Thirteen Try Thriller At Syon Lane As Grasshoppers Show Fighting Spirit

Seniors: First XV: 10th October 2026

Grasshoppers welcomed Aylesbury to Syon Lane on a bright autumn afternoon, looking to secure their first victory of the season in Regional Two Thames.

What followed was a thrilling encounter featuring 13 tries, plenty of attacking rugby and a determined performance from a young Grasshoppers side. Despite eventually falling to a narrow 41–34 defeat, Hoppers showed tremendous character and attacking ambition, earning two valuable bonus points.

A Flying Start for Hoppers

Grasshoppers couldn't have asked for a better start.

Playing with confidence and purpose, the home side immediately put Aylesbury under pressure. Just four minutes into the match, prop Lewis Perkins powered over for the opening try, with fly-half Michael Dees adding the conversion to give Hoppers an early 7–0 lead.

The home side continued to dominate the opening exchanges, and their positive approach was rewarded when fellow prop Nyasha Muendo crossed for a second try. Although the conversion was missed, Grasshoppers had raced into a deserved 12–0 lead.

However, Aylesbury soon demonstrated why they would prove difficult opponents.

The visitors gradually found their rhythm and responded with three tries, two of which were converted, to turn the match around and take a 19–12 lead.

To their credit, Grasshoppers refused to let their heads drop.

Just before half-time, flanker Deji Olajide, who would go on to be named Player of the Match, forced his way over for a well-earned try. Although the conversion was unsuccessful, Hoppers went into the break trailing by just two points at 19–17.

End-to-End Rugby in a Thrilling Second Half

The second half continued at a relentless pace, with both teams looking dangerous whenever they had possession.

Aylesbury struck first after the restart, crossing for an unconverted try to extend their advantage to 24–17.

But Grasshoppers were far from finished.

What followed was arguably the moment of the match.

Winger Alex Stone collected the ball deep inside his own 22 and produced a sensational individual run, evading tackle after tackle as he raced upfield to score a magnificent try.

Alex demonstrated a wonderful piece of individual skill that brought the home supporters to their feet and secured Grasshoppers a valuable four-try bonus point.

With the conversion missed, Hoppers were back within touching distance at 24–22.

Aylesbury responded with another converted try, but once again Grasshoppers demonstrated their determination to stay in the contest.

Number eight Louis Brown crossed for another well-taken try, reducing the deficit to just four points at 31–27.

With the game finely balanced, there was still everything to play for.

A Costly Period Proves Decisive

Unfortunately, it was during the next phase of the match that Grasshoppers allowed the visitors to take control.

Aylesbury capitalised on some defensive lapses and crossed for two further unconverted tries, stretching their lead to 41–27.

At this level, small mistakes can prove costly, and Grasshoppers were once again reminded of the importance of maintaining concentration and defensive discipline throughout the full 80 minutes.

However, one thing this young side certainly doesn't lack is fighting spirit.

Rather than accepting defeat, Hoppers continued to attack and created further opportunities. A few late errors prevented them from closing the gap even further, but their persistence was rewarded when scrum-half Tom Sherwin crossed for the team's sixth try.

Michael Dees added the conversion to bring the final score to Grasshoppers 34 – 41 Aylesbury.

Plenty of Positives, but Lessons to Learn

While the result was disappointing, there were plenty of encouraging signs for Grasshoppers.

Scoring six tries against strong opposition at Level 6 demonstrates the attacking potential within this young squad.

The players showed ambition, determination and an unwillingness to give up, even when the game appeared to be slipping away.

However, conceding seven tries highlights an area that will need attention as the season progresses.

At this level teams will punish mistakes, and Grasshoppers must continue working on defensive organisation, concentration and consistency if they are to turn competitive performances into victories.

Head Coach Clive See and coach Joe Murray will undoubtedly take encouragement from the attacking performance while recognising the work still required.

The challenge now is to build on the positives, tighten up defensively and produce a more complete 80-minute performance.

Player of the Match

Deji Olajide deservedly received the Player of the Match award following an excellent contribution, which included a first-half try that helped keep Grasshoppers firmly in contention.

A special mention must also go to Alex Stone for his outstanding individual effort — a try that will certainly be talked about in the clubhouse for some time!

A Message to Our Supporters

Grasshoppers are competing in a demanding league, and with a young squad continuing to develop, there will inevitably be challenges along the way.

But there is plenty to be encouraged about.

The players are working hard, showing commitment to the shirt and demonstrating that they can compete at this level.

What they need now is the continued backing of everyone connected with Grasshoppers.

Winning is important, but so is building a team that represents the values, commitment and spirit of our club.

The results will come if we continue to work hard, learn from our mistakes and support one another.

Next Fixture

Ealing 1871 v Grasshoppers RFC

Saturday 17 October 2026

Kick-off: 3:00pm

Away

Another important challenge awaits, and we encourage as many Grasshoppers supporters as possible to make the short journey and get behind the team.

One Club. One Team. One Grasshoppers.

Come on, Hoppers!