OK onto the results from the weekend. The 1s and 2s gave themselves a sterner test against National League 2 side Barnes on a scorcher of a day and unfortunately both home sides were beaten. However, the viewpoint from the coaching team was that this was an excellent benchmark test and both sides performed admirably against two very strong Barnes sides and showed some real promise and good skills. The 1st team in particular playing a really gutsy second half - which shows great promise for the coming season.

We thank our guests Barnes for coming over and we wish them well in the coming season.

Final scores:

1st XV lost 45-25
2nd XV lost 39-17

The ladies also had their first pre-season match against Chesham. Again they came out second best but showed good promise for their first run out. Notably absent was Skipper Gutty, but the rest of the ladies pulled together in a gutsy performance but eventually lost 27-15. However they also kicked off their social season with some sparkling form - except for Caroline Quinn - who can't drink for toffee!

No pre-season games this weekend - just a full schedule of training.

Matt Bond Memorial Cricket Match

Righty ho - on Saturday 5th September - the club will be holding the Matt Bond Memorial cricket match in memory of dear Bondy who so sadly passed away a few years ago. We need guys to play for the Wimbledon team in this 20/20 match against the Bondy X1. It will be taking place at midday and should be done prior to the kick off of the 1st XV so we can watch that afterwards.
If any of you old boys want to play in the game please email me matthewbenwell@yahoo.co.uk and I can help Andy Kerr put the side together.

3rd XV Side

As some of you may know - I have the onerous task of managing th newly formed 3rd XV / Strollers side for the season. We have had a large amount of interest so far and the training regime will be touch at 7.45 on Thursday nights followed by a pint or ten....TWO - I meant two!
Again let me know if you want in for a return to the glory days of social rugby.

Pedalling Plug

September 6th sees our very own Paul McKittrick take part in the London-Brighton cycle race. This a brave effort for our chap as he was knocked off his bike nearly a year ago and almost killed - so he is summoning up a fair bit of courage to give this a go. He is raising money for prostate cancer and breathrough breast cancer research and you can donate using the link below.It's for two great causes so let's give him a hand with any spare coin you may have.
http://www.doitforcharity.com/PaulMckittrick

And finally....

We just want to congratulate our very own Nick Easter on his performance for England against France on Saturday. Although the result may not have gone the way many of us would have liked - it did seem that England played about a million times better when he came on. Coincidence? We think not!

Right enough dribble from me. Have a great week Dons!

Big love

Badger