The question most frequently asked right now is “are we safe?” With Putin, XI and Jong-un in power, definitely not. From relegation? Who knows! (There is usually an expletive in that reply). In essence we have been working on three being relegated and therefore finishing 9th after our fine win on Saturday means we should be. It was an amazing escape as some of the memes being shared around WhatApp testify.

Let’s have a look around the leagues to see what’s what. In our league our good friends Heathfield & Waldron ended their fine season with a narrow win over Ashford to finish 4th. Cranbrook beat Aylesford Bulls to finish 6th. As we already know Old Alleynians are promoted and Bromley await their fate: a play-off or automatic promotion. Who knows!

Down in Sussex 1 congratulations to Eastbourne on an amazing season. Promotion to either Surrey/Sussex 1 or Kent 1 or who knows. Are you getting the recurring theme here. It is pathetic no-one knows what is happening. Second place East Grinstead could be in a play-off, or not. Lewes are relegated after their dismal season. My very best wishes with their plans to revitalise the club for next season.

In Kent 2 and promoted are Dover, and I understand so are Canterbury II. That is a farce that 2nd teams of clubs so far up the league pyramid are allowed into the league structure. Unfortunately Hastings & Bexhill finish in 11th spot. Their fate awaits.

In Hampshire 2 Bognor got top after their comfortable win over Fordingbridge. They can still be caught so put the bubbly back in the cupboard. They will finish no lower than 2nd however.

In Surrey/Sussex 1 Hove put Warlingham to the sword to finish 3rd. A pretty good season for them. Chobham are promoted.

Up in Regional 2 South East we know about Horsham. What a season they have had. Chichester lost at Battersea Ironsides and finish in 9th. Interestingly two of the sides below them, Beckenham and Dartfordians were in our league last season.

In Regional 1 South East Tunbridge Wells finished their season with a loss at Medway. They finished in a very creditable 6th. In Regional 1 South Central Brighton drew 24-24 at Camberley which was enough for them to end up in 9th spot. Westcombe Park and Wimbledon are the promoted clubs. The national leagues await.

Of the “local” clubs in the national leagues only Sevenoaks played losing at home to Barnes. With four games to go ‘Oaks are perilously close to the drop zone.

Rounding things off Leeds Tykes woeful season continues losing at Chinnor. Salisbury lost at high flying Tottonians. Bridgnorth beat top of the table Dudley Kingswinford to keep their slim chances of automatic promotion alive. One game to go. By the way I drove past the Bridgnorth ground yesterday and their new club house is coming along nicely. It is going to be amazing.

Ok, so to the biggest talking point of the weekend; Freddie Steward’s red card. The big beasts of punditry all think it was harsh. Having looked at it again I concur. I am not sure what Steward was supposed to do differently. In real time that was a 50/50 ball which when Steward realised he was not going to get he tried to pull out of the contact. This was a rugby incident not a red card.

By comparison I watched France U/20s beat Wales U8 last night. Boy oh boy the French were excellent and the 67-17 scoreline highlights the gap in player development between the two nations. Anyway, the Welsh full-back was poleaxed under the high ball by a fast charging Frenchman. In mind the Welsh boy was taken out deliberately and illegally yet the referee only gave a yellow card. It is the wide disparity between the application of the laws that frustrates. If Steward’s act was red then the French players actions were red all day long.

Plenty of positive talk coming out of the England camp but should there be. Millions of pounds, and a veritable cornucopia of talent and they only managed to finish the Six Nations above pathetic Wales and super unlucky Italy. Scotland were ahead of them for heavens sake. This is Scotland where rugby is so far down the sporting charts that it is almost irrelevant. I might be doing them an dis-service but you get my drift.

I see Mick and his Lynch mob are still causing havoc. What can I say. I also see the SNP is imploding as the ghosts hiding in the closet have been released to haunt Wee Jimmie and her husband. Where is the £600,000 by the way?

Sunday 19th Mar: 08:45

What a day yesterday, and in fact on Friday. The lining team manfully tried to mark the pitches ahead of the weekend’s games. The constant and often heavy rain put pay to that. More rain on Saturday morning meant the game against Bromley was in the balance. A group of senior club members took the bold decision to say “go”. Bromley were in the decision making loop and after several phone calls, a load of photos and a couple of videos for them to review the game was on.

Before that 80+ people enjoyed one of Jacqui’s wonderful lunches, with Louise and the team making the build up to the game thoroughly enjoyable.

Thankfully the rain had stopped and some of the standing water had cleared. Needless to say it was still heavy going. Both sides tried to play open rugby but for long periods pragmatism prevailed: short, crisp offloads to the support runners. Crowborough started brightly but it must be said Bromley are not second, and in with a chance of promotion, by accident. Their set piece was solid and in the backs they had some excellent playmakers: the full back stood out from start to finish.

Could five wins from five games be turned into six from six. An early Ollie Clinch penalty settled the nerves. A try from Callum Main added to the score. 10-0, things were looking good. Bromley came back into it in the second half scoring a well work try after a defensive lapse by the ‘Borough. A charge down and kick ahead with Clinch pouncing for the try under the posts put us further ahead. Nerves jangled when Bromley scored the try of the game wide out after excellent support play by them. The decisive moment came with about 8 minutes to go when Rob Lester charged down a clearing kick and was able to score under the posts. Crowborough defended magnificently in the closing stages and there it was: the final whistle and a 27-10 win.

Full blow by blow account will be on the website in an hour or or so. The Bard is on the beach so yours truly is chief scribe for this week.

Who would have thought all those weeks ago that the boys would turn the season around so spectacularly. The fiasco down in Folkestone. The rubbish over at Ashford. Well, they did, and they deserve all the praise now being heaped on them. The coaching team have done a magnificent job in adversity too. A big thank you to them.

What does this all mean. The truth is: who knows. As is all too often the case the RFU and league people are vague on detail and big on pontification. It is expected at least two teams from our league will be relegated. It is possible a third might go too. We, now in 9th, are expected to stay up, but as I say, who knows.

A brilliant effort and WELL DONE all involved. The players, the coaches, the Friday Club, Jacqui and Louise, the Exec and everyone else who makes this great club tick. Well done to the boys who manfully put up a fight against Bromley 2s down on the swamp known as “D” pitch. They too played their part in the day’s events.

A quick word about the Six Nations. What a cracking performance by the Irish. They held a resurgent England at bay to top the table and be crowned Grand Slam Winners. Not the greatest game but for the Irish, who cares? The Freddie Steward red card was mystifying. I’ll debate this in more detail tomorrow. Owen Farrell, to a degree, justified his selection, but his England side have a very long way to go if they are to be any where near success during RWC 2023.

