Good morning, and let us be thankful we can say that. Millions of people in Ukraine can’t and mostly definitely for them this is not a “good morning”. What is worrying is despite the global condemnation of Putin’s actions he is still sabre rattling elsewhere. Only yesterday four Russian fighters flew into Swedish airspace. This to me was not an accident but an act of deliberate provocation. It is not the Russian people who are doing this it is Putin and his power hungry, self-serving, thieving acolytes.

I don’t want to move on to more mundane things like rugby but life for us goes on and we should live it. Eddie Jones has released George Ford and Elliot Daly back to their clubs this weekend as Saracens and Leicester go head to head. I wouldn’t read anything into this other than Daly was pretty ordinary on Saturday and Ford must have splinters in his bum from being on the bench. Joe Marler has been sent back to Harlequins who play tomorrow evening against Newcastle. Into the squad come London Irish’s Will Gooodrick-Clarke and Gloucester’s Lewis Ludlow, both as injury cover.

Andy Farrell has the luxury of sending back to their provinces 11 players, some big names amongst them.

All eyes in Wales are on the Cardiff team sheet for their game against Ulster. Will Josh Navidi’s name appear and if it does will Pivac be bold and pick him to play against France?

Hame Faiva gets a four week ban which to me seems a little harsh. If it had been a Frenchman or an Englishman it would have six down to three and one of those could be offset by a “coaching intervention” programme. Italy are now scouring the globe for two hookers who would be up to the challenge of facing Scotland.

A quick look at the local fixtures. In our league can Ashford do us a favour and beat Deal & Betteshanger. A low scoring draw between Beccehamian and Thanet would be good for us. That said all a bit irrelevant if we come home from Old Alleynians empty handed. Dartfordians v OCs is the pick of the round. To complete the picture in 2 South East Folkestone host Gravesend and our friends Charlton Park welcome Beckenham.

Elsewhere Hove host Old Tiffinians, the Greenies have the tough task of taking on Bromley, Pulborough are at Maidstone and Crawley at Aylesford. No easy games there. Over in Kent Hastings are at Kings College Hospital.

Up in London 1 Horsham travel to KCS Old Boys and Chichester go to Farnham. Even further up the league pyramid we find Brighton at Dorking, Sevenoaks at North Walsham and Tunbridge Wells hosting Westcombe Park. Again no easy games there.

In the National leagues TJs are at Chinnor, Chinnor from where we shamelessly stole the Friday Club idea from and home to former Crowborough stalwart Steve Bridges. Worthing are at Barnes.

Now, I am led to believe our 2s host Crawley 2s and The Crows are slated to host St Francis but I am not sure that one will happen. FYI on Sunday the Colts play Hastings & Bexhill.

Somewhat belatedly well done to our 16s for a fine win at Bromley and our 14s for a fine win at Shoreham last Sunday.

A quick postscript to yesterday’s story about promotion from the Championship. It appears Doncaster will appeal the decision and put forward a plan to ground share with Hull KR RLFC if they were to top the table. They are top at the moment but both Cornish Pirates and Ealing have two games in hand.

The big sports story is Chelsea being up for sale. No real surprise, and not before time. Forget the Ukraine crisis there are serious doubts about where Abromovich got his money from in the first place.

F1 are allowing the two Russian drivers to compete this season but the UK Govt. have said “but not in the UK”.

That brings me to the Paralympics. I am all for sanctions as what Putin is doing is a crime against humanity. However, when I hear of the plight of Katya, who is totally innocent of any crime, I do wonder if we are hurting the right people. On that basis I can understand stripping athletes from Russia and Belarus of their status but surely these people who have already been dealt a crappy hand should be given the opportunity to compete. Just a thought.

Wednesday 2nd Mar: 09:10

Much to cover off this morning and not all of it rugby, so let’s crack on. Firstly my good friend Paddy O’Fez, or now he is in Dorset Paddy arrr’Fez has been in touch echoing many of the views expressed about the 6 Nations to date. He points out that the stage is set for some classic showdowns in the final two rounds and even what look like dead rubbers; Wales v Italy and Italy v Scotland, could be crucial. I say this as the clamour for relegation grows so can you imagine the reaction if the Scots or Wales finish bottom this time around.

During the damp and gloom of yesterday afternoon I succumbed to temptation and turned the TV on catching up on the Premiership highlights. Some cracking tries and some close games. As an offering I think there is much from the Premiership to laud this season.

Once that was done I trawled through the papers and caught up on the rugby hacks views. Yet again Robert Kitson of The Guardian was very erudite in his comments on the weekend. His headline “rugby union at crossroads as need for entertainment threatens safety” is spot on. He focuses on the Italian red card and the Thomas Francis debacle and how in their different way highlight how the need for improved safety has meant laws that can paralyse the game contrast with the flagrant disregard for safety in the interest of “entertainment” (I paraphrase). Kitson also brings into sharp focus the significant risk in our great game following a recent report into a study on brain injuries. The article is as always excellent and highly recommended. By the way he also touches on the issues of reset scrum after reset scrum, the other long delays in our game and ffffffnnnnnn water-boys (I again use my words here).

The other major news item that caught my eye is the announcement that there will be NO promotion from the Championship to the Premiership at the end of the season. The two clubs who asked to be considered, Doncaster and Ealing, failed the stadium test and with no alternative venue being put forward the blazers said “no!”. A 13 team Premiership with one team having a bye each round is not ideal. The knock on effect for National 1 is just one team will be promoted rather than the hoped for two.

Plenty of talk about who could be back playing after long injury lay-offs. Sam Underhill is the least surprising and Alun Wyn Jones the most unexpected. Brilliant news for Wales is the imminent return of the excellent Josh Navidi. He could appear for Cardiff as early as this weekend.

Talking of the weekend we travel to Old Alleynians. This will be a reality check for the boys as OAs have been in good form but so have we. With the weather set to improve this could be a cracker. Note the kick off reverts back to 15:00.

Plenty of great Premiership action coming up. Bath v Bristol leaps off the page as does Saracens v Leicester, both on Saturday. In the United Reform Church Scarlets v Glasgow is my pick of the round.

Plenty of other sport to consider with much of it focussing on whether Russia and Belarus should be banned from participating.

The FA Cup is always a good watch and if you missed it Jamie Vardy is back for Leicester City and contributed an assist and a goal in the 2-0 league win at Burnley.

Ok to non rugby matters. Mick “Loadsa” Cash has retired as General Secretary of the RMT to be replaced by another Dick Mick, this time Mick Lynch. Well Mr Lynch and his mob brought London to a grinding halt yesterday. I have no problem with unions and all the good work they do but the RMT is run by far left agitators and anarchists hell bent on bringing the country to its knees, and for what? Not for the benefit of the country as a whole but to line their already well lined pockets. Lynch earns in excess of £163k per annum. They berate the fat cats but their actions are no different and the disruption they cause isn’t to the people they despise the most it is to the lowly paid NHS worker, the shop worker, the warehouse worker. Tossers.

