Having re-established their place back in London 2SW at the culmination of the 2013-14 season King’s have enjoyed a solid four seasons back at Level 7 finishing 5th, 6th, 8th most recently 4th.

Whilst the side finished last season impressively with 21pts from 25, this campaign has been better again as the team started well and has gone from strength to strength recording a series a victories, each one with a four try bonus point. This culminated in win number seventeen last weekend over Farnham and with a maximum 85pts achieved it meant that King’s were confirmed as league champions and were promoted to London 1 South. This achievement was made all the more special by virtue of being the first side in the English rugby pyramid to achieve this double honour and having done it at the very earliest opportunity in mid-February.

Coached by Sam Richards (OK 2005) and captained by Tom Dugarin (OK 2007) with able support from on-field captains Will Slater (OK 2008) and Joe Mason (OK 2009) the success has been built on a core of players whose association with the club goes back many years and several of whom have played together through the Mini, Junior and U21s sections. Allied with some wise heads who have been involved in senior rugby for a number of seasons, the formula has proved to be a winning one.

Level 6 is the highest the club will have competed at and will come with the added mileage associated with travel not just to Surrey and Hampshire but also E & W Sussex, Kent and even Essex. It is a 14 team league so there will also be 4 more fixtures to fit in to the season calendar. Still, all these challenges shall be embraced and hopefully overcome of course.

Before then though there remain five games left to play – Twickenham (A), Old Emanuel (H), Old Reigatian (H), Old Cranleighan (A) & Old Alleynian (H) – and the team will have to maintain the high standards set to this point if the umblemished record is to be maintained!

Regardless of what remains in 2018-19 this has aleady been a season to be proud of, we hope you’ve enjoyed what you have seen and will continue to lend your support in the next couple of months and the years to come.

The season is nearly at the half way stage and the 1XV is now in 4th place in a highly competitive league. The games we have lost have generally been as a result of conceding tries from rolling mauls, something we do not do as well as other teams at this level. The game on Saturday against league leaders Cobham was a perfect example of this and we lost a great game by the margin of 30-28. Having said that we have had some marvellous wins and the win against London Cornish at the beginning of the season stands out. Our brand of rugby is highly entertaining and worth visiting Motspur Park. This Saturday we entertain Portsmouth at home (KO 2:pm).

The 2XV have also played some entertaining matches culminating in a 23-22 pont win against Camberley 2XV last Saturday. This Saturday they are also at home to Teddington.

Darryl Druckman

Tadley 26 Kings 1XV 45 – Kings 2XV 29 Battersea Ironsides 23

Two good wins on Saturday. The last game of the season for the 1XV which leaves us sitting in 5th place in the league. I would have taken this at the beginning of the season especially considering that Farnham, who were promoted with us last season, have been relegated. Having said that two or three losses could have or even should have been wins which would have seen us finish as high as third. The top three teams just had too much power in the forwards for us to cope with, Our backs were a match for anyone.

ITS NOT OVER:- The 1XV have made it through to the Surrey Trophy Final versus Guildford RFC at Esher RFC on Monday 4th May at 1pm. Please come and support what could be a fabulous bank holiday afternoon. Guildford are in London 1, a league above us !!

THE U21s – They played three games in Christmas and Easter Holidays and won the Surrey U21 Shield beating Dorking 24 to 15 in the final last Monday having beaten Esher and Battersea previously.

The 2XV have a final game at London Irish on Saturday and a win will finish 3rd in the league.

Darryl Druckman

Old Alleynians 24 Kings 1XV 46 : Kings 2 XV 56 Esher Amateurs 1XV 26

As a preamble to the Internationals our two teams produced entertaining and high scoring games so that both sit in 4th place in their respective leagues. I attach Kelvin’s match report which of course you can find on our web site.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Past Players Lunch on Saturday. The bar opens at 12 noon!!!

On a sad note I am sorry to inform you that John Clare died 2 weeks ago. It was totally unexpected but he died peacefully. His daughter Emma has sent the following message about funeral arrangements. Please let me know if you intend to attend:

“I wanted to let you know about the funeral arrangements for my Father now that we have finalised them.