The Scotland v Italy game looked a cracker. I saw snippets of this one but will watch it in full later in the week. I think it is very fair to say the scoreline flatters Scotland and Italy were unlucky.

So to Paris. Well, Wales turned up and for long periods looked a proper side, and not a shambolic bunch of amateurs. Despite the 20-7 half time score Wales did not capitulate. In fact you could argue they drew the second half 21-21. Anyone who scores four tries against a Shaun Edwards defence has to be pleased with themselves. Let’s not get carried away. Wales are still a poor side lacking true flair and invention. Nick Tompkins added something yesterday and the old guard showed they are not done yet.

Right, that’ll do. Back tomorrow with more Six Nations analysis.

Thursday 16th Mar: 09:15

Plenty of hacks are saying Owen Farrell will be named at #10 for England when Steve Borthwick announces his team today. I would want him to stick with Marcus Smith. At some point he has got to decide what he wants to do and stick with it. This chopping and changing is no good for the team and no good for the players. Farrell will steady the ship but as stated by Shaun Edwards last week it is easier to plan your defence with him in the side. If Manu Tuilagi is recalled you have the same dilemma. He will bring power and go forward but Ireland will immediately know what to expect.

Chatting to several people yesterday there was a consistency in people’s opinions: England had a Plan A but when they were torn apart in the first minutes of last week’s game no-one had any idea what Plan B was.

Ireland on the other hand seem to always have a plan and when things are presented to them in a different way they always seem to know how to adapt. A big day for Johnny Sexton beckons. His final Six Nations appearance as he retires after the World Cup. Not always the pin-up boy of the sport but what a player and what a servant to Irish rugby.

Result? Ireland will win and lift the coveted Grand Slam but I for one don’t think the scoreline will be as wide as some might think. A 10 to 15 point gap at the very most. I also don’t believe it will be a try fest. It could be a slug fest but only time will tell.

France on the other hand will beat Wales, some are predicting a humiliating 70 point deficit. Of course based on last week’s demolition of England that is entirely possible. I for one don’t think that will be the case but the gap will be wide. As stated earlier in the week anything better than England suffered will be a result.

Warren Gatland has to fill the full back slot due Liam Williams injury. Leigh Halfpenny is the safe pair of hands. I would go Josh Adams. A bit left field I know but what has Gatland to lose, especially as both Williams and Halfpenny have a long history of injuries. “Think ahead to RWC 2023 Mr G!” The back line could be totally changed with George North, Dan Biggar and hopefully Nick Tompkins getting recalled. On the other hand there is a strong case for sticking with the youngsters. We’ll know in a couple of hours.

Scotland v Italy gets us going on Saturday. If this was in sunny Rome I might stick my neck out and suggest an Italian win. It’s in Murrayfield so anticipate a home victory. This could be the game of the day, especially as Gregor Townsend will be without two of his best players.

What with Crowborough v Bromley, it is a massive weekend of rugby and I haven’t even mentioned the Super Rugby where at 06:05 on Saturday the Blues host the Crusaders. Nope, I’ll still be in bed!!

Just remembered something. My good friend PK sent me a stat that would indicate France scored 53 points after spending just 1 minute and 53 seconds in England’s 22. That is unbelievable.

Going back to the international game, ruck.co.uk carries two fascinating articles. One highlights the resurgence of Scotland is because they are actively looking to persuade players to switch allegiances. The new sensation at Northampton Finn Smith is one such player on their radar. The second article sort of reinforces the point by producing a table of “foreign” players playing for a different country in this Six Nations. Scotland has 22. Under the current regulations obviously all are eligible. Interestingly Ireland are next with 10. I would change the residency to a minimum of 5 years. Should the grandparent rule be removed?

Moving on, mutiny is already being discussed down under. Eddie Jones has more than ruffled a few feathers by telling Rugby Australia he needs key NRL players to switch codes and to open the coffers to make it happen. Quite rightly those who have worn the green & gold with pride in adversity are up in arms. Look after us and those who aspire to be us first and foremost. Why is Jones such a dick?

Budget day yesterday. When you get to our age and circumstances you follow it with less intensity. However there were two things that caught the eye. Draft beer down in price. Hoorah! Wine up in price. Boo and hiss!

On that note, back on Sunday. You can follow today’s team announcements yourselves.

Wednesday 15th Mar: 08:55

As we head towards the finale of the 2023 Six Nations more injury woes catch the eye. Ollie Chessum is out of England’s clash with France. Johnny Hill replaces him in the squad. Wales have suffered a double blow with Liam Williams and Scott Baldwin already back in Wales due to injuries sustained in Italy.

The papers are saying England have a “free swing” at Ireland on Saturday. I don’t see it like that. Steve Borthwick is in the unenviable position, but extremely well paid position, of having to select the side. Who will start at 10 remains his biggest dilemma. George Ford is now firmly back in the frame. The Smith v Farrell debate has raged on for many a month already. Will Manu Tuilagi back from suspension fill Ollie Lawrence’s vacated spot? Then there’s the pack? Itoje is far from his imperious best. Only Genge in the front row demands selection. Even the usually reliable Jamie George was way off the pace last weekend. We’ll know at some point tomorrow.

Another heavy England defeat and questions about where the game is going have to be asked. There is no such thing as a “free swing” when the money invested in England over many years has delivered virtually nothing since 2003. These highly paid players have to front up.

Warren Gatland is in a similar rock and a hard place. Does he continue to test his squad with more tinkering? I think he should. Dan Biggar is likely to return even though Owen Williams didn’t do much wrong in Italy. Will Josh Adams go to full back with Louis Rees-Zammit returning. Please start Nick Tompkins. Against the French surely Tommy Reffell has to start. Some in the papers are asking why Christ Tshiunza was not included last week and is already back with Exeter. I think in the back row Wales do have an abundance of riches so Tshiunza was always going to miss out there. With Adam Beard and Dafydd Jenkins quickly developing into a formidable partnership second row was never an option either.

A massive weekend of rugby lies ahead. No bigger than Crowborough v Bromley. Nothing less than a ‘Borough win will be good enough for the Steel Cross boys. There is a lunch and I think places are still available. Even if you can’t make that do try and get there to give the boys your support. All the Six Nations games will be shown too.

As I said yesterday the Under 20 version finishes on Sunday. The Women’s Six Nations kicks off on March 25th. Really looking forward to that despite knowing the decider will be between England and France.

Stefan Armitage, remember him, has suggested the game needs to sort itself out if it is to survive beyond the next 10 years. The injury (lawsuits) woes and the financial mis-management have to be sorted not just in England and Wales but across the globe. He also believes, with possibly a hint of bitterness, that overseas stars should be available for selection for England. It is a point worthy of debate. For Wales I don’t think there is any choice. If the game is to survive then whoever is coach must have access to the very best who are in form. In England I think it is a more complex argument in which money will be at the centre of. The clubs and the RFU are adamant the rule has to stay yet they allow clubs to pack their sides with overseas stars thus denying places for upcoming England talent. Equally, unlike Ireland, the club academy system is not working. It’s a mess.

