Plenty in the papers following the conclusion of the Six Nations. I think it is fair to say the pundits are unanimous: this was the greatest of all tournaments.

Using The Guardian template I’ll give you my view.
Player of the tournament. Joint winners: Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Tommaso Menocello
Best match. France v England. A blockbuster.
Best try. Of course it is Rhys Carré
Favourite moment. Wales finally breaking their appalling losing streak with the win against Italy, but very closely followed by the Welsh, French and Italian anthems sung in Cardiff, Paris and Rome.
Biggest surprise. England losing four games, followed by Scotland’s demolition of France.

I’ve added a couple of gripes.
Wales having to play in cream
The clash of shirts, France v England.
The adverts during the coverage.
TMO intervention when not required.
Ben Kay and David Flatman. Just shut up.

Put that last bit to one side. Yes, an amazing tournament. It is a shame that some of the papers now focus on the futures of Borthwick and Townsend.

Finding stories about our great game will become harder as the glow of the Six Nations fades and the hype around football gets ever more outrageous.

Interesting story covered by the BBC is the success of Northampton School for Boys. Rugby is often dominated by private schools but NSB are bucking the trend. Packed with Northampton Saints talent and therefore junior internationals they could secure a league and cup double this season. The article talks about the lack of funds in the state system and the challenges the school and boys face in making it all happen. This by comparison to the well-funded private system where schools like Rugby can afford to hire people like our own Dylan as head of rugby. It is a great achievement. I do suggest however it is not as straight forward as the article portrays. If you go onto their website this is not an inner city comprehensive. This is a very upmarket school with what looks a demanding entry criteria. It is also boys only until the sixth form which helps when allocating sports funding. Don’t get me wrong, it is where we’d like more state schools to be. Beacon Academy has amazing academic results but sport is low on the list of priorities, and in that list rugby is pretty much non-existent.

Leicester Tigers mauled Exeter Chiefs in the Premiership Cup Final. It was so one sided I turned over for the football.

Congratulations to France for picking up the Under 20 trophy. After a strong showing in previous rounds Wales were soundly beaten at a rain soaked Rodney Parade. They still finished 4th with England one place above them in 3rd.

The Premiership returns on Friday with Bath v Saracens. I hope to be at the fabled CRFC Quiz so will miss that one.

We play Gillingham Anchorians on Saturday, k.o. 15:00. There is a lunch. As it is ‘Ladies Day’ at the club places are going fast so if you want to join the fun please book with Louise. Oh, and there is live music after the game.

OK, that’ll do. I might be out of circulation for a few days, not that anyone reads this guff.

Monday 16th Mar: 09:05

The dust is now settling on what unanimously has been described as the best Six Nations of all time. I for one won’t disagree with that sentiment. The final round brought us three outstanding contests and the most dramatic of endings.

Let me start in Paris. Firstly a whinge. Please can you tell me why Wales were forced to play in a dirty cream colour against Ireland when France and England were allowed to play in kits that unquestionably clashed. It was a farce. OK to the action. What a contest. France played with flair, and pace and skill, and gloriously, so did England. Did Steve Borthwick throw away the spreadsheet, or did the players vote with their feet? Either way, where has this England been hiding over the previous four rounds. It was a titanic battle worthy of a Grand Slam decider. Sadly that wasn’t to be, but nonetheless, it was a classic. A bag brimming full of tries, world class players proving they are worthy of that epithet, controversy, frustration and unbridled joy. In Bielle-Biarrey France have a magician on the wing. A player who Houdini like can escape the clutches of any defence. England weren’t to be outdone. They scored some eye catching tries, the galloping Chessum was a sight to behold. It is churlish to criticise him for not getting closer to the posts.

Did England deserve to win. My answer is no. Two things. Discipline and missed goal kicks. Ellis Genge yellow was spot on despite the gnawing of teeth by those in white. The head on head tackle at the death could have been avoided, as could Itoje’s petulant slap at the ball. All three contributed in someway to the defeat. Were England on the end of rough decisions. One for definite. Being told it was a penalty advantage for a deliberate knock-on, then during the passage of play that it wasn’t was poor officiating. The TMO had no right to interfere. France scored from that incident.

England can be pleased with their performance on Saturday, but looking at the stats from across the tournament, France were worthy winners on any metric you wish to choose. I disagree totally with Matt Dawson writing for the BBC. He says: ‘England’s worst Six Nations is an unfair reflection’. What poppycock. England have more players playing at more clubs with way more funds available than any other union, except maybe France. To finish fifth with their solitary win being against the poorest of poor Welsh sides is quite frankly a disgrace. I’m sorry but you cannot dress it up in any other way. Well done France. Ramos, what a kick. The nerves must have been jangling like the bells of Notre-Dame on heat.

Over in Dublin, Ireland were too strong for Scotland. This was another cracking contest. The scoreline looks more emphatic than the game actually was. Scotland were never far away, except for the closing minutes when two late tries closed the game out. Ireland were written off by many, a team in transition. Well, let me tell you, I think that transition is going ok… for the time being. Jack Crowley has cemented that outside-half position as his own. Where Ireland need to worry is some of the outstanding players on Saturday are not the proverbial spring chickens. Tadgh Beirne, Jamieson Gibson-Park, Tadgh Furlong, all three not going to be about for ever.

Ireland played with structure and precision. It was Ireland of old, attritional but ruthless when required. Scotland tried manfully but were outdone at crucial times. Scotland held out hopes for the title. Wins against England and France will for now have to be their abiding memories. It wasn’t to be. Ireland picked up the Triple Crown and that makes their campaign a successful one.

So to Cardiff where an almost full house were expecting great things. I hoped for great things but expected misery. Oh how wrong was I. I defy anybody to challenge the statement that Wales were outstanding in that first half. Going forward Wales were dynamic playing with pace and power. In defence they were solid. This was another step in the right direction after the performances against Scotland and Ireland. There was a hunger that had been missing in many of the previous games. The discipline was massively improved, and that played a part in the win. It wasn’t all sweetness and light. Wales shipped three tries late on allowing Italy back into the game. There is still a lack of a true midfield cutting edge. Is the shape of the team with LR-Z at fullback right. If Wales can keep everyone fit, and continue to develop the bench into a force to be reckoned with, we might, just might, no longer be the laughing stock of world rugby. The crowd played their part, and wasn’t the anthem stirring.

What a weekend, and with Crowborough beating Deal & Betteshanger, and the 2s winning too, I guess the Welsh membership are happy. The English side of the club however, less so. Wales’ wooden spoon doesn’t feel like a wooden spoon, if you get my drift. England really do need to ask questions. Fifth is a disgrace.

Sunday 15th Mar: 09:00

What a weekend of rugby. Absolutely amazing. I will start off at Steel Cross however. At this point I would normally refer you to The Bard’s blow by blow account, but as he is on the beach with the lovely Mrs Bard, this is it.

