Bleater's Blog
  1. The Season Run In
  2. It’s Six Nations Time!
  3. 2024 Has Arrived
  4. It’s Nearly Here…… January
  5. Countdown to Chri….. January!
  6. RWC 2023 - The Final Approaches
  7. Rugby World Cup 2023 Plus
  8. The Rugby World Cup Approaches
  9. The Summer Break
  10. The Final Countdown
  11. The Summer Tours Up Next
  12. Rugby Continues Thankfully
  13. The Six Nations - Happy Days
  14. 2023 Has Arrived
  15. The Halfway Point of the Season
  16. The Season Continues into Autumn
  17. Here we go! A new season
  18. The Twilight Zone
  19. The Season is Nearly Over
  20. The Six Nations and Some
  21. The 6 Nations Begins
  22. 2022 and All THAT!
  23. Christmas is nearly upon us!!
  24. We’re Still Waiting
  25. The Season Progresses
  26. At Last - We are back
  27. The New Season is Nearly Here
  28. Lions Tests are Here!
  29. The Lions Up next
  30. Now It’s Europe
  31. 6 Nations Beckons
  32. 2021 at last! A year of renewed hope!
  33. A New Premiership Season
  34. Still NO Grassroots Rugby!!!!!
  35. It Continues - NO GRASSROOTS RUGBY!!
  36. No End In Sight To The Madness
  37. Autumn Internationals BUT Still NO Crowds
  38. We're Back - In Part At Least
  39. The Restart is Still a Long Way Away
  40. When will we play again?
  41. Time for a beer and a haircut!!
  42. It's easing apparently???!!!
  43. Behind Closed Doors or ...... ??
  44. Lockdown or not to lockdown
  45. The Debate Continues
  46. Yet another new page
  47. The Nightmare Continues - the blog
  48. The Season Grinds to a Halt
  49. The Season Moves On
  50. It's Official - The Drought is Over
  51. 6 Nations Starts
  52. Another New Page - Sorry
  53. 6 Nations Beckons
  54. Welcome To A New Decade
  55. It'll soon be over. Xmas that is
  56. Xmas is Coming
  57. Back to the Grassroots Game
  58. Bleater in Japan
  59. The Grassroots Season Starts
  60. Not Long Now!
  61. Japan Still Beckons
  62. Japan Beckons
  63. Nearly Time To Look Ahead
  64. The Summer Break is Here
  65. The Final Countdown
  66. Yet another section of drivel
  67. The Season Continues for a Little Longer
  68. The 6 Nations Continues
  69. Six Nations and More
  70. It's RWC Year!!
  71. Its Definitely Winter
  72. Winter is here. Brrrr!!!
  73. Its the Autumn, soon to be Winter
  74. We Are Off And Running
  75. The New Season Approaches
  76. Still the Summer Tours Go On
  77. The Summer Internationals Plus, Plus
  78. The Season Climax Approaches
  79. Summer is Coming
  80. Another Section, More Drivel
  81. 2018 Already!!!! It'll soon be Xmas
  82. The Season Approaches the Half Way Point
  83. The Season Takes Shape
  84. The Season Starts
  85. More Pre-Season Build Up
  86. Pre-Season and Other Stuff
  87. The Lions Tested
  88. The Lions Roar
  89. We Are Still Counting Down
  90. It's All About The Lions
  91. The Countdown to Season's End
  92. The Season Continues Apace
  93. It's Time for the 6 Nations
  94. 2017 - Let The Fun Begin
  95. The Big Man Will Be Here Soon
  96. Let's Countdown to You Know What
  97. It's Time For Europe
  98. The Season Is Well Underway
  99. At Last Let The Competition Begin
  100. Not Long to the New Season
  101. Not So Much Rugby Now
  102. Still Plenty of Rugby to Debate
  103. The Summer Break
  104. Here Comes Summer
  105. They Think It's All Over
  106. Jones - A New Era
  107. It Was A Grand Slam!!!!
  108. 6 Nations - A Grand Slam??
  109. Six Nations 2016
  110. A New Captain, A New Start
  111. Welcome to 2016
  112. The Countdown to Christmas
  113. Winter Has Arrived
  114. November Movember
  115. The World Cup Is Over
  116. Rugby World Cup Quarters
  117. Rugby World Cup into the knockout stages
  118. Rugby World Cup Day 9 to Day 24
  119. Rugby World Cup Day 1 to Day 8
  120. Sept 9th to Sept 17th
  121. August 24th to September 7th
  122. August 11th to August 23rd
  123. July 16th to August 9th
  124. July 1st to July 15th
  125. June 17th to June 29th
  126. June 2nd to June 16th
  127. May 19th to June 1st
  128. May 7th to May 17th
  129. April 28th to May 6th
  130. April 22nd to April 27th
  131. April 13th to April 21st
  132. March 13th to Aprill 11th
  133. March 5th to March 12th
Bleater's Blog
  1. The Season Run In
  2. It’s Six Nations Time!
  3. 2024 Has Arrived
  4. It’s Nearly Here…… January
  5. Countdown to Chri….. January!
  6. RWC 2023 - The Final Approaches
  7. Rugby World Cup 2023 Plus
  8. The Rugby World Cup Approaches
  9. The Summer Break
  10. The Final Countdown
  11. The Summer Tours Up Next
  12. Rugby Continues Thankfully
  13. The Six Nations - Happy Days
  14. 2023 Has Arrived
  15. The Halfway Point of the Season
  16. The Season Continues into Autumn
  17. Here we go! A new season
  18. The Twilight Zone
  19. The Season is Nearly Over
  20. The Six Nations and Some
  21. The 6 Nations Begins
  22. 2022 and All THAT!
  23. Christmas is nearly upon us!!
  24. We’re Still Waiting
  25. The Season Progresses
  26. At Last - We are back
  27. The New Season is Nearly Here
  28. Lions Tests are Here!
  29. The Lions Up next
  30. Now It’s Europe
  31. 6 Nations Beckons
  32. 2021 at last! A year of renewed hope!
  33. A New Premiership Season
  34. Still NO Grassroots Rugby!!!!!
  35. It Continues - NO GRASSROOTS RUGBY!!
  36. No End In Sight To The Madness
  37. Autumn Internationals BUT Still NO Crowds
  38. We're Back - In Part At Least
  39. The Restart is Still a Long Way Away
  40. When will we play again?
  41. Time for a beer and a haircut!!
  42. It's easing apparently???!!!
  43. Behind Closed Doors or ...... ??
  44. Lockdown or not to lockdown
  45. The Debate Continues
  46. Yet another new page
  47. The Nightmare Continues - the blog
  48. The Season Grinds to a Halt
  49. The Season Moves On
  50. It's Official - The Drought is Over
  51. 6 Nations Starts
  52. Another New Page - Sorry
  53. 6 Nations Beckons
  54. Welcome To A New Decade
  55. It'll soon be over. Xmas that is
  56. Xmas is Coming
  57. Back to the Grassroots Game
  58. Bleater in Japan
  59. The Grassroots Season Starts
  60. Not Long Now!
  61. Japan Still Beckons
  62. Japan Beckons
  63. Nearly Time To Look Ahead
  64. The Summer Break is Here
  65. The Final Countdown
  66. Yet another section of drivel
  67. The Season Continues for a Little Longer
  68. The 6 Nations Continues
  69. Six Nations and More
  70. It's RWC Year!!
  71. Its Definitely Winter
  72. Winter is here. Brrrr!!!
  73. Its the Autumn, soon to be Winter
  74. We Are Off And Running
  75. The New Season Approaches
  76. Still the Summer Tours Go On
  77. The Summer Internationals Plus, Plus
  78. The Season Climax Approaches
  79. Summer is Coming
  80. Another Section, More Drivel
  81. 2018 Already!!!! It'll soon be Xmas
  82. The Season Approaches the Half Way Point
  83. The Season Takes Shape
  84. The Season Starts
  85. More Pre-Season Build Up
  86. Pre-Season and Other Stuff
  87. The Lions Tested
  88. The Lions Roar
  89. We Are Still Counting Down
  90. It's All About The Lions
  91. The Countdown to Season's End
  92. The Season Continues Apace
  93. It's Time for the 6 Nations
  94. 2017 - Let The Fun Begin
  95. The Big Man Will Be Here Soon
  96. Let's Countdown to You Know What
  97. It's Time For Europe
  98. The Season Is Well Underway
  99. At Last Let The Competition Begin
  100. Not Long to the New Season
  101. Not So Much Rugby Now
  102. Still Plenty of Rugby to Debate
  103. The Summer Break
  104. Here Comes Summer
  105. They Think It's All Over
  106. Jones - A New Era
  107. It Was A Grand Slam!!!!
  108. 6 Nations - A Grand Slam??
  109. Six Nations 2016
  110. A New Captain, A New Start
  111. Welcome to 2016
  112. The Countdown to Christmas
  113. Winter Has Arrived
  114. November Movember
  115. The World Cup Is Over
  116. Rugby World Cup Quarters
  117. Rugby World Cup into the knockout stages
  118. Rugby World Cup Day 9 to Day 24
  119. Rugby World Cup Day 1 to Day 8
  120. Sept 9th to Sept 17th
  121. August 24th to September 7th
  122. August 11th to August 23rd
  123. July 16th to August 9th
  124. July 1st to July 15th
  125. June 17th to June 29th
  126. June 2nd to June 16th
  127. May 19th to June 1st
  128. May 7th to May 17th
  129. April 28th to May 6th
  130. April 22nd to April 27th
  131. April 13th to April 21st
  132. March 13th to Aprill 11th
  133. March 5th to March 12th
Bleater's Blog 25 of 133

