the game with the visitors hoping to extend their lead. It was the latter therefore who took first blood in the second half with a penalty but back came G?s with Andrew Randell claiming his second albeit unconverted try to make the score an assailable 15-26.

Grasshoppers let things slip during this next phase of the game which saw Ruislip claim two converted tries to stretch their lead to 15-40. G?s though came back and had the final say of the game with a try from replacement Russell Cowley converted by Mark Cunningham followed by the try of the game when centre, Tom Orishaguna, picked up a ball well in his own half to slip majestically through the Ruislip defence for an unconverted try to make the final score 27-40.

And so as the traditional sporting exchanges were made including wishing the victor well in the next round Grasshoppers turned their attention to next weeks away league game at UCS Old Boys 3pm kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 12th March 2011

Grasshoppers 26 Chiswick 41

Great Rugby but not Result for Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers welcomed local rivals Chiswick to MacFarlane Lane, on a glorious spring day with excellent conditions for running rugby. So as Chiswick kicked off up the slope G's took control of the game with some excellent total rugby. This saw them moving the scoreboard on with two tries from full back, Chris Bamber-Blake and flanker, Jo Ravono and with Mark Cunningham adding the conversions G's were 14-0 ahead.

Back came Chiswick though with an unconverted try of their own to narrow the gap shortly followed by a second unconverted Chris Bamber-Blake try and G's were looking good but back came Chiswick with a converted try to make the half time score 19-12.

The second half started with a Chiswick penalty shortly followed by a converted try to give them the lead 19-22 for the first time in the game. Back came G's though, with a try started from a lineout on their own 22 with the forwards driving up the middle of the pitch to half way which gave player of the day, Tom Orishaguna, room to weave through to score a glorious try under the posts which Mark Cunningham converted to retake the lead 26-22.

The last quarter of the game saw the game slip away from G's as Chiswick ran in three tries with two conversions to make the final score 26-41.

Next week G's are at home to Ruislip in the Middlesex Cup 3pm kick off.

Match Report for Saturday 5th March 2011

Grasshoppers 13 Hampstead 20

Hoppers Settle for Bonus Point Despite Spirited Performance

Grasshoppers welcomed Hampstead to MacFarlane Lane knowing that a win was a must to consolidate their mid table position. So Hampstead kicked off down the slope and showed straight away that they were prepared to play an expansive game and but for some heroic G's defence they would have been out of sight at half time. However, after 20 minutes Hampstead pushed their noses in front with a converted try after a fluid run from their backs. Back came G's though as their forwards took control with number eight, Russel Fielding driving over for the try and with full back, Chris Bamber-Blake adding the conversion it was all square at 7-7.

Then just before half time and due to some poor tactical kicking G's allowed Hampstead to slip in for a converted try and a penalty to make the half time score 7-17.

G's kicked off the second half and were soon on the attack thanks to their superior forwards, which bore fruit as Chris Bamber-Blake slotted a penalty to peg the visitors back to seven points.

Back came Hampstead though threatening to deny G's of a bonus point with another penalty creating a ten point lead. G's pushed and pushed in vain for another try but were held at bay by some stiff last ditch Hampstead defence. The bonus point was eventually achieved thanks to another penalty from Chris Bamber-Blake to make the final score 13-20 with player of the day going to young Harry Hughes at second row.

G's second XV had an impressive away win 83-0 to Quintin.

Next week G's are at home to Chiswick 3pm kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 26th February 2011

Imperial Medics 15 Grasshoppers 37

Hoppers Pass Medical with Flying Colours

Grasshoppers travelled to Teddington hoping to reverse both the loss at Harpenden the previous week and the loss to Medics earlier in the season. Medics kicked off and G’s had yet another slow start failing to gain any momentum which allowed Medics to have the better of the first quarter of the game allowing them to edge ahead with two unconverted tries and lead 10-0.

G’s though, responded well and started to put a number good phases together which bore fruit in the guise of a well taken try from winger. Ben Coombes in the corner which stand off, Stuart Daniels converted. Then after more G’s pressure G’s were awarded a penalty which Stuart Daniels slotted to make the half time score 10-10.

As with recent weeks the second half saw the G’s forwards take complete control keeping it tight and making the most of the wet conditions. This saw flanker Zoran Higgins get a try after a series of forward drives with Stuart Daniels adding the conversion.

Back came Medics with some fluid rugby and were soon pressurising the G’s defence which eventually gave way for a Medics unconverted try. In atrocious conditions both teams were prepared to play end to end rugby and so back came G’s with another Stuart Daniels penalty and then after some more driving rugby from the G’s forwards prop, Mark Exworth came up with the ball for an unconverted try to make stretch G’s lead to 15-25.

Then the G’s backs not to be outdone got in on the act as skipper, Jeremy Easton went in under the posts brilliantly put away by replacement flanker, Dan van Staden after he ran onto a kick in G’s own half, which Stuart Daniels converted. Soon after G’s were on the attack again when centre, Thomas Orishaguna, kicked ahead for his brother Matthew to touch down to make the final score 15-37.

Next week G’s are at home to Hampstead 2.30 kick off

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Match Report for Saturday 19th February 2011

Grasshoppers 2nds 17 Roslyn Park 4ths 17

Grasshoppers Home Grown Talent Coming Good!