The story of Saturday’s rearranged game against Deal & Betteshnager actually starts on the Friday morning. The Steel Cross grounds were under water. None of the pitches were playable and tough decisions were about to be made. The club’s Friday Club, undaunted by the task ahead, took to the pitch with forks and sand, and for several hours worked tirelessly on the worst affected areas. Through the cloying Wealden clay the lining marking machine ploughed. By 1pm no more could be done except to hope the bright and breezy weather would hold. The decision was made to take a chance and state ‘the game was on!’.

Saturday arrived and whilst the pitch conditions were far from ideal the pitch was playable. Deal & Betteshanger were riding high in the table, and whilst Crowborough had enjoyed two fine away wins of late this would be challenge. Despite the underfoot conditions Crowborough started brightly moving the ball wide to test the visitors defence early on. It stood firm. Deal & Betteshanger looked lively with ball in hand, their No.10 Oliver Best, and No.8 Anthony Hart orchestrating their attacks. Crowborough’s defence was not to be beaten. The opening ten minutes was combative but not of the highest quality. Too many silly mistakes causing the young match official to be front and centre.

It was Deal & Betteshanger who eventually got the scoreboard moving after a period of concerted effort. Crowborough held the ball up over the line but the game was brought back for a previous infringement. The quick thinking Best worked his magic and went over under the posts. The conversion was added. 0-7.

The score galvanised ‘Borough into action. Passes were now sticking. Dave Bennett and Andy Kidd led from the front and the hosts made good ground. Young Jarrod Hermann put a penalty into the corner. From the resultant line out the ball was slickly moved from right to left across the back line. Each player drawing his opposite number eventually freeing up Will Pitman to go over in the corner. Out of the mud Hermann added the conversion 7-7.

The game ebbed and flowed with the visitors being marginally the better side. That said Crowbrough’s defence was excellent. First up tackling making their mark, and last ditch tackles halting the visitors attacks short of the line. As the game approached half time, Deal & Betteshenager, now down to 14 men following a yellow card, were under pressure. Very ambitiously the guests tried to clear their line from the base of a scrum. The ball went forward causing an offside player to infringe. Without hesitation Kidd tapped and went from the penalty and was under the posts to give ‘Borough the lead. The conversion was added taking the half time score to 14-7.

Crowborough started the second half brightly with a solid set-piece giving the backs room to play. Slick handling and creative angles of running put the visitors under pressure. That pressure resulted in another penalty which Hermann slotted from distance with ease. 17-7. Deal & Betteshanger, now back to their full compliment were soon on the attack. The scoreboard should have been moving in Deal’s favour except the ambitious long pass was dropped by uncharacteristic shoddy handling.

The game became a ‘Curate’s egg’ of a contest in the mud. Some outstanding free flowing rugby defying the conditions, littered with way too many basic mistakes leaving the referee no option but to whistle, whistle, whistle. It was the visitors who did score next following a poor Crowborough decision not to clear their line with a long defensive kick. The situation was made worse with back chat to the referee, Deal now ten meters closer to the line. From a strong attacking position the ball found its way into Hart’s hands and he was over for the score under the posts. 17-14.

Both teams battled hard with defences standing firm. The ferocity of the contest saw players leaving the field injured. With about 15 minutes left on the clock Deal & Betteshanger retook the lead through their No.8 taking the score to 17-19. Almost immediately from the ensuing kick off ‘Borough were in front of the posts with a kick at goal. Hermann again effortlessly slotted the ball through the uprights. 20-19.

As the clock ticked away, despite being marginally the better side, D&B went further behind. As the ball was moved wide, inexplicably the ball was dropped in mid-field. A Crowborough player put boot to ball with Josh Jarvis winning the race to touch down. 27-19 with minutes to go. The visitors had the last word with a well worked try and with ‘Borough now down to 14 men the Deal score was inevitable. Wide out but still converted. Final score 27-26.

Crowborough move into 7th with Gillingham Anchorians next up on March 21st at Steel Cross, k.o. 15:00.

The 2nd XV also triumphed winning 26-48 at Hellingly.

I’ll do a full review of the amazing Six Nations games tomorrow. I will say right now, it was truly an amazing weekend.

Thursday 12th Mar: 08:20

The final countdown. Yep, not long now. 15:00 at Steel Cross on Saturday and its Crowborough v Deal & Betteshanger. There are still paces left for lunch. Get in touch with Louise and join the fun.

As I opened my apps to look at the rugby pages I couldn’t ignore the pictures of oil tankers ablaze in the Straits of Hormuz. Whilst the Iranian regime is evil, and I believe there are many failings in the way life is lived in the Islamic world, Donald Trump unilaterally has triggered a crisis that will affect everyone the world over. It will also have the opposite effect of what he desired. It will make the world an even more dangerous place. One with millions of decent human beings now in the firing line. The man is a lunatic, and no better than the Ayatollah that he just disposed off. His buddy Netanyahu, another megalomaniac, is putting a target on the back of Jews across the globe. What a world we live in.

I’m tempted to stop there as sport pales into insignificance, but sport can bring people together, unless you support either Glasgow Rangers or Celtic. On that basis rugby will take centre stage for a few hours on Saturday.

I gave you my predictions and my desired outcomes yesterday. They are unchanged. There is little in the papers to get my teeth into, this in no small part due to the fact England have performed so dismally.

France go into Saturday’s game as favourites but the talking point is how the kits will clash. France will be wearing a commemorative pale blue shirt which will inevitably clash with England’s white shirts. It is a joke, with a capital ‘F’. Wales were stopped from wearing red last Friday in order to keep the very, very few people who suffer with colour blindness happy. Yet this weekend the blazers will be more than happy to allow a serious clash of shirts because it is England and France.

France will go into the contest without Oscar Jegou. He got a four match ban for his eye gouging incident. If you look at the World Rugby sanction table and the disciplinary guidelines the process has been followed. However, I cannot see how the panel considered the contact to be ‘reckless’ and ‘low-end’. It looked a very deliberate act in my opinion and should have started at twelve matches. I’m sure if he had been Welsh or Scottish he would have received a longer ban. Hey Ho!

The Under 20s Six Nations comes to its conclusion on Sunday. France look red hot favourites for that title. Wales should beat bottom placed Italy to finish a creditable 4th, especially after fine performances, albeit resulting in defeat, against England and France. I’ll be watching the Welsh game before watching the Premiership Cup Final. Come on Exeter. Whilst Leicester City are in my soul, Leicester Tigers are at the other end of scale.

I did get a message from Damper yesterday, the good old West Country boy. He’s still decrying the absence of Max Ojomoh. No surprise there. He does make a good point that whilst there is plenty of kicking in the Premiership the game has become much more expansive. He asks why oh why is Steve Borthwick sticking to that strategy. You’ll have to ask him, but my guess is there is something in the stats that says it works. Tell that to Scotland.