The RFU compressed the season to accommodate the new Papa Johns Cup. A money motivated decision. Have you seen the draw yet. No! I am guessing that what was supposed to be a great new initiative is going to turn into an embarrassing damp squib. We’ll find out out soon enough.

Heartbreaking piece in several papers as Leicester Tigers legend Tom Youngs bares his soul after the passing of his wife Tiffany. I can big up rugby as much as I like but it pales into insignificance when you read of someone like Youngs losing a partner so early in life.

The RMT are on strike again today. These are the greedy, 35 hour-a-week, big pension employees earning way more than most, including junior doctors, who are front and centre trying to bring the country to its knees, actually today it is London because it is a tube strike. They are economic terrorists, nothing more, nothing less. By they way, I heard last night that Len McClusky is being investigated for fraud. So not only do these union leaders want to turn the UK into North Korea they want to do it whilst lining their pockets like the fat cats they so despise.

Tuesday 14th Mar: 09:25

The fallout from Saturday and Sunday continues. In the spotlight are England in their entirety, Scotland’s inability to play for 80 minutes, the refereeing in Rome. Basking in the glory are France after that sensational win, Ireland as they weathered the Scottish storm with aplomb.

There is also a long list of players whose Six Nations is over. Ollie Lawrence for one. Much talk about Tuilagi coming back to fill the gap. A retrograde step me thinks. The big South African Willemse playing for France is out. Garry Ringrose and Iain Henderson will be missing from Ireland’s squad. Ireland have such an abundance of riches, no issue there. Scotland will be without both Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell for the clash with Italy. Both have returned to their clubs for treatment. Both will be missed.

I have been trawling through the papers and can’t found anyone who has a good word to say about England’s pathetic, woeful, calamitous performance on Saturday evening. They were clueless. The excellent Robert Kitson writing in The Guardian says it is way more profound than just this one game. The game is in crisis in England and the “bloated” RFU needs a total reform if the game is survive. He asks the same question I have in the past: why with the resources invested in the England set-up are they unable to top the table season after the season (or something like that). Did England have a game plan, it didn’t feel like it. As has been the case previously once things don’t go England’s way they have no idea how to turn things around. France made it look like a training run playing with pace and skill and accuracy going forward and ruthless efficiency in defence.

What will Steve Borthwick do? Panic and drop Marcus Smith and bring back Owen Farrell at 10. Will George Ford get the nod. The squad is little changed so his options are limited. We’ll know soon enough. What is certain Ireland have the ability to be as ruthless as France and with the stars in alignment: Grand Slam on the line and it being St Patricks Day, England could be humiliated again.

Italy’s Head Coach Kieran Crowley had a good old rant about the refereeing on Saturday. Claims of incompetence and mistakes. Wales being treated leniently despite an unacceptable high penalty count. Italy being denied a penalty try was his biggest beef. Hey ho.

Wales have largely gone under the radar this week. They go to Paris as massive underdogs but have nothing to lose. In a strange way if they lose by less than England did and put in a dogged performance to the best of their ability then that would do after the crap of the last few weeks. Gatland has been smart by not flying home after the Italy game but treating this as a mini tour. His team stayed in Italy and fly to France earlier than normal. The squad needs to bond and Gatland needs to be at the heart of the bonding.

Plenty of other snippets. A law firm has stated it has now started proceedings against the RFU and WRU with respect to 55 grassroots players who claim to have neurological problems from playing rugby. The law firm state they have several hundred others waiting to have their claims processed. Yes, there will be some out there who are suffering as a result of playing rugby BUT this a parasitic law firm wanting to make money, and lots of it. When you read some of the claimants are in their 70s you know something isn’t right. You cannot retrofit today’s knowledge and science to justify claims from yesterday’s circumstances. It is a money making scam.

For the record the game HAS to reduce the risks, and is doing so, but rugby is inherently dangerous. Those playing the game now know the risks so either get on with it or pack up and go home.

There is much talk about including a Pacific Islands XV in the itinerary when the British & Irish Lions tour Australia in 2025. Cracking idea.

The Under 20s Six Nations continues with Ireland looking to seal the Grand Slam in this one too. All the games are on Sunday this time around.

Plenty in the news. The doctors strike is causing havoc. I know because my dear old mum got caught up in it. More on this later in the week. The Gary Lineker saga rumbles on. He is entitled to his view and removing him from MOTD was a mistake. However likening the government’s plans to that of Nazi Germany did overstep the mark in my opinion. Putin is losing it. He is now planning to send women prisoners to the front line to fill the gaps left as Ukraine continue to slaughter Russia’s inept and poorly equipped troops. Madness.

Monday 13th Mar: 08:20

It must have be madness at the club yesterday with a mini tournament and two junior games taking place. Jacqui and Louise would have been run of their feet I’m sure. Well done them! Well done too to the Friday Club for their support in preparing the grounds, and Kirsty and Ben for their role in making it happen. Special mention to the Pratts, Graeme and Drew, a contingent of out 1st XV, albeit bleary eyed, and one Alf Russell. Young Alfie is injured at the moment so can’t play for the Colts. Instead he threw himself into the day by helping out wherever he could. Well done young man. There is hope for mankind after all.

It’s Monday so a quick run around the leagues. The two big results were us beating Aylesford Bulls and Thanet beating Ashford. We have one game to go as you know, and that is against Bromley who are in second spot and heading toward a promotion play off. They beat Deal & Betteshanger. Our friends H&W RFC suffered a set back losing at Beccehamian, always a tough place to go. Champions Old Alleynians hammered poor old Folkestone 90-7. In the final game Charlton Park beat Cranbrook. To be decided is who finishes in 9th spot and (hopefully) safe from relegation. If we beat Bromley then that will be us. Nobody can catch Bromley in second spot so the two other games next weekend are about placings in the league.

Sussex 1 has already been decided but still pride to play for. Champions Eastbourne beat Crawley by a lot to not many. Burgess Hill beat Shoreham, Pulborough beat Uckfield, and Seaford lost at Haywards Heath. Second placed East Grinstead earned the HWO against Lewes.

In Surrey/Sussex1 Hove are now out of the race for promotion after losing to table topping Chobham. With one game to go 3rd spot is the best they can finish.

It was a good day for Bognor with them beating neighbours Chichester II. They are in 2nd and with a bonus point win next week they could be crowned champions of Hampshire 2. In Kent 2 Hastings & Bexhill lost at Gillingham Anchorians. H&B are in danger of ending up in the relegation zone. Dover top this league but need to win and win well next week to secure promotion.