I am in a lucky position having retired early with a hard earned company pension but even I am noticing how much things are going up and having to think twice about certain spending. There are many millions significantly worse off than me so for them seeing self-serving politicians giving themselves a 2.7% pay rise must really stick in the throat.

Finally to the appalling events in Ukraine. I have been in touch with my good friend Katya in Moscow to see how she is fairing. She highlights the challenges the world faces as they apply harsher and harsher sanctions on Russia. She like millions of Russians is not to blame but already she is bearing the brunt of the sanctions. Her work has ground to a halt, food is already in short supply, and she feels totally isolated staring at the abyss. Instead of driving her and others to revolution it is driving a commitment to stand by their leader, no matter how misguided we think he is. What surprised me is the counter view that says Ukraine is not without sin and their treatment of Russians within the areas which wanted to be part of Russia has been equally appalling. An interesting viewpoint which of course we wouldn’t otherwise have got to hear about.

Tuesday 1st March: 09:25

A very happy St David’s Day to you all.

Plenty in the papers about the 6 Nations and few bits in my inbox about my whinging. To that I say “am I bovvered?!” I was hoping to have seen the Premiership highlights last night but for some reason it wasn’t aired.

Let me instead bring you some news on the grassroots scene. In our league Beccehamian took out their frustration on losing to us by beating Folkestone 58-29. Next weeks opponents Old Alleynians beat Ashford 36-17. On Friday evening Beckenham and Old Colfeians drew 12-12. The impact on the league places means OCs stay top and Beckenham in 2nd. Dartfordians are in 3rd place and are probably the happiest with that draw. Neither side has got away from them yet. Folkestone and Ashford are adrift at the bottom. With four games to go the highest we can finish is 5th but the OAs win means to achieve that the wheels will need to well and truly come off their wagon. The lowest we can finish is 10th and with four really tough fixtures ahead that sadly is possible.

You know about The Greenies excellent result in 3 South East. Bromley beat Vigo on Saturday which all bar the shouting secures them the title.

In Harvey’s Sussex 1 East Grinstead came away from Burgess Hill with a 30-64 win. That means they clinch the title for phase one of the league unbeaten. They now go into a 4 team mini league to decide on the final placings but I would suggest other than Uckfield getting in their way they should continue to go unbeaten. Well done Grinstead.

Elsewhere TJs lost at home to table topping Caldy but Worthing beat Leicester Lions. Leeds Tykes lost narrowly to Birmingham Moseley.

Plenty of action in the Premiership with Bristol rediscovering some form beating Wasps. London Irish put on the late show to claw their way to a 27-27 draw. I enjoyed the Worcester v Harlequins game. Quins looked laboured and sluggish at times but you write them off at your peril. Good result.

Apparently Leicester v Gloucester served up a cracker on Saturday with Leicester taking the spoils. Bath shocked Newcastle with an away win thanks to Big Joe Cokanasiga. On Sunday the Northampton Saints game against Exeter was terrific, in my opinion. A game of contrasts played at pace with a high degree of skill. The Woodburn try was a thing of beauty. Exeter have of late rediscovered some of their “its not over till its over” winning ways. They grabbed the win at the death.

The hunt for the playoff places is well and truly on. Sadly Damps Bath are unlikely to feature.

Going back to the 6 Nations I thought I’d give you some of my winners and losers.

Winners
Alex Cuthbert - an outstanding game on his 50th cap
Ben Youngs - 115 England caps and counting
Italy - they stuck at it even in the most adverse of conditions
France - they are on fire
Rory Darge - 14 more like him and Scotland could beat anyone
Ellis Genge - a fine game

Losers
Mike Adamson - for both teams he was pedantic, erratic and inaccurate
The uncontested scrum - not a great spectacle
Hame Faiva - tackle lower, tackle better
The WRU medics - the Thomas Francis situation was appalling

March 11th it all kicks off again with Wales v France.

Gloucester favourite Charlie Sharples is hanging up his boots after a serious shoulder injury. What a servant to the Cherry & Whites. He’ll be missed on the field but is sure to be entered into Gloucester’s Hall of Fame, if they have one.

It seems churlish to talk Covid when the world is looking over the precipice and down into oblivion but I will. It was snuck out yesterday that Prof Lockdown’s forecast of 500,000 deaths was as I suspected all along a guess. The report states they didn’t have a model for this scenario so in effect made up numbers and guessed.

The situation in Ukraine is deteriorating rapidly with tens of thousands more Russian troops and tons of fire power about to join the assault on Kiev. Putin’s forces are now using banned cluster bombs and (allegedly) terrifying thermobaric vacuum bombs. Putin’s rhetoric is getting more deranged by the hour. The only solution is a coup from within the country. The body bags have started to arrive home which as we know from the horrors of our (totally unnecessary) involvement in Iraq is a very sobering sight. Let us hope the Russian people, who are good people, can rise up and halt this barbaric slaughter of innocent and decent human beings.

Monday 28th Feb: 08:55

Before we get to Ireland v Italy lets cover off a couple of outstanding issues relating to England v Wales.

I didn’t comment yesterday as I wanted to review the footage but yes Maro Itoje does impede Adam Beard at the lineout and that nudge prevented him from jumping. As a consequence the ball from Ryan Elias goes sailing over the top into the arms of a grateful Alex Dombrandt. I was critical of Elias for that throw yesterday but clearly there were other factors at play. The game at this level is one where the dark arts can prevail and mistakes are made. However with the TMO checking the validity of every try and seemingly being able to pick up even the slightest of indiscretion it was pretty disgraceful that Adamson did not at the very least take a look at the big screen to check properly the validity of this one.

The bottom line is England on the overall balance of play deserved to win but being gifted a try as a result of cheating and unable to score elsewhere indicates England still have much to do. Matt Dawson alludes to this fact in his BBC column stating England are still constrained by process. Needless to say I agree. England have the talent to play what is in front of them. Instead they continue to play to a very precise plan, a plan that constrains natural flair.

The other issue of note is the handling of Thomas Francis. I said immediately to Mrs Bleater “he is gone, he is out of it. They have to get him off now!” I could not believe with all the protocols in place, the medical guidance, the independent observers and good old simple common sense that he was not led from the field. It subsequently beggared belief that after he was taken from the field he was allowed to return. The Jack Nowell scenario was bad, this was awful. The WRU and the game as a whole has to take a long hard look at itself. These incidents are not a great advert for the game. Questions need to be answered.

Before moving on a word on Ben Youngs. 115 caps not out. He has surpassed the great and lovely Jason Leonard to become England’s most capped player. Well done sir. Whilst we applaud this amazing achievement it must be noted that of Leonard’s 114 caps most of them would have been before the term “finisher” had been invented. As was the case on Saturday Young’s 115th cap was a 20 minute cameo role. Still an amazing achievement but the comparison has to be made. For the record I have it on very good authority that Young’s is a thoroughly nice bloke too.