There was a headline on the BBC Sport website that in a roundabout way summed up England’s challenge. Under a photo of Finn Russell the headline read: ‘he can pull a rabbit out of a hat’. There lies England’s problem, they don’t pick players with that ability.

The other headline that caught my eye and made me groan. The Daily Fail says: ‘England’s “big geese” Under 18s reveal why they offer hope of a brighter Six Nations’. The article goes on to eulogise about a 21st 16 year old prop and 6’5” wingers. Yet again its all about size. Nothing about skill, or flair, or creativity. I do worry about our game, and perhaps I’m falling out of love with it.

That view is enhanced when I read RFU summaries about discipline. Appalling spectator behaviour, referee abuse, coaches of U13s thinking their coaching England at the World Cup, mass brawls between parents, and so I could go on.

That’ll do for now. I’m off to catch up on what the lily-livered Sir U-Turn is up to. Hiding in the toilet if he has any sense. If there is one thing to come out of the Iranian situation it is the simple fact that the UK might need to rethink its energy policy. We have natural resources aplenty in the North Sea. Our pathetic, and unattainable desire for ‘net zero’ leaves it untapped. We can no longer rely on others for oil and gas. Let’s open up the rigs and get drilling again.

Wednesday 11th Mar: 08:40

I honestly have no idea how many people read this guff. I don’t need to know because I write it as much for myself as anything else. However, when I saw the England squad being announced with just one change I did raise an eyebrow and wondered what others thought. So, this morning I’m asking you: happy that the back line is unchanged? Happy that Itoje has not been rested? Happy that Chessum is starting in the back row? Happy that players are saying they intend to stick to the kicking strategy? Bleater@crowboroughrugby.com.

For what its worth, as mentioned yesterday, I think, looking at the five other sides in the tournament, England are lacking a true playmaker who can change the game. I think they are obsessed with size rather than skill. They lack a traditional No.8. Some players need a rest, you can’t keep flogging a dead horse. I think their game plan has been found out.

Changing tack, there is good piece in The Torygraph, that asks how can Wales, and the Welsh, who will pick up the wooden spoon AGAIN, with the game at home a shambles, almost in self-destruct mode, deride England for their fall from grace. A good question. However, it is for those very reasons that it happens. Everyone could see Wales were going to pick up the wooden spoon even before a ball was passed. Their form was dire, the regional war was in full swing, the game across Wales is in decline, and there is no money. This is contrasted by those who had booked their flights and hotels to Paris, and ordered their England Grand Slam winning t-shirts in November last year. With the resources available to England, financial and playing, it is a disgrace that England are in the position they are in. So, with Wales winning plaudits for their dramatic improvement, the ‘sack Townsend’ mob firmly in their place, those who thought Ireland were over the hill quiet, and the ‘who are Italy’ naysayers nowhere to be seen, it comes as no surprise that England baiting has come to the fore.

How is it all going to pan out? I don’t have a clue, a bit like Sir U-Turn. Yes, I’m clueless, but I will get off the fence and put my view forward.

France will beat England, albeit narrowly. France have been stung and are at home
Scotland will fall short against Ireland. The Dublin factor and Scotland’s injuries
Italy will beat Wales and the bubble will be burst. Italy are on a roll and confidence is high.

There you have it. I wouldn’t rush to the bookies however.

Now here is a different question. Who do I want to win?

England, for the good of the grassroots game.
Scotland, as they have played great rugby and by kicking less than any of the other nations.
Wales of course. The game needs a lift before the infighting recommences.

Changing tack, it is farcical that the blazers running Six Nations Discipline didn’t get the hearing into Oscar Jegou’s alleged eye gouge completed yesterday. It is strange they are reluctant to say why. It is set to happen this afternoon. I for one think the images are pretty conclusive and, like many, ask why wasn’t it dealt with at the time. Three on-field officials, a TMO, a mole in the bunker, and two others in the stands. Food for thought.

There is plenty of ‘woe is us’ in the Welsh media. Not only were we robbed against Scotland, we were hard done by against Ireland too. A forward pass leading to Jamie Osbourne’s try, and a clear block when Conan went over. I tend to agree, but I would wouldn’t I. I do think Wales haven’t had the rub of the green but that is how the cookie crumbles when you are down.

Moving on. Leicester City 2 Bristol City 0. No more needs to be said.

Finally, our sole Royal Navy vessel, HMS Dragon, has sailed for Cyprus. There is France with its aircraft carrier and support vessels with Msr Macron strutting his stuff on board. By comparison Sir U-Turn is at home fretting about upsetting today’s minority of the month while our bath toy of a ship sails serenely to the Med.

The Middle East is a mess, and whilst we fret over rugby, people are dying, and tens of thousands being made homeless by what could be described, albeit only at times, as indiscriminate bombing.

Tuesday 10th Mar: 09:25

Let me start at Steel Cross. Deal & Betteshanger at home on Saturday. There are still places available for lunch; just £15 and £3.50 a pint for Greene King IPA. Kick off 15:00. Then you can watch England capitulate to France on the big screen. Ok, that last bit is me winding you up dear reader.

The fall out from the penultimate round continues unabated. After all, the hacks, and the clowns who write blogs, need something to fill the pages. Right now, Steve Borthwick is under the spotlight. As I mentioned yesterday sacking him is not the answer. What has to happen is he needs to allow Lee Blackett a freer hand in the tactical planning, and give the players the freedom to play. At the moment they are hamstrung by a plan that is not working because it has been worked out by the opposition, and there is no back up plan, nor anyone with the brains to take control on the field. The players have come out swinging, as you would expect, but sadly they are saying they will stick to the kick, kick, and kick again game plan. The definition of madness is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Get that strategy wrong against France and you could pay a heavy price.

I’ve been writing this guff for many years now and I find there are times I repeat myself. I will do so again by saying one of the biggest mistakes England have made is sticking with the ‘steady Eddies’ in crucial positions rather than playing someone who can make things happen. Stuart Barnes, Cipriani, Marcus Smith. All mercurial players who could adapt to what they were seeing in front of them. They also had leaders who said ‘sod it’ I’m taking control; Dallaglio a classic example. At the moment England play like robots. Russell of Scotland, Dupont for France and Gibson-Park for Ireland, all players who play with their heads up developing the game plan as the game develops. If England are to salvage anything from this Six Nations Borthwick has to roll the dice, rip up the game plan, and use the players unquestionable talent at his disposal.

So what are the permutations. France are in the box seat and a win against England, especially with a bonus point will seal it. For Scotland to lift the trophy they really need a bonus point win and France to fall short against England. Ireland need to beat Scotland by a margin and France to fail. Its a bit more complicated than that but that is the gist of it.

At the other end of the table mathematically Wales could leap-frog England and avoid the wooden spoon. That would require a huge England loss, and a huge Wales win. Neither will happen. For Wales it is all about pride and momentum. Beat Italy is the objective. I really can’t see Wales getting close.