Grasshoppers production of young home grown talent helps them to a well deserved draw against Rosslyn park in there last merit table league game. The game didn't start off with good news for Grasshoppers 2nd team, with last minute injuries the 2nd team took the field with a mixture of seconds and thirds, but acquitted themselves very well from the kick off with some good possession and territory from the forwards and some good probing hard running from the backs.

Some sloppy handling from G's resulted in a turnover for Park which they then turned into a break away try in the corner giving Rosslyn a 5-0 lead. Grasshoppers then started to put some phases together and with the forward piling on the pressure park conceded another penalty of which 18 year old Mark Cunningham, stroked over to take G's into half time trailing 5-3.

The second half then came to life after G's conceded yet another try to give Park 12-3 lead, the game looked like it might slip through G's fingers until 17 year old Jonathan Woodward, making his senior debut scored an excellent solo try. With a ruck just inside G'€™s half Jonathan looked up, saw a gap then out paced three Rosslyn Park players to score under the posts. Cunningham then converted the try to make it 12-10.

Rosslyn Park then came back strongly, scoring another try to make the score 17-10. Grasshoppers were not going to lie down and roll over! instead the forwards raised their game to another level, worked park up the field and into an excellent scoring position ten meters out were young Jonathan Woodward fed the ball to Cunningham who then dummied the player to score the try. Mark had injured his leg though, so handed the kicking duty to Jonathan, but showing no nerves for a 17yr old making his debut he kicked the goal to make the score 17 all.

The drama wasn't finished there, with time ticking away Grasshoppers stupidly gave away a penalty. Just like the first league game of the season where Hoppers lost with the last kick of the game, here they were again! Unlike the first game park missed the penalty giving grasshoppers a well deserved draw. Grasshoppers 2nd team head coach Pete Dymott said after the game "I am very proud the way we never gave up and showed real grit and fight to keep coming back, it was a great team performance". Grasshoppers 2s now go marching into the play offs were they will probably face top of the table Chiswick 2nd team on March 26th.

Match Report for Saturday 12th February 2011

Chiswick 24 Grasshoppers 14

Chiswick Take the Points but Rugby is the Winner

The headline is a bit of a cliché but this local derby between two Clubs threw up a game of great excitement right to the end. However, and more importantly it highlighted the key principles of rugby: teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship with the referee playing a major part in facilitating it.

Grasshoppers kicked off and once again got off to a slow start and despite their being no score after ten minutes Chiswick had certainly had the better of the game. Then came a well worked converted try from the Chiswick backs with the full back making a well angled run to split G's defence and eventually score to make it 7-0. Chiswick continued to press and it was soon 14-0 with another converted try from their backs.

At this stage it wasn't looking good for G's but as with previous games their forwards went into their metaphorical phone box and came out as supermen and took complete control of the middle part of the game. It was so overpowering it is difficult to pick anyone out but both G's second rows: Harry Hughes and Jamie Hope deserve a mention for their driving runs throughout the game.

This pressure allowed the G's backs some room and they were soon on the scoreboard with a try from winger, Ben Coombes which Tom Orishaguna converted to make the half time score 14-7.

G's continued where they left off in the first half with and pressed the Chiswick line and were rewarded with a try from skipper, Jeremy Easton after making a well angled run to go in under the posts. This was also converted by Tom Orishaguna to level the scores at 14-14.

G's pressed and pressed but couldn't break the Chiswick defence despite having full control at all phases except the lineout. And so it was a cruel twist as the Chiswick scrum half spotted a gap at a ruck, made the break to put a team mate under the posts for a converted try. Then Chiswick slotted a penalty which put the game beyond reach and took away G's bonus point to make the final score 24-14.

Next week G's are away to Harpenden, 2.15 kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 5th February 2011

Grasshoppers 15 St Albans 19

Close Encounters of the Windy Kind

Grasshoppers welcomed, in form, St Albans to MacFarlane Lane hoping to make it three wins in a row but as they kicked off up the slope into a stiff February wind and against a set of slick St Albans backs this was always going to be difficult. The key however, would be just how much of an advantage, the wind and slope would be.

So within five minutes of the game, the visitors were six points up thanks to two penalties and as wave after wave of attacks came it was only some brilliant last ditch defence from player of the day, Tom Orishaguna and the other backs that kept St Albans down to two unconverted tries at the half hour mark to give them a lead of 16 points.

Then at last G's mastered the conditions, keep the ball and started to take the game to the visitors. This saw them lay siege to the visitors line but despite two pushovers the forwards weren?t able to convert this pressure. Then at last they were on the score board as skipper, Jeremy Easton went over for an unconverted try and so an eleven point deficit would not be too much to worry about with the wind and slope. However, it was the visitors who had the last word of the half with a well taken penalty to make the half time score 5-19.

Whilst G's had the better of the second half they still allowed St Albans too much space and time to make good ground out of defence. However, eventually the G's come back started and it was their backs who started to show their class as took control. Scrum half, Riley Gibson was the first to strike as he was put away down the left for an unconverted try. Then back they came with a similar move and it was Jeremy Easton for his second albeit unconverted try to put them within one score of winning but also in bonus point territory.

In the end G's ran out of time as they finished the stronger and look to the game away to Chiswick next Saturday 2.15 kick off.

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Match Report for Saturday 29th January 2011

Grasshoppers 22 London New Zealand 21

Grasshopper Close Encounter!

Grasshoppers travelled to Acton to play in form London New Zealand with another must win situation but after ten minutes of the game and with LNZ having all the possession G's couldn't get into the game albeit playing into a stiff and bitter wind. However, despite all their early game pressure all the home side had to show were two penalties putting them 6-0 up.