Let’s get over to Dublin for the Ireland v Italy contest. A contest that was marred by the red card which with Italy down to 13 men spoiled it as a spectacle. The red card was spot on. No attempt to reduce the tackle height and no clear and immediate wrap of the tackling arm before direct contact with the chin/neck. The young Georgian referee Mr Amashukeli did well. He had no choice. Likewise what followed as much as Mrs Bleater and I debated it it was also right. In the past sides have exploited uncontested scrums to their advantage. The law forcing Italy down to 13 men was brought in to prevent that from happening. It does seem harsh and it might need to be reviewed but please don’t blame the officials.

Ireland as consequence did what they had to and piled on the points. Pre-match Andy Farrell made a number of changes allowing him to test his strength in depth. To a degree he achieved that with some solid performances but he along with the 51,000 in the ground and the couple of million watching on TV would have wanted the test to be more than a training ground exercise. HUGE applause for Italy. Despite the adversity they stuck at it. Heads didn’t drop and they kept going to the end even when they were reduced to 12 men.

It is pointless either side dwelling on this one as Ireland travel to Twickenham on March 12th hoping to keep their hopes of a Triple Crown on track. Italy are back in Rome when Scotland come calling. This could be an opportunity for them to get a win under their belt and prove the doubters wrong. Scotland will be smarting from their defeat to France.

We’ll have plenty of time to look forward to Wales v France but I will say here and now that when the fixtures were released I had this down as the potential banana skin for tournament favourites France. A wet and windy and hostile night in Cardiff!!!

A word for our Head Groundsman and the Friday Club, again!!!! Despite the recent weather the pitch was in good nick for our Colts yesterday. A 47-10 win puts them top of their league with a game in hand. Well done all concerned.

None of this really matters when you read what is going on in Ukraine and the fact that Putin has put his nuclear divisions on standby. This is truly a terrifying development of global significance. I don’t know what else to say!!

Sunday 27th Feb: 10:10

Let me start at Twickenham where England put on an underwhelming performance. I genuinely expected Wales to come away from South West London with their tail between their legs and Wayne Pivac’s tenure as coach hanging by a thread. It most definitely wasn’t to be. Having endured a pretty turgid first half punctuated but the referee Mike Adamson performing like a show pony at an Olympic dressage event the game came alive in the second. Wales were not out-gunned or out-classed and if it wasn’t for Ross Moriarty’s ill-discipline it could have been the shock of all shocks.

I am sure the king of spin will make much of the result but questions need to be answered. If this is a new England with a new style why did they only score one try and that as a result of Ryan Ellis forgetting we are in February and not December the month of gift giving. Why did Wales look the more adventurous side, the more dynamic side with ball in hand scoring three tries. Where was the fabled English defence when 50 capped, once forgotten Alex Cuthbert was scything his way through them. Why did England continue to kick away good ball? Why did they have to rely on the trusty boot of Marcus Smith. England won but if this is to be a new and exciting dawn for them then they will need to be much better than this against Ireland and France.

Wales on the other hand raised their game and except for some Ill-discipline at crucial points and that hideous lineout mistake could have won this one. Taulupe Faletau showed why he is world class. Alex Cuthbert rolled back the years and gave an imperious display on the wing. Adam Beard led from the front but this was a team effort. We lost to England and that is never easy to take but I would suggest putting aside the disappointment of defeat Wales will be rightly proud of their performance yesterday. A mention for Nick Tompkins. Definitely a player England let slip through their grasp.

One question that needs to be considered. Did England tire more quickly than Wales thus allowing Wales back into the game? If this was the case is that a result of Jones brutal training regimes.

It was brilliant second half played how the game should be played. Wales in particular need to bottle that. What they don’t need to bottle for posterity is their lineout. Whilst it is much improved it is still an Achilles heel. The otherwise excellent Ryan Ellis proved that point. The second thing Wales need to sort is the brain freeze that resulted in totally unnecessary ill-discipline.

For England it must be so frustrating to see the plethora of talent on show and those waiting in the wings and then see an injury ravaged Welsh outfit nearly snatching victory at the death. I blame Eddie Jones. Rip up the copious plans and the hours and hours of preparation. England’s team talk should be “go out there and play what is in front of you. You don’t need me to tell you what to do!”

What a game in Murrayfield. Scotland didn’t play badly. France were simply too good. Those early tries were mesmerising with Antoine Dupont not only pulling the strings but putting on a masterclass. That try he set up from deep in his own half was something else. Some of the French handling and off-loading was out of this world and even then I think they have more in the tank. They are enormous so not only can they play with flair they can out muscle the opposition too.

Scotland played better rugby than they did in Cardiff but to no avail. They certainly butchered one golden try scoring opportunity. Don’t blame Stuart Hogg for not holding on to the long raking pass. Two much simpler more certain scoring options were available. The score looks worse than the real difference between the sides. Karl Dickson could easily have blown for a penalty against France when Woki didn’t roll away. The ball could so easily have bounced away from Danty rather than straight into his grateful arms.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable game which in my mind highlighted Scotland are a good side. They just need to be more consistent and perhaps have a little more luck on their side. France are showing why many think they are the best in the world right now, and I think they are still not fully at their best.

More on both games tomorrow when I’ll also bring you my view on Ireland’s thrashing of Italy.

As you are dying to know yes our friends The Greenies beat Cranbrook within the bonus point. They are now just one point adrift with that all important game in hand.

Just for Damper I will mention Bath beat Newcastle.

Quite rightly all other news is dominated by the horrendous and outrageous acts of barbarism being unleashed in Ukraine. The Russian people need to rise up and revolt like they did in 1917. A cruel and corrupt regime needs to be overthrown. As the sight of body bags arriving back in Moscow and the screams of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters hearing that their loved ones have perished could be the catalyst for change.

Friday 25th Feb: 08:05

Before I get into my views on the teams for Saturday my good friend Liberty, remember him, he’s the man with a brain the size of a small planet, has reminded me there is a massive game on Saturday just a few miles from us. Heathfield & Waldron host Cranbrook. Cranbrook are in 2nd on 64 points having played 17 games. H&W are in 4th on 58 points having played 16 games. A bonus point win for The Greenies will leapfrog them ahead of Aylesford Bulls (played 18 games) and put them one point adrift of Cranbrook.

Bleater, why is this important? With the league restructuring it would be brilliant to be back in the same league as H&W. We need them as high up the table as possible. FYI the next cab on the rank behind H&W is Dover. Wouldn’t that be great. The only teams missing from our fixture list then would be Calais and Boulogne!