We will be at Kingston Crematorium on Wednesday
8th April and the service will commence at 2.20pm.

There will be a wake afterwards at Malden Manor Bowls Club (on Malden Road, in Malden Manor Park, next to the playground) and everyone is more than welcome.

It would be most appreciated if you could send me an approximate number of who might be expecting to attend beforehand if possible.

For general enquiries, we are asking for family flowers only, but if anyone does ask, we are putting any donations in his memory towards a memorial bench in his name which will be placed at the Bowls Club. ”
Regards

Darryl

Kings 1XV 60 Reigatians 7 – Sutton & Epsom 2XV 59 Kings 2XV 24

‘Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer…’ Of course I am exaggerating – but only a bit. Early Spring sunshine and warmth, combined with a firm playing surface, provided a perfect environment for King’s to express their preferred expansive style to the full. The Reigatians started and finished competitively, but for the most part were swept away by as complete a team performance as most of us have ever seen from a King’s 1st XV. The weather attracted a large crowd of distinguished and disreputable King’s alumni, parents and friends, and they were treated to an expansive display of attacking rugby, with clinically accurate finishing.

We have of course known about the attacking potential in the King’s squad, and its realisation was as much a matter of focussed execution as of taking advantage of the perfect conditions. It was the King’s defence which in practice dominated the early stages, as waves of Reigatian attacks were effectively pushed back at or behind the gain line, with strong and technically effective tackling by all, and especially from the front row of Joe Mason, Captain Jonny Kiddle and Brett Williams.

Mason was outstanding, steadily securing turn-overs and penalties for King’s throughout the game. The pack established dominance in most phases during the first quarter, and this naturally set up the platform for more and more expansive play as our metaphorical scoreboard ticked-up throughout the first half. The King’s half backs Will Slater and Rory Jones combined well, and cleverly mixed probing runs and kicks with regular launches of the speedy King’s backs. The scoring was opened by a Gareth Stoppani penalty goal. Soon afterwards, Slater broke deep into Reigatian territory; he was supported by another accurate run by George Taylor, and Will timed his pass to send George over the line for the first try. Stoppani converted.
Stoppani added a further penalty goal (13-0), after which King’s increased the tempo and ambition of their attacks, and accumulated 26 unanswered points: Stoppani gathered a beautifully
directed and weighted kick ahead by Luke Minors to race into the corner; flanker Diggie Forshaw touched down at the conclusion of a successful driving maul; number 8 Alex Humphries powered over the line for a robust solo try, which secured a bonus point; and Luke Minors athletically caught Rory Jones’s diagonal kick to the right wing, and touched down in the corner. Gareth Stoppani converted three of these tries, and the half time score was 39-0 to King’s.

King’s naturally relaxed in the second half, occasionally trying some creative and adventurous attacking options. Further tries were recorded by Stoppani (from a clever kick by Minors), George Taylor (after one of his trademark outrageous steps inside…) and Tom Smith. Stoppani added two more conversions, and Minors slotted one of his own.
Reigatians surged back for a sustained assault on the King’s line in the last minutes of the game, and were rewarded with a close quarters try, which was converted. The whole King’s pack turned in an outstanding performance, as the three units achieved superiority in their more specialist disciplines, and all combined together to deliver solid, almost impenetrable defence, and effective support for the outsides. The back row of Forshaw, Humphries and Guy Tyler excelled in all phases, and the second row of James Currie and John
Walton produced their most dominant lineout effort of the season, combined with energetic all round play.

This performance was a great reward for the season’s efforts of captain Kiddle and coach Sam Richards, and of all who are committed to the Club. The team of course thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, and they brought much pleasure to all who were lucky enough to have been there. How much more rewarding a way this was to spend a Saturday afternoon than watching musclebound mercenaries pounding over penalty goals in the Premiership…

Last week I recalled this league’s tradition of producing apparently surprising late season results, and Portsmouth’s defeat of Effingham & Leatherhead and Farnham’s 24-25 win at
Winchester fulfil expectations. And London Cornish just squeezed past the always dangerous Alleynians 18-16. King’s now trail 4th placed Alleynians by 2 points with 3 league games to play, setting up our visit to Dulwich on 21st March.

