Match Report: NORTHOLT RFC 15 vs GWR RFC 37 (06/03/10)

Northolt RFC played their final league game on Saturday against a more confident and replenished GWR side than the team that they had faced earlier in the season.

Northolt started well with a succession of threatening phases that gained good territory forcing the opposition to make mistakes. It wasn’t long before they took the lead through a Wayne Meek penalty. However, GWR retaliated almost straight away with a fortunate break-away try that caught Northolt’s defensive line napping. GWR compounded further pressure ten minutes later with another well worked try resulting from an excellent passing display. Northolt struck back before half-time thanks to a wonderful defensive interception by David Grace followed by a thundering run that spanned the length of the pitch. It raised Northolt spirits and kept them within reaching distance of GWR.

Despite some clever passages of play, Northolt were unable to provide a clinical finish to their moves. GWR capitalised on Northolt’s errors and managed to convert a further four trys. Frank Enright managed to score a conciliation try in the last quarter of the game but it was too little too late. Although Northolt were left frustrated, they were roused by the performance of their newest young players, Joel O’Hare and Omar.

Tries: J. Enright, David Grace.
Conversions: D. Grace (1)
Penalties: W. Meek (1)

Northolt Squad: E. Dunleavy, R. Simpkin, J. Enright (Capt), L. Driscoll, S. Davenport, M. Johnson, W. Meek, J. Carpenter, D. Clifton, J. O’Hare., B. Russell, G. Williams, D. Grace, C. Gregory, P. Deveikis, T. Cleary, M. O’Gorman, N. O’Gorman, H. Thomas, R.

Match Report: BRITISH AIRWAYS RFC 50 vs NORTHOLT RFC 15 (20/02/10)

Ovens, H. Skinner, Omar.
Northolt RFC lost 50 – 15 at the weekend to a British Airways side that have significantly grown in strength and stature within the space of a season.

Northolt started well, managing to defend off several BA attempts to break the deadlock. However, it wasn’t long before they were three tries down; a combination of poor communication and basic errors were to blame. To make matters worse, Northolt were reduced to fourteen men before half-time as tempers became frayed and frustration boiled over.

Northolt still had plenty of passion and desire to fight back. Wayne Meek was throwing himself around the pitch like a man possessed (as usual), demonstrating his ferocity in the tackle. Frank Enright and Eamonn Dunleavy played a pivotal role (quite literally) in turning over several BA scrums.

Northolt rung the changes at half-time allowing Luke Driscoll, Geoff Payne, Huw Thomas and Simon Davenport to show that their impact could help change the tempo of the game and restore some pride. Within minutes of the restart, Northolt found themselves deep in their opponent’s half. A succession of well-worked forward phases from five metres out resulted in a drive over the line for Eamonn Dunleavy to put Northolt’s first points on the scoreboard.

Northolt continued to contest for the ball and were rewarded for their persistence. A moment of magic came from a sharp-thinking George Williams who managed to take a quick tap penalty, weave his way through the British Airways pack, chip the ball over the defence and race through for the tap-down; A thoroughly uplifting and memorable try.

Tomas O’Mongain demonstrated his power and agility by clearing through an onslaught of defenders and adding a third try to Northolt’s tally. Despite being on the ascendency in the second half, Northolt had left it too late for the comeback but finished the match with their heads held high.

Tries: Eamonn Dunleavy, Tomas O’Mongain, George Williams.
Sent off: Sean Haycock.

Northolt Squad: E. Dunleavy, S. Haycock, J. Enright (Capt), T. O’Mongain, M. Johnson, B. Russell, W. Meek, G. Williams, H. Thomas, P. Deveikis, G. Payne, N. O’Gorman, L. Driscoll, M. O’Gorman, H. Skinner, R. Ovens, J. Carpenter, D. Grace, T. Cleary, S. Davenport.

Match Report: CHESS VALLEY RFC 34 vs NORTHOLT RFC 0 (23/01/10)

Northolt RFC ventured to Chess Valley for their first return leg of the league season, determined to put in a strong performance and limit damage from a well-drilled ‘Valley’ side that had managed to score six tries against them in their previous encounter.

The home team broke the deadlock within the first ten minutes with an effective outside centre switch move that was repeated to good effect throughout the game. Northolt kept their heads up, kept the ball in hand and retaliated with good phases of pressure throughout the first half.