Up in Regional 2 South East Horsham beat Old Colfeians at OCs. Horsham have now finished their league campaign as undisputed and worthy champions. Brilliant outcome for them. Chichester’s game at Battersea Ironsides was postponed. Whilst I think they are safe a win in the final games would make it certain.

In Regional 1 Tunbridge Wells won at Shelford. Our neighbours have had a very good season. Well done them. Westcombe Park are heading into the national leagues. In the other version of Regional 1 Brighton didn’t fair so well losing at Oxford Harlequins. They have one game left against Camberley and they need to win. They are in 10th spot. A win would put them up into 9th. A loss and Banbury winning could see them in 11th and relegated (I think). Wimbledon top this league and are also heading into the national leagues.

Talking of which TJs lost at Blackheath. Table topping Blackheath. Sevenoaks beat Guernsey and Worthing beat North Walsham. Worthing are in 2nd place with several games to go.

Rounding things off Leeds Tykes v Rosslyn Park was postponed. Salisbury lost at Reading in what I am led to believe was a tetchy affair. Bridgnorth beat Syston. They are still in with a mathematical chance of promotion.

Two cracking games of rugby yesterday, in my opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed Gloucester v Leicester ahead of the Six Nations clash; Scotland v Ireland. Scotland’s first half showing raised the spirits of the crowd and many like me thought it could be their day. Ireland are not the world’s No.1 by accident. In the second half they were at their ruthless best. More on the internationals tomorrow.

I see World Rugby is proposing belly tackling. Basically lowering the tackle height to below the sternum. This is a compromise to the below the waist tackle proposed by the RFU. I still don’t have it clear in my mind what is best. Leave it as it is but stiffen the penalty, below the sternum or below the waist. Intuitively I think lowering the tackle height has to come and possibly below the sternum makes sense. Debate.

Sunday 12th Mar: 09:50

On Friday morning the pitches were waterlogged and the Friday Club drowned rats shivering with the cold. Come the 3 o’clock kick off yesterday the pitch was almost perfect and the weather surprisingly mild.

The President’s Lunch was well attended albeit slightly down on numbers due to the clash with England v France. The food as always was excellent and the place looking a picture. Whilst we had performed well over recent weeks there was still a trepidation ahead of kick off. Plenty were discussing the permutations but all recognised the priority was to win. A bonus point would help but win first.

Aylesford have been bottom of the league all season but the club should be proud of the supporters who have stuck with them throughout. A large, vociferous and very pleasant contingent added to the occasion and more than held their own against our own large and vociferous group of fans.

We started well playing some great rugby. Aylesford Bulls defended well. It was a fast, open game with the Crowborough forwards leading from the front. Will Creasy and Andrew Kidd led the way with Ollie Clinch and Seb Lewis getting the backs moving well. I think it is fair to say we were the better side for pretty much the whole of the first half. Aylesford played their part with bullocking runs and quick passing to get their pacy wide men on the move. Watching from the side you would think this was a top of the table clash not one between sides scrapping for their Counties Kent 1 survival.

When we had to we defended well which is which is why for a large portion of the game the Aylesford side of the scoreboard remained at zero. We kept the board ticking over with the forwards taking the glory but the backs were playing their part by getting beyond the gain line on a regular basis. It was a very competent first half and more was expected in the second.

We started brightly but the furious pace of the first was taking its toll and mistakes started to creep into a game. Wayward passes, high balls dropped, kicks going straight into touch. That also does Aylesford a dis-service as they stuck at it playing some decent rugby and keeping us more and more on the back foot. Our defence was stretched on several occasions. At 26-0 the game was over.

Oh no it wasn’t! The last 10 minutes it was all Aylesford. We had gone down to 14 men after an Alex Purnell yellow card for repeated infringements. This galvanised the visitors into action with them now in the ascendency playing some brilliant rugby. Two excellent tries were nothing less than they deserved. As the clock ticked on, and on, and on there could easily have been a third. It wasn’t to be and the game close 26-14.

I digress for a minute. The wife of Aylesford’s first scorer was delirious with joy when her husband crossed the whitewash. Everyone around her had the broadest of grins with her antics which highlighted the good nature of the day.

I would also like to point out that veteran Matt Botterman came on when the excellent Tom Boddy left the field with a stiff neck. “Botts” had only made one previous appearance this season but rolled back the years with some powerful runs, some dynamic tackling and excellent ball handling.

Everyone of the boys put their heart and soul into this game against a very good Aylesford side. With Thanet beating Ashford ‘Borough now have one last chance to get up into the crucial 9th spot next weekend against 2nd placed Bromley. Aylesford sadly, because they are great bunch, are destined for relegation.

Wales finally got their show on the road and enjoyed some redemption with a fine win against Italy. The boys played well with a more dynamic attack and more proficient defence. Despite the wooden spoon being at stake this was an open and therefore enjoyable encounter. Italy are likely to finish bottom again but that does not mean they are the awful side of years gone by. They are a good side, which as was proven yesterday, have not had the luck of the bounce.

France beat England. I think you English would prefer it if I left it there. In my opinion England were awful. They were outmuscled from minute one to minute eighty. They were bereft of ideas and sloppy does not sum up how awful they were at times. France were imperious.

I was appalled by some of the so called experts who on Thursday were lauding Steve Borthwick for his selection of Marcus Smith only to castigate him post match. It wasn’t Smith’s fault England lost. There were too many reminders of the sad old days of Eddie Jones tenure. Basically, if in trouble how do we change things. From start to finish England were totally bereft of ideas.

Must go, Mrs Bleater’s birthday today. Yes her bus pass arrived this week. I need to wait on her hand, foot, and finger (no change there then!). However brownie points are in short supply at the moment.

Thursday 9th Mar: 09:15

Let me start at home. Former Crowborough junior now part of the Harlequins academy set up: Caleb Ashworth, has been brought into the England Under 20 squad ahead of tomorrow night’s game against France. Caleb is currently on loan at National League 2 Worthing and has impressed sufficiently to warrant this prestigious call up. Well done him and good luck if he gets the chance to play. Great news.

Now, my self-deprecation of yesterday might have been misplaced. It seems, according to several of the well respected rugby hacks, that Marcus Smith will start against France. “Hoorah” to that. I suggested that Shaun Edwards well marshalled defence would find it easy to control England’s attack with the predictability Owen Farrell brings at 10. Well, Mr Edwards himself has gone on record and said they have prepared for Farrell starting at outside-half but will need to make “tweaks” if Smith starts. He goes on to say that Smith is “a brilliant young talent”.

A couple of papers are saying Matthieu Jalibert is a serious doubt for France after being helped off the field yesterday with a serious looking injury.