25. The Season Progresses


Wednesday 1st Dec: 09:40

If somebody said to me yesterday “do you know Siobhan Cattigan, she played rugby for Scotland” I would have answered “sorry but no, I have never heard of her”. Very sadly this morning I am hearing about her and the gut-wrenching news that at just 26 she has died. Loss at any age is terrible but 26 is no age at all. Siobhan, I didn’t know you but my thoughts are with your family and friends this morning.

There is much in the news about how the (pathetic and power driven) paranoia around a new variant of covid has caused chaos for Munster, Scarlets and Cardiff. Of these Cardiff are still in South Africa and according the press reports it is not the virus giving the medical teams cause for concern it is the mental anguish of effectively being under house arrest in a foreign land and then being treated like a leper when you return home.

In a move that has taken everyone by surprise World Rugby have announced a raft of rule options for the grassroots game. To be fair it is about getting more games played as it will allow flexibility around team numbers, game length, replacements, scrums, lineouts, kicking, pitch sizes, tackle heights and even ball sizes and weight based banding. When you read the headline you think this is earth shattering but once into the detail much of this can be implemented already. The BBC Sport website is amongst many that carry the news.

Interestingly I was on a county zoom call last night and the above took even the RFU people by surprise.

The excellent Robert Kitson in The Guardian writes that Eddie Jones has a new book out “just in time for Christmas”. I won’t be buying it as I don’t have a log burner so have no need for fire lighters. Anyway it is on the subject of leadership. In Kitson’s own inimitable style he points out that Jones leadership has left a lot to be desired and questions how a man who so frequently lambasts the media is happy to cosy up to them to ghost write the book and publicise it for him. From what I’ve heard Jones’ leadership style is woeful and if he was such a great leader where are the Webb Ellis and 6 Nations trophies??

Plenty of rugby coming up, unless the doom-mongers and knee jerkers, and self-servers insist that contact with other human beings is again banned. We play Thanet Wanderers at Steel Cross. If the boys can replicate the standards they reached last week and eliminate the mistakes that saw them narrowly lose in the weeks previous then another win could be on the cards. 14:00 kick off and it is not too late to book in for pre-match lunch.

In the Premiership another big West Country derby on Friday; Gloucester v Bristol. How the tables have turned in a short space of time. Glos should win this on. Four more games on Saturday with Exeter v Saracens being the pick. Paddy O’Fez will be watching this one I’m sure. The pick of the bunch is on Sunday however with Leicester welcoming Quins to Welford Road, or whatever it is called now.

The United Reform Church of Rugby also continues but with four games postponed. The pick of the round is now Ospreys v Ulster and Glasgow v Dragons.

I have just seen that TJs play Leeds Tykes on Saturday. What with the weather up north and the distance TJs better be on their way tomorrow.

I’ll have a look at the other “local” fixtures tomorrow plus what else is happening in the world of sport. The penultimate Scaletrix of the year for example.

I don’t give a damn about the Sussexes or the Kardashians or what other drivel the Daily Fail wants to come up with so I am turning more and more to The Guardian for proper news. Now you have to look past the oft left wing bias but there are plenty of well considered articles to ponder. Just this morning there is an article about Britain becoming a police state by stealth. I agree. Freedom of speech is being eroded, the right to protest is being curtailed, the movement of individuals is restricted. Some of this is by wokery and political correctness but worryingly much is as a result of the powers this government has given itself. There is much in the article I disagree with. I don’t think protests like the Insulate Britain campaign should be allowed to disrupt the daily lives of hard working people going about their lawful business. I don’t agree with the view that “stop & search” is wrong. Yes it is profiling but I ask is it 60+ year old pensioners committing knife crime on the streets of London? Where I object is changes to laws need to be done in a democratic and open way. Not simply handed down by decree or worse slid into the statute books by subterfuge by power crazed politicians, Ms Patel.

So to the covid bullshit. The BBC are over the moon as they can again ramp up the disinformation and the paranoia inducing news about the ridiculously named new covid variant. The fact Boris has used the emergency powers without any checks or balances to reintroduce the pathetic rules on masks is beyond the pail. When did decision by knee jerking paranoia replace following the science. We CANNOT live like this: in a state of constant fear with the fundamental structures of our society like the NHS being destroyed as a result of self-serving politicians and scientists.

Monday 29th Dec: 09:15

What a stunning day yesterday; bitterly cold but crystal clear blue skies. Today has started with a very sharp frost which is nice to see. It kills off the bugs! Anyway, less of my Carol Kirkwood impressions, let me look back at the weekend’s results.

Our result was a morale and confidence booster and whilst it hasn’t sent us rocketing up the league table it will be a platform to build from. We are in 10th ahead of Ashford who lost at Deal & Betteshanger and Folkestone who came away from Gravesend with a 41-5 defeat to mull over. Gravesend go top with OAs slipping to second spot. Our good friends at Charlton Park lost at Beckenham whilst Old Colfeians were beaten by a single point by Dartfordians. Next weeks opponents Thanet Wanderers beat Beccehamian 24-15. The table has had a good stir this weekend highlighting how competitive it is and the narrow margins between winning and losing.

In London 3 South East it was Bromley who took the spoils with a relatively comfortable 29-5 win over The Greenies. Bromley are clear at the top. My good friend Liberty has been in touch. Now here is a man who should be running the country; he has the brain the size of a small planet and common sense to go with it. He advises H&WRFC are, like us, struggling with injuries and they were hit by the dreaded sound of the “Covid ping” during the week. They travelled with a much weakened side. Fair play to the coaching team at H&W they eschewed the easy option of justifiable postponement because “they want people playing rugby, not just trying to game the regulations for short team league advantage”. It was a good day for Pulborough beating struggling Maidstone 28-14. It wasn’t enough though to move them up from 11th. Unfortunately Crawley were on the end of another beating this time at home to Aylesford Bulls. Southwark Lancers cried off which is a concern and Cranbrook continue to impress beating Old Dunstonians 48-10. They are now third.

In Harvey’s Sussex 1 East Grinstead continue their match onwards and upwards coming home from Seaford with a 21-36 win. Uckfield put Lewes to the sword 50-10. The surprise result was Eastbourne losing to Hove II.

Before moving upwards Hastings & Bexhill beat Kings College Hospital 18-0 in Kent 1. By the way Park House top this table. In Hampshire Premier Bognor won away Alresford. Hove enjoyed a much needed away win at Old Tiffinians. They are near the foot of London 2 South West but like us there is still much to play for.

