Posted on August 31, 2010
This Thursday will see the Hackney RFC launch event at our partner pub The Florence, Florence Street off Upper Street – 7.30pm start.
It Would be great to see as many of you as possible for the launch – this will be our regular social & drinking spot – there’ll be discounts for Hackney RFC players on Sunday roasts and the Thai kitchen and more, while The Florence are sponsoring the 3rd XV in their first season of league rugby.
The big event on Thursday is the unveiling of the club corner, where not only do we have 2 senior Saracens players coming down to cut the ribbon at the club corner opening at the Florence – one of whom is the USA international 2nd row Hayden Smith, and another yet to be confirmed – but we also have the opportunity to pick their brains too!
After the opening ceremonial activities there is going to be a half hour Q&A session upstairs. As such we can ask questions regarding any aspect of rugby that we like to the players and to the Sarries head of community development; so try and think of something you’d like to ask be it how to bind in the 2nd row or how Saracens see the growth of rugby in inner city London.
The Griffins are moving up again, and will play in Herts/Middlesex 1 next season. Achieving 3 promotions in a row is quite a feat, and testament to the hard work put in by so many involved with the club and the fantastic spirit of all at the club.
The club is always looking for new players, and with 3 senior sides we offer playing opportunities for everyone. If you would like to join a friendly and ambitious club and help us continue our push towards the London leagues get in touch:
rugby@hackneyrfc.co.uk
Or join the club for tag rugby in Clissold Park on Saturday mornings. Games begin at 11am and are open to all. The location can be found on the Hackney RFC google map.
Pre-season training begins on July 27th at Springhill (also marked on the map above). Training begins at 7.30 sharp, so arrive a few minutes early to make sure you’re changed and ready to go on time.
Thank you to all who ran on Saturday and to all those who came along to support or who have donated already. We’re well on course to beat last year’s total of £2,000. If you haven’t yet donated but would like to you still can at:
http://www.justgiving.com/Hackney-RFC
Pictures of the day can be found on the club’s flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hackneyrfc/
What a great way to end the season, what a fitting tribute to Matt. The 10s tournament on Saturday was a rousing success, with over 150 people playing or supporting on the day. And most importantly, raising £1237.82 for the two charities chosen by Matt’s family (the Skye Mountain Rescue Team or Kids Company). Jon William’s side won the inaugural competition, beating 3rd team captain Jon Wood’s side in a close final. A big thank you goes out to all those who helped organise the day, notably Rob Baker, Roy Iriwn, Charlie Davis and Fred and Lorraine Pentecost. It was terrific to see Matt’s family there and we hope they enjoyed the day.
In only their third season the 2nd XV have achieved a remarkable series of results, winning Herts/M’Sex Merit Table 7 so comfortably they have been skipped to Table 5 for the 2010/11 season. And on Saturday the side completed their campaign with a triumphant 25-0 victory over rivals Fullerians. An emphatic victory was marred though by a horrible injury to captain Darren Griffin, who suffered a nasty knee injury as he scored the final of his sides tries. Griffin has been a fantastic leader, driving the side on and off the field, and this season’s success owes a lot to his work. The club wishes him a speedy recovery. Well done to everyone involved with the Gargoyles this season, everyone who has pulled on the shirt has done the club proud.
You can revel in the final league standings on the HMMT site.
The club will be playing touch rugby throughout summer in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington. The games will start on May 29th and are open to all. Games start at 11am, are played with mixed teams and are completely friendly – although of course no one likes to lose. The club plays using the standard touch rugby rules. The game is really easy to pick up and fun for all, we really hope you can join us – no matter wether you are interested in playing the full game or just want to get fit, have fun and meet new people. A map to the park can be found on the Hackney RFC google map.