Then, as if someone had sprayed the G's forwards with some cold start and connected them to a set of jump leads, they burst into action led by player of the day, Henry Montgomery-Smith. This saw them get a pushover try with flanker, Zoran Higgins coming up with the ball and with Tom Orishaguna getting the conversion they took the lead 6-7.

Then shortly after another touch with the jump leads saw another pushover try and yes up came Zoran Higgins as with a smile like a Chilean miner but the score remained at 6-12 as the conversion missed in the blustery conditions.

But then LNZ had some more possession allowing their elusive backs room to move which saw them retake the lead 13-12 with a converted try and then they underlined this with a penalty to stretch it to 16-12.

However, G's came off the ropes and just before half time they added a Tom Orishaguna penalty and a try from stand off, Matt Reilly and with the Tom Orishaguna conversion they went into half time 16-22 up.

Although the second half did not see as much scoring as the first it was no less exciting as both sides set out to grab the points throwing everything at each other. G's had the most of the half but failed to add to their total and so it was LNZ who had the last word with a try to bring them within one point and as everyone at the ground, the surrounding houses, much of south east England and insomniacs in New Zealand held their respective breaths the kick went narrowly wide and G's were able to secure the win and the league points.

Next week G's are at home to St Albans 2.15 kick off.

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1st XV Match Report for Saturday 22nd January 2011

Grasshoppers 18 West London 12

Grasshoppers 18-12 Overture!

Grasshoppers welcomed local rivals West London to MacFarlane Lane on a blustery day when on the rarest of occasions the wind blew up the slope and with both sides desperate for the win it was always going to be a tight game and so it proved to be.

G's kicked off up the slope with the wind and were soon on the attack and camped for most of the half in the West London half of the field. This pressure bore fruit as G’s slipped into the lead with two well taken Tom Orishaguna penalties, followed by a push over try from Polish prop, Pawel Kurzak (Pav) to which Tom Orishaguna added the conversion to make the score 13-0.

G's forwards continued to press led by Zoran Higgins and player of the day, prop Miky Pellowe. Then so as not to be outdone by his propping partner Micky Pellowe got an unconverted try of his own to further widen the gap to 18-0.

West London came back at G’s for the last ten minutes of the half and were rewarded with an unconverted try to make the half time score 18-5.

Despite playing into the strong breeze G's made the most of the elements in the second half with some good tactical play by Matt Reilly at stand off, always keeping his forwards going forward. As G's were on top at the scrum moving to uncontested didn't favour them and despite being camped on the visitors line for much of the half they weren't able to add to their total and so it was West London who had the last word with a converted try to claim a bonus point but it was a well deserved victory for G's.

Next week G's are away to London New Zealand 2.15 kick off.

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1st XV Match Report for Saturday 15th January 2011

Welwyn 18 Grasshoppers 10

It was with high hopes that Gs travelled to Welwyn to continue their winning start to 2011.

Gs kicked off the match with a long kick into the Welwyn 22, which was knocked on. From the ensuing scrum Gs won the ball and quickly fed the ball to their backs, which resulted in centre Junior John crossing the line, but being adjudged to have been held up. Welwyn were penalised at the resulting 5-metre scrum, and Stuart Daniels duly kicked the penalty for Gs to take the lead after 2 minutes.

Play continued to be fairly even with neither side getting on top, but after a spell of Welwyn pressure they crossed the Gs line to score a try which went unconverted after 20 minutes to lead 5 – 3. Welwyn continued to apply pressure and were further rewarded after 30 minutes when they won a 5-metre scrum against the head and darted over the line for another try which went unconverted to stretch their lead to 10 – 3.

Gs kept play in the Welwyn 22 for the remainder of the half and were unlucky not to have scored when Jamie Hope crossed the line, but was adjudged to have knocked on when grounding the ball. So half time was reached with Gs trailing 10 – 3.

Gs started the second half where they had left off, and were soon rewarded when quick ball from the forwards was fed to the backs, Junior John setting up Jeremy Easton to dart inside and touch down under the posts, which Stuart Daniels again duly converted to level the score at 10 – 10. This score seemed to spur Welwyn on, and they kept play in the Gs 22 for long periods, but with the Gs defence-standing firm.

The deadlock was finally broken when Welwyn kicked a penalty after 70 minutes to retake the lead 13 – 10.

Welwyn moved further ahead after 75 minutes with another unconverted try to leave the final score 18 – 10 and thus deny Gs a valuable bonus point.

Match Report by Ron Chapman.

Next week G’s are at HOME to West London RFC. Kick Off 2:15

1st XV Match Report for Saturday 8th January

Grasshoppers 19 Hemel Hempstead 5

Tom Tom shows way to Hemel Line

Grasshoppers welcomed Hemel Hempstead to MacFarlane Lane who were hoping to keep their run of wins going. Grasshoppers, keen to re-establish themselves in this tough league, would not be satisfied with the scraps of bonus points so were going all out for an early new year win.

Grasshoppers kicked off up the slope and had their best start for many weeks which gave their supporters much to cheer about despite not getting points on the board. However, with ten minutes gone and with some sustained forward pressure G’s eventually gave their backs room to work in and soon winger, Tom Woodhouse, with one of his typical elusive runs slipped in for a try under the posts which stand off, Stuart Daniels, converted to put them 7-0 up.