In London 1 South London Welsh still rule the roost. They remain unbeaten. Horsham lost at home to Medway. Chichester enjoyed a fine 38-14 win over the London Irish Wild Geese keeping them in the top half of the table.

At last something for Tunbridge Wells to be happy about as they beat bottom placed CS Stags 6-34. Sevenoaks beat previously unbeaten Dorking 8-6. That is a good result. Brighton made it a clean sweep for our “neighbours” beating Maidenhead 25-16. Wells move to 12th in the table with Brighton in 9th and Oaks in 5th.

In the rarified atmosphere of the National Leagues Worthing beat Redruth 24-10. That must have been a pleasant journey home. Canterbury weren’t so lucky losing at Clifton. In Nat 1 Tunbridge Juddians crept past Plymouth Albion 12-10. It doesn’t move them off the bottom but like us it will be a morale booster.

In the other games of note Bridgnorth lost narrowly at Sandbach, Salisbury continue their fine run of form with a win at Corsham, Stourbridge are still top despite their game against Blaydon being postponed.

I enjoyed the Saracens v Sale contest yesterday. Saracens are pretty ruthless and when they get it right it is enjoyable stuff to watch. It is helped when Sale’s Byron McGuigan, who is a loose cannon a lot of the time, sees red. There was no mitigation but lots of stupidity. Billy Vunipola sent a message to the watching Eddie Jones: “don’t write me off”. In defeat Raffi Quirke stood out as did Max Malins in victory. Oh how Jones must be regretting not getting his hands on Nick Tompkins. He has the potential to be something special for Wales.

The URC is in chaos thanks to the Covid paranoia. Cardiff and Munster not only had their games postponed they are now stuck in South Africa working out how and when they will return home.

The other Covid farce was the late cancellation of the Barbarians v Samoa game. Actually it wasn’t a farce it was a disgrace. If we stopped all this totally unnecessary, costly and chaos driving testing none of this would happen.

Oh and before I go it didn’t take long did it. The lockdown lovers, the doom-mongers, the self-serving scientists were out of the blocks like Usain Bolt on steroids. First up Prof Susan Michie with her desire not only to turn us all into quivering wrecks afraid of our own shadow but as a result turning the country into a soviet style downtrodden republic. That’ll do the kettle and the blood is boiling.

Sunday 28th Nov: 09:15

What a splendid day at Steel Cross yesterday not just because of the result. Yes we won, and deservedly so. Louise, Jacqui and Sharon had put together a splendid “ladies lunch”. The place looked great, the food was great, the service was great and all present had a cracking time. 60+ people all told. I bet we got through some Prosecco yesterday!!!! Well done also to Judith for organising the raffle.

So to the game under grey skies and a bitter wind. The pitch was in great nick though. As has been the case thus far we let our opposition, Old Alleynians, go out to an early lead. Things looked ominous with their slick passing, excellent support play and pace out wide making us look sluggish. It took them about quarter of an hour to break us down and two tries in quick succession got the scoreboard moving. The second try being a thing of beauty. Our side of the scoreboard looked pretty woeful with just 3 points to show for our efforts. As the game progressed we started to show the excellent running lines and gritty determination that nearly got us wins at Beccehamian and Charlton Park. Crowborough now with ball in hand meant Old Alleynians were on the back foot.

We gradually clawed ourselves back into the game and even when down to 14 men thanks to yellow cards and sadly a red card, which even now I am totally bemused by, we had the upper hand. A couple of well taken tries following slick interplay between forwards and backs took us deep into the opposition half. Excellent vision by Seb Lewis and a perfectly weighted cross kick for Connor Hand brought us right back in it. Even with the clock running down, and the scoreboard showing us well behind we weren’t out of it, and so it transpired.

The red and white tsunami kept coming and OAs started to lose their structure and composure. The referee waved his yellow card in their direction and with the numbers now evened up we struck again. A losing point was in our grasp. Before kick off the “faithful” would have taken that. With minutes to go OAs struck a long range wind assisted penalty which on another day would have taken the wind of ‘Borough’s sails. It didn’t, it spurred the boys on. Oh so close but not close enough on several occasions with the clock in the red. OAs concede penalty after penalty which allowed us to power over for the wining score. The whistle goes and the cheers from the boys and the sizeable crowd rang out in the now almost pitch black.

The result was deserved not just because we were the better side on the day but for the commitment shown in previous weeks even in defeat. Yes luck went our way at last but as they say you make your own luck. Well done all involved. Simply brilliant.

As I said after the Beccehamian game we are not a bad side. We just needed one win and perhaps our season could be turned on its head. That win happened yesterday and with Thanet Wanderers in town next week lets hope the momentum can be maintained.

Going back to the ladies lunch it was brilliant to see our girls present too. It has taken some time but the momentum is growing and the girls will be on the A Pitch in front of the clubhouse playing their first ever home game later today. I might wander up and have a look but either way good luck to all involved.

I’ll do the league round-up tomorrow as normal but in the meantime Bath remain rooted to the foot of the Premiership. It was an enjoyable game but Exeter weren’t going to be denied. I don’t normally agree with Austin Healey but he hit the nail on the head when he said sport is contest of “fine margins”. Don’t we know that at Crowborough. Bath, like we had yesterday, just need that one big win and their season could be oh so different. Bristol’s season isn’t going much better losing at Northampton. Wasps v Gloucester looks a cracker. Harlequins were brought down to earth yesterday losing at home to Irish. In the game moved from Friday Worcester held Newcastle to a draw.

The URC was thrown into chaos yesterday thanks to the global panic over the new strain of the virus. All the games against the South African sides were postponed teams already out there desperate to get flights home. Cardiff, Scarlets, Munster and Zebre facing the prospect of long quarantine periods.

Saracens v Sale today on BT Sport. Kick off 15:00

I don’t buy into the conspiracy theories around Covid but this is awfully convenient for the governments around the world. Boris and Biden for example have their backs to the wall because of sleaze and incompetence. Macron is being pilloried, Austria and Germany are in a mess and the Australian state governors have been desperate to maintain their reign of tyranny. Yes, the UK will soon be having to live with pathetic, totally unnecessary draconian rules regarding masks and space. The slackers and killjoys will be rubbing their hands with glee and how long will it be before Prof. Lockdown is back with his wild guesses and his paranoia inducing prognostications?

Thursday 25th Nov: 08:40

If you’ve read this drivel for any length of time you’ll know my views on eligibility to play international rugby by residency. Three years is simply not long enough. World Rugby in their wisdom have approved what I will describe as reverse residency. This means a player who has represented one country at international level can, after a fallow period of three years go and play for another. Not quite as basic as that as the same eligibility criteria of birth, parents or grandparents will apply.

Let me use the example of Kiwi Quaide Cooper who has many caps for Australia. Let us assume he doesn’t get picked for another three years he could in theory go home to New Zealand and get selected by the All Blacks. Very, very unlikely but that is what the new rule allows.

I am not sure I like it but, and it is quite a big but, the South Sea Island nations lose players over and over again for a range of reasons. Think Faletau and the Vunipolas. Unlike the aforementioned many get selected but only go on to win just a handful of caps. They could after three years still be young, fit and more than capable of international rugby so why not. If it helps the tier 2 nations then maybe, just maybe it is a good thing. If the change, which I believe is imminent, to the “standard” residency rule is brought in then perhaps this is a good thing.

In other news Sale have lost Tuilagi for several weeks with a hamstring injury. He wasn’t right before Saturday. If I was Alex Sanderson I would be on the phone to Eddie Jones demanding an explanation.

England are optimistic about hosting the 2025 Women’s World Cup. That would be great. However, it could be a very one sided spectacle with the gulf between England and the rest only getting wider.

Has Alun Wyn’s glittering career come to a crunching halt? It has come to light he needs a second shoulder operation and will miss the rest of the season.

Ok, a quick look ahead. We play Old Alleynians, kick off 14:30. Steel Cross is waiting for you. I guess for us the other games of interest are Deal & Betteshanger v Ashford and Gravesend v Folkestone.