Ok, so Eddie Jones doesn’t have his head where the sun doesn’t shine. Harry Randall starts. Good call. As expected Tuilagi was selected in the centre but subsequently has withdrawn with a hamstring injury. Whilst one man doesn’t make a team this is a big blow for England. Joe Marchant has been recalled to the squad but it is unclear whether he will start. As stated yesterday I am concerned Jack Nowell starts, not because he is a poor winger but he seems to have passed all the protocols very quickly. Also as expected Courtney Lawes returns and replaces Maro Itoje on the flank with Itoje sending Nick Isiekwe to the bench. He’ll also captains the side. The bench looks remarkably strong with some old heads waiting in the wings if things go pear shaped.

If I were Jones I would have started Joe Marler but the Genge, Cowan-Dickie, Sinckler partnership looks mighty powerful. What I find rather disturbing is the England set-up continues to call the bench the “finishers”. To me this indicates Jones has a set plan and no matter what he will stick to it. If Wales have a scintilla of a chance of winning on Saturday they have to find a way to throw Jones plan out of the window.

So to Wales. The team is pretty much as I expected. Josh Adams is on the wing and Nick Tompkins will partner Owen Watkins in the centre. Taulupe Faletau comes straight into the starting line up with young Jac Morgan dropping to the bench. Aaron Wainwright loses out by dropping out altogether. Slightly surprising, but!! There are changes on the bench with Kieran Hardy replacing Gareth Davies and Gareth Anscombe replacing Callum Sheedy. I am not sure about that as Davies can be a thorn in any teams side and Sheedy has the ability to light up any game. The other notable change is Leon Brown coming onto the bench. The front row forward is still a “work in progress” but has raw talent.

Even without Tuilagi on a man for man basis Wales are definitely underdogs. In fact I fear Wales could be humiliated on Saturday. When it comes to Wales we continually surprise and often over perform. Looking at the two lineups I am struggling to see anything but a dominant England win.

One stat for the anoraks amongst you. This is the first time in any England v Wales fixture where the two captains have come from the same club; Northampton Saints.

The Scotland team will see Rory Darge make his first Scotland start in a new look back row. Watson and Bradbury line-up alongside him. Injuries have forced a number of other changes in the pack plus some changes due to form; WP Nel dropping to the bench for example. The French side looks awesome with only the one change: Jonathan Danty returns in the centre. Depending on the weather I fear for Scotland. Their fate could be the same as Wales: grim!

Both games will be shown at the club. I won’t be there, not because of covid, I fear the humiliation. Rest assured however that a miracle Wales win will be lauded from the rooftops.

A couple of other one liners.

Falcons Callum Chick gets a three week ban for his dangerous tackle in the Exeter game.

Dean Richards get the same ban for his outburst about the referee. On this point referees make mistakes but without them there are no games and more importantly if people are unhappy about decisions there are processes available to deal with complaints.

The saddest news is the passing at the tender age of 52 of dual code All Black Va’aiga Tuigamala. He played for Newcastle Falcons, who only last week lost former coach Steve Black, and Wigan Warriors. May his soul rest in peace.

All other news is quite rightly dominated by the appalling events in Ukraine. It is a terrible and unnecessary situation driven by a man who has lost all grip on reality.

Thursday 24th Feb: 10:20

So Bleater, where were you yesterday? Well I should have been enjoying a fantastic breakfast with the old duffers in the Friday Club after writing another page of drivel. As it happened I woke feeling pretty rough, in fact not great at all, so decided I wasn’t up to going so went back to bed. Out of interest, as we had a kit, just the one, not the box, just one kit, I decided to test for the “c” word. Mrs Bleater did suggest she already knew I was a cretin. Anyway, two red lines and a positive test.

A number of people on the paranoid side of the argument have said doesn’t this justify keeping free tests? No, and no again. My decision was made on common sense. I felt lousy and what I had felt like a mild flu or a heavy cold so the test was irrelevant. I wasn’t going. If I hadn’t felt quite so grotty I would have gone. By the way I’m much improved this morning after a good night’s sleep and a bit of a lie in and after a few hot toddy’s the day before.

We have to stop mass testing. We have to get the responsibility for our lives back, make our own decisions. We cannot continue to pour money down the drain on vanity covid projects that line the pockets of the few when people are going without life’s basics.

What’s coming up. Well, if you have just been blown in by Eunice and Franklin from some remote island you might not know it is the big one: England v Wales in the 6 Nations. Twickenham will be packed to the rafters, zero restrictions on entry (the RFU have asked those with covid symptoms to stay away. If you have taken a mortgage out for a ticket, would you?) The big news from a Welsh viewpoint is the absence of Louis Rees-Zammit. He has been axed with Josh Adams likely to partner Alex Cuthbert on the wing. The big question is will Wayne Pivac shuffle the one positive area, the back row, and bring Faletau straight into the starting XV. The other talking point continues to be the centre pairing. Nick Tompkins and…. ?

Eddie Jones mysteriously has dropped Joe Marchant from the squad. As I said on Tuesday I would have Marchant starting on the wing. Jones sees it differently. What makes it strange is Jack Nowell is in the squad. He was clearly concussed on Sunday and in my opinion should not be available for Saturday. If he is I think questions should be asked. There is a clamour for Jones to start Ben Youngs ahead of Harry Randall. This is what might happen but in my opinion it is a massive mistake. Between now and the World Cup in France there are very few opportunities to experiment. We know what Youngs can do, 114 caps tells us that. We need to see how Randall performs under greater pressure than the Italians would offer. On more certain ground Tuilagi and Lawes will start.

I believe team announcements are today. So I’ll do something for tomorrow morning.

One player who won’t be starting is Iain Henderson. The Irishman has seen two red lines on his test so he is out. Ridiculous!

Going off at a tangent there are interesting pieces in the Daily Fail. One highlights the dire state of Welsh rugby. Four regions mired in debt, a dearth of talent waiting in the wings and a growing apathy to the game across the board. The others are about making the game more exciting. Maro Itoje wants to see the game introduce more razzmatazz to entice a broader audience into considering rugby as a game for them. He suggests a Super Bowl style half time show during the biggest of matches. Perhaps I am old duffer but not for me thank you. The game definitely needs something and when you look at those running it, still pretty much older middle class white men, you can understand why change is slow. I think Itoje is onto something but a 45 minute half time during Saturday’s clash at Twickenham is not the immediate answer. I do think the game needs to be quicker, less stop start, and if possible simpler. Basically you can have all the off field entertainment you like but if the fundamental offering on the field is rubbish you are doomed to failure.

Finally Quaid Cooper gets his Australian citizenship. It’s been a long time coming.

Virtually no grassroots rugby this weekend. There are games down to the National Leagues and a smattering of “catch-up” games elsewhere, a couple in our league in fact: Beckenham v Old Colfeians tomorrow under lights, Beccehamian v Folkestone and Old Alleynians v Ashford on Saturday. I’ll tell you who won’t be playing. Bridgnorth. Their pitch is under 3 feet of water thanks to the River Severn bursting its banks.