This though spurred the visitors into action who capitalised on some simple G’s mistakes and created some pressure on the G’s line and eventually came away with an unconverted try. It could have been worse but for some solid G’s tackling especially from player of the day Tom Orishaguna and so half time saw G’s hanging onto their 7-5 lead with the elements in the second half.

G’s continued their forward superiority in the second half but they couldn’t quite get all their respective cylinders firing at once which continued to allow the visitors to stay in the game. However, Tom Woodhouse weaved his magic once again to feed centre, Tom Orishaguna who went over for a try and with Stuart Daniels adding the conversion at last there was clear light between the sides.

Then with ten minutes to go Tom Orishaguna slipped in for his second unconverted try but despite much effort by G’s to secure the extra bonus point for scoring four tries, Hemel took control in the final stages of the game attempting to salvage a bonus point of their own but as the final whistle blew it was happy new year all round from Grasshoppers as their minds shifted to the away game at Welwyn next week 2.15 kick off.

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1st XV Match Report for Saturday 11th December

Grasshoppers 23 UCS Old Boys 28

Grasshoppers welcomed UCS Old Boys to MacFarlane Lane knowing that it was vital to stiffen their defence after recent league encounters. The visitors kicked off down the slope and took the game by the scruff of the neck not allowing G’s to create any momentum. This gave them a perfect platform to expose the G’s defence and so were 0-14 up within 26 minutes due to two converted tries.

This did though spur G’s on and they got themselves back into the game with a Thomas Orishaguna penalty. However, having already presented UCS with gold and frankincense, metaphorically speaking, G’s defence creaked again and made it a full set with the final offering of myrrh albeit unconverted.

Then on the stroke of half time and driven on by their forwards G’s got their game together and were rewarded with an unconverted Tom Woodhouse try to make the half time score 8-19.

And so it came to pass that whilst the Three Kings had the better of the fist half it was the Shepherds and Angels who came good in the second half as they threw everything including the manger at the visitors and gradually reeled them in.

The come back came thanks to some tremendous G’s forward play and they were rewarded by three tries from Zoran Higgins, Dave Simpson and a second from Zoran Higgins. And but for them all going unconverted plus the punctuation with three well taken UCS penalties, it was the visitors who took the winning points but, thanks to G’s perseverance and tenacity, G’s did achieve two bonus points. Peace and good will spread across the newly refurbished Grasshopper clubhouse and to use the sporting parlance “there’s always next week!

Next week G’s are away to Imperial Medics, Teddington, 2.15 kick off.

2nd XV Match Report for Saturday 4th December

Grasshoppers 2nds 8 Chiswick 2nds 24

Hoppers Beat Weather but Chiswick Take the Game

With the 1st XV game away to Chiswick falling to the weather all eyes fell on the respective 2nd XV’s as the MacFarlane Lane pitches looked resplendent in spite of the arctic weather. Chiswick kicked of up the slope and were soon in their stride as G’s failed to sustain any momentum. However, despite the visitor’s superiority with twenty minutes gone they were only 0-5 up thanks to an unconverted try out wide.

G’s came back and started to build some momentum of their own and were rewarded with a Mark Cunningham penalty. Back came Chiswick though, with a converted try but G’s stuck at it and just before half time when winger, Mike Randell, got an unconverted try to make the half time score 8-12.

G’s played some good rugby up the slope but lacked that killer instinct to convert pressure into points and so with a quarter of the game to go Chiswick pulled away with two tries and a conversion to make the final score 8-24.

Next week G’s host UCS Old Boys 2.15 kick off.

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1st XV Match Report for Saturday 20th November

Hampstead 34 Grasshoppers 3

Hoppers Young Guns Miss out at Hampstead

Grasshoppers travelled the north circular to Hampstead with a side packed with home grown youth hoping to get some momentum back into their season. Having kicked off down the slope in the first half G’s got off to a good start with plenty of pressure against a more experienced side.

This pressure bore fruit at debut fly half, Mark Cunningham, got his first league points at 17 with a well taken penalty to break the deadlock. G’s continued to press as their youth and ingenuity got them into good attacking positions only to be let down by impatience at key situations.

Despite G’s spending much of the first half in Hampstead’s half it was therefore a cruel twist if fate that saw the home side come back before half time with a flurry of attacks allowing them to secure a try and penalty to make the half time score 8-3.

Despite G’s struggle for any foothold in the game during the second half their young guns kept them in touch for much of it. However, a series of injuries and defensive errors conspired to undo them as Hampstead gradually pulled away to safety with four tries and three conversions to make the final score 34-3.

Grasshoppers have to wait two weeks to put things right when they go to Chiswick, W4 2SH, on 4th December, 2.15 kick off.

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1st XV Match Report for Saturday 13th November

Grasshoppers 8 Harpenden 31

Gs kicked off playing down the slope, and were soon applying pressure on the Harpenden defence, although this went unrewarded when a penalty was missed after 5 minutes. Play continued with neither side settling into any rhythm or creating any real scoring opportunities and after 15 minutes Harpenden had the chance to take the lead through a penalty, but again this was missed.

From the resulting 22 drop out Gs took play back into the Harpenden where they continued to press with their forwards having the upper hand, but still unable to turn pressure into points. After 32 minutes Harpenden seemed to wake up and surged forward into Gs half and through quick passing along their backs ran in an unconverted try to break the dead lock. From the restart Gs were soon back in the Harpenden 22, but again went unrewarded when another penalty was missed after 36 minutes. Half time was reached with Gs trailing by 5 points, and definitely not out of the game.