In London 3 South East the big game is definitely Bromley v Heathfield & Waldron. Can The Greenies beat table topping Bromley? More likely is Pulborough beating Maidstone but Crawley will be up against it when second place Aylesford Bulls come to town.

In Harvey’s Sussex 1 I expect East Grinstead to come away from Seaford with a win. I don’t expect Lewes will match that feat away at Uckfield.

Hove face a tricky trip to Old Tiffinians. Is that anywhere near St Trinnians? Up in London 1 South Horsham will have their work cut out with Medway their opponents. Chichester v London Irish demented wild fowl might be a cracker.

Up in the Premier Inn Tunbridge Wells travel to bottom placed CS Stags. A win for Wells is crucial I think. Brighton host Maidenhead and Sevenoaks host unbeaten Dorking. Both tough asks for the home sides.

Further on up the leagues Worthing have an unenviable trip to league leaders Redruth. Canterbury will also be seeing much of the country side as they travel to Clifton. (I can remember playing against them in early 80s. Wasn’t so far to travel from South Wales). In National 1 Juddians are home to Plymouth Albion. That could be an interesting contest with Albion also struggling toward the bottom of the table. A TJs win?

As mentioned yesterday plenty of Premiership action over the weekend. Bath v Exeter is BTs game of choice for Friday. Alternatively Connacht v Ospreys is on S4C.

That’ll do for today except to say what a terrible state of affairs is the migrant crisis. Hopefully the French and British will wake up to the fact this cannot go on. People drowning in the Channel is a disgrace. For what it is worth the French standing idly by watching the boats leave would imply they have a case to answer with regard to the current tragedy.

Wednesday 24th Nov: 09:40

Some interesting comments in the press and elsewhere following Saturday’s games. I’ll get to those in a minute but first a mention for our Colts. I wasn’t there on Sunday as I was out with friends celebrating the amazing Eddie Bridges’ 80th birthday. A bit like her majesty his birthday celebrations stretch over several weeks. Anyway, the Colts played Reigate winning again, and winning well, this despite a growing injury list. This is testament to the coaching team and parents and all the boys who have “stuck with it” during the tough times of previous seasons. The club is mighty proud of how this side is developing. Another example of how CRFC develops and grows its own fruit. Yes, that is a dig at others!!!!

It was good to hear from my friend Paddy O’Fez who is already beginning to talk with a West Country burr; Glaws, Brizzle. I had already seen it but he drew my attention back to an article by Ugo Monye in The Guardian. Monye makes a very good point, one that discipline panels up and down the land grapple with weekly is bans by time or by matches. Rassie Erasmus’s tirade was totally unacceptable and on the face of it he has been given a lengthy ban, or has he? There is no rugby for the next two months so he missed the England game and that is it. Up and until September 2022 he cannot have any match day involvement with the Springboks. How many games will they play in that time? The summer tour by Wales and possibly some of the Rugby Championship. Yes Ugo, on reflection, a 20 match ban would have been a much more powerful message.

A number of people I have discussed the England game with agreed Freddie Steward is one to watch, and Marcus Smith and Raffi Quirke are the future, BUT as long as Eddie Jones doesn’t rip the heart out of their impulsiveness and creativity.

As you would expect plenty of sarcastic comments about Wales always playing against 14 men and a lot more whingeing about the Nick Tompkins try. Firstly it is not Wales ill-discipline causing problems so live with it! Secondly show me in the law book where Tompkins try had to be ruled out! Live with that too!

In other rugby news Irish great Rob Kearney will run out for the Barbarians on Saturday at Twickenham before hanging up his boots. A great player and a great servant to the Irish game. Well done sir!

Not so well done is Anthony Watson going onto Twitter and criticising a referee. There are times when criticism of Ian Tempest can be fair but for Watson to do it via social media is wrong. He has been given a ban, meaningless with his injury but a ban nonetheless. For the record criticising referees (officials) when they are wrong should be acceptable but it is what is said and how and where that counts. We cannot restrict the freedom of speech.

We are back in action on Saturday with table topping Old Alleynians our guests. Let us not kid ourselves, this will be a tough encounter. The boys will be up for it and I am certain will give of their best. Looking forward to being there and “Ladies Lunch” (places still available). Kick off 14:30.

The Premiership returns this week with Bath taking on Exeter at The Rec on Friday. Stuart Hooper has according to the Daily Fail 30 days to turn it around or he will be sitting in the Job Centre with Ole GS. It is a sad state of affairs when rugby becomes more and more like soccer. Plenty of other cracking games on Friday actually. Wasps v Gloucester, Bristol v Saints and Newcastle v Worcester.

The URC also returns this weekend. I am hoping Dragons v Edinburgh is on either BBC2 Wales or S4C.

Just scanning through the rest of the papers a massive well done to Kevin Sinfield, former league great and now a Leicester Tigers coach. 101 miles in 24 hours raising a £1m for Rob Burrow’s motor neurone charity.

Also I note Eddie Jones is sticking to his ancient Japanese ritual of misogi (not to be confused with misogyny). This is following training methods used by the Samurai warriors in the ways of purification and mindfulness and testing the mind and body to the limit. Good stuff as long as he leaves the play book behind and lets the players get on with playing what is in front if them on a match day!!

There is so much in the news that is driving me bonkers, including our Prime Minister doing a mighty fine impression of being a blithering idiot. It comes as a worry when you look at who has got their finger on the nuclear trigger and it includes Boris and Biden. Heaven help us.

I am reading a novel by Harlan Coben at the moment. I loved the quote about politicians and the press (media): “they speak with tongues so forked you could use them as dinnerware!”

Monday 22nd Nov: 09:40

Much in the rugby pages to digest today. Firstly well done England Women for their 89-0 over USA. Very impressive but full time professionals against against part-time amateurs what do you expect. England are bound to win and this trend won’t change as other than France and New Zealand the other unions do not have the resources to compete. Wales Women lost to Canada.

Ireland v Argentina was on Channel 4 so caught most of this. Ireland are looking pretty impressive under Andy Farrell and some of the youngsters coming through would grace most international sides. Thomas Lavanini is such a jerk. Yet another red card and this one verging on thuggery. No Johnny Sexton, and no need of him either as Joey Carbery more than stepped up to the plate. Argentina like all the Southern Hemisphere sides have had a gruelling period of high intensity rugby so it comes as no surprise in their final game before heading home they looked tired, bruised and battered. A wonderful autumn for the Irish with wins over the All Blacks and Pumas. Now there is something to build on.

Much debate about how lucky Wales were in beating 14 men…….again. Yes, it was lucky in many respects but when you consider their shocking injury list it was a mighty achievement. Lots of debate about the Nick Tompkins try. The laws of the game are simple, if the ball goes backwards it is not a knock-on regardless of the actions of the player playing the ball. If it had gone forward Tompkins would have been quite rightly on the naughty step for ten minutes. It didn’t so move on. The Aussies are whinging about being on the wrong end of the referee. Strange how that happened in all three games not just in Cardiff. Perhaps the finger should be pointing inward rather than at the officials. I do agree that Marius Jonker as TMO is an interfering so-and-so. It doesn’t help when Michael Hooper, and on Saturday James Slipper are constantly sniping at the officials. Wales won, move on.

Lot of chat yesterday about England’s win. As you would expect opinions differ but I think there is a consensus around a number of points. Freddie Steward has set his bar very high and could be a global star in the making. Marcus Smith and Raffi Quirke have the potential to set England alight BUT the concern is will Eddie Jones stifle their natural flair and creativity. I for one thought Smith was constrained by Jones instructions against the Boks. What next for Owen Farrell? Many are struggling to see where he fits in if Jones sticks to his “building toward 2023” mantra. This question is reinforced when you add in Courtney Lawes statesman like performance as captain. This as opposed to Farrell’s childish petulance. England laid the spectre of 2019 to rest, well actually they didn’t because anybody who a watched that final will not forget how woeful England were. What England have done is laid a platform from which to build, a new dawn with fresh faced youngsters at the helm.