In all honesty none of the above really matters when I read that Putin’s forces have invaded Ukraine. This is a disgrace led by a deranged megalomaniac. If the West don’t respond then you can put your money on him turning his attention to the Baltic states. Russia is a great country and Russians generally are wonderful people. This act by Putin and his puppet government and sabre rattling generals is an act of immorality against humanity. It will be genocide on the scale we haven’t seen the atrocities of World War II.

Our lives will go on and many of us will forget about Ukraine on Saturday as we cheer our team on to victory, or in the case of Wales, defeat. We must not do that. This could be the end of the world as we know it. Be afraid.

Tuesday 22nd Feb: 09:50

Let me start with next weekend’s England U/18s v France U/18s.Why? It’s very simple in fact. The England team sheet will contain one Caleb Ashworth a former Crowborough player brought through the system by Jeremy Evans and coaching team. He stuck with us through the darkest of times for that squad firstly making the Sussex team before being a part of the Harlequins academy. Whilst he now plays elsewhere Crowborough is still very much his home club.

Well done Caleb. Good luck on Saturday and we hope this is a stepping stone to future honours in our great game.

It is with some sadness that after a short period of difficulties the club marquee has passed over to the other side. The problem started when Mr Marquee fell out with Eunice. It was her mate Franklin who decided to finish Mr Marquee off and send him across to the other side (of the car park) where sadly he could not be saved. Yes crumpled and torn, smashed and forlorn it was curtains for Mr Marquee. The curtains were nowhere to be seen in truth. Thanks again to Ian Russell for coming to our rescue and moving Mr Marquee to his final resting place before he is given a fitting send off by our resident arsonist funeral pyre attendee.

There is a silver lining according to The Bard. We now have 15 much needed extra parking spaces!

Back to rugby. Wales could face an awesome back line late next Saturday afternoon (if that clown Jones does the right thing). Randall, Smith, Malins, Tuilagi, Slade, Marchant, Steward. On form this has got to be the starting back line. It has the right balance. It is packed with pace. It will be resolute in defence. With Smith and Randall orchestrating proceedings it will be unpredictable. Barring injuries if Jones picks any other combination he genuinely has his head up where the sun doesn’t’ shine.

Wales woes could be compounded by the return of Courtney Lawes. If he is fit I am sure he will start and take over as captain from Tom Curry. Rumours abound that Joe Launchbury could also be ready for his recall to the colours, or should I say white.

Wales have brought Taulupe Faletau back into the squad and he is sure to start after two impressive runouts for Bath. Without doubt he is world class and despite now being a “veteran” he still has that je ne sais quoi Wales have been lacking. Wayne Pivac’s biggest headache after injuries is who to pick in the centre. Tompkins has to start but who plays alongside him. Many in Wales are shouting for Scott Williams to return, something I concur with, but he is not even in the squad.

Plenty to look forward to and for Wales to fret about. Right now in most positions England are man for man head and shoulders ahead of Wales. Rees-Zammitt, Josh Adams perhaps and possibly Faletau would make an England side. However it is a team game and this is where Wales often rise to the occasion. The sum of the parts is often greater than the individual total, or something like that.

Those who wear the dark blue of the People’s Republic of Alba will be dismayed to read the long injury list Gregor Townsend now has to contend with. Johnny Gray is the headline loss but several other key players are missing including Scott Cummings and Rory Sutherland. Townsend has been forced to draft in six players to the squad as cover. There should still be enough strength in depth to put out a competitive side….. but competitive against a buoyant French side already making space in the trophy cabinet?

It is better news for Ireland who take on Italy on Sunday. All of the players released to play in the URC on the weekend have returned with a clean bill of health. The Aviva will be rocking and Italy will be reeling me thinks.

Before moving on George Kruis has announced this is his last season in the game. He has changed his mind on chasing a spot in the 2023 World Cup and opted for putting his feet up and like millions of others watching the tournament on TV.

Oh, and just to confirm what you already know, the Principality is the best 6 Nations stadium. In fact in my humble opinion probably the best rugby stadium in the world.

There is a line in the marvellous film Battle of Britain that goes “tin hats everybody” just as the Luftwaffe are about to bomb our airfields. Well for the world right now I think we need more than tin hats. Putin has finally done the unthinkable and invaded Ukraine. Russian tanks are rolling through the streets of Donetsk. The man is as deranged as Dr Strangelove. I am naturally pessimistic but this move fills me with dread.

I will comment on the Covid announcements tomorrow and the clowns who think it is clever to stockpile testing kits at the expense of the most vulnerable. Project Fear certainly has worked people have become paranoid and are now scared witless of their own shadow.

Monday 21st Feb: 09:25

Having mulled the events of Saturday over in my mind I think it is fair to reiterate a couple of things. Firstly what a magnificent club effort to remove the fallen tree in double quick time. Secondly what an excellent lunch. To top it off considering the awful, and they were awful conditions, both sides played well but we played as well as we have all season. Great stuff indeed.

Looking at the league table we are in 7th and with four games to go we can finish no better than 5th and no lower than 10th. After the miserable start to the season and the very competitive nature of this league 7th is very creditable. Old Colfeians are top after beating Ashford, but not by many. OCs are in the driving seat but still have to come to Steel Cross. Dartfordians charge to the top was brought to a halt after a 12-12 draw at Thanet Wanderers. Beckenham had an easier day at the office beating our next opponents Old Alleynians 30-0. In the other games Gravesend beat Charlton Park and Deal & Betteshanger beat bottom placed Folkestone. Still plenty to play for, especially as the leagues will be restructured at the end of the season.

In London 3 South East it was another good day for our friends at Heathfield & Waldron beating Pulborough 14-23. The Greenies are still in the hunt with game(s) in hand on the teams above them. Bromley are looking home and hosed after beating Southwark Lancers. Crawley’s dismal season continued with another heavy defeat, this time at home to Old Dunstonians. They have an unenviable -673 points difference and just 6 points to their name. However, credit where credit is due they have not missed a game and as I understand it have never raised the white flag in any game. Well done Crawley.

In Harvey’s Sussex 1 East Grinstead beat Eastbourne, Uckfield beat Seaford down on the storm ravaged south coast, Lewes lost to Burgess Hill and finally Hellingly got to play but sadly lost to Hove II. I believe this league now splits into two mini leagues with E. Grinstead, Uckfield, Eastbourne and Burgess Hill fighting it out for top spot.

As we move upwards a quick mention for H&B who “endured” the dreaded HWO with Foots Cray “craying” off. Bognor won away by a single point at Ellingham & Ringwood..

In London 1 South Chichester snuck past Hammersmith & Fulham by a single point but Horsham came second to now table topping Camberley. Horsham remain in a very creditable 5th place.