Harpenden stole the ball from the restart, and it was their turn to apply the pressure, and Gs were out flanked by their backs that ran in a converted try after only 2 minutes of the half to lead 12 - 0. Gs took play back into the Harpenden 22, and were rewarded with a penalty, which was kicked by Thomas Orishaguna to reduce the deficit to 12 – 3. Unfortunately before Gs could capitalise on this score Harpenden again outflanked Gs to run in another converted try to stretch their lead to 19 – 3. Play then continued much as it did in the 1st half with neither side creating many scoring opportunities. Harpenden were next on the scored board with a push over try from their forwards which was converted to lead 26 – 3 after 65 minutes. This was quickly followed by another Harpenden unconverted try from an interception on the half way line to extend their lead to 31 – 3. Gs still kept their heads up and were rewarded by a fine try from Thomas Orishaguna, which went unconverted in the dying minutes to bring the final score to 8 – 31.

But in all fairness the score did not truly reflect Gs play with again fine performances from second row Harry Hughes, and Player of the Day Thomas Orishaguna.

G’s Player of the Day – Thomas Orishaguna.

Match Report by Ron Chapman.

Next week G’s are AWAY to Hampstead (Hampstead Way, NW11).

1st XV Match Report for Saturday 6th November

Grasshoppers 28 Braintree 29

Hope Shines for Hoppers in Narrowest of Cup Defeats

Grasshoppers welcomed Braintree to MacFarlane Lane on a bright November afternoon in the national cup having never played them before at senior level, but with both sides in roughly the same league level all was set for a close encounter.

G’s kicked off up the slope and started to give away silly penalties and were soon 0-6 down as two were converted. Then as G’s became more disciplined they got them selves back into the game with a try for winger, Tom Woodhouse which Stuart Daniels converted to take the lead. Then came what can only be described as a magnificent solo effort from centre, Tom Orishaguna who, after taking the ball well into his own half, chipped over the top ran round the defence gathered, then chipped ahead again and won the run for the line for the try which Stuart Daniels converted to put clear light between the sides.

Tom Orishaguna chips it over the top...

...and then scores try!

Then a flurry of end to end rugby saw the lead change hands with a Braintree penalty and converted try from a forward drive to take the lead and then with the last flurry of the half Stuart Daniels slotted a penalty to retake the lead 17-16 at half time.

With the slope G’s played some glorious rugby which saw second row and player of the day, Jamie Hope, put in a performance that belied his total senior rugby experience of 10 games when he ran around two players and put Tom Woodhouse away for his second albeit unconverted try but with still much to do.

G’s looked unstoppable when Tom Orishaguna added another penalty to take a nine point lead. Then as if reeling in a prize catch, Braintree clawed their way back into the game with a well taken penalty to narrow the gap to six points which was soon countered by a Tom Orishaguna penalty to take the lead back to nine.

Then as the game reached a crescendo Braintree saw their catch was in reach and got a converted try to bring them within two points. Then with the final kick of the game they landed it to take the tie leaving G’s to reflect on a great team performance and in good order to return to the league at home to Harpenden next week.

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1st XV Match Report for Saturday 30th October

St Albans 26 Grasshoppers 20

Hoppers Hopes Dashed at St Albans

Grasshoppers travelled to St Albans knowing that whoever was going to take these league points would be the side that won the forward battle. So G’s kicked off on a glorious afternoon and soon had the home side under pressure and with plenty of room to work in winger, Tom Wooodhouse, scored an unconverted try utilising all of his silky skills.

G’s maintained the pressure and were soon rewarded with a Stuart Daniels penalty to further widen the gap. St Albans did respond and were rewarded with a penalty but with plenty of possession the G’s backs were rampant and after a flowing movement centre, Tom Orishaguna, kicked around the outside of the St Albans defence, followed up and touched down. Then all was looking well as Stuart Daniels added the conversion to put clear light between the sides.

Then G’s seemed to push the self destruct button as a combination of indiscipline and a strong St Albans resurgence set to turn the tide. So back came St Albans who’s forwards now had the upper hand and just before half time they had their first try to make the half time score 8-15.

St Albans continued the forward pressure in the second half and gradually caught G’s with an unconverted pushover try shortly followed by another surge to the G’s line which was deemed to have been stopped illegally and so a penalty try was awarded and converted and with that went the lead.

The G’s forwards then responded and back they came but failed to turn pressure into points and allowed St Albans to break out and get another penalty to strengthen their lead. Back came G’s though and were rewarded with a pushover try of their own as number eight, Andrew Randell came up with the ball but unfortunately the conversion could not be added. Mistakes allowed St Albans to get back at G’s with another penalty to stretch their lead to six points.

G’s almost had the last word as they surged for the line in the dying seconds but were judged to have held onto the ball and were penalised which signalled the end of the game and the hunt for the winning points although G’s were able to secure one bonus point for their efforts for being within seven points as the final score was 26-20.

Next week G’s are at home to Braintree in the national cup 2pm kick off.

More from Pete Baveystock on 07801 664 557.

1st XV Match Report for Saturday 23rd October

Grasshoppers 24 London New Zealand 31

Four Try Grasshoppers Have to Settle for Bonus Points Grasshoppers were hoping to make it four wins in a row when they welcomed London New Zealand to MacFarlane Lane but in the end had to settle for two bonus points for scoring four tries and keeping the score to within seven points.