Scotland too have made a statement. That win against Australia was impressive to say the least. It wasn’t lucky or fortuitous. It was based on a solid defence and an imaginative attack with players playing to their strength and playing what is in front of them and not to a step by step playbook (a la England). By the way World Rugby have apologised for the chalking off of an Aussie try. A refereeing error was how they put it. Perhaps the Scots were lucky? For entertainment value the Scotland v Japan contest was something to be enjoyed. Non stop action and oh so nearly a surprise win for the Brave Blossoms.

France v New Zealand was something else and I don’t know what more to add to yesterday’s praise of the French. Without doubt this could be closest 6 Nations, except for games against Italy, for many a year.

A brilliant series of games. A word for Amazon Prime. Put to one side my view about the unions selling their soul to the devil and missing a massive opportunity of generating huge terrestrial TV audiences Amazon did a good job. Overall their coverage was good with the right balance of commentators and pundits (Austin Healey nowhere to be seen or heard - hoorah). I also like the way they have set up the highlight packages.

No London League games but TJs were in action losing 24-30 to Darlington Morden Park. They remain bottom. In National 2 South Worthing lost narrowly at home to Hinckley and Canterbury lost narrowly to table topping Redruth. Wow that is a trip! In the Northern version Stourbridge remain top after their win at Bournville.

Salisbury beat Combe Down comfortably. Bridgnorth drew with Paviors 34 apiece.

Plenty of other sport but a depressing set of results for me, Leicester City, Cardiff City and Newport County all lost as did the New Orleans Saints. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the order of the boot. Lewis Hamilton was splendid in what was a reasonably interesting F1 contest. I will leave you with a question. Was the Springbok physio Rene Taylor the most annoying person in sport this weekend. Her baying like a banshee from the touch line was not an edifying sight.

Back on Wednesday.

Sunday 21st Nov: 10:10

I guess I had better start at Twickenham where England laid the ghost of the 2019 RWC Final to rest. The headlines make interesting reading when they talk about a “rebirth”. This could be the start of a changing of the guard and those on the field yesterday certainly stood up to the challenge of the Springboks. It was a tense affair if not a classic. In my opinion for long periods it was pretty ordinary stuff. Henry Slade lit up proceedings and Freddie Steward made his mark. Manu Tuilagi going off was disappointing especially based on the fact he was clearly injured even before running onto the field, that based on the amount of strapping he was carrying. The papers are full of the Marcus Smith’s last minute kick but I for one felt he was anonymous for long periods. Except for the last 10 minutes when England were really up against it I thought the mercurial Smith kicked way too much and did “just enough”. The forwards stood up to the intensity of the Springboks power with Johnny Hill, often much maligned by me, having a solid game. Raffi Quirke’s cameo appearance is another sign the future is bright for English rugby. I do worry however that Eddie Jones will strangle the life out of Quirke’s and Smith’s natural exuberance of youth and turn them into the automatons that England have all too often been. A win is a win, and a win against the Springboks is a fine win indeed. Of course winning three from three Autumn Internationals means players like Tom Curry will be £70,000 the richer. Makes you wonder if £80,000 per year for our MPs is enough!!!

The rugby started several hours earlier with a highly entertaining game up at Murrayfield. Scotland ran out winners, in fact deserved winners but Japan were excellent. No kick, after kick, after kick from them. They took the opportunity to keep the ball in hand from every situation and nearly pulled off a remarkable win. Scotland showed resolve and some degree of skill scoring four tries in the process, including a record breaking effort from Stuart Hogg. The Scottish penalty count will be of concern to Gregor Townsend and whilst Steve Tandy has worked miracles with Scotland’s defence there was enough for him to see more needs to be done if Scotland are to compete with the very best consistently. As competitive as they were yesterday Japan have gone backwards since 2019. They need more rugby at this level on a regular basis.

After the England game it was the “big one”, for us at least; Wales v Australia. What is it with Wales giving their opposition an early try start. It was a cracking way for Australia to start the contest. They were desperate to finish this tough tour with a win. That took a huge hit when Rob Valetini was shown a red card for substantial head to head clash with Adam Beard. Referee Mike Adamson had no option as it was poor tackle technique leading to the clash. Things got worse when Kurtley Beale saw yellow for a deliberate knock-on, this despite the pitiful complaints by skipper James Slipper. Wales took advantage with a well worked Ryan Elias try giving the home crowd something to cheer about. The game was a tense affair with way too much whistle from Adamson and plenty for the TMO to consider. Australia were incensed when Nick Tompkins batted down the ball only for it to go backwards and for him to stroll in under the posts. How fractions of an inch can make the difference in our wonderful game. Late on the excellent Nic White scored a fabulous try before Filipo Daugunu went over in the corner. Kurtley Beale hit a long range penalty with minutes to go leaving Wales staring defeat in the face. Never say never as Wales stormed back forcing Adamson to award another penalty against the Wallabies. As cool as a cucumber Rhys Priestland steps up and sends the ball through the posts for the win, much to the relief of the massed ranks and of course under pressure Wayne Pivac.

The final game of the day was France v New Zealand. Oh how lucky I am that Mrs Bleater loves her rugby too! Wow, what a game. Some would say New Zealand are over-cooked with so much rugby under their belt but I would say France were simply magnificent. This was the France of old with a high degree of skill across the squad. There was a joie de vivre epitomised by Ntamack breaking out of defence from deep in his own dead ball area. France took the All Blacks apart, no question. Defensively they were superb, this despite coughing up three tries. The four French tries were amazing and the boot of Jaminet was metronomic. It wasn’t all plain sailing as New Zealand came surging back after being 24-6 down at half time but it was never enough. The players were ecstatic, the crowd was ecstatic, the coaches overjoyed. The 6 Nations up next and if the French replicate this kind of form then give them the trophy right now. A great way to round off nearly 10 hours of our glorious game.

Ireland v Argentina today but I am not sure if this is on TV. We are out anyway. England Women take on USA with Wales Women taking on Canada.

The Premiership Cup continues with Worcester beating Bristol 68-13 catching the eye.

The F1 extravaganza continues and there is plenty of soccer if that is what you want.

That’ll do as the news is depressing. More Covid nonsense, more woke nonsense and more political incompetence.

Thursday 18th Nov: 14:20

Let’s start with the long awaited verdict on Rassie Erasmus. World Rugby have found him guilty of misconduct. No surprise there but why has it taken so long? To be fair now the verdict has been published the penalty seems to be in keeping with the “crime”. He has a two month ban from all involvement in the game. Time for a nice holiday perhaps? He has also been given a one year match day ban from involvement with the Springboks. This includes coaching and media contact. World Rugby found him guilty on all 6 charges brought against him. In addition South Africa rugby have fined him £20,000 and have demanded he apologise to the officials his tirade was aimed toward. He intends to appeal.

Some would argue it is not enough, others, especially the South Africans already upset by the absence of any of their players on the shortlist for world player of the year, would say it is harsh. I think on balance it is OK. It sends out the right message about abuse of officials, which is a growing problem, whilst accepting Erasmus was only doing publicly what others do in a more subtle way. Jones, Gatland and Hansen are/were past masters in the art of criticism.

The other headline is George Ford signing a three year deal with Sale. That is a massive blow to Leicester Tigers. Ford almost singlehandedly kept them off the bottom last season and has been the inspiration behind their success this season to date. Sale must be digging deep into the salary budget for this move to happen.

Ok, so to Saturday. Wayne Pivac has not so much as rolled the dice but trawled through the hospital ward to find 23 fit players to face Australia. It is not a bad side by any stretch of the imagination. Josh Adams is fit so is on the wing and with Liam Williams and Rees-Zammit the others in the back three that looks exciting. Halaholo does start alongside Nick Tompkins. As expected Wyn Jones starts but so does Thomas Francis. Seb Davies replaces Will Rowlands. The back row looks ok with Ellis Jenkins (c), Taine Balham and Aaron Wainwright getting the nod. The bench looks less robust but big, and boy is he big, Christ Tshiunza keeps his place. Excellent news.