The gossip in Wales is Rhys Webb will start at 9 against Italy and AWJ will be nowhere to be seen.

Talking of AWJ, Eddie Jones is extremely keen to include him in his Barbarians side that will play a World XV at Twickenham later this year.

Team announcements are later today so I might put a few words together this afternoon for tomorrow morning.

Whilst French rugby appears to be in the rudest of health ahead of the World Cup all is not as it seems. The Top 14 and their equivalent of the Championship are going great guns. The French national team are ranked second in the world (and are my pick to win RWC 2023). There appears to be a conveyor belt of talent coming upstream to maintain the games momentum. However, behind the scenes the game is mired in controversy. Financial misconduct, corruption, the misappropriation of RWC ticket sales, in fact dodgy deals at the highest level across the board. Plenty of the papers carry this update, and the latest on Bernard Laporte’s suspended sentence for his role in the corruption case. I haven’t yet mentioned the sacking of Claude Atcher, previously top man in the organising committee for RWC 2023. Claims of bullying, misogyny, incompetence and financial irregularities. Money, the root of all evil……….. unless you spend it on amazing South American adventures!!!

Tucked away in the depths of ruck.co.uk is a piece suggesting that the deeply indebted Bristol Bears are up for sale. Bristol, now Wasps have collapsed, have the biggest mountain of debt in the Premiership. The website suggests that owner Steve Lansdown is willing to sell his sporting portfolio which also includes Bristol City. One thing is certain and that is the million pound a season man Charles Piutau is leaving the club at the end of the season. £1m a season!! No wonder they are in debt.

Don’t forget there is a veritable cornucopia of rugby this weekend. If you are local, and I know the forecast is for it to be miserable, to try and get to Steel Cross and cheer on the boys in their crucial game against Aylesford Bulls.

It was remiss of me not mention it was International Women’s Day yesterday. Women get a much better deal than they have in the past but things still need to improve. It got me thinking about women’s rugby and how that has progressed. The quality of the matches are great and we need to ensure that the game continues to grow. I know CRFC are determined to make that happen. However, I reiterate my concern that the top of the women’s game cannot make the same mistakes as the men’s top flight. They must cut their cloth according to their income.

In other news it is horrendous to read that Putin has launched a massive arial bombardment of Ukraine as he becomes more desperate. Many civilians have been killed.

It comes as no surprise that up in Scotland the SNP are ripping themselves apart now they have realised Wee Jimmie’s gift to the nation was an appalling NHS, awful education outcomes, terrible crime figures driven by massive drug problems and a nation that couldn’t support itself without the money from the UK government.

Finally with bird flu being touted as the next big thing this might be out of order but with regard to Covid the chickens are coming home to roost. Much of what we were forced to do was wrong. Yes, it was based on politics not medical science. Basically politicians (Matt Hand Cock) covering their backsides or trying to be show pony of the year at the Burley Horse Trials. Trials are what we now need for those crooks that have given away tax payers money without any reckoning.

It has been proven Dr Faustus Fauci lied through his back teeth to increase his power and subsequently cover his arse.

Must go, kettle and blood pressure on the boil.

Wednesday 8th Mar: 10:35

So much for Spring being here and Summer on its way. We have a coating of the white stuff here in Crowborough this morning. I reckon, in old money, about two inches of the stuff. Apparently more is forecast for later today and tonight. Hey Ho!

Anyway, what do I know about rugby? Absolutely nothing by all accounts. No sooner had I hit “save” and sat back and admired yesterday’s drivel than “ping” goes the news alert: “George Ford sent back to Sale. Marcus Smith certain to play some part in the game against France”. If I had my way Smith would start but that isn’t going to happen…… or is it?

What is certain is Courtney Lawes will play no part in the game. He is out injured again. Is his body telling him “enough is enough”.

Steve Borthwick has indicated he wants to be able to pick the very best England players no matter where they are playing the game. The Premiership clubs have vociferously said “no” to this idea already. With the salary cap reduction the Premiership is already seeing an exodus of players to France and beyond. It will only get worse as money remains in short supply, squads are trimmed down and France and Japan in particular have seemingly very big bags of cash to throw at player recruitment. The English argument is the same as the Welsh; keep the best players at home, make the clubs stronger and support the international side as a consequence. For both England and Wales of late this approach has failed spectacularly. By comparison South Africa pick the best players no matter where they are playing and haven’t they done well.

Many will point towards the Emerald Isle and say it is working for them. Yes it is but that is a result of having a top to bottom, bottom to top joined up relationship with the very lowest in the Irish pyramid to the very top of the game over there. Certainly in Wales and with the Premiership (and Championship) being often at odds with the RFU that is not the case.

France have a similar policy and only pick home based players but thanks to the more generous salary cap the desire for the best French players to go overseas is significantly reduced.

To those who will scream “increase the salary cap” I say that is not the answer and you only have to look at Wasps and Worcester and the accounts of every club in England to realise that spending more to keep players is a ridiculous notion. On that basis I would suggest compromising as Wales have just done and have some sort benchmark, say 25 caps, and you are still eligible. That could work. The BBC sport website carries the debate.

An interesting debate that has been rumbling on behind the scenes for a little while and it is should we ban the jackal. Nigel Owens has often said it would be better for the game if we went back to old fashioned rucking. There are many who agree. Well, when Sir Ian McGeechan joins the debate and says he agrees with Owens then we should all sit up and listen. All too often the jackal is a prelude to a bout of Greco-Roman wrestling that kills the games momentum.

If you are planning your weekend’s viewing then obviously the Six Nations will be right up there. Can I draw your attention to the Under 20 version. Friday night for those. You might need to do a bit of searching to find them but someone will have them on. If not Northampton v Bath if you have BT Sport. On Saturday morning before heading to President’s Lunch and CRFC v Aylesford I’ll pick up a couple of the Super Rugby games on SKY. Then on Sunday it is the game of the weekend Scotland v Ireland.

Have you wondered why we haven’t got any tomatoes? My good friend Colin tells me that the Dutch have warehouses full of them. Tomatoes that would have previously been heading from the Netherlands (don’t call it Holland) to Dover and on into the depths of Britain. Then why aren’t they? Brexit of course. The paperwork, the delays at the port, the duties and the transport costs make it an unappealing business. Why do I mention this? Simply because our devious, lying, self-serving politicians are telling us it is nothing to do with Brexit to cover their own backsides.

Dangerous waters now, the immigration issue. Gary Lineker has waded into the debate by accusing the Government of acting like Nazis. Well this overpaid, champagne swilling, tax avoiding socialist should stick to what he does best: football punditry. When you consider our schools, our hospitals, our doctors surgeries are already overwhelmed, how can you expect the country to simply absorb an additional population of 50% bigger than Crowborough that have arrived on our shores illegally in a single year. On top of that it is costing us the taxpayer millions and millions of pounds to support them. It is an issue and it can’t be swept under the carpet, equally we simply cannot afford to have an open door policy allowing criminals to make millions and decent tax paying folk pick up the bill.