In the Premier Division Sevenoaks hit Tunbridge Wells for six. Actually they beat them 36-0 to go second just one point behind Dorking. Brighton’s dismal run continued losing at home to Wimbledon. They are 12th with Wells in 13th. With six games still to go there is much to play for. Pride if nothing else.

In National 1 TJs scored a rare but it sounds well deserved win at Blackheath. They remain bottom however. In National 2 Worthing won at Barnstable. Even though they are 4th they are definitely still in the chase for top spot.

To round things off Bridgnorth lost at Nuneaton and Salisbury won at Combe Down.

A couple of words on the big boys. I thoroughly enjoyed Worcester v Bristol on Friday. The wheels have definitely come off Bristol’s wagon and Steve Diamond is making his mark at Warriors. Poor old Bath could not hold back the Leicester tide on Saturday but this was no pushover. The three other games on Saturday were all close with Quins returning to winning ways, London Irish enjoying another win and Sale winning at Northampton. A couple of the Friday Club enjoyed serious corporate hostility at The Stoop. Sounds as if they watched a cracker. On Sunday Exeter snatched a late win over dogged Newcastle. Not the greatest of games.

In the URC I endured Leinster rolling over Ospreys. Leinster really are something else. This was followed by watching Scarlets succumb to the pressure of Connacht. This was a pretty good game actually.

In other sport congratulations to our Olympic curlers, gold for the women, silver for the men. Despite dominating possession and territory Leicester City managed to lose to Wolves. Hey Ho.

Back tomorrow with a first look ahead to England v Wales in the 6 Nations. In the meantime it is another very windy day. There are plenty of damaged fences, trees and roofs out there so don’t be complacent. Be careful.

Sunday 20th Feb: 09:25

Firstly I hope you and yours survived the visit of Eunice. Definitely a troublesome lady (unless you are in Bristol University where Eunice has classified itself as a Klingon of indeterminate sex). Eunice certainly did her best to scupper the plans of CRFC (photo courtesy of Bob Gregory) bringing down an enormous pine tree crushing our marquee and “bruising” the clubhouse. The call went out and by 9 o’clock the old farts aka The Friday Club were there bolstered by members from the juniors and the club’s Exec. Chain saws whirred and wined, the tractors chugged along, the old farts groaned and grunted. Within three hours, thanks also to the club’s former star winger and local farmer Ian Russell, the enormous tree had been moved and the place secured.

An amazing team effort by a great bunch of guys and gals to get everything cleared away ready for the Sponsors Lunch. A lunch of exquisite quality, beautifully served by the way. Thanks Jacqui, Louise and team. It makes you proud to be a member.

So to the game. A game which on Friday wouldn’t have been played as the pitch was under water. Thanks to the efforts put into the pitch over many months by 1pm yesterday it was in very good condition indeed. However, the skies darkened and the heavens opened so come kick off time the pitch was again awash with puddles. The teams were happy, the referee was happy so miraculously they kicked off and as strange as it might seem served some rugby of the highest quality.

Beccehamian have been a side who have often caused us trouble and certainly at their place have always had the upper hand. Well yesterday it wasn’t to be. We dominated for long periods with backs and forwards seamlessly linking together in attack and when required defending heroically. Despite the dire conditions most of the handling was slick and the decision making spot on. The ball was sent wide with Connor Hands, Harry Marchesi and Tom Burgess enjoying the space created by excellent angles of running and dynamic support play.

The forwards took control of the scrum and easily matched Beccehamian in the lineout but it was in the ruck where we won control. The ball was readily made available when going into contact and moved quickly away by the live-wire Ollie Clinch. Tries came at regular intervals and whilst conjecture is not a good thing many in the crowd felt if the conditions had been better this could have been a 59-0 result not 29-0. That to me seems unfair as Beccehamian played their part in getting this game to the 80 minute mark and most definitely were not out played for the entire game. Their No.8 toiled manfully from start to finish and their scrum half used the ball well freeing up their pacy backs. Our defence was rock solid and not necessarily easily but competently kept the visitors at bay.

The players splashed their way through the puddles and mud serving up some highly entertaining moments. The Tom Kent 5 metre slide through the swamp for his try. The splat as tackler and tackled hit the worst of the puddles. The very fine impression of a drowned rat team manager Ian Geering produced as he trudged up and down the touch line in front of the sizeable crowd. Sizeable in that it was more than me, The Bard and our senior managers.

Special mention for Sam Skinner, 18 years old making his 1st team debut. He came on for Clinch and looked as if he had been playing alongside the guys all season. At the other end of the age spectrum Mark Rosier came on for the injured Andrew Orchard, who had another fine game by the way, and made an instant impact in the scrum and in the loose. Hats off to “Rosie” for still going and still going really well.

A fantastic team performance, a great win to keep us in 7th, a great day all round, one to be proud to say “I am a member at Crowborough Rugby Club”.

Before I wrap up a special mention for the referee. These were dire conditions, as bad as I have seen at Steel Cross for many a long year. The man with whistle; Billy Huntley, did not put a foot wrong. He was excellent.

Then I am pleased to say before kick off we honoured the passing of Evesham RFCs Jack Jeffery with a minutes applause. Did we know him? No. Was he part of the rugby family? Yes. Marking the tragedy of his passing last week was the right thing to do.

Back tomorrow with comments on the rest of the weekend’s games.

Thursday 17th Feb: 09:55

Rather than writing this drivel I guess we should all be battening down the hatches. Storm Eunice is on its way and it sounds bad. Keep safe.

Anyway, write I will and we’ll start with money. Lots of money. Saracens have finally been takeover via a £32m consortium led deal. At the centre of the deal is Saracens and Springbok legend Francois Pieneear. Kimono House Limited will takeover the controlling interests with Nigel Wray keeping a “significant minority” stake. The deal includes the rugby and netball businesses and the stadium. What it means for the future only time will tell. Most rugby pages carry the story.

The All Blacks have finally succumbed and sold their soul to the devil. The long debated deal with Silver Lake has been agreed. The private equity outfit will now pay $200m NZ for a minority stake after the players relented and gave their approval. NZRFU says they will continue to call the shots but I for one have my doubts. The Guardian covers this story the best

Then there is the story in The Daily Fail stating that South Africa will join the 6 Nations in 2025 replacing Italy. CVC another firm of private equity vultures invested £365m into the competition and I am guessing are now wanting a return on that investment. The article indicates it is CVC who are driving this initiative. The South African franchises are already playing in the United Reform Church and are set to be included in the European tournaments from next season. Some would argue this is a logical move.

Chris Foy disagrees and I tend to agree with him. Yes Italy are the whipping boys and yes the 6 Nations could do with a real good shake up but this isn’t the answer. If there is any chance of the game growing stronger globally then making the fat cats of the game fatter isn’t the answer. Super Rugby has shown the way (to a degree) with the inclusion of two Pacific Island sides. The cynic in me says this is to feather their own cap and nothing to do with improving the islands rugby infrastructure. South Africa joining the 6 Nations would rip the heart out of the Rugby Championship.