Geoff Payne demonstrated his wealth of experience at inside centre calmly running the ball out of danger and setting up phases, and occasionally kicking for clearance. David Grace maintained composure at fly half, opting to keep possesion and resisting temptation to kick for touch amidst a barrage of pressure.

Captain Frank Enright seemed to be involved in everything; first to the breakdown on several occasions and always available to start the second phase drive. Similarly, Eamonn Dunleavy made the opposition look like skittles in his own inimitable way and caused his opposite number countless problems in the scrum.
Mark Johnson and Tomas O’Mongain frustrated the opposition with some excellent counter-rucking and subsequent possession turnovers. George Williams was a disruptive influence in the lineout and Bruce Russell let the opposition know that he was still at the peak of his fitness.

Wayne Meek was unlucky to convert two penalties but justified his Middlesex U-21 selection with an explosive run that almost saw Northolt break through ten minutes from the final whistle.

Although Northolt had not played a competitive game since early December, it was clear from the offset that their forwards were equal if not stronger in the set-pieces, and their backs were committed to solid defensive work for the majority of the game. The scoreline did not reflect their dogged performance, but more will be asked of them when they face Harrow RFC next week.

Congratulations to Alan and Freya Cousins on their eagerly-awaited wedding. We wish them a wonderful future together and the best of luck on their Dubai adventure.

Northolt Squad: E. Dunleavy, S. Haycock, J. Enright (Capt), T. O’Mongain, M. Johnson, W. Meek, G. Williams, B. Russell, H. Thomas , D. Grace, P. Deveikis, G. Payne, N. O’Gorman, D. Warmsley, M. O’Gorman, R. Ovens, J. Carpenter.

Match Report: GWR RFC 8 vs NORTHOLT RFC 24 (05/12/09)

Northolt RFC continued a fine run of form with another convincing victory over GWR RFC at the Ealing Trailfinders home ground.

GWR started well by kicking for territory and forcing Northolt to frantically defend their tryline. In a matter of minutes, GWR had a 5-0 lead, however, Northolt picked themselves up straight away and immediately launched a counterattack. The forwards capitalised off a series of rucks and mauls resulting in a try for club captain and talisman Frank Enright (see picture)

Matthew O’Gorman demonstrated some explosive running in the first half and was unlucky not to sprint through the opposition defense on several occasions. His performance stimulated an air of confidence in the Northolt back line and the away team were soon two tries ahead at half time thanks to a series of rucks on the opponent’s 5 metre line followed by a powerful drive for the tryline by Mark Johnson (his third of the season)

The second half started slowly as both teams tried to gain control of the game; both sides exhibiting wonderful defensive work yet conceding several penalties for foolish errors. However, Northolt struck the killer blow in the final quarter of the match with a strong contender for try of the season. The ball was shipped out to Thomas Cleary who sprinted 50 yards down the right flank and planted an exquisite chip-kick into the opponent’s 22 metre area for George Williams (see picture) to chase down and score.

Another dogged performance by Wayne Meek saw him harass and frustrate the opposing number 8 on several occasions and kick three conversions and a penalty. Following a return from injury, Matthew O’Gorman gave both sides a terrifying reminder of his thundering pace and agility and both Mark Johnson and Steve Gawidziel showed outstanding bullishness in the tackle and on the offensive.
For the travelling supporters, it was a hugely enjoyable match with plenty of exciting set-pieces and attacking rugby assisted by a referee that controlled the game well and never missed an infringement.

Men-of-the-match: Mark Johnson, Matthew O’Gorman

Tries: M. Johnson, G. Williams.
Conversions: W Meek (3)
Penalties: W. Meek (1)

Northolt Squad: E. Dunleavy, S. Gawidziel, J. Enright (Capt), T. O’Mongain, M. Johnson, W. Meek, J. Carpenter, D. Clifton, G. Williams, M. Cole, D. Grace, C. Gregory, P. Deveikis, T. Cleary, G. Payne, N. O’Gorman, L. Driscoll, H. Thomas, M. O’Gorman, R. Ovens.

Match Report: NORTHOLT RFC 32 vs HAMPSTEAD 3’s RFC 32 (29/11/09)

Northolt RFC played Hampstead 3rds at home in a thrilling challenge match packed with enjoyable and entertaining rugby.