LNZ kicked off down the slope and were soon on top due to some weak G’s defence and so were up 0-8 within ten minutes with a penalty goal and unconverted try. G’s though got themselves back into the game as their forwards got on top and were rewarded with a penalty try which Tom Orishaguna duly converted to bring them back to within one point.

The next twenty minutes effectively determined the result as LNZ surged ahead with two converted tries and a penalty goal to make the half time score 7-25.

Grasshoppers threw everything at the visitors in the second half and soon had the scoreboard moving when winger, Brian Musoza, went in under the posts for an excellent solo try which Tom Orishaguna converted. This was shortly followed by another when the G’s forwards surged over from the lineout and flanker, Zoran Higgins, came up with the ball but alas the conversion was missed.

The momentum was at this stage with G’s but they let LNZ off the hook and they took advantage of their time in G’s half and came away with two penalty goals to stretch their lead.

G’s came back though and had their fourth bonus point try thanks to number eight, Jason Robbins, but the conversion was missed leaving converted try to draw the game. So with the last play of the game G’s almost made this happen, but the fifth try slipped away as they knocked on in goal, LNZ cleared, and the final whistle blew at the end of an entertaining game of rugby. Player of the Day was Zoran Higgins.

Next week G’s are away to St Albans RFC, St Albans Rugby Club, Oaklands Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0HR, 3pm kick off.

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1st XV Match Report for Saturday 9th October

West London 11 Grasshoppers 12

HOPPERS ENJOY THEIR TRIP TO THE BEACH On a glorious early autumn afternoon, Grasshoppers travelled the short distance to play West London on a pitch covered in sand due to extensive drainage work. The more mature in the crowd felt it would have been a more fitting surface for that well know 1950’s music hall act, Wilson, Keppel and Betty famous for their sand dance.

Although the surface caused some problems under foot the game turned into tight encounter between two evenly matched sides both keen to take the league points. West London kicked off down the slope and had G’s on the back foot for most of the half with G’s failing to gain any sustained possession. However, with half an hour gone West London had notched up two penalties for a 6-0 lead. G’s came back in the last ten minutes of the half and although they didn’t add any points they certainly set the tone for the second half with the slope.

So as the second half got under way G’s set about getting back at the home side with some excellent forward play in the scrums and lineout thanks to the excellent throwing in from hooker, Robert Coakley and catches from second rows, Harry Hughes and Andy Randell.

So with ten minutes of the second half gone one such take from Andy Randell saw them drive over from ten yards with number eight, Zarron Higgins coming up with the ball to claim the try and when Tom Orishaguna slotted the conversion G’s took the lead 6-7. Then after a further ten minutes a carbon copy move on the other side of the pitch saw Andy Randell take the ball and Zarron Higgins take the try albeit unconverted on this occasion to make the score 6-12.

For the second week running the G’s supporters had another nail biting final ten minutes as the home side threw everything at G’s and were rewarded with a try out on the touchline but just failed to convert to the dismay of the home supporters and joy of the visitors. Despite one or two more flurries from West London the game ended 11-12 to make it three wins in a row for G’s. Player of the day was two try, Zorran Higgins who was quoted as saying “you don’t mes with the Zorran”

Due to having a bye in the National Cup next week G’s next game will be at home in the league against London New Zealand on 23rd October 3pm kick off.

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1st XV Match Report for Saturday 2nd October

Grasshoppers 23 Welwyn 18

GRASSHOPPERS MOMENTUM IS A BONUS Grasshoppers welcomed old friends Welwyn to MacFarlane Lane hoping to make it two wins in a row. In the end it was mission accomplished with a bonus point for scoring four tries doubling their league points to ten and pulling them to mid table. Welwyn for their part earned a well deserved bonus point of their own and kept the game alive to the final whistle.

So G’s kicked off down the slope and were five points up within two minutes when their pack drove over from a line out with flanker, Chris Denby coming up with the ball for the unconverted try. Then almost straight away they were on the rampage again with the backs showing lots of flair as stand off, Stuart Daniels slipped in for a second unconverted try to make the score 10-0. The momentum was maintained with both G’s backs and forwards well on top and within fifteen minutes the score had been extended to 18-0 with a Tom Orishaguna penalty and David Bird try.

Welwyn though rose to the challenge and stemmed the flow and started to maintain some possession and clawed their way back into the game with a converted try, a penalty to round the half off 18-10. Welwyn, with the slope kept up the pressure with G’s failing to build any pressure of their own and were soon rewarded with an unconverted try to close the gap to a nail biting18-15.

G’s though stemmed the Welwyn pressure and got themselves back into the game with a well taken try from number eight, Jason Robbins which went unconverted but stretched the lead to eight points. And so with virtually the last kick of the game Welwyn earned their bonus point by pulling the score to within seven points with a well taken penalty to make the final score 23-18. Grasshoppers “Player of the Day” being prop Mike Pellow.

G’s seconds went away to London Scottish and won 18-11 and to make it a full house G’s 3rds beat an Ealing side 19-12.

Next week G’s are away to West London, London Marathon Playing Fields, Birkbeck Avenue, Greenford, Middlesex UB6 8LS, 3pm kick off.

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1st XV Match Report for Saturday 25th September 2010

Hoppers back to winning way

Hemel Hempstead 6 Grasshoppers 10

Gs made the journey round the M25 to Hemel, with both sides looking for their first league win of the season.