The bottom line is Chris Foy, nor Robert Kitson, nor Barnsey, nor Stephen Jones will change things with their wise words. Money talks and once you’ve signed a pact with the devil that is that!

Anyway, grassroots will plug along as best it can while the blazers and money at the top become even more distant from what is happening in clubs like ours. So to Saturday and Crowborough v Beccehamian. It would be wise to check the website for news. I won’t know until tomorrow but obviously with the rain we have had and the impending storm there might be changes to the plan.

Looking around the South East the game that jumps out is Sevenoaks v Tunbridge Wells. This might just be a home win based on recent form. Brighton host Wimbledon. It won’t be 15 all!!! Horsham welcome Camberley and Chichester have Hammersmith & Fulham to contend with. Looking at the table neither will be easy.

In our league Thanet Wanderers v Dartfordians stands out as does Beckenham v Old Alleynians. The other games are Gravesend v Charlton Park, OCs v Ashford and Deal & Betteshanger v Folkestone. If we are to stay 7th we need a win me thinks.

Elsewhere Pulborough v The Greenies looks tasty. Crawley welcome Old Dunstonians. Can they get a win. Bognor travel to Ellingham & Ringwood and Hastings & Bexhill host Foots Cray. In Sussex 1 Eastbourne will have a tough time against East Grinstead. Seaford won’t find it easy against Uckfield. Lewes v Burgess Hill is the game of the day. Hellingly hope to be hosting Hove II.

Up in the rarified national leagues TJs are at Blackheath while Worthing are in lovely Barnstable.

No blog tomorrow as I plan to be at the club. As I’ve said do watch the website for news with regard to Saturday.

In other news surprise, surprise Wee Jimmie Sturgeon did exploit the Covid situation to enhance her Independence claims. What did he her draconian, heavy handed approach deliver? A worse situation than the significantly more densely populated England. The women is deluded and a one trick pony. If she thinks we are going to pay her guilt edged pensions if independence was to come about then “think again!!

Oh, it has been confirmed what we already knew. Matt Hancock is a devious weasel. His PPE deals have been proved to be more than dodgy and his appointment of Dodo Harding and the other bloke to senior positions in the gravy train to beat all gravy trains; trick or treat was CRIMINAL.

Wednesday 16th Feb: 09:30

Although there is no 6 Nations this coming weekend one story is dominating the rugby pages: the recall of Manu Tuilagi to the England squad and therefore his immediate to return to face Wales on the 26th Feb. He is lauded as a great player but I have been consistent in my view that all he is is a one dimensional battering ram. Strangely enough however, if Jones, which he should do, is going to persist with Marcus Smith then having a player with Tuilagi’s attributes running off his outside shoulder could be final piece in the jigsaw. The jigsaw that changes how England play. Having Esterhuizen outside Smith at Harlequins as been one of the factors in their success this season.

Alongside him in the team could be Courtney Lawes. Even now he is still following the return to play protocols but confidence seems high, in the press at least, he will play.

There has been much said about the delay in getting Jack Nowell removed from the pitch for a HIA. Plenty of finger pointing at the referee, at the England medic and at the independent doctors in the stand. This needs to looked at to ensure it doesn’t occur again especially as it was painfully obvious Nowell was concussed.

Scotland suffer a blow with Rory Sutherland forced to miss the rest of the tournament with rib and shoulder injuries. This on top of being without back-rower Ritchie.

Wales have released several players back to their clubs for this weekend’s games. The most notable is Willis Halaholo. Whilst Owen Watkins and Nick Tompkins played well against Scotland Halaholo at inside centre would be the perfect opposition for Tuilagi.

England and Newcastle forward Mark Wilson retires at 32 due to persistent injury. Shame and it highlights the risks inherent in our great game.

Oh by the way our 2s were soundly beaten by Rye 1st XV. They were thrashed in the 1st half but came back and were very competitive in the second 40 minutes. Great to see our 2s getting a run out.

What is coming up? Crowborough v Beccehamian on what, after the rain we have had, could be on a very soggy Steel Cross pitch.

Super Rugby from the Southern Hemisphere returns on Friday morning. Moana Pacifika and Fijian Drua take their bow. The Blues and Waratahs are their opponents. I am not sure if there is TV coverage in the UK. Oh, and by the way, Jamie Roberts makes his Waratahs debut.

Worcester v Bristol is the Premiership offering on Friday with two URC games; Cardiff v Zebre and Munster v Edinburgh. It is Saturday where the pick of the games are. Bath v Leicester, Harlequins v Wasps, Irish v Saracens and Saints v Sale all look competitive contests. Plenty of action in the URC with Scarlets v Connacht being my pick of the weekend, and if the forecast storms haven’t left a trail of destruction in their wake the Dragons hosting Ulster could be good. Not sure which games are on TV but I guess you can work that out for yourselves.

Real shame that the Welsh Governemnt continue to act like ayatollahs. One of the best days of Welsh rugby is “Judgement Day” when two Welsh derbies are played back to back in a packed Principality stadium. Not this year as Comrade Drakeford has said “nyet”.

Finally my good friend Damper who is an Italophile has sent me a long missive about how Italy will never be able to compete in 6 Nations. Basically a handful of people play and that is it. Lots of comparisons were made with Wales and Scotland where the populations are tiny by comparison but their player base is much healthier. All this tells me is why the heck don’t England dominate every aspect of the game with the resources, both player and financial, at their disposal?

Back tomorrow with a look at the local games. Fingers firmly crossed that Putin sees sense and doesn’t invade Ukraine.

Tuesday 15th Feb: 09:10

Happy Birthday Bill. Have a great day.

As planned I watched the highlights of the weekend’s Premiership fixtures last night. Whilst it is the merest glimpse of what happened it proved a number of things.

At the top level the game seems to be in a healthy state with packed grounds and some exciting contests. Leicester v Northampton served up some excellent rugby, as did Bristol v London Irish. Plenty of excellent tries as a result of open running rugby. Bath imploded after being the better side for long periods. A red card and then a yellow sealed their fate but credit Wasps on how they turned things around. Sale beating Worcester was expected. What wasn’t expected was the story that Steve Diamond, on his return, and Alex Sanderson allegedly got involved in a confrontation in the tunnel at half time. Exeter proved that writing them off is foolish as they fended off in form Gloucester. Sunday’s game was marred by the weather but without their two superstars Quins seem well below par and Saracens at home is always a tough proposition.