Saturday’s match doubled up as a semi-final of the Surrey Trophy, and we will now play Guildford in the final, which is presently scheduled for the Spring Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May, at Esher RFC.

Kelvin Walton

Farnham 11 Kings 1XV 16

Back to winning ways, albeit a very tense game. After the dramas of the last few seasons its now a very relaxed team that sit 6th in the league with absolutely no chance of either promotion or relegation!

Darryl Druckman

Kings 1XV 3 Effingham & Leatherhead 7

On a muddy pitch and cold afternoon the team fought hard against a determined Effingham side. I really quite enjoyed watching an old fashioned style of Rugby for a change.

Darryl Druckman

Warlingham 18 Kings 1XV 3 : Kings 2XV 27 Old Emanual 2XV 29

A very frustating weekend with many regular players missing from both teams. Considering that the 1XV beat Warlingham 52-16 at home in the previous fixture and the 2XV beat Old Emanual 0-57 in their previous fixture, the turnaround was extremely disappointing. Hopefully this is a one off and the teams will strengthen once again in two weeks time for the next rounds.

Darryl Druckman

Kings 1XV 26 Portsmouth 1XV 3 : Kings 2XV 7 London Cornish XV 10

Two home games on Saturday. The 1XV broke a little losing streak with a strong performance watched by a sizable crowd. Next week we play Warlingham away in a mid table clash. Sadly we must say good bye to Louis Mather for the rest of the season due to work commitments in New York, He has been an immense presence in the side and will be missed. The 2s lost a tight friendly game.

I am sad to report that former player Pete ‘ECPC’ Charlton died last Monday from cancer. The funeral is 5th February, Let me know if you want funeral arrangements which is being held in Yorkshire.

Winchester 62 King’s 1XV 18 : King’s 2XV 78 Old Paulines 2XV 0

The 1XV is suffering from some serious injuries, not least that of Tom Dugarin who is out for the rest of the season, we wish him well. Without our first choice side this was always going to be a tough fixture away from home and so it proved to be. No excuses, the best side won !

The 2XV continue their winning ways and are developing a strong team ethic. Good effort. They play Old Mid-Whitgiftians at home this Saturday at 2.15pm.

Lyn Walton’s rock and roll band are still rolling after all these years and this Saturday’s gig (for Lindsey’s band the Rainmen) is from 8:30PM at the Adelaide, Park Road, Teddington (http://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/teddington/adelaide).
Kelvin will be there if that encourages you to go!

I shall send out application forms for the Past Players lunch soon, it is on 28th March.

Darryl Druckman

10 January 2014: Weybridge Vandals 24 Kings 1XV 17 : Kings 2XV 27 Old Ruts 1XV 17

Oh Dear! The 1XV were 0-17 ahead at half time, albeit with wind advantage, and contrived to concede 24 unanswered points in the second half. Next week we play Winchester away which will be very tough.

The 2s recorded a very hard fought win in a friendly against Old Rutlishians 1XV, well done!

Darryl Druckman

20 December 2014: Kings 1XV 20 London Cornish 30

We ended the year with another tough fixture against a top three side. The result was fair with a stronger Cornish pack starving our backs of the ball. When we did get the ball we looked very good and 2 tries to 4 was a good effort from Kings. We end the year at 4th place in the league which is a tremendous result having been promoted this season.

Darryl Druckman

Tottonians 47 Kings 1XV 15: Kings 2XV 25 London Irish Bohemians 22

The 1XV came up against the League leaders and were beaten by the better side on the day. All credit to Kings for scoring two tries. Totts are well drilled, well supported and run 4 sides each week. I am sure they will get promoted. The 2s had a very good win against a London Irish amateur side.