So it was Gs that kicked of with a strong wind behind them, but with neither side settling into any kind of rhythm it was Hemel who were first on the score board with a penalty after 6 minutes.

Straight from the restart Gs were soon in Hemel’s 22, due to strong running from their backs, switching the ball from side to side, which resulted in Brian Musoza being stopped just short of the line. Hemel cleared their line, but with Gs continued forward pressure giving their backs plenty of ball play continued in the Hemel half. Strong defence from Hemel stopped Gs from finding the elusive breakthrough, which saw 2 penalty scoring opportunities missed by Gs. However it was Hemel who were on the scoreboard again with a penalty after 30 minutes.

Just before half time Gs Zoran Higgins was yellow carded for apparently failing to release the tackled player on the ground, and so it was that the game went to half time with Gs trailing 6 – 0

The second half started with Hemel trying to press home their one man advantage but Gs defence stood firm preventing them from threatening their try line, keeping play outside their 22.

Once restored to 15 men Gs forwards continued to provide good ball for their backs to move play in to the Hemel half, although due to Gs giving away silly penalties Hemel were able to kick to gain territory only for Gs to come back. Play continued to and fro and the turning point came when Hemel were reduced to 14 men following a yellow card offence on 65 minutes.

Stuart Daniels kicked the resulting penalty to touch and from a good line-out catch and drive it was Gs stalwart Steve Refford that was driven over to score a well deserved try, which went unconverted.

With their tails now up Gs continued to pour forward and were unlucky not to have scored again when Jason Robbins dived over the line from a 5 metre scrum only for the ball to fall from his hands as he attempted to touch down.

Gs continued to press forward and following an excellent move from their backs Matt Orishaguna collected a pass to use his pace and touch down in the corner after 76 minutes, again this try going unconverted for Gs to lead 6 – 10.

The final few minutes were comfortably played out by Gs to record a well-deserved win and 3 valuable league points.

G’s Player of the Day – Tom Woodhouse

Match Report by Ron Chapman.

Next week G’s are at HOME to Welwyn 3pm kick off.

1st XV Match Report for Saturday 18th September 2010

Grasshoppers 24 Imperial Medicals 25

A bright if somewhat chilly day greeted G’s Supporters to the first Home League game of the new season.

So before the game there was entertainment from three netball games, followed by a VP’s, Volunteers and Supporters Lunch, after which they were entertained by the G’s Mini Section.

Medics kicked off the game playing up the slope, and G’s were quick to establish themselves in their half and were rewarded after 4 minutes, when following a line-out the ball was worked inside and Stuart Daniels jinked over for a try which he duly converted. G’s continued to dominate the play, but after 10 minutes G’s suffered a set-back which saw Luke Turner leave the field through injury. While G’s tried to re-settle it was Medics that pushed forward and with some quick passing and forward pressure saw them score an unconverted try after 14 minutes.

Medics failed to deal effectively with the restart and G’s again established themselves in the visitors half. The next passage of play unfortunately saw G’s unable to capitalise on their dominance and 2 penalties were missed, but they were finally rewarded when Stuart Daniels slotted a further penalty after 25 minutes.

From the restart play continued in mid-field, but with a clever kick down the line which G’s had to put into touch Medics made a rare excursion into G’s 22. From the resultant lineout, Medics put on a strong forward push and popped the ball over in the corner for another unconverted try after 30 minutes.

Play continued to be more evenly balanced and it saw the teams go into half time with the score at 10 points all.

It was Medics that were quicker out the blocks in the second half and they were awarded a penalty after only 1 minute, which they scored to take the lead for the first time.

Spurred on by this score and the benefit of the slope Medics continued to press forward, and with their backs running and passing freely, scored a converted try after 50 minutes, this was soon followed by an unconverted try after 55 minutes to take the score to 10 – 25.

However G’s did not allow their heads to drop, and despite the further set back of having Thomas Orishaguna yellowed carded, when the referee finally lost patience with both sides for continued minor infringements they defied convention, when Mike Pellowe powered over for a try after 57 minutes which Stuart Daniels again converted. Boosted by this and G’s restored to15 men they continued to press forward and control the game. They were further rewarded when again it was prop Mike Pellowe who touched down in the corner after 75 minutes, this try was again expertly converted by Stuart Daniels to bring G’s within 1 point of Medics. G’s continued to pressurise Medics but they were unable to find the vital breakthrough, and Medics were able to hang on to win 24 – 25, but with G’s gaining a valuable bonus league point.

G’s Player of the Day – Andy Randell.

Match Report by Ron Chapman.

Next week G’s are AWAY to Hemel Hempstead (Camelot) 3pm kick off. (Chaulden Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP1 2BS).

Match Report for Saturday 11th September

Hammersmith & Fulham 50 Grasshoppers 21

So after many weeks of planning, conditioning and game plan revision Grasshoppers travelled to Hurllingham Park, Fulham to play Hammersmith and Fulham for their first league game if the season. Hammersmith & Fulham were keen to start where they left off last season narrowly missing out on promotion. Grasshoppers for their part were keen to turn their hard work in pre-season into the game situation.

To say it was a tentative start for G’s would be an understatement as the home side, through total rugby, surged into a 14 point lead with 2 converted tries only to be slightly punctuated with an excellent G’s breakaway try from centre Tom Orishaguna with a conversion from stand off, Matt Reilly.