The Aussies have made a couple of changes but they still look strong, and they have a very experienced and powerful bench to call on. Should be a good game. The Aussie to win by 5 to 8 points.

Eddie Jones has done the bleedin’ obvious, thank goodness, and moved Tuilagi to 12 in the absence of Farrell. The surprise for me is Joe Marchant coming in on the wing. As you know I would have started with Max Malins. Marchant has been in fine form for Quins but yet again I see it as Jones’ obsession with size. Sadly, but as expected, the back five of the pack is unchanged. Jones never fails to disappoint but his win at all cost mentality (which hasn’t been that successful) blinds him to the bigger picture and long term goal of winning the World Cup in 2023….. in MY opinion. Jamie Blamires starts instead of the injured Jamie George. He will be alongside Kyle Sinckler and the rookie Bevan Rodd. Now this is more like it. Youngsters in the spotlight and being tested by one of the best. Joe Marler returns to the bench after his covid absence and Nic Dolly replaces Blamires. Jones has stuck with a 6-2 bench, another example of his obsession with size and power, so Dombrandt and Simmonds are sure to make an appearance at some point.

The South Africans are battle hardened but not unbeatable. England have to get in behind them, get them turning and chasing. If they go toe to toe England will lose and Jones will be vilified, by me at least. Expect a bruising encounter and don’t be swayed by the argument the 2019 RWC Final is irrelevant. It is very relevant and England will want to lay that ghost to rest.

Haven’t seen the teams for the other games yet so I might throw a few random words down and see if they make sense on Saturday morning. There of course is the Premiership Cup as well.

Before I go it is stick your neck out time. Over the weekend Italy will beat Uruguay, Scotland will beat Japan, England will ….. mmmm….. win, Wales will come second to Australia, France will beat New Zealand and on Sunday Ireland will beat Argentina.

Breaking news the affable, not, Steve Diamond is joining Worcester Warriors as a “consultant”.

At last some proper policing and proper justice. Some of the Eco-mob have been sent to prison. Not before time. With them out of the way, let us now have a sensible debate about what each of us can do, no matter how small to reduce our carbon footprint.

Wednesday 17th Nov: 10:00

Could Saturday be a seminal moment for English rugby? Could the game against South Africa be the game that changes the way England play going into RWC 2023? Owen Farrell is not available through injury so Eddie Jones is going to have to rejig his back line. In my mind the obvious thing to is to move Tuilagi to 12 and bring the elusive Max Malins onto the wing. This way you have the ideal support runner to play off Marcus Smith and you have a back three (if fit I would have preferred Anthony Watson to Johnny May) who are good under the high ball but whose first instinct is to counter-attack rather than kick.

The loss of Jamie George is a blow as he was excellent in the first half against Australia but in young Blamires there is a star in the making. Jones is unlikely to change the pack otherwise but I would prefer to see Alex Dombrandt start. There is a risk with his current selection that England will try and fight fire with fire. A huge mistake as we saw in the World Cup final. Having watched the highlights of Scotland v South Africa the Scots were at their best and the Bokke at their most vulnerable when the ball was kept alive. Having Curry, Lawes, Underhill and Itoje scavenging for scraps is fine but when you are up against some hungry wildebeest that becomes more difficult.

Jones will do whatever Jones will do as it is his way or no way, part of England’s failings, so we’ll know tomorrow. South Africa have named an unchanged 23 for Saturday with just a couple of changes to the starting lineup.

By the way Rassie Erasmus is likely to be on the touch line as water boy. Why has it taken World Rugby so long to decide his fate? Bleedin’ lawyers is why!!!!!

Australia go into the clash with Wales without the inspirational Michale Hooper due to injury. I guess the Welsh will shrug their shoulders and say “hey ho” as their injury list grows ever longer. Will Rowlands, who has been excellent, and WillGriff John are both certain to be missing, Aaron Wainwright is doubtful as is Josh Adams. Wales injury list is longer than Matt Hancock’s list of failings and dodgy deals, and that is very long indeed. Wyn Jones might return but being forced to prop up the scrum from tighthead. This will be another stern test of Wales’ resolve and resources. In a strange way when you look at those who are missing you can draw positives from it as Wales Achilles heel in the past has been a lack of strength in depth. That is not the case now.

Excellent piece in the Daily Fail about Uilisi Halaholo who is certain start for Wales against Australia. Actually, will he start? More than likely with Nick Tompkins dropping to the bench.

Scotland finish their campaign against Japan which will be no walk over but revenge will be on their mind as the showdown in Yokohama during RWC 2019 will still be raw in the mind of some.

Italy host Uruguay which will be an interesting contest. Italy, despite the form of their two URC teams remain a very poor side. I don’t think there will be a shock but it could be close. Shame the Italians are not hosting the Georgians. Georgia, despite the scoreline did well against a strong French team last weekend. Highlights were available on Amazon Prime.

The final game of the day on Saturday is France v New Zealand. This I will be watching. The wounded All Blacks against the continually improving French should be a cracker. It could also be crap.

Couldn’t get the highlights of Ireland v New Zealand which was a real shame. Ireland host Argentina on Sunday.

No London league matches this weekend so it could be a long day in the saddle with my friends San Miquel and Mal Bec in what could become a rugby marathon.

Well done Wales drawing 1-1 with No.1 ranked team in the world; Belgium, thus securing a place in the play-offs for Qatar 2022. With their human rights record it is a disgrace it is being held there but money talks!!!!!

The Yorkshire cricket thing rolls on. It is pretty disgraceful stuff and more heads will roll.

The Covid thing rumbles on. STOP TESTING! STOP THE PARANOIA. The chickens are coming home to roost as more and more dodgy PPE deals are revealed and how Handcock and his chums have lined the pockets of their mates with VIP passes to the government’s coffers. It is truly criminal that £37bn has been wasted on trick or treat (aka track & trace). The amount of benefit and furlough fraud is staggering and it is mind-boggling that absolutely no-one has been brought to book. How Dodo Harding has got away with it I have no idea.

No blog tomorrow morning but I will put something together, not necessarily coherently, once the teams are announced for the weekend.

Monday 15th Nov: 10:15

I enjoyed the first half of our Colts v Edenbridge yesterday. A quality contest played in a good spirit. I don’t know the final outcome but it was great to see so many at the club and see there is still life in our great game yet. Oh and it was good to see several of our 1st XV watching, and yes I am convinced we are a good team just waiting to show ourselves.

OK to the league round-up. Folkestone remain below us after suffering a 40-8 home defeat to Deal & Betteshanger. We are now on the same points as Ashford as they lost to Old Colfeians. Old Alleynians remain top after beating Beckenham. In the other games Dartfordians beat Thanet Wanderers but our friends Charlton Park lost to Gravesend. It’s tight at the top with OAs, OCs and Gravesend all played 8, won 7, lost 1.

In London 3 South East Heathfield & Waldron earned the bragging rights over Pulborough with what looks a comfortable 55-19 win. Crawley went down by quite a few to not many at Old Dunstonians. Table topping Bromley maintain their fine form with a win at Southwark Lancers. H&WRFC are 2nd, Cranbrook are 3rd after a fine away win at Maidstone.

The shock, for me at least, is found in Harvey’s Sussex 1 where East Grinstead beat Uckfield 43-0. I didn’t expect that. Call me a little cynical but Hove II beating Seaford 81-17 is somewhat suspicious. Read on. In the other games Burgess Hill lost to Eastbourne and Lewes lost to Hellingly. East Grinstead are comfortably top of this one.

On the way back up the tables now. Hastings & Bexhill get the points by virtue of the AWO. Bognor had an easy win over Ellingham & Ringwood. In London 2 South West there was no game for Hove.

In London 1 South Chichester lost at Guildford. London Welsh remain top after beating Hammersmith & Fulham. Up in the Premier league another disappointing day for Tunbridge Wells losing at home to North Walsham. Not a great day for Brighton or Sevenoaks either who lost, albeit narrowly at Tring and Wimbledon respectively. Dorking continue to fly high here. CS Stags keep the St Marks crew off the bottom.