What is interesting is how important the bonus point has been. Scotland took their foot of the gas with the game won and France came back and scored that all important fourth try. They now top the table as a result. Wales will pick up the wooden spoon but that might not have been the case if they had picked up a bonus point, which they deserved by the way, against Ireland. There is a situation where France could lift the trophy, well the dummy trophy as the real one was ruined in a fire, with fewer wins on the board than Ireland. Charles Richardson writing in The Torygraph says the tournament could end in ‘complete farce’ if that were to happen. He has a point. The bonus point was introduced to all parts of the game to encourage a free flowing contest with tries being rewarded. Good idea, but with the propensity to kick, kick and kick again I’m not sure it is working. For a five match tournament why not scrap the bonus point is his argument. Answers to….

All six teams sweat on injuries. Tom Curry is out. Scotland have lost six players from their squad including starting second row of Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings. Italy’s prop Ferrari is out, replaced by Mclaren perhaps????

OK that’ll do rugby wise. Will I, won’t I? What? Watch Leicester City play Bristol City tonight. Can my jangling nerves stand it.

The horrors in the Middle East continue. Every lost life is a tragedy but please don’t lose sight of the fact that allegedly the Iranian regime indiscriminately slaughtered thousands of innocents whose only crime was to protest. It is an odious, hypocritical regime.

Britain, what a laughing stock. We have one ship that is heading to support the campaign but that can’t leave yet because the docks only work Monday to Friday. Some say it is the only boat Sir U-turn has managed to halt. We have France sailing to our rescue with a smirk bigger than the Channel that separates us. What are our politicians doing? Wasting time on wokery with things like having a ‘anti-Muslin hostility’ tsar. What the **** is that all about?

Monday 9th Mar: 09:10

As the dust settles on what was an amazing round of Six Nations rugby let me take you through the local results. In Counties Kent 1 not the greatest of days for those below us. Ashford beat Park House 34-17, Charlton Park conceded a HWO to Deal & Betteshanger, and Cranbrook lost 24-12 at Gillingham Anchorians. After our fine win at Dover the bottom three are at least 17 points below us. Gillingham are 12 points adrift. At the moment it is Park House and Charlton Park in the two confirmed relegation spots with Cranbrook in the third relegation spot depending on who goes up and down from elsewhere. At the top of the table Old Elthamians beat a depleted H&W RFC 43-12. Their promotion is certain. Sevenoaks II are now clear in second after a 69-22 drubbing of Beccehamians. Oaks are unlikely to be in the hunt for promotion as those from other leagues have a better win/loss/points ratio.

In Surrey/Sussex 1 Cobham are still top. A mixed day for the Sussex sides with Haywards Heath beating Old Wimbledonians 45-12, Eastbourne losing 25-19 at Old Caterhamians, and Hove losing 32-24 at Trinity. Hove are 4th but well off the pace for promotion. Heath are in 6th and Eastbourne in 8th both clear of relegation. KCS Old Boys look doomed.

Going west now into Hamsphire 1 Bognor enjoyed a fine 53-22 win over Bournemouth II to stay in 2nd behind Portsmouth. Like Oaks II they are currently out of the running for promotion. Chichester also triumphed beating Winchester II 40-17. Chi move into a creditable 5th. Eastleigh are adrift in this league where three clubs could go down.

In Sussex 2 the race for promotion continues apace with Pulborough strolling past bottom placed Crawley and East Grinstead winning at Eastbourne II. Other winners were Lewes, Brighton II and Seaford. In Sussex 3 Burgess Hill continue their charge for promotion with an 18-12 win over Hove II in what I understand was a fiery encounter. Our 2s are 5th after their 41-7 win over Heath II.

In Kent 3 Hastings & Bexhill beat New Ash Green and stay third behind TW II and Sittingbourne. In Kent 2 TJs II are in the promotion spot with Thanet Wanderers hot on their tail.

Upwards now into Regional 2 where Brighton beat Old Colfeians 17-12 but stay 2nd as Sidcup won at Canterbury II. Horsham’s excellent run continues with a 26-20 win over Sutton & Epsom. They are 3rd. Both Brighton and Horsham could be in the promotion shake-up. In Regional 1 TWells strolled past Camberley 69-19. They stay 3rd with Jersey pretty certain for promotion. Worthing lost 17-7 at Old Alleynians to stay in 8th which is one place above where clubs could be dragged into relegation. They are well clear of the guaranteed relegation spots however.

Neither Sevenoaks or TJs had games last weekend.

Rounding things off Bridgnorth lost at home 29-32 to Banbury. Salisbury also lost, this time away at Walcot 15-5 in what has been described as a ‘spirited encounter’.

Very little grassroots rugby next weekend except at Steel Cross where we host Deal & Betteshanger. Kick off 15:00. There is a league lunch. Book now to avoid disappointment.

The fallout from the Six Nations continues. Steve Borthwick is under the spotlight and whilst I don’t agree with the clamour for him to go, I do think he is part of the problem. England seem unable to think for themselves. Yet again they got stuck in a tactical rut which they couldn’t get out off. Their kicking game has been found out and there is no Plan B. Their discipline fell apart and Italy seized their chance.

We cannot be happy with another loss but Wales came out of the weekend with credit in the bank and praise aplenty. The improvement from that truly pathetic performance against England is quite dramatic.

Scotland, wow, what a result that was. The side that has kicked the least in the tournament, played whatever is in front of them with aplomb, and in Finn Russell they have a ringmaster who controls the game from the field. France were all at sea on Saturday. Clueless at times. They did get the crucial bonus point try and showed some of their brilliance as Scotland took their foot of the gas.

The moment of the weekend’s action has to be Rhys Carre’s try. That was something to bring a smile to all rugby folk’s faces.

Sunday 8th Mar: 09:20

This weekend’s rugby has been a powerful reminder of why I don’t gamble. I hadn’t expected us to win so comfortably at Dover. Scotland scoring 50 points against France, and England losing so feebly over in Italy were most definitely outcomes that I hadn’t foreseen. What a fabulous weekend of rugby.

Let me start in Dover. I didn’t make it, for a range of reasons, but Mark did. Excellent regular updates informing us, ‘us’ being the Friday Club whatsApp group, that we were 0-10 up at half-time, 0-22 going into the final quarter, and 7-25 at the final whistle. Three tries for Josh Jarvis as part of a four try haul in total. Mark states the backs were back to their ‘old ways’, that being spinning the ball wide, at pace and accuracy, and keeping the undoubted big defenders on the move. A bonus point win is a brilliant outcome. The results keeps us in 8th now just three points adrift of Beccs. There is one element that clouds the euphoria and that is news that inspirational scrum-half Sam Marchesi suffered a nasty hamstring injury. Painful and season ending.