Hammersmith & Fulham, then got themselves going again being able to turn defence into attack from anywhere on the pitch. This saw them surge ahead with 3 tries and 2 conversions 33-14. Despite the concern for the overall scoreline there were positives in the guise of Andrew Randell in the lineout and Mike Pellow in the scrum with G’s putting the home side under the cosh at both phases. This allowed G’s back into the game with an Andrew Randell try and Matt Reilly conversion to make the half time score 33-14.

Unfortunately, for G’s the home side started the second half as they did the first and blitzed their way to 2 more converted tries and added a penalty to bring up 50 points. This though spurred G’s on and back they came with a Mike Pellow try converted by Matt Matt Reilly. This G’s surge continued with the allure of the bonus point for 4 tries but is wasn’t to be as with the final score at 50-21.

Next week G’s start their home campaign against Imperial Medics 3pm kick off and has been designated as a “Club Day” with something for everyone throughout the day. Greater details can be seen at www.grasshoppersrfc.com

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Match Report for Saturday 4th September 2010

Kidderminster 24 Grasshoppers 22

Touring Grasshoppers Show Promise Worcestershire Sauce

Grasshoppers took strong first and second team squads on a trip to Kidderminster which included an overnight stay to further boost team spirit. With both Clubs at level 7 it was hoped that this would be a real test ahead of next weeks 1st league game away to Hammersmith & Fulham.

Kidderminster kicked off and the game soon settled down to a classic pattern of a bludgeoning Kidderminster pack against a more open and rapier like Grasshopper side.

G’s broke the deadlock after 8 minutes when winger Tom Woodhouse broke clear after some slick G’s handling for an unconverted try. Then soon after skipper, Jeremy Easton, slipped in for a try after a strong run and with Matt Reilly adding the conversion G’s eased into a 12 point lead. Tom Woodhouse then got his second try which with Matt Reilly converted to make it 0-19.

It was at this stage of the game that the rapier was somewhat overpowered as the bludgeon took over as the home side eased themselves back into the game before half time with a penalty and a converted try to make the score 10-19.

Soon after half time and despite some brilliant defence by G’s Kidderminster got another converted try to reel their visitors to within 2 points. Then G’s got themselves back into the game and missed many scoring opportunities to put the make the game safe but could only secure a Matt Reilly penalty to put them 5 points clear.

Then the home side drew level with a try and took the lead and the game as the conversion slipped over to take the game 24-22.

Kidderminster 2nds 22 Grasshoppers 2nds 16

Second Team Coach, Peter Dymott was very pleased with his team which contained 5 of last seasons under 17’s. However, the average age was taken up considerably with the inclusion of veterans, Charlie Smith (Kidderminster, Moseley, Harlequins, Roslyn Park & Grasshoppers) and Grasshopper Chairman, Juan Murray. Both had the impression that the youngsters were trying to bypass them but we couldn’t think why! The G’s scores came from Chris Bamber-Blake and Alex Naigel tries with 2 Mark Cunningham penalties.

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Grasshoppers Pre-Season Update 29th July 2010

Good Start With More to Be Done!

Grasshoppers got off to a great start to their 2010/11 season when training started on 6th July and it’s been going from strength to strength since with an average of 50 attending each session. Coach, Mike Reilly, is pleased with the turnout and the hard work that’s been put in by the players but said that more work is required if we’re to hit the ground running on 11th September when we play Hammersmith and Fulham in our first league game.

Director of Rugby, Matt Gilmore is also pleased so far and hopes that all the hard work behind the scenes can be matched on the field. The grounds are looking great and the clubhouse has been refurbished in a modern style so all it set for a great 2010/11. As you can see from the pre-season programme below we’re leaving nothing to chance to ensure we’re ready for our first league game.

• Tuesday 17th August – Friendly AWAY v Slough 7pm KO.
• Saturday 21st August – Pre-Season Cup at Grasshoppers RFC.
• Saturday 21st August – Registration Day Senior Rugby Membership
• Thursday 26th August – Friendly AWAY v Twickenham 7pm KO.
• Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th September – pre-season tour to Birmingham.
• Saturday 4th September – AWAY v Kidderminster.

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Pre-Season Press Release 21st June

Grasshoppers Aiming High for 2010-11

Grasshoppers are aiming high for the coming season and take off when pre-season training starts on Tuesday 6th July at 7.30pm, and every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter.

Director of Rugby , Matt Gilmore said “having enjoyed a good start to 2009/10 we took our foot off the gas mid season but got back to winning ways at the end of the season so am pleased that we’ve established consistency with Coach, Mike Reilly and skipper, Jeremy Easton staying in place”.

Coach, Mike Reilly added “despite having a new squad of players we were disappointed with a mid table finish and so we’re even more determined to improve on this for 2010-11. We’re looking to strengthen what is a very talented squad of players and I look forward to working with them from 6th July and would obviously welcome any new talent”.

The build up to the first league game on 11th September proves to be intense with a number of pre-season trial games starting on 17th August and including The Annual Pre-season Cup on Saturday 21st August, moving onto a pre-season tour to Birmingham over the weekend 4th and 5th September.

Skipper, Jeremy Easton said “It was a great honour to Captain the side during our 60th Season so I’m relishing leading the side on the pitch again and am determined to play my part in ensuring a successful 2010-11 season.

To find out how to be part of the team for 2010/11 log onto www.grasshoppersrfc.com

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