Tuesday 7th Mar: 09:50

So what’s happening in the world of rugby? As we look forward to another weekend of Six Nations action plenty actually.

Let’s talk Six Nations first. The big game of the weekend happens in Murrayfield with Scotland hosting Ireland. Can the Scots bring Ireland crashing back to earth and spoil their chances of a historic Grand Slam. I for one am not sure they can, but then again never say “never”. The Scots put up a valiant effort in Paris against a very good French side. They have players in form, flair, pace and big lumps of Angus beef up front, though some are not Scottish. Can Finn Russell continue his masterclass of unpredictability on a rugby field? Scotland will be with Grant Gilchrist after his red card. He has a three week ban to contend with.

Ireland have learnt how not to lose, even in adversity. They have amazing strength in depth and an inner belief in their ability. They are pragmatic but can deliver moments of brilliance to totally change the course of a game. This could be, and should be, a game to savour. No clash with THE big game: CRFC v Aylesford Bulls as it kicks off at 15:00 on Sunday. The weather is set to be calmer by then so hopefully that is ruled out as a factor. I go Ireland.

Italy v Wales kicks off at 14:15 on Saturday. Will the wounded animal, aka Wales, rise to the challenge or will it be put out of its misery by a resurgent and exciting Italian outfit. There is much talk in the Welsh press about simply writing this game off and using it as a training run for the young guns who might be heading to France in a few months time for RWC 2023. I wouldn’t go that far but something has to be done. In my mind Tommy Reffell has to start. He is the form back row player across the Premiership. Nick Tompkins also has to be in the starting line-up. He is in form for Saracens and always offers up something different whenever he pulls on the Welsh jersey.

Italy, albeit still without a win, have been a revelation. They have played some classy rugby almost beating France and giving Ireland a good run for their money. They have lost Ange Capuozzo to injury. The little whipper-snapper at fullback will be sorely missed.

England v France is fascinating. England will go into the game with a degree of confidence after beating Wales, but then again Wales are a very poor side. The French were unconvincing against Scotland and have lost to Ireland. Playing at Twickenham will aid England but will the prawn sandwich scoffing and champagne swilling brigade be enough to make it a decisive factor. There is plenty to play for, especially England. A defeat and then Ireland in Dublin in the last game could see England being propped up in the table by just Italy and Wales. That would not be a good look for the paymasters at the RFU.

I expect France will be well organised in defence and creative in attack. England I anticipate will try and bully France into submission with the ball in the air for long periods with the big pack trying to out muscle their opposition. There will be no place for Marcus Smith which will be a huge mistake. A Shaun Edwards’ defence is superb at managing predictability and I think this is what England will be; predictable. Where they are not so good is managing true flair as witnessed when Finn Russell cut the French defence open just a few weeks ago.

Should be a cracking weekend.

Now, talking of cracking weekend’s have I mentioned Crowborough v Aylesford? Yes, but did I mention the President’s Lunch. I believe, because it clashes with the England game, there are a few spaces left. Contact Louise to book your place and let Jacqui delight you with one of her amazing lunches.

There is a good website called ruck.co.uk which is a great source of information about our game. Two stories have caught my eye. Firstly they have redrawn the World Cup groups based on current standings. They are very different to the current groups. More on this tomorrow.

Secondly they have highlighted the parless state of Premiership finances. Leicester Tigers were, possibly still are, perilously close to going into administration like Wasps and Worcester. They have been rescued by a share subscription plan intended to raise £13m. Fundamentally two benefactors “saving the day”. This is no way to run a business. The article also lists the debts of each club and it is horrendous. Every club in the Premiership is operating way beyond their means. No wonder the salary cap has been reduced.

My very good friend The Bard has advised me not to bother catching up on the F1. Scaletrix at its worst. A procession of glossy looking cars driven by prima donnas funded by women hating, homophobic Arab states.

Monday 6th Mar: 08:20

Our fantastic win on Saturday means our destiny is still in our hands. We must win next week and depending on the outcome of Thanet v Ashford also get something from the game versus Bromley.

Old Alleynians cemented winning the title with a hard fought victory at Deal & Betteshanger. Ashford who we hope will help us out next week beat Charlton Park 31-5. Cranbrook beat Beccehamian and our good friends H&W RFC beat Bromley in a high scoring encounter 29-25. The Greenies have had a great season and with two game to go could in theory finish in 2nd spot.

It is very disappointing to see a HWO in a level 7 game. That is what Hove “enjoyed” after Old Cranleighans cried off. Hove are in 3rd spot but a little way off the leaders Chobham.

In Sussex 2 Eastbourne confirmed their promotion with a convincing win at Uckfield. Well done to them. East Grinstead finish in second after beating Haywards Heath. In the other games Crawley lost at home to Burgess Hill and Shoreham beat Seaford. Sadly the once mighty Lewes drop out of the league after a season of woe.

Bognor who remain in 2nd spot in their league “enjoyed” a HWO as Alresford pulled out. In Kent 2 Hastings & Bexhill lost at home to high flying Dover. They now lead the pack in the chase for promotion. By the way Vigo beat Sevenoaks II.

Up in Regional 2 Horsham are champions after beating Beckenham 32-0. Farnham’s loss to Battersea Ironsides means despite having a game in hand Horsham cannot now be caught. Chichester have all but cemented safety after a comfortable win against Dartfordians. For the record there was a AWO in this league.

Up in Regional 1 our friends from St Marks continued their fine season with a win over Bedford Athletic. Westcombe Park are top and are Champions. In the other version of Regional 1 Brighton lost to Royal Wootton Bassett. The Blues are perilously close to the relegation spot but do have a game in hand on those around them. Wimbledon are champions.

In the ether of the National Leagues TJs strolled past bottom placed Westcliff, Sevenoaks lost at Old Albanians while Worthing won at Henley. Worthing are in 2nd behind Blackheath but with plenty of games to go promotion is still a possibility. TJs are comfortably mid-table. Sevenoaks are in dog fight to stay up assuming two teams get relegated.

In other results Leeds Tykes lost at Rams, Bridgnorth lost to Stoke-on-Trent in a high scoring encounter and completing a dismal day Salisbury lost to Newbury Blues.

I missed the Sale v Saracens game but have every intention of watching it later today. Sale fight back to beat high flying Saracens. It sounds as if it was a cracking contest. In the other game yesterday London Irish triumphed over Newcastle Falcons. Whilst Sarries are still out in front there is still much to play for.