In the National leagues TJs slip to the bottom of the table after losing at Cambridge. Worthing’s early season form has deserted them losing at Henley Hawks. Canterbury’s game at Hinckley was postponed. In National 1 Cinderford lead the way, In 2 South it is Redruth who hold top spot. In 2 North it is Stourbridge who are top after their one point win over Sedgley Park.

For the sake of completeness neither Bridgnorth nor Salisbury played on Saturday.

Some interesting results in the Premiership Cup but you can read them for yourselves.

Well done to England Women and Scotland Women beating Canada and Japan respectively.

So to Wales v Fiji. This was a pretty enjoyable if somewhat brutal affair. Fiji were for long periods the better side but ill-discipline let them down. The red card killed off their chances but it was clear foul play with a high degree of danger. Nic Berry had no option, after some gentle persuasion by the TMO. The Fijians both in attack and defence were well organised and with the bulk of the side playing top flight rugby across Europe that was no surprise. Wales, already depleted and having to make two late changes due to injuries in the warm-up were always going to be below par. That said the sloppy passing and lack of cohesion cannot be attributed to that. Wales laboured to victory is the best description of the game. The scoreline flattered to deceive with a sensational late Louis Rees-Zammit try making the score look respectable. It was a sensational piece of individual brilliance.

There were some positives for Wales with Liam Williams back to his very best. Alex Cuthbert scoring got the second loudest cheer of the day with the loudest going to Christ Tshiunza when he ran on for his debut. A win is a win.

Welshman Gareth Weber and his makeshift Fijian coaching team can rightly be proud of his charges. The Fijians were excellent and unlucky in defeat. Defensively they were brutal and their cavalier attitude in attack brought the game to life. Countries like Fiji need more game time and the idea of including them in the Lions schedule in 2025 is perfect.

A quick mention for Lewis Hamilton. What a drive. Did Verstappen take him off the track? As F1 goes that was better!!!

Well done to Australia winning the T20 World Cup. New Zealand were doomed the minute they lost the toss.

Finally a big boo and a hiss to China and India. At the last minute Cop 26 became the glorious Cop Out as the paragraph on the use of coal was deleted at the insistence of the two pantomime villains. Somewhat ironic on a day that Delhi was covered in a choking smog. Hey ho.

Sunday 14th Nov: 10:15

I’ll start at Beccehamian, and I’ll start by saying the 34-26 result was absolutely not a fair reflection of the game. You could argue for long periods we played the better rugby. Sadly however after just 15 minutes we were 14-0 down. The first to a 60 metre interception which if it had not happened we would have been in the corner. The second was to a dropped catch which wasn’t recovered and hey presto there you are facing down the barrel of a gun. The boys had played some excellent rugby with sharp passing, good support lines and excellent vision up until this point and in fact continued to do so throughout. Our work at the breakdown was very good as was the scrum. In fact with a small pack by comparison not only did we hold our own we put them under pressure. The lineout worked well too. With a little bit of luck on our side we could have and maybe should have won this one.

So where was it lost. They had lady luck on their side, their line speed in defence was excellent and their first up tackles stuck. This was our Achilles heel in that we often made two, three and sometimes four tackle attempts to halt their forward momentum, they didn’t. They also took every opportunity to score aided by a kicker putting them over from everywhere. Not having a decent kicker is an issue for Crowborough. We still might not have won but we surely would have been within seven and possibly pushing for the victory. We are losing but we are not dispirited, and when you consider we have nineteen 1st XV squad members on the injured or unavailable list it is going to be hard.

Were we downhearted driving home? No! There was enough on display yesterday to say we are not a bad side. In fact there was enough to say we are a good side in waiting, four good tries in the bag is testimony to that. I say well done Crowborough, enjoy next week off and come back ready for table toppling Old Alleynians in two weeks time. By the way there is a league lunch that day. Book your places early and honour our burgeoning ladies/girls section.

We got home in time to watch England v Australia. I don’t know why but neither me or Mrs Bleater were overly inspired by the game. There were glimpses of a new England, there were glimpses of the new Australia but it wasn’t a blockbuster of a game. Marcus Smith did ok, Tuilagi roamed the savannah, Freddie Steward was excellent but otherwise it was pretty regulation stuff. Well not quite. The burst through the Aussie defence by Jamie George was something and at the death the try by young Blamires was a reward for his second half efforts. Owen Farrell going off might prove a blessing in disguise. If not fit Jones could play the back line most want to see: Smith at 10 and Tuilagi at 12. Add in Max Malins on the wing and that looks a really exciting back line.

Next up for England is South Africa who brought the Scots back to earth with a bump. Haven’t seen this one yet, nor have I see the Irish win over the All Blacks. We listened to some of that in the car and that is a game I will definitely watch on catch-up.

Wales take on Fiji this afternoon and yes that is pre-booked viewing in the Bleater household. Wales should win but it won’t be easy. France v Georgia before that but I am popping to the club to watch our colts in action. England women take on Canada. If you don’t have Amazon Prime then this is on BBC2.

Talking of Wales a 5-1 win over Belarus was thoroughly enjoyable.

Having watched the yawn fest Mexican GP last weekend I was fearful of another boring affair this. If the sprint race is anything to by then we might be in for a cracker. Lewis Hamilton was majestic in the sprint race going from last to 5th within the space of 24 laps. It was mercurial. He starts 10th this evening so there should be action aplenty.

Sadly there is nothing in the news to be happy about. The most serious concern is the sabre rattling coming from Belarus, the build up of troops on the Ukraine and Taiwan borders and the noises coming out of the US based on their intelligence services. Yes we should be worried.

Then there is the despicable sleaze. It is indefensible.

Then there is the continued woke, political correctness. We shouldn’t have to pander to the lobbying minorities. We should be decent, law abiding human beings considerate to all regardless of race, creed, sexuality, gender, politics or religion. This pandering is causing deeper division and not healing minor rifts.

Finally I understand Matt Handcock is touting around looking for a book deal in relation to his role in the covid pandemic. Well Dear Matt, it has already been done. One Mr Shakespeare got there before you with………. “A Comedy of Errors”. You could always rewrite “Much Ado About Nothing”

Back tomorrow with the league round-up.

Thursday 11th Nov: 16:15

Le deuxieme part du jour.

Before I get into the team selections I watched the highlights of last weekend’s Premiership. How on earth did Saracens blow such a comprehensive lead and against 14 men? Also have Exeter finally been found out?

Anyway, so to England. Marcus Smith at 10 is as expected and hoped for. Owen Farrell at 10 is as expected but not as hoped for. Manu Tuilagi is on the wing which is somewhat bizarre. As you may be aware I am not a fan of Tuilagi but if he is to play then outside Smith at 12 would work. Farrell however seems undroppable. So much for looking ahead to RWC 2023 as the rest of the team, except Freddie Steward, looks awfully familiar. The bench is very inexperienced but very exciting. Lets hope they get used sooner rather than later.

The Wallabies have been forced into a number of changes with London Irish’s Ollie Hoskins being drafted in to cover for the injured Alaalatoa and Tupou. Kurtley Beale replaces Jordan Petaia. I go England by a few.

The All Blacks have recalled all their front line stars and field a very strong side to face Ireland. Oh how Wales could do with a bench like the All Blacks have at their disposal. Ireland also looks a strong side with Iain Henderson the only change from last weeks win over Japan. New Zealander Jamison Gibson-Parks starts with Conor Murray on the bench. This could be a cracker and I go All Blacks.

Gregor Townsend has a made a couple of changes including Nick Haining replacing Hamish Watson. That is a surprise. Despite his amazing debut contribution Ashman returns to the bench. I go South Africa by one or two.

When will Eddie Jones learn? He has had to grovel to Emma Raducana about his insensitive and unnecessary remarks. The bloke is a liability and a hypocrite as his list of advertising and sponsorship deals is very long indeed.

Exeter Chiefs may be on the cusp of losing their iconic logo and even the Chiefs name itself. There is growing pressure for them to drop the Native American iconography, including the wigwam bar and the Chief’s chop. I’m pretty agnostic on this topic but if offence is being caused then it is probably right to change.