I headed to Steel Cross for the 2nd XV game against Haywards Heath, well, the first half that is. Heath arrived with the bare minimum so with our 3rd XV being cancelled we were able to bolster up their side. As an aside the pitch was heavy to say the very least. We started strongly scoring an excellent try, before butchering a gilt edged try through over confidence. Heath came battling back to take a 5-7 lead at the break. Now, to be honest, I hadn’t expected it to be so cold, nor did Mrs Bleater. It was freezing. So, with hands like blocks of ice, and faces raw with the cold we headed home. It turns out that the boys turned on the after-burners in the second half running out winners 41-7. A great result.

I make no apology for not going to Dover, nor putting my comfort ahead of sticking it out in the freezing cold.

What I should point out is the amazing situation where three father and son combinations ran out together on Saturday for the 2nds. I did it with my lad in two senior games for Crowborough many years ago. Yesterday Mark & Mason Rosier, Ian & Alf Russell, and Terry & Lewis Hughes all donned the red and white of Crowborough and represented their club together in the same team. Quite a marvellous achievement. Well done to them. It should be noted the boys didn’t outshine their dads, the dads put in a great shift, in mud that water-buffalo would have found appealing.

I should point out that our 3s were ready and waiting for a game but sadly Hellingly 2s cried off.

So to the Six Nations. Wales lost again, an outcome that was not unexpected. However, they played with passion and skill and determination from the first whistle to the last. Wales were extremely unlucky not to get anything out of this game. Ireland were worthy winners but Wales finally can hold their heads high in defeat. Oh, and that try by Rhys Carre was one ‘for the ages’. If you still haven’t seen it get on the interweb thingy, it was a thing of beauty by a beast.

Having thawed out, with the help of a couple of glasses of sherry, yes, we like sherry, we settled down to watch France narrowly beat Scotland. What we watched defied all logic. Scotland were amazing, playing some superb rugby. Excellent forward play, outstanding support lines, great angles of running, and amazing accuracy in their passing. The decision making was spot on too. France were a shadow of what we had seen up until now. They looked all at sea. Pretty much the opposite of Scotland. Uncharacteristic errors, shoddy discipline, and poor defence from #1 to #15. They only came alive in the last minutes as Scotland tired. It was a cracker of a contest. There could be serious repercussions for Oscar Jegou however. That alleged eye gouge looks awful.

Then came Italy v England. For long periods this was a pretty dire watch. England were, it is difficult to describe. I don’t want to say ‘awful’ because there were some passages of decent play, including a pair of well constructed tries. However, there was no fire, no cohesion, and making matters worse a lack of discipline. Maro Itoje’s petulant slap of the ball resulting in his ten minutes on the naughty step epitomising the problems. Italy on the other hand played with their hearts on their sleeves, giving of their all. They simply wanted it more. There was no arrogance, something which I do think plagues England and English rugby, there was a determination to win. There is one other factor which cannot be underestimated. A significant number of the Italian side play week in, week out together at Benetton. England were almost introducing themselves to each other as they entered the stadium. At the outset of the tournament England fans were talking of a winner takes all with France next weekend. I would have loved that for the sake of English rugby. Yesterday, I unashamedly supported Italy. It was an outstanding result. Questions have to be asked, but sacking Steve Borthwick is not the answer.

Thursday 5th Mar: 08:30

In answer to your question, the journey home was much, much easier than going. Thank you for asking.

Another big weekend of Six Nations rugby awaits. Ireland v Wales on Friday evening. Ireland have named a very strong side. All the big guns start despite there being five changes to the side that took England to the cleaners. Wales have made a couple of changes due to injuries. Dan Edwards is recalled in place of the injured Costelow. James Botham also starts after his strong showing, but mainly because Plumtree is missing through injury. Ellis Mee gets the nod on the wing ahead of Hamer-Webb. A reshuffle on the bench with Adam Beard and Olly Cracknell returning. The headline is the inclusion Louie Hennessey who is likely to make his debut from said bench. He is another Bath product just to keep Damper interested.

This is the same Damper who was apoplectic earlier this week when Max Ojomoh was not picked to start for England against Italy. A very disgruntled Bath supporter indeed.

So, let me do a quick forecast. Ireland will beat Wales. France will scrape past Scotland. Italy will.. mmm…. Italy will lose to a resurgent England and all will be well in the Kingdom.

There could be two games at Steel Cross on Saturday. Both the 2s and 3s have fixtures. Why not pop along and support the boys. I intend to as I can’t now get to Dover in time for the game.

Here is early notice of the game on March 14th. Not only is it the final weekend of the Six Nations but weather permitting Crowborough host Deal & Betteshanger in the rearranged fixture. There will be a league lunch, and kick off will be 15:00, so plenty of time to chat, eat and imbibe.

This weekend some big games in Kent 1. Ashford v Park House, Deal & Betteshanger v Charlton Park both have implications for relegation. Two home wins could see the away clubs adrift at the bottom, especially if Gillingham get something out of the game with Cranbrook. Cranbrook losing would keep them in the relegation battle. Sevenoaks II host Beccehamian. Oaks are in 2nd but based on how promotion works across the South East are currently not in the running. H&W RFC travel to Old Elthamians. I apologise now to my friend Liberty but on their flat track I don’t see anything other than a home win, albeit a closely fought contest.

In Surrey/Sussex, Heath host Old Wimbledonians, Eastbourne travel to Old Caterhamians, and in the match of the day Hove visit Trinity. All three Sussex clubs are adrift from the promotion places, and well clear of relegation.

In Hampshire Bognor host Bournemouth II, Chichester host Winchester II. Neither Sussex club are currently in danger of promotion or relegation.

In Sussex 2 my pick is Lewes v Ditchling a mid-table battle for bragging rights. In Sussex 3 the top two go head to head with Burgess Hill hosting Hove II. A home win and Burgess Hill will have daylight between them and those below. We sit in 5th but we might be docked points for failing to fulfil last weekends fixture against Hellingly. Hey ho!

Elsewhere Brighton play Old Colfeians and Horsham play Sutton & Epsom. Up one and we find Tunbridge Wells hosting Camberley and Old Alleynains welcoming Worthing. It is a blank weekend for those playing in the rarified air of the National Leagues.

Don’t forget on Sunday the Premiership Cup Finals. Two quality contests.

The Iran situation is troubling. Not just the escalation but the fact, as expected, we have Iranian’s living here in the UK, many of whom supported the Khamenei regime. There were clashes in Manchester last night between rival factions. We only need one or two radicals to kick off and we could see devastation on our streets. Sorry, but unfettered acceptance of illegal migrants could come back to bite us big time.

I read the first Government chartered relief flight fails to take off. You couldn’t make this stuff up. The crews hours had expired. What with our navy still in dock we couldn’t defend ourselves against a swarm of wasps, let alone a serious assault by a foreign power. We have cut defence spending to the bone, and currently have lily-livered politicians more interested in covering our green and pleasant land with solar panels, and keeping benefit scroungers in a life many hard working people can only dream of, than spending to keep us, the people safe.