The Daily Fail are reporting that Marcus Smith has been recalled to the England camp. He won’t start as Farrell will keep his place. I anticipate George Ford will be on the bench.

In a bizarre twist to the Welsh rugby saga the same paper is reporting Ospreys may merge with Ealing Trailfinders. Ealing frustrated at being denied promotion to the Premiership and Ospreys with no money are definitely thinking outside the box.

Got to go. Yes it is Monday and swimming with the granddaughter beckons.

I do have time to say “Matt Hancock, what a weasel”. Yes the chickens are coming home to roost as the self-serving, devious piece of work is pilloried across the media.

Sunday 5th Mar: 09:40

Things didn’t all go our way yesterday but what a day. The fabled Friday Club were guests of the club and what a lunch it was too. A good proportion of the old farts who put so much into the club made it and enjoyed one of Jacqui’s special lunches; Mediterranean chicken with potatoes and green beans and peas. Absolutely delicious. The place looked a picture with the grounds worthy of any club up and down the land. It was great to have a couple of guests from Folkestone join us too.

How important was this game? Massively!! A win would put either club in touching distance of safety. We started brightly playing some exciting and sometimes cavalier rugby, much to the coaches frustration. An early score for us should have settled the nerves but all it did was prod Folkestone into life. At 5-5 it seemed as if this could turn into a “long day at the office”. Gradually we got the upper hand both in attack and in defence. The forwards started to control the scrum and we were winning the 50/50 balls in the contact areas. Whilst the backs weren’t making spectacular ground they were getting beyond the gain line keeping Folkestone’s defence on the back foot. We were tactically astute knowing when to run, pass and kick. We went into the break ahead but not by many.

In the second half whilst Folkestone not once stopped trying we kept moving further and further ahead. First up the try bonus point and then securing the win. It was also important to stop Folkestone’s half of the scoreboard from advancing. This not because points difference was important but two stern tests lie ahead and we need to maintain our defensive sharpness for those games. The boys did this with aplomb. As I say it wasn’t all one way traffic and they tested us on several occasions but this was a pretty impressive performance by the boys from Steel Cross. 47-10 says it all really.

I believe with one game left Folkestone now face the drop. To compound their misery that game is away at champions Old Alleynians. Now, I mentioned not everything went our way yesterday. Aylesford Bulls fine run of form came to an end losing at home to Thanet Wanderers. A win for Aylesford wouldn’t have saved them from relegation but would have done us a massive favour. It wasn’t to be with Thanet winning 22-6. We still have our destiny in our own hands with games against Aylesford and second placed Bromley to come. Thanet host Ashford which won’t be an easy game for either side.

I’ll do the full round up tomorrow as always.

If you haven’t seen any of the Bristol v Northampton game do try and find it. Bristol dominated with some amazing rugby with Charles Piutau putting on a 55 minute masterclass. Some of his play beggared belief.

Yesterday evening Harlequins rediscovered their mojo against Exeter with Marcus Smith pulling the strings. He won’t be in the England team to play France but he should be, in my opinion. Yes, he is a maverick, and yes his defence can sometimes be flaky but he is a mercurial talent who should be in the England starting XV.

Next up was Dragons v Connaught. The Dragons could have, in fact should have won this one. It was a pretty enjoyable game with several players making a statement to Warren Gatland about their exclusion from the Welsh squad. Moriarty, Basham, Wainwright in particular. As an aside the pitch looked magnificent. Gone is the Rodney Parade ploughed field. In is a laser level carpet of green, green grass.

I hope to find the Munster v Scarlets game on catch up. From what I’ve heard this was a cracker. Oh how Welsh rugby needs some positive news.

Leader of the Friday Club: Damper, will be in a slough of despond this morning as his beloved Bath lost to Leicester and remain rooted to the foot of the table.

This afternoon Sale host Saracens, a game I’ll have to watch on catch-up. Can Sale halt Saracens fine run of form.

Elsewhere Leicester City remain perilously close to the drop zone. Summer is on its way as the Super League is here, Super Rugby is underway and F1 fires off the grid this very afternoon.

That’ll do for now except to answer the question most oft asked of me yesterday and it is “yes, I am delighted Wee Jimmie Sturgeon has gone”. Let’s hope the crooked weasel Matt Hand Cock is next !!!

Thursday Mar 2nd: 09:10

Today’s photo is one of the people running the game in Wales. Anyone with half a brain and a scintilla of knowledge about rugby in Wales knows that change is required and not just tinkering. Root and branch change from the top to the bottom, from the bottom to the top. Why then are the dinosaurs about to vote against change? It beggars belief.

Change is on its way for many players. As the Premiership sides have to cut their cloth to satisfy the new lower salary cap there are plenty of big names on the move. Likewise the exodus from Wales is about to start with Liam Williams rumoured to be off to Japan, and Jarrod Evans, Josh Adams, Nicky Smith, Ross Moriarty and Dillon Lewis all expected to leave Wales for pastures new.

France will be without Mohamed Haouas for the final two games of the Six Nations as he has been banned for his ridiculous actions in the game against Scotland. With the dump truck Antonio also unavailable through injury Fabien Galthie has a propping conundrum to solve ahead of the clash with England.

Twickenham will be rocking as Harlequins host Exeter on Saturday evening. This is the game that was postponed in December because the economic terrorists, aka the RMT, were on strike. With Quins decidedly under par of late and Exeter rediscovering their mojo I expect an away win. That said Harlequins have Marcus Smith back with a point to prove so who knows what will happen.

Looking ahead to Sunday Sale v Saracens should be worth watching. For a range of reasons least of all we have guests for Sunday lunch, how did that happen, I won’t be watching.

Plenty of positive noises about a Women’s Lions tour. In principle it is a good idea but I go back to what I have said previously: it will be an England side playing New Zealand as right now there is limited opposition other than France who are strong enough to play a Lions XV.

Elsewhere Scott Robinson remains the people’s favourite to take over the All Blacks after the World Cup. Jamie Joseph is coming up on the rails so it is not a clear cut decision. We’ll know soon enough.

After the debacle of Wales being a top seed in RWC 2023 World Rugby have announced the decision on seedings will be made much closer to the tournament going forward. Makes sense.

I caught up on the Premiership highlights yesterday. Some cracking tries across the board. If you get the chance find the highlights of Saints v Gloucester. Some magic rugby in this one.

OK, enough scratching around for rugby news what else is there to talk about. Hoorah!!! Covid is back. Only kidding….. to a degree. During the Covid “crisis” I was vociferous in my opinion we were being mislead at best, told lies at worst, and bombarded with dodgy data and unnecessary rules. I also said once Covid disappeared the country would pay a terrible price. Well, as the day of reckoning approaches so it comes to pass that I was not wrong. Mask wearing was a complete and utter waste of time. The rules on kids and masks and kids and distancing has been totally debunked. Testing was a shambles with a capital “F” and the outcomes pretty useless and so I could go on. What makes it worse crooks like that underwear baroness and her sleaze bag of a husband have stolen millions from us the tax payer, the legacy of the rules still lingering in the NHS is a major contributor to the current delays in getting treatment etc, etc.