Right, that’ll do. Back on Sunday.

Thursday 11th Nov: 09:12

Remembrance Day. Let us remember those who have given their lives so valiantly in the defence of this country and in the fight against tyrannny.

A quick apology to our Colts for not mentioning their excellent win away Crawley last week. Well done guys!

As you know on Saturday we travel to Beccehamian which is always a tricky place to go. I am sure the boys will give of their best. If that is a trip too far then the 2s take on Hove III at Hove. Both games kick off at 14:30

In our league both Ashford and Folkestone face tricky home games against Old Colfeians and Deal & Betteshanger. Game of the day is probably Old Alleynians v Beckenham.

In London 3 South East it is an all Sussex match-up with Heathfield & Waldron host Pulborough that catches the eye. Crawley have the unenviable trip to Old Dunstonians.

The big game of the weekend is East Grinstead v Uckfield in Harvey’s Sussex 1. This is a season defining moment and with the leagues being restructured at the end of the season a win here might prove to be crucial.

In London 1 South Horsham are “resting darling” with Chichester travelling to Guildford. That could be a close game.

Up in the Premier Inn Tunbridge Wells host North Walsham, Sevenoaks travel to Wimbledon and Brighton are at Tring. All three are difficult games for our “neighbours”.

In the rarified atmosphere of the National leagues TJs travel to Cambridge. Nice trip up the M11!! Worthing will travel to Henley, a nice run up the A24. Canterbury are at Hinckley. They would have left yesterday!!!!

Plenty of Premiership Cup action if that is your thing. In the absence of anything more exciting I might watch Gloucester v Bath tomorrow night.

Obviously the internationals take centre stage with Wales already announcing their side to face Fiji. A number of changes including the reappearance of Alex Cuthbert after many seasons out following his move to Exeter. Plagued by injury this is good news. Although he is still at Wasps his imminent move to Cardiff means Thomas Young can be selected, and he has been. The big story will be big Christ Tshiunza coming off the bench for his debut. This is a weakened team but should be good enough to beat Fiji…… but how’s your luck????

South Africa have made a couple of changes to the team that faced Wales. Elton Jantjies, Willie le Roux and Franco Mostert all start. That the weakens the team no end…… NOT! Scotland are yet to announce their team.

I will look at the other team selections this afternoon and write a missive for tomorrow.

In other sport the T20 was thoroughly enjoyable yesterday although England lost. Pakistan v Australia today. Should be good. Had an interesting conversation yesterday about how it is fine to call Australians “Aussies” but you can’t …… you get the gist.

I like the football but I can’t believe how many managers have been sacked and the season is still not half way done yet. Please don’t let rugby get like that.

My sleep patterns have been erratic of late so I am delighted there is another round of F1 this weekend. That’ll help me to nod off.

In other news Cop OUT 26 is coming to a close. What a load of hot air that was. Nothing will change as countries will put their own interests ahead of a global solution to what is a very serious problem.

Thank heavens the hypocrite-in-chiefs are still at it. Yes Harry and his master are keeping their usual low profile by being in the press everyday about something or other. At least they are pushing Covid down the pecking order.

Then there is Geoffrey Cox QC. The more you read the worse it gets. It is bad enough that we have MPS whose only experience of life is politics but when we have MPs who have experience of other things they turn out to be self-serving, money grabbing, devious oiks then enough is enough. Where is Guy Fawkes when you need him?

Wednesday 10th Nov: 08:40

Big weekend of international rugby ahead. Two cracking contests to look forward to with Ireland taking on the All Blacks and England hoping to defeat a wounded Australia. I expect the Irish to perform better than Wales did against the Kiwis as they seem to have avoided the injury curse. It should be a classic encounter.

Australia will be in a state of shock having lost to the Scots so expect them to be fired up when they trot out onto Twickenham early Saturday evening. England will be without Joe Marler who has tested positive for Covid. What utter nonsense. If he had a cold he would play!!!!!! Owen Farrell will return after his absence last weekend. It will be interesting to see whether Marcus Smith starts or not. With win bonuses at stake, being very cynical, Jones might not look so much to the future but to the bank balance and therefore pick a tried and tested XV rather than any experimentation ahead of 2023.

Whilst the question about Emma Raducanu’s priorities since winning the US Open is reasonably valid it is none of Eddie Jones business. If he wants to talk about priorities then perhaps he should criticise himself for swanning off to help Japanese rugby when England were in need, not that he helps England much in my opinion.

Can Scotland enjoy a third successive win on Saturday when they take on the Springboks. I don’t think it is beyond them. If a depleted Wales can almost score a win then a pretty strong Scottish outfit has more than a 50/50 chance of doing so.

I actually think the game of the day could be Italy v Argentina. Only time will tell.

I believe Amazon Prime are showing all the games. If my dear old mum is anything to go by there are plenty of rugby fans out there who are being deprived of seeing these contests. I know the Unions coffers are empty but this is such a shortsighted deal. You want to be spreading the word not hiding it. I know you can get a 30 day free trial but it would take me 30 days to explain to mum how to access Amazon Prime. At least she is enjoying the T20 World Cup on Sky.

We travel to Beccehamian on Saturday so will probably miss all the above fixtures until I get time to watch on catch-up. Whilst I will continue to criticise selling the games to the devil, to be fair the coverage is pretty good and I like the way you can access the varying highlights. Beccehamian, why no “s”, has not been a happy hunting ground for us so I expect another tough day at the office for the boys and the travelling faithful. It is not for the lack of effort or commitment that we are not winning and that is all we can ask. Try, try and try again.

The Premiership takes a break for the next couple of weeks with the Premiership cup taking centre stage. Can’t get excited about this so I’ll move on.

I’ll do a preview of the leagues tomorrow.

By the way congratulations to Alun Wyn Jones who picked up his OBE yesterday.

Martyn Phillips, former WRU Chairman, has been appointed Chair of Premiership Rugby. A hard nosed character with lots of commercial experience. Premiership rugby moving to Amazon?????

Is it possible the entire Harlequins coaching team could be leaving the club. The three amigos contracts are up in June and there appears to be nothing new on the table as yet. There are murmurings in the Welsh press that perhaps it is time to try and persuade Adam Jones to join the Welsh setup.

In other sports news the Yorkshire cricket stuff is disgraceful. This is not dragging something up from the annuls of time this is the here and now and it is outrageous. How could the board say “there was nothing to see here!” Muppets.

Talking of Muppets the Eco-mob have been comparing the climate change issue with the Holocaust. The only thing that compares to that despicable period in our history is the Holocaust.

The gravy train continues to run smoothly along for our MPs. Hopefully the latest round of sleaze revelations will bring it to an unedifying halt against the buffers. Even the right wing Daily Fail is becoming exacerbated by the devious self-serving clowns supposedly running the country.

Finally, and I know this will be met with howls of derision but I disagree with forced vaccination even when it comes to care workers and NHS staff. You think the staffing crisis in the care sector and NHS is bad now. You wait and see what happens when those adverse to having the vaccination leave for jobs elsewhere. People should have the freedom to choose.

There is a “however” however. I read with interest that people in Singapore who refuse to be vaccinated will be charged if they subsequently require the service of the Singaporean health services as a consequence of Covid. Now there is something to think about.

Monday 8th Nov: 09:40

Well done to our under 16s beating East Grinstead 13-12 in a very tight, fiercely contested match. Best wishes to young Eli who suffered what appears to be a broken wrist. Thanks to 1st XV captain Alex Purnell and Josh Groocock for looking after him whilst waiting for medical attention. I understand the game had to be moved to a second pitch which according to feedback was in great condition. Well done Drew and the Friday Club.

I must also mention our under 13 and 15 girls playing their very first ever game away at Worthing. Amazing stuff and well done everyone who has got us to this position.

Ok, to the league results. In our league some interesting score lines. Ashford coming away from Thanet with a 30-24 win taking them off the bottom. They are replaced by Folkestone who los