Next Saturday the 20th we entertain London Cornish who are also one of the top sides in the league. Kick off at 2,15 and Paddy will be arranging a Xmas curry for all spectators and visitors at 1pm. Please join me for this culinary delight at a cost of just £5 per head. We need to know numbers so please let me know if you are coming by this Thursday.

Darryl Druckman

Kings 1XV 12 Old Alleynians 10: Esher Amat. 1XV 24 Kings 2XV 20

These were two tight games. The 1XV scraped through against Alleynians and on balance we deserved to win as we had more try scoring opportunities, however Alleynians had a chance to win it with the last kick of the game that sailed wide of the posts. We certainly have cemented our position at 4th place in the league having won 7 out of 10 matches. The run up to Christmas is tough with Tottonians away next Saturday and London Cornish at home on 20th December. Both these sides are in the top three.

Old Reigatian 17 Kings 1XV 32: Kings 2XV 5 Sutton & Epsom 2XV 17

Kings 1XV put aside the disappointment of the previous week to record a splendid bonus point win at Reigatian. It was an excellent and entertaining game of Rugby helped in no small part by the refereeing of Karl Dixon, the Harlequins scrum half. We led 3-24 at half time and although the opposition came back strongly in the second half a fourth Kings try secured the bonus point. We now sit comfortably in fourth place in the league.

The 2s lost a hard fought game against Sutton & Epsom 2XV.

This Saturday there is no league Rugby but the Kings Veterans are playing Old Blues at Motspur Park at 12.30. The England V Australia game will follow on our wide screen in the club house.

On 6th December we entertain Old Alleynians at home in a battle for 4th place.

Kings 1XV 17 Farnham 18; Farnham 2XV 17 Kings 2XV 46

The 1XV lost a closely contested match due mainly to finding themselves on the wrong side of the referee, which may in part have been self inflicted. Farnham converted 6 out of 6 penalty kicks against Kings’ 2 converted tries and a drop goal. Farnham apparently did in no way look like a relegation side. However our losing bonus point, and a suprise thumping for Alleynians by Tadley, is enough to lift us into 4th place in the league.

Congratulations to the 2XV for a fine win at Farnham. They sit in 3rd place in their league.

Darryl Druckman

King’s 1XV 52 Warlingham 16: Old Emanuel 2XV 0 King’s 2XV 57

A fabulous wekend of Rugby for Kings scoring 109 points against 16 in the two matches played. The 1XV were outstandingly entertaining and played exciting Rugby against Warlingham who had beaten London Cornish the week before. Clearly Warlingham were over confident and they scored a try in the first minute of the game, only adding to their confidence. Kings came back with tremedous passion and although our backs were magnificent, the forward effort was not to be underestimated. 7 tries by Kings secured a bonus point win leaving us 4th in the league after 6 games.

I didn’t see the 2XV match nor have I seen a match report, but the smile on their faces on returning to fortress Motspur Park told the story.

Darryl Druckman

Portsmouth 7 Kings 1XV 27: Kings 2XV 42 Old Whitgiftians 2XV 8

A highly successful day which is obvious since I’m reporting early!

The 1XV put last Saturday behind them with a much more disciplined performance against Portsmouth. Everyone played well and we could easily have scored a couple more tries, but who’s complaining!!

On 11 October, the 1XV looked very good on paper but didn’t play particularly well as a team and made far too many mistakes. Winchester on the other hand were well drilled, big in the second row, and finished their moves well. We can beat this kind of opposition but we need to be more clinical.

King’s 1XV 41 Weybridge – Vandals 7; Batt Ironsides 45 – Kings 2XV 7

Saturday 27 September was a very good day for our 1XV despite still missing several players who would expect to feature in the first team. Ed Forshaw at No 8 and George Taylor at inside centre featured for their first full games in the team, both are 18 years old and products of our minis. Both youngsters were so good that they should share player of the match awards. Barry Williams was a new addition at wing forward and was also superb. We scored 7 tries and are now joint top scorers in the league. As other players return, selection will be tough and I hope this will lead to us having a strong 2XV which is always the recipe for success at this Club.