While I’m on a roll, can someone please tell me why ex-pats living on the hog in the Emirates now think it is their right to be on the first evacuation flights back to Blighty. Answers to bleater@crowboroughrugby.com

Wednesday 4th Mar: 08:30

Currently bracing myself for what awaits on the motorway network. Hopefully clear roads and a joyous journey. In the rugby pages the hacks pour over Steve Borthwick’s selection. It is pretty much as forecast yesterday. It is a bold move by a usually conservative coach. Let’s hope it doesn’t backfire.

Wales announce their team later this morning. Aarron Wainwright is an injury doubt. If he is unfit that would be a massive blow to Welsh chances of getting close to Ireland. No, I can’t see a Welsh win with, or without Wanwright.

The dry spell is most welcome and the early feedback from the guys looking after the pitches is positive, or as positive as it can be under the circumstances. I will have further updates tomorrow. With regard to the weekend I won’t make it to Dover, for a range of reasons. Assuming the 2nd XV game is on, I’ll head to Steel Cross to support the boys.

Former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie has taken on the All Blacks coaching role. Another job with millions of assistant coaches sitting in their living rooms with fingers poised over the keyboard in anticipation of giving advice.

That’ll do for now.

The US and Israel have launched us, the world, into a conflict that won’t end quickly, and certainly will not end well. Sir U-Turn has to get of the fence. His hand-wringing and lily-livered dithering is of no help to anyone. MY opinion is the Iranian regime, and those terror organisations in the region are evil. They carry out atrocities, especially against women, and anyone who defies them with an appalling ruthlessness. There is plenty in the papers about the recent death toll as a result of the US/Israeli bombing. Every needless death is tragic but by comparison to the slaughter of thousands and thousands of protesters in Iran by the regime recently the numbers are thankfully small.

Donald J trump, a lunatic with his hands on the nuclear trigger. Be afraid.

Tuesday 3rd Mar: 09:40

What a right royal pain! Yes the M25 was closed between junction 9 and 10 yesterday causing us to have a difficult journey. It was put into perspective however as we listened to the horror stories of those stuck in the Middle East with drones and missiles raining down on them.

Moving on, it seems, if you can believe what is in the papers, that Steve Borthwick has ripped up the team who lost so dismally to Ireland and started again. It is suggested the only back line player to survive the cut is Tommy Freeman. The Torygraph suggests the backline will be made up of Eliot Daly, Freeman, Seb Atkinson, Tom Roebuck, Cadan Murley, Fin Smith and Ben Spencer. Obviously a couple of the changes are as a result of injuries, but nevertheless, if it proves to be correct it is a departure from Borthwick’s usual conservatism. The forwards are not unscathed either with Henry Pollock back to the bench and Ollie Chessum likely to miss out, but he is an injury doubt. We’ll know soon enough.

Wales announce their team tomorrow. Sam Costelow and Taine Plumtree are out due to injury. Will Jarod Evans finally get to start to start with Dan Edwards on the bench. I don’t anticipate wholesale changes as the boys who played so well against Scotland deserve a second shot at it.

I haven’t decided if I’m heading to Dover on Saturday, it depends how the next few days go. If I don’t I will be watching Scotland v France. That is an intriguing contest. The free-flowing French against a generally open field Scotland should make for quite the contest.

If I don’t head to South East corner of England, then I might head to Steel Cross for our 2s against Haywards Heath. This one kicks off at 15:00, weather permitting.

Just caught up on the fact that the Six Nations trophy was badly damaged in a vehicle fire in Ireland. The trophy has been ‘retired’ as it is impossible to restore to its original state. One of the replicas will be used for the rest of this tournament with a new trophy being unveiled ahead of next season’s games.

I know I’m a grouchy old man who struggles to keep up with today’s changing world, but do me a favour. USA rugby, in one of its wokest moves yet, has announced there will be an ‘open’ category in the game for trans athletes. The trans subject is complex but this is a complete nonsense, in MY opinion. Needless to say you can find the full story in The Daily Fail.

It is another full weekend of grassroots rugby this weekend but I’ll keep that until tomorrow and Thursday. I’ll also look at the latest promotion and relegation updates to put the fixtures into context.

The proper news is rightly dominated by the US/Israeli attack on Iran, and now beyond into Lebanon. On a personal level I think the Iranian regime is one of evil and goes against the common decency of the free world. The way they crushed the recent uprising was brutal and unprecedented. That said they are an independent state and who are we to interfere? Trump and Netanyahu have lit the fuse and the rest of the world is likely to suffer the consequences. I recently watched the Darkest Hour again. The story of Winston Churchill battling against those who wanted to appease Hitler. I fear in Sir U-Turn we have a Prime Minister who is afraid of his own shadow. That is not good. Nor is the rhetoric from our Marxist politicians, Jeremy Corbyn, remember him, and Zack Polanski. Both happy to support regimes who treat women and girls as second class citizens and peddle anti-semitism as easily as a Liverpool fan berate Everton or Manchester United.

Mr Polanski is a very dangerous man, and his politics trouble me greatly. The win in Gorton highlights the lengths he will go to to succeed. Focussing on a pro-Palestinian stance in a Muslim stronghold, and nowhere mentioning the policy of decriminalising drugs and prostitution, nor his liberal stance to pornography. Not a single mention of the climate crisis, which is manifesting itself in Crowborough as weeks and weeks of rain, nor a mention that the plumber, Hannah Spencer, who triumphed is a globe trotting, multi-home owner. That’s politics for you.

Brace yourself for The Hood and her deceptions. The Spring Statement is today when of course we will hear again that none of the issues the country are facing are Labour’s fault, and how wonderfully rosey everything in the garden is. The truth is a long way from that as unemployment rises, benefits are rocketing, business confidence is on the floor, and as far as UK growth is concerned, forget it.

Of course ALL the above is MY opinion so if you have a problem then bleater@crowboroughrugby.com

Monday 2nd Mar: 08:30

A very quick catch up on the weekend’s outstanding results. The big one….. East Grinstead beat Pulborough 14-13 in what I understand was a thrilling top of the table clash. Pulborough are now. just 2 points clear in Sussex 2. In the other games the winners were Brighton II, Ditchling, Lewes, and Seaford. Crawley remain bottom.

Elsewhere Chichester lost 43-28 at Sandown & Shanklin, but Bognor triumphed 23-29 at Winchester II. Bognor are 2nd. Coming east, Eastbourne lost 14-45 to Weybridge Vandals, KCS Old Boys beat Haywards Heath 33-12, so despite not playing Hove are best placed of the Sussex clubs in 4th.

Upwards, Horsham weren’t able to help Brighton, they lost 29-20 to Sidcup who remain top. Brighton are still hot on their heels in 2nd after their 14-47 win at bottom placed Old Reigations. In Regional 1 Tunbridge Wells lost 47-29. Worthing on the other hand enjoyed a much needed win 50-12 over Maidenhead.