Plenty of comment about the 6 Nations in the papers, much of which centres around one Marcus Smith. Keep his feet on the ground and his head out of the clouds England might just have a global superstar in their midst. I read Stuart Barnes column in The Times (thanks Damper) and he asks the sensible question why take Ben Youngs and George Ford to Rome, a place where you have been unbeaten since Italy joined the party. If you are looking ahead surely that game was the one where an additional risk such as young Raffi Quirke and Luke Northmore on the bench would have made sense. Good piece Barnesy.

Jumping ahead two weeks Wales need to be concerned as one of the missing links in the England line-up is a big ball carrier at 12 to play off Smith. Well it looks as if Tuilagi could get the call after impressing in his comeback games for Sale. Not only that but Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlum and Sam Underhill could also be ready not to mention Joe Launchbury.

Whilst I didn’t think Ellis Genge was at his best on Sunday huge credit to him for his quick thinking and selfless act in supporting the injured Sebastian Negri. Well done sir!

Wales would have been buoyed by the win over Scotland but England will be a much tougher challenge. Pivac will have had an eye on the performance of Taulupe Faletau playing for Bath on Saturday. He looked in good shape.

As the dust settles it is clear France have the Grand Slam in their sights and it is theirs to lose now. France v England on the final weekend won’t be easy and Wales on a soggy Friday in Cardiff could be a banana skin.

Ireland simply need to dust off the disappointment. Their fight back highlights their quality.

Why oh why can Scotland beat England then fail to beat an injury ravaged Welsh side. Gregor Townsend will need to rally his troops as its France up next, especially as the press were less than impressed with the plodding predictability of the defeat.

In other sports news Djokovic has revealed he won’t play at Wimbledon or in the French open if proof of vaccination is demanded. Fair enough. If nurses don’t need a vaccination to continue to work in the NHS then why should Djokovic need one to play tennis. It does however bring into question the veracity of his defence against the Aussie Govt. down in Melbourne. I’ll leave that thought with you.

What an absolute disgrace. The privatised water companies are making huge profits whilst they continue to pollute our rivers and waterways. What makes it worse is several of them are foreign owned with fat cat bosses earning eye-watering salaries. With millions having to decide between a warm house or food on the table this strikes me as outrageous.

The next 24 hours could find the world plunged into the worst crisis since Hitler invaded Poland. Putin is the megalomaniacs’ megalomaniac. He doesn’t give a damn about what anyone else thinks. The invasion of Ukraine is imminent. What troubles me is China will see the pathetic reaction of the West as their opportunity to seize back Taiwan.

Covid is a mere blip by comparison to the events unfolding in the East.

Monday 14th Feb: 09:55

I was going to start with views on Italy v England however the reports of the sad death of 27 year old Jack Jeffery takes precedent. Injured in the process of scoring for Evesham RFC last Saturday, subsequently rushed to hospital where he later died. Life is precarious and often too short. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and his wider family at Evesham RFC.

So to Rome where England scored a bonus point win over Italy. It was very much the Marcus Smith show with him controlling proceedings from the outset. He took his try well and set up two others. The partnership with Harry Randall worked well allowing quick ball to the support players who duly played their part in the victory. The mix of experience and youthful exuberance was a success. Jamie George showed the folly of being excluded from the squad previously, Alex Dombrandt made a statement and Henry Slade enjoyed the armchair ride outside the two whippersnapper half backs.

Keeping Italy to nil was also a powerful statement. Defensively England were good. Italy, despite the scoreline, played some good attacking rugby but it came to nought as tackle after tackle was made by the men in white. Put to one side the Marcus Smith show, this defensive performance will send a message to those who are yet to meet England.

It wasn’t all perfect with some of the penalties conceded by England unnecessary, some of the handling could have been slicker and the passing more accurate. The scrum worked but not perfectly. There is still work to do but this was a good performance.

A couple of criticisms. The handling of Jack Nowell’s HIA was poor. It was clear he should have gone off at once. The confusion between player, referee, medic and the independent doctors was unacceptable.

As expected Jones stuck to his policy. 64 minutes on come the replacement front row. In my opinion Joe Marler should have come on sooner as Ellis Genge was not at his best and Jamie George could have played the full 80 minutes.

Bringing on Ford for 6 minutes was pathetic, especially as it was for Marchant. Many congratulations to Ben Youngs equalling Jason Leonard’s cap record but Randall should have stayed on. If Jones is looking ahead to 2023 and the World Cup why was Youngs in the squad in the first place?

Overall the followers of England have plenty to crow about and Wales, Ireland and France something to ponder.

A very quick look at the local leagues before I crack on with personal stuff. In our league there were wins for Old Colfs over Folkestone and Beckenham over Gravesend. OCs stay top, Dartfordians are 2nd and Beckenham are 3rd. Our friends Charlton Park lost at home to Deal and Thanet beat Ashford. Our next opponents Beccehamian lost 39-26 at Old Alleynians.

In London 3 Heathfield & Waldron won at Maidstone and are 4th with a game in hand. Bromley are clear at the top. It wasn’t a great day for Crawley losing by a lot to Cranbrook. Pulborough also had a bad day losing at Southwark Lancers.

In Sussex 1 Hove II again failed to appear leaving Eastbourne without a game. Lewes lost to Uckfield, East Grinstead strolled past Seaford and Burgess Hill beat Hellingly.

There were wins for Hastings and Bognor in their league and a convincing win for Hove over Eastleigh in 2 South East.

In London 1 Horsham won at Cobham but Chichester were second best away at Medway. In the Premier Inn Tunbridge Wells scored a morale boosting narrow win over Hertford. Sevenoaks kept up their challenge for promotion beating Sutton & Epsom. Sadly Brighton lost at North Walsham. The table makes difficulty reading for TWells and Brighton but Oaks are nicely placed in 2nd.

Up in the ether TJs lost at home to Birmingham Mosley but Worthing beat Dings Crusaders.

In other games Leeds Tykes were “resting”, Salisbury endured a HWO with Avonvale the miscreants and Bridgnorth were walloped by Newport (Salop).

Right, that’ll do. I’ll look at the Premiership games tomorrow having watched the highlights tonight. I’ll also comment further on the 6 Nations and I might know by then how our 2s got on.

Sunday 13th Feb: 09:40

After a very nice lunch in Eynesford it was off to watch the boys at Dartfordians. It is clear that Dartfordians are not in second spot in the league by accident. I think it is fair to say the 27-8 scoreline flatters them but they are a good, well drilled side and deserved the win. In some respects it could be argued that they won by making fewer mistakes than us but that does neither side justice. We started well going 3-0 up early on. Despite the quite noticeable size and power discrepancy we held our own with positive running lines and excellent defence. As the game developed I think it is fair to say we got out-muscled and often bullied in the contact areas.

Defensively we held our own for long periods and at half time we were definitely in the contest and possibly in with a shout of another win. Tom Boddy, who was my Crowborough man of the match (no ITV wokery here), made some telling breaks. Ollie Clinch and Tom Simmonds kept sniping away