Northolt opened the scoring within five minutes of the kick-off; Bruce Russell at number 8 picked up from the back of the scrum and powered his way over the try-line. Within minutes of the restart, Hampstead were caught napping again. A precise cross-field kick by fly-half Chris Gregory was gathered neatly by Ryan Ovens on the wing. Ovens drew the full-back and offloaded to Chris Arkright to score his first Northolt try.

Hampstead struck back with two tries in quick succession. On both occasions, Northolt reacted sluggishly to Hampstead set-pieces and were punished accordingly. However, the home team edged ahead soon after through another well-worked try once again executed by Bruce Russell.

Northolt increased the gap just before half-time. Chris Gregory shipped the ball out to full-back Niall O’Gorman who broke the Hampstead defensive line, ran half the pitch, dummied his opposite number and scored his first try of the season.

Leading 29-10 at half-time, Northolt rang the changes in order to allow other squad members to have a run-out. In the second half, the referee incessantly penalised Northolt for minor infringements and occasional back-chat. This allowed Hampstead to pile on the pressure and they hit back with a trio of tries bringing the scoreline to 32-29. Fortunately, Northolt were awarded a late penalty on the opponent’s 22 metre line. A composed Wayne Meek calmly secured the three points to bring the scores level with only three minutes to play. Unfortunately, the scores remained even until the final whistle.

Northolt deserved to win yet were pleased with their overall performance despite lacking the clinical execution in the second half. Their backs are gaining in confidence and starting to gel well with some notable performances by Ryan Ovens, Niall O’Gorman and Chris Gregory. Bruce Russell clearly displayed that he is back to his best and Wayne Meek was in fine kicking form managing to convert three conversions and two penalties.

Tries: B. Russell (2), N. O’Gorman, Chris Arkwright-Ecclescake.
Conversions: W. Meek (3)
Penalties: W. Meek (2)

Northolt Squad: E. Dunleavy, S. Haycock, L. Driscoll, J. Enright (Capt), T. O’Mongain, M. Johnson, W. Meek, J. Carpenter, B. Russell, M. Cole, H. Thomas, C. Gregory, P. Deveikis, G. Payne, G. Williams, N. O’Gorman, D. Walmsley, R. Ovens, M. O’Gorman, C. Arkwright-Ecclescake.

Match Report: NORTHOLT RFC 10 vs BRITISH AIRWAYS RFC 34 (14/11/09)

A dark, windy, wet Saturday morning greeted Northolt RFC in their fixture against league opponents British Airways in a scrappy dogged match that was hard fought but ultimately disappointing for the home side.
The grim conditions worsened as the game progressed but both teams continued to battle away despite the weather’s best efforts.
British Airways dominated all areas of the field in the first half but Northolt did their best to stay in the game. Northolt’s strengths continue to be in the set play line outs and scrums due to their sizeable and well-drilled forwards with tries from front rows Frank Enright (Captain) and Eamonn Dunleavy but their open play defence seems to let the home side down. Too many missed tackles meant that some strong running from BA’s midfield broke down the home teams tired, wet and muddy backs to seal the win before frustration took over and Northolt lost the mental battle leaving BA to run away with the deserved win.
This was a disappointing result for Northolt following on from a 17-7 win in the floodlit cup against Southgate last week and a strong presence in the league but due to the poor conditions, injuries and inexperienced players being put under pressure the result was justified.

Match Report: TWICKENHAM BULLDOGS RFC 5 vs NORTHOLT RFC 0 (31/10/09)

Northolt RFC travelled away to Twickenham Bulldogs with a new-found confidence following the draw with the Sudbury Springboks in the previous week. The Bulldogs piled on the pressure in the early stages, penning Northolt back into their half for the first 25 minutes and forcing their defensive game. They were rewarded with a try on the half-hour mark; a well-worked score following a 20 yard rolling mall that left a gaping hole in the Northolt defense for their Number 8 to exploit.
In attack, Northolt struggled at times to get the ball out to their backs which proved their downfall as the opposition capitalised on poor handling and scrappy defensive work. However, it was apparent that Northolt were the better side and their confidence grew as the game progressed.