In the National leagues Sevenoaks lost 45-26 at Henley and slip closer to relegation. TJs enjoyed a fine win away at Sedgley Park. 28-31 this one. The comfort of mid-table for TJs.

As I’m shortly heading in that direction I can tell you won that Bridgnorth won at Lutterworth and sit 6th in Midlands 1. Salisbury lost at home to Sherborne.

Just quickly glancing at the rugby pages Ollie Lawrence is out of the Italy clash. My good friend Damper thinks Max Ojomoh is the man to take his place. According to the BBC Aki, O’Brien and Henshaw are all fit and raring to go against Wales. Bugger! Wales have drafted Ryan Woodman and Keiron Assiratti due to Wales’ injury woes.

Mi amigo Pedro put me right last week, just like Mrs Bleater does everyday, Taine Plumtree is out injured and not Alex Mann. Damper had a go about my comments regarding Bath yesterday. I stand by those. Bath could have played a lot more of their academy squad on the weekend as that is what the Premiership Cup is meant to be about. As they were on the cusp of being knocked out of course they loaded the side with 1st choice players.

Some headlines. There are serious questions around South Africa’s drug testing program. Another headline reads: ‘England’s men’s rugby team the most underperforming sport side of the last 20 years’. Saracens were wronged according to one article. Furbank stakes England claim with try for Northampton. All these from The Torygraph.

That’ll do. Back tomorrow with more time on my hands. The proper news is packed with the worsening state of affairs in the Middle East. Be afraid.

Sunday 1st Mar: 09:50

Well, that was depressing. Friday was miserable to say the very least. It was raining when I got to the club at 08:00, and it was still raining when I left at 11:15, and it continued to rain long into the evening. While many of the Friday Club valiantly braved the elements; filling in potholes in the car park, repairing fencing, doing the litter run, which inevitably out on the road included Red Bull cans, the lining team were left with heads to scratch, and frustration to vent. Having walked all the pitches, and the training areas, only the main pitch was playable, but only just. There was zero chance of getting a line-marking machine through the deep puddles or the cloying Wealden clay on any of the pitches. After heavy overnight rain it came as no surprise that the game was called off at 09:30 on Saturday. There was simply no alternative.

The planned lunch did however go ahead. Over 40 people enjoyed a great meal of steak & ale pie with veg and roast potatoes, followed by cheese & biscuits and a sweet treat to round it off. With no game it was relaxed and fun. The irony of it all was as we sat there enjoying the food, wine and camaraderie, outside it was a gloriously dry day. From afar the pitch looked great, but on closer inspection anyone who doubted the decision realised why the game was postponed. Beware the hippos and crocodiles in the swamp. The game is now to be played on 14th March. The kick off time to be confirmed. Thanks Jacqui and Louise et all. Splendid stuff.

We are not alone. This slightly long, but very relevant article from Petersfield RFC hits the nail firmly on the head. https://www.petersfieldrfc.club/news/rugbys-foundations-are-flooding-2965034.html

With no rugby at Steel Cross it was home for Bath v Gloucester. Bath have quite the squad but playing many of their 1st XV regulars seemed not in the spirit of the tournament. It was a cracking game with Bath coming through after a valiant effort by the cherry & whites. Exeter v Saints and Leicester v Bath next Sunday.

I then trawled through the results. As the motorway network beckons tomorrow I might not be in a position to do a blog so let me bring you the Counties Kent 1 results right now. Being selfish and one-eyed I would suggest the results went very much in our favour. The Greenies beat Gillingham Anchorians 26-7, Sevenoaks II beat Park House 25-66, Cranbrook lost 22-31 to Dover, and Charlton Park lost 12-66 to Ashford. All four clubs below us remain at least 11 points adrift. In the other game Beccs lost to Old Elthamians who remain perfect at the top and 19 points clear. Still lots to play for. The only real certainty is Elthamians will be promoted. With six games to play all four of the bottom placed clubs have every opportunity to survive. Right now though Park House and Charlton Park are in the firing line.

A pretty good weekend for the Welsh regions. Dragons drew with Benetton, Cardiff beat Leinster, and Ospreys beat Ulster. Sadly Scarlets missed out up in Edinburgh.

Change is on its way. English rugby is embarking on the biggest change for a lifetime. Relegation from, and promotion to the Premiership has been formerly scrapped. Clubs will now have to make representation to be elevated to the top table with a strict set of criteria to be met. The much proposed franchise system is to be adopted, with the vision of expanding the top flight to 20 teams by 2040, but hopefully to 12 teams for next year. Each side will be expected to support a women’s team too. In essence the Premiership now operates in isolation from the rest of the league structure. There is a lot more to it than that so best if you read it for yourselves. There is plenty across the media.

The one element that hasn’t been picked up too much relates to the structure of the RFU. The game will still have representation from the grassroots level as part of the RFU council but their power has been stripped. The power now lies solely in the hands of the RFU board, currently led by Bill Sweeney. The dinosaurs have had their wings clipped, which by the way should be what happens in Wales. If all the revenue is generated by the top of the game then it needs to be controlled by the top of the game. To be argued.

In some respects sport and rugby pales into insignificance when you read that Trump and Netanyahu have launched strikes on Iran with Iran retaliating in kind. For the record, the Iranian regime, as is the regime in Afghanistan, is odious, in fact evil, but cutting the head off the hydra can have horrendous consequences. Britain sat on the fence ringing its lily-livered hands while decisive action was being taken elsewhere.

On a brighter note: HAPPY ST DAVID’S DAY.

Thursday 26th Feb: 09:30

What a gorgeous day yesterday. Shorts on, legs out. Today is dry too, which is what we need if we are to have a half decent track for Saturday’s game. The wonderful Geering hasn’t come back to correct me so its 14:30 k.o. for Deal & Betteshanger. Plenty to play for elsewhere but some pretty tough challenges for those below us. The Greenies host Gillingham As, Park House welcome Sevenoaks II, Cranbrook have Dover in town, and Charlton Park face Ashford. Beccs have the task of putting one over on Old Elthamians, which I can’t see happening quite frankly. OE’s are on a mission.

In Surrey/Sussex 1 Eastbourne host Weybridge Vandals, and Heath travel to KCS Old Boys. Hove are resting. In Hampshire 1 Chichester are over the water at Sandown & Shanklin. Bognor travel to Winchester II. In Sussex 2 the game of the day is, in fact across all Sussex clubs, East Grinstead hosting Pulborough. This could be the promotion decider. A Pulborough win and they could be 10 points clear. An East Grinstead win and it could down to points difference. As it happens, I was invited to lunch for this one. I’ll be at Steel Cross instead. In Regional 2 Horsham travel to table topping Sidcup. Horsham could do Brighton a favour with a win, as Brighton should triumph at bottom placed Old Reigations. Up one more, TWells are at Farnham, Worthing head to Maidenhead. Up again and we find Sevenoaks at Henley. Finally in the rarified Nat 1 TJs are at Sedgley Park. I’ll bring you all the results on Monday.