While I’m at it, what is it with these woke warriors that want to dumb down great books, written by great authors. Ronald Dahl is the latest in the firing line. If you think James and the Giant Peach is going to offend you or your little treasures then don’t “bleep” read it. It is not my responsibility to manage your pathetic sensitivities. A joke and banter is just that. If you can’t take it go live in a cave.

Which is what I might have to do soon when the hate mail causes me to cry.

Wednesday Mar 1st: 09:30

A very happy St David’s day to you all. By the way the photo was taken in Patagonia in Argentina where the Welsh language still flourishes. Quite amazing really.

Today’s word is “out”. Out goes Marcus Smith from Steve Borthwick’s England squad, out of the FA Cup go Leicester City, out of luck are England’s cricketers and out on strike again are the RMT.

Obviously the one of greatest interest to you will be Smith’s omission from Borthwick’s training camp down the road from us in Brighton. Is Smith about to follow in the footsteps of Stuart Barnes and Danny Cipriani, amazing talents in the 10 shirt but way too mercurial for coaches to cope with. (Chris Foy in The Fail has produced a decent piece summing up many people’s feelings on the decision). You can’t argue it is about a lack of game time as Borthwick brings in the more pragmatic George Ford who has played just 80 minutes after his very long lay off. English rugby needs a winning England team so pragmatism might have to prevail but all too often with pragmatism comes coaching by numbers and boring rugby. Is Borthwick already morphing into Eddie Jones and building a play book as thick as any Tolkien novel, and woe betide anyone who moves away from it. I don’t think so, and as along as Nick Evans is part of the set up then we should see some exciting and innovative back play from the England set up.

I am not going to rehash the woes of Welsh rugby here but I am going to draw your attention to a piece written by Michael Aylwin in The Guardian. It sums up and crystallises the issues the nation faces and interestingly makes a superb comparison of Wales failings versus the Irish success. It is well worth a read.

The 2024 Six Nations fixtures have been released if you are planning on getting a mortgage to buy a ticket, get a flight and book a hotel.

Quins fans will be delighted to read that Joe Marler has signed a contract extension. All Black fans will be relieved that Ian Foster is not reapplying for his job after the World Cup. Will Nigel Owens be at the World Cup. It is rumoured the former referee is being courted by South Africa. He would be an interesting addition to their coaching staff.

Looking ahead to the weekend Crowborough v Folkestone and Aylesford v Thanet have huge significance for all four teams. Aylesford beating out of form Thanet and in form Crowborough beating Folkestone would throw the relegation battle up in the air. Lives and jobs are not at stake so let’s not kid ourselves it is not that big a deal but what looked like certain relegation for the Steel Cross boys could suddenly look like 9th place safety. Places for lunch are going fast so contact Louise now. If you can’t make lunch then do try and come along and give the boys your support.

No Six Nations this weekend but a veritable cornucopia of other games. On Friday alone you can feast on Super Rugby with Crusaders v Highlanders followed by the Rebels v Hurricanes. Bristol v Northampton is BTs Friday evening offering and Munster host Scarlets. This is the time of the season when squads are stretched due to international call ups but also a time when fringe players can put themselves in contention for regular first team rugby or in the shop window for a move elsewhere. Plenty of moves elsewhere on the cards with the Welsh contract situation and salary cap reduction in England being top of mind for players.

Spring is on its way. How do I know? The F1 season starts this weekend in Bahrain. Why are F1 so keen to support odious misogynistic, homophobic regimes. Money of course. Who else can afford the billions it costs to host F1.

So Wee Jimmie Sturgeon finally fell on her sword. It was only a matter of time that her one-eyed obsession with independence and her pathetic woke policies caught up with her. The gender realignment stuff was the final straw. A tactical blunder which blew up spectacularly. She saw that as a way to force the split with the UK. Oh how wrong she was. Perhaps Scots will now get a leader who will spend the money given to them by the rest of the UK wisely and improve education standards, reduce crime, focus on the major drug issues the country has and support the NHS.

The RMT has announced more strikes. This is a political struggle and nothing to do with pay and conditions. I’d sack the lot of them. Apparently 100,000 civil servants are due to strike but will anyone notice? So instead of going to the office they are going to stay at home. NO CHANGE THERE THEN !!!!!!!

Enjoy St David’s Day.

Tuesday Feb 28th: 10:10

Much reflection on last weekend’s Six Nations in the papers. I think it is fair to say Ireland remain firm favourites to not only top the table but to achieve the coveted Grand Slam. After Sunday’s close encounter with France and their formidable fight back Scotland won’t be a pushover in the next round. In fact they could prove to be Ireland’s toughest opponents. If Finn Russell and Huw Jones can replicate their fine form of Sunday and the Scottish forwards can compete at the breakdown a surprise, not a shock, could be on the cards.

I had France down as clear favourites for this years tournament but after struggling against Italy, losing to Ireland and a less than convincing showing on Sunday I wonder if the tyres are slightly deflated. I still believe they will offer up a stern test for England in two weeks time.

As far as England are concerned there is a quiet optimism that the direction of travel is the right one. I would suggest that there is still plenty to be done and a well deserved win against Wales doesn’t mean the World Cup is theirs. Far from it. I worry when I see the replacement props are Cole and Vunipola and have concerns when you consider how many points were left “out there” on Saturday. Steve Borthwick has an abundance of riches at his disposal but like a good cocktail it is the balance of the ingredients that make the perfect drink rather than the individual ingredients themselves.

Italy are no longer the whipping boys and have found a style and structure that works for them. They use their limited resources well. Wales will find them ready and waiting in two weeks time with Wales arriving as clear underdogs. I note that there is much criticism in the papers about how the Italians turned Ireland’s anthem into a dirge. Wrong on so many levels.

Then we come to Wales. What a shambles!!! From the top to the bottom. To be fair Covid emptied the WRU coffers and the regions have been wearing blinkers about their finances since their inception. The debt laden regions have been like ostriches with their heads in the sands for many years. An ostrich can only have his (or her, it, thingy, or…) arse in the air for so long before the vultures start to circle. I have been vociferous about the way the game is run in Wales for sometime so lets just focus on the international side. Not just last weekend but for several years Wales have lacked a cutting edge. There are no incisive runners, no change of angle so no getting beyond the gain line or behind the opposition defence. The obsession with kicking is ridiculous. Kick after a kick after kick. It wouldn’t be so bad if they had purpose but all too often they are totally aim