The next game is at home to Winchester on 11th October. However this Saturday afternoon the School 1XV are using our pitch for their match against Eton at 2.30pm. I don’t yet know if they are using our clubhouse but please come and support the School.

Darryl Druckman

Saturday 20 September 2014: London Cornish 26 Kings 1XV 10. Teddington 29 Kings 2XV 5.

The 1XV found themselves against much stronger and bigger opposition than they had encountered in the whole of last season. We were fighting very hard and it looked like a bonus point loss at 14-10 with 5 minutes left. A very strong and fit Cornish pack then produced some powerful rugby to score 2 tries at the end earning them a bonus point win. A good game and on Saturday we entertain Weybridge Vandals at Motspur Park. Vandals beat Farnham last Saturday but lost to London Cornish the week before that. I am expecting a tight game. Kick off at 3pm and please let me know if you are coming for a buffet lunch at 2pm.

The 2s were weakened by calls from the 1st XV and were beaten in a non league fixture by Teddingto 2s. They kick off their Surrey Conference 1 campaign on Saturday with a tricky away trip to Battersea Ironsides.

A terrific bonus point win which puts us top of the league after one game! Sorry to tell you that Farnham lost 33-20 to Effingham & leatherhead and although Cornish won 36-0, they had a 5 point deduction, I dont know why. Anyway we’re top. If there is a league table for number of supporters I am sure we would be bottom. Tadley from Berkshire had more supporters than Kings!!!

Next home fixture is against Weybridge Vandals on 27th September, please come and support.

Darryl Druckman (OK 1971)

The Kings Legends, the only truly veteran side on show, competed manfully at the Rugby Legends Tournament at Wimbledon RFC on Saturday 12 July 2014. They played three very tough games and were just pipped at the post in each game.

The final two results for the season were:

King’s 1XV 92 Old Wellingtonians 7(T; Smith P(2),Minors(2),Stoppani(3), Mather(4), Breslin, Dugarin, Humphries, C; Stoppani(8), Breslin, Dugarin,Walton)
King’s 2XV 20 Rosslyn Park Nomads 33 (T; Smith, Collins, Rees, C Smith J, P; Smith J)

This leaves the final records as:

1XV P22 W21 L1 F709 A266
2XV P20 W13 L7 F526 A365

The 1XV have had a fabulous season and the 2XV have won the majority of their matches. The 1s are promoted along with Farnham but Farnham win the league by virtue of 7 more bonus points. We lost to Farnham away and Farnham lost to us at Motspur Park, otherwise we both won all the other games. We will do battle with them next season in London SW2 league.

Congratulations to Sam Richards, the 1XV coach who took on a losing team last season and look at them now. I hope Sam stays on as coach next season for the bigger challenge.

We have two events coming up at Motspur Park:

Tuesday 15 April: King’s U21s v Haslemere. Please come and support the U21s – ko 7.30

Wednesday 23 April: Combines London Old Boys v United Hospitals – at KCSOBs ko 7.30 – several of our players will be in the side – again – please come and support.

Sadly I have to announce that the Ball scheduled for 7th June has been cancelled. We are hoping to run a social event of some kind on that day so more on that as I know it.

Regards

Darryl Druckman

After a really gutsy 38-24 bonus point win against Eastleigh, the 1XV’s 18th victory out of 19 games so far ensures promotion. A wonderful achievement considering the disappointment of being so narrowly relegated last season. Farnham are now 8 points ahead at the top of the table by virtue of bonus points but third placed Eastleigh are 27 points behind us. So the league has been dominated by King’s and Farnham and the team are keen to keep the momentum going into the final 3 matches of the season.

I suppose it had to happen at some point as the 1XV lost at Farnham 23-10. We led 10-0 after 20 minutes but a well drilled and extremely well supported Farnham team were just too good on the day. I don’t think we should be too disappointed but from my perspective King’s made more mistakes and suffered as a result.

Strangely the third placed team in the league also lost so we did not lose as much ground in the league table as we might have done.

It was a very good game of rugby and thank you to those supporters who came to watch to counteract the 150+ Farnham support.

No game next week.

Darryl Druckman