Despite their best efforts, Northolt were unable to score. They managed to create several opportunities in the backs but lacked the final execution. Tom Cleary demonstrated good strong lines of running, breaking the Bulldog’s defense on a few occasions and setting up other opportunities. Darren Walmsley had a solid game at Full-back as did Luke Driscoll at lock

Wayne Meek appears to be getting better and better as each game progresses. He showed outstanding tackling and aggression at the breakdown and was Northolt’s ‘man of the match’ by a clear margin. He never stopped running and managed to put in some big hits.

Northolt can take several positives from the game as they look to face stronger league sides in the next few weeks.

Northolt Squad: E. Dunleavy, S.Haycock, J. Enright (Capt), M. Johnson, W. Meek, J. Carpenter, G. Williams, P. Deveikis, C. Gregory, T. Cleary, D. Walmsley, N. O’Gorman, L. Driscoll, H. Thomas, J. Olivier, G.Payne.

Match Report: HARROW RFC 69 vs NORTHOLT RFC 0 (24/10/09)

Northolt RFC travelled to Harrow RFC on a damp afternoon to play the league leaders and favourites for promotion this season. Unfortunately for Northolt, the score reflected the miserable weather with Harrow scoring eleven tries in all resulting in a 69-0 onslaught.

Harrow took command of the game from the outset, dominating the breakdown and preventing Northolt from gaining any momentum. Northolt never really looked like scoring due to their inability to penetrate the Harrow back line. Furthermore, their casualties began to rack up as the game progressed. The loss of David Clifton, David Grace and Wayne Meek to injury was disheartening and damaging for the Northolt attack..

However, despite a dismal score-line, there were elements of Northolt’s game that showed promise. They were equal to Harrow in the scrum and lineout contesting every set-piece with resilient strength of body and mind.
Darren Henry showed fearlessness in the tackle and provided a storming run, sidestepping several Harrow players and gaining valuable territory. Similarly, Eamonn Dunleavy and Mark Johnson showed powerful attack at rucks and malls.

Northolt deserved to come away with a less shocking result but they had been overpowered by a well-drilled Harrow side that should really be playing in a higher league.

Northolt Squad: E. Dunleavy, S.Haycock, J. Enright (Capt), B. Russell, M. Johnson, W. Meek, G. Williams, D. Clifton, M. Cole , D. Grace, P. Deveikis, C. Gregory, N. O’Gorman, L. Driscoll, M. O’Gorman, H. Thomas, D. Henry

Match Report: NORTHOLT RFC 5 vs CHESS VALLEY RFC 32  (26/09/09)

Northolt RFC lost 32 – 5 at the weekend to a well-drilled Chess Valley side that imposed themselves on the match from start to finish. Northolt started well winning several opposition scrums and turning the ball over at the breakdown, however, as the match progressed Chess Valley began to show creativity in the backs and keep Northolt the pinned back in their 22m area. It wasn’t long before the away side scored; a well worked move that left Northolt defense in tatters. This was followed moments later by another storming break from their powerful number 8 and the try was imminent. Chess Valley led the first half by three tries to nothing; a fair reflection of the match.

Northolt raised their heads up at the beginning of the second half and were rewarded for their efforts; Frank Enright reacted quickly to a penalty decision on the opposition’s 5 metre line and drove the ball over the line for a consolation try. They were gaining in confidence, but even a powerful surge for the try line by Kenneth Enongene was not enough to beat the Chess Valley defensive line. Northolt began to tire in the last 20 minutes allowing the ‘Valley’ to squeeze another three trys past their inexperienced back line for a well-deserved win.

Tries: Frank Enright

Northolt Squad: E. Dunleavy, S.Haycock, J. Enright (Capt), S. Nolan, M. Johnson, W. Meek, G. Williams, D. Clifton, M. Cole , P. Deveikis, G. Payne, N. O’Gorman, L. Driscoll, M. O’Gorman,  H. Skinner.

Match Report: SOUTHGATE RFC 7 vs NORTHOLT RFC 27 (19/09/09)

Northolt RFC got their season off to a flying start with a convincing 27 – 7 win over Southgate RFC at Cayton Park, Greenford. The game began strongly for Northolt with several attempts to move the ball out quickly to the backs only to be met by an uncompromising Southgate defence.

However, as the game progressed, Northolt piled on the pressure and it was only a matter of time before the Southgate defence would crumble. The powerful Northolt pack dominated both scrum and lineout leaving Southgate frantically trying to contest the ball at the breakdown.