Injury updates are coming in. Alex Mitchell is out of the remaining Six Nations fixtures with a hamstring injury. Wales’ Alex Mann is also out of the tournament, his shoulder injury requires attention. Wales are sweating on San Costelow. His ankle injury is recovering, but will it recover fast enough.

You thought the Saracens salary cap headlines were long in the past. Well they are not. It turns out that a conflict of interest has come to light which could throw a spanner into the workings of the Premiership. It appears that the ‘independent’ advisors brought in to scrutinise Saracens books and recommend actions to the blazers running the game, were at the same time auditors for Sale Sharks. As you will recall all clubs benefitted as a consequence of Saracens hefty fine. Sale to the tune of c.£500k. The Guardian brings us this news.

I bet Sir U-Turn is on high alert right now. A crushing blow in today’s by-election could see him ousted as PM. Be afraid, very afraid, if that were to happen. We would lurch very quickly further left. If the Greens win today then be really afraid. Their policies are horrifying, and it would cause Labour to shift left to compete. A Reform win and we are equally doomed. The right will be delighted but you and I, the people stuck in the middle with a modicum of decency and common sense will be done for.

Plenty of political debate over a beer and grub at Spoons yesterday. There was consensus that the five of us with our state and company pensions were lucky, but that didn’t happen by accident. We all worked extremely hard to achieve that goal. What got everybody’s back up was how the benefit system has spiralled out of control. How easy it is to not work and yet still live the high life. The fact that illegal migrants who have been given status to remain are lapping up the benefits with glee was a major issue, especially as it comes from the money that us five retirees are still paying by way of tax.

Ok that’ll do for now. Back on Sunday, hopefully describing a great game at Steel Cross. Fingers crossed the forecast rain holds off.

Wednesday 25th Feb: 09:50

The Six Nations takes a rest this weekend so our attention returns to what is really important, our clubs, and in this case Crowborough RFC. Our 1st XV have seven games to go, five of which are at home. We currently sit in 8th with 31 points in the bag. Deal & Betteshanger are first up on Saturday. They are in 4th on 54 points so should start favourites. That said Steel Cross, on what is likely to be a very boggy pitch, is a leveller. The two away games are Dover, always a tough place for us to go, and high flying H&W RFC. Table topping and champions elect Old Elthamians are one of our home fixtures, the others being Beccs, Gillingham Anchorians and Cranbrook. You can do your own permutations but I suggest with Gillingham As 11 points adrift of us, and Cranbrook, Park House and Charlton Park 13 points adrift, dropping into one of the two relegation spots is unlikely. You can do your bit by making Steel Cross your Saturday afternoon destination over the coming weekends.

Our 2nd XV, currently in 5th, also have seven games to play but most are away and they include all the teams above us. Their season wraps up on April 18th, when the 1s are at The Greenies, with promotion favourites Burgess Hill the visitors to Steel Cross. Give the 2s your support when you can.

If you are a regular visitor to this here website you will have noticed the spectators code of conduct has been front and centre. If you are a member you will also be aware all coaches have been reminded of what is expected of them. We have a good reputation for being a very well run club and being always mindful of the games values. Sadly, up and down the country there has been a noticeable decline in behaviour from coaches and spectators alike. This all too often happens in the junior games with too many coaches thing they are in charge of England at a World Cup, and too many parents thinking their child is the next Johnny Wilkinson. I don’t know who reads this here blog but for those who do can I ask; if you see behaviour that isn’t in keeping with the standards we hold dearly just remind the person who might not that they are letting down their club and all who work tirelessly to support it.

The final league round of the Premiership Cup is on Saturday. Leicester Tigers are through to the knockout stage but plenty to play for the others. Bath v Gloucester is the biggest of the games.

The URC returns this weekend. The four Welsh regions are in action with Cardiff v Leinster the pick of the ties. Dragons could see themselves with a win under their belt as they host Benetton, most of whose stars are away with Italy.

If you have SKY then you might be interested in the Super Rugby. I’ve caught a couple of games and they make for good viewing.

I did read one bit of Six Nations news. Robert Kitson has done his half term report. Needless to say he hits the nail firmly on the head with his assessment. The French are playing some amazing rugby. He gives a big thumbs up to Italy despite their lowly position in the table. Ireland could still to better. Scotland’s inconsistency gets highlighted. England get the treatment they deserve with a warning that they won’t find Italy a pushover, and France await. Wales are where Wales are but he does think that something out of the Ireland game, and a shock win against Italy could be seen as a good campaign. I am sure it is tongue firmly in cheek but he says Wales could still finish above England. Dream on sir !!!!

Plenty in the proper news such as Trumps long and rambling and egotistical diatribe, aka the State of the Union address. The World is truly going mad when you look at the polls for tomorrow’s by-election in Gorton. The lunatic Green’s are ahead. This is the party who want to deregulate all drugs, including cocaine, want to remove all restrictions on access to pornography, and other vile social media, want to open the doors to all migrants offering them a free house and free access to the NHS. The Marxist doctrine being spouted by their deranged leader is terrifying.

Enjoy life while you can. I’m out to lunch today with some old work colleagues. We know how to live…… Spoons here we come.

Tuesday 24th Feb: 10:20

Congratulations to those clubs who played in the Vets Cups last weekend, win or lose. It is good to read Vets sides are still being put out. Yes, I’m way tooooo old to be playing. Congratulations to all the clubs who have made it through to the finals of the various Sussex Cups. Cup final days are April 25th and May 2nd with finals hosted by Horsham, Uckfield, Eastbourne and Hastings & Bexhill.

The fall out from the weekend continues with one particularly scathing headline in the Daily Fail. ‘Our constant failing rugby team are the biggest embarrassment in English sport. They have been humiliated once again as the trophy drought drags on. It is nothing short of a scandal’. I think there are plenty of other spectacular sporting failures in English/British sport but I get the drift. I know I go on, and on, and on about this but England rugby are incredibly well funded, if not the best funded side in the game. They have untold riches in terms of players yet they do fall short on a regular basis. If they go on to win in Italy and France I’m sure all will be forgiven, but it won’t hide the way they crumbled against Scotland and Ireland.

Plenty in the press with people quick to jump on the bandwagon of criticism. Yes, yes, I’m already enjoying that ride. For Eddie Jones, the most arrogant man to ever coach in the game, to write ‘overconfident Steve Borthwick at fault for England’s Six Nations slump’ is appalling. Jones was, and still is, a jerk, and comments like this reinforce that point. I understand from those who know him, say that Borthwick is a decent guy. Deep thinking and analytical, which might be an issue of course. He is apparently not a demonstrative individual, especially by comparison to the fist pumping Andy Farrell, and according the people I have spoken to, he is not arrogant and never described as overconfident.

I think Brian Moore however might have a point. ‘Borthwick’s coaching merry-go-round to blame for England’s non-existent defence’. Borthwick has chopped and cha