Rugby is played on Barns Green village green on historic day
An historic moment arrived in Barns Green as the local rugby team played their inaugural game on the village green – recording an emphatic 38-19 win against league leaders Littlehampton.
Over the club’s 35-year history, home games have required collaboration with willing stakeholders due to a lack of local facilities. First nearby schools – Christs Hospital and The Weald – allowed pitch rental, then the generous Burdfield family created and maintained a pitch close to Itchingfield.
But as nationwide pressures on rugby participation began to take hold, it was clear something dramatic needed to be done. Talking to players, they wanted to be closer to the social club facilities for spectators and family to enjoy.
Thankfully, the Village Trust and Barns Green FC proved to be willing partners – supporting the installation of temporary posts and working together to find a suitable date.
The big day was reliant on volunteers and sponsors – Gwyn's Bakery sponsored the matchball, with Ben Baxter Construction, The Boar’s Head, Christs Hospital School, and JAC Air Conditioning all generously donating funds to help cover costs.
Firebird Brewery provided a mobile bar and Sophie’s Kitchen kept everybody well fed throughout the day. Local print supplier Treetop Design & Print produced souvenir matchday programmes free of charge, keeping people entertained with stories of matches and days gone by.
As for the game, a Counties 4 Sussex West clash, spectators were treated to an open and exciting encounter. Local player and vice-captain Liam Masters ran in a brilliant solo try to start proceedings before a determined Littlehampton side came back.
The match ebbed and flowed with plenty of line breaks and crunching tackles. Outside centre Ben Suttie capped an electric performance with a superb try of his own midway through the first half.
Barns Green’s determination eventually won out, as Ollie Oswick (2), Rory Yeates and Simon Zbieranowski all touched down to stretch the lead.
In the final quarter, Barns Green stood firm to repel Littlehampton resistance and secure their first win of the league season.
Skipper George Wilson reflected: “It’s been a long-held dream to play rugby in the village, and credit must go to everyone who made it happen. The atmosphere was incredible, and I can’t believe how many people came to watch. The boys totally rose to the occasion, as I knew they would, and really personified what playing for Barns Green is all about.”
As the sun set, players and spectators celebrated a momentous day. With over 200 people watching the game and the social club enjoying one of its busiest days of the year, it had proved to be an incredible success. And, as the drinks flowed, all hoped this game was simply the first of many to take place in Barns Green.