The deadlock was broken after 15 minutes when quick ball from the scrum stretched the Southgate defence allowing Paul Deveikis at outside centre to break through and score his first try for the club. The game continued to move at pace with both sides sharing possession and creating opportunities.

Some fine running by Niall O’Gorman (full back), George Williams (wing) and David Clifton (number eight) helped to keep Southgate pinned back into their half of the pitch for the majority of the first half.

At the beginning of the second half, Northolt started to take control through well-worked forward phases and support play, however, a powerful run by the opposition fly half left the Northolt backs rueing some mis-tackles and suddenly the score was even again at 7-7.

At one point, Tomas O’Mongain managed to instigate a 10m driving maul to place the ball down for a try only for the score to be frustratingly disallowed due to an unsighted referee.

To the home fans delight, Northolt were able to capitalise in the 51^st minute when the ball was shipped wide for George Williams to squeeze a try into the right corner with the subsequent David Grace heroic conversion attempt narrowly dropping short of the crossbar.

Within minutes, a penalty awarded on the 22yd line for a high tackle was calmly slotted between the uprights by Grace allowing Northolt to enjoy some breathing room mid-way through the second half.

Southgate rarely threatened to break clear in the closing stages thanks to a stronger, resilient, increasingly confident Northolt team that were continually turning over scrum and forcing them to kick for territory. The final try of the game towards the very end resulted from an onslaught of drives from Eamonn Dunleavy and Frank Enright and set the play for David Grace to finish off a fine performance with his first league try.

Tries: P. Deveikis, G. Williams, D. Grace (2 Conv).

Penalties: D. Grace

Northolt Squad: E. Dunleavy, S.Haycock, J. Enright (Capt), T. O’Mongain, M. Johnson, W. Meek, J. Carpenter, D. Clifton, M. Cole, D. Grace, C. Gregory, P. Deveikis, G. Payne, G. Williams, N. O’Gorman, L. Driscoll, A. Cole.

Northolt RFC open day for innovative changing rooms - 5th Sept 2009

This Saturday afternoon September 5 sees the inauguration of Northolt Rugby Club’s new changing room facility with the opening ceremony being conducted by Jason Stacey, Leader of Ealing Council and Ward councillor, from 1pm.

The new £150,000 facility has been made possible by funding from the RFU and the London Borough of Ealing, and Northolt RFC has invited three other teams from the league to play in a series of 20-minute exhibition matches to prepare for the new season which kicks off a week later.

The bar will be open along with a barbecue and a bouncy castle, the day promises to be a fun day for all so come down and bring the family! The address is Cayton Park, Cayton Park Road, Greenford UB6 8BJ.

RFU funding for the new changing rooms came in the form of £137,000 from Sport England and CCDP pots, aimed at supporting the nationwide aims of more people playing more sport in better places. The club also received £5600 from LB Ealing’s Community Chest Project, and club funding of £6000 attracted an RFU ‘Groundmatch’ award of £6000.

Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) have also contributed to the renovation of the grounds and existing changing rooms through their staff volunteer days on which 30 staff members attended and renovated the facilities for Northolt as a community club.

Rick Bruin, RFU Funding & Facilities Manager for London & South East, said: “The changing rooms are built on an innovative modular design. This is a pilot project which could interest dozens of clubs around England who might struggle to attain a brick-built facility. We at the RFU were delighted to work with the club in negotiation with the local authority in getting a sustainable lease on the site.”

The changing rooms allow separate facilities for rugby and football when both are being played, as well as separate referee changing rooms and showers. The full disabled access makes Northolt RFC an official disabled sports and social facility with plans to bring disabled sports to the Cayton Park in the future. New rooms allow for expansion for dedicated treatment rooms for physiotherapy and physio equipment and a gym facility.

If you want to play or learn how to play rugby come down to training at Northolt RFC every Tuesday at 7pm - rain or shine!

For information on Northolt RFC contact:

David Clifton - Social Secretary - 07789 961929 -
Sam Smart - Social Secretary - 07817 826961
Geoff Payne - Club Chairman - 07775 714357

Pre Season Training first session - Tuesday 07th July

Get your body down to the club and burn of all those extra summer calories and drop the ball a lot just like the pros.