In an emotional double-header, the Northolt Barbarians played in memory of Rob and Mas. On what would have been Rob’s 23rd birthday, the team honored his legacy with passion and resilience, and also renewed their commitment to mental health awareness.

Game 1: Northolt Barbarians vs. Surbiton Deca
Surbiton Deca struck first in the initial 30-minute game, scoring a converted try to take a 7-0 lead. The Barbarians regrouped after an early setback when Keelan was forced off with an injury, prompting Dan Saxby to step in at hooker and Emmanuel to make his debut on the wing. The Barbarians fought back, scoring a try with a dynamic backline move, but missed the conversion, ending the game just short. Final score: Surbiton Deca 7 - 5 Northolt Barbarians.

Game 2: Northolt Barbarians vs. Mitcham & Carshalton
Determined to respond, the Barbarians approached the second 30-minute game with fresh energy. Dan Saxby and Dom switched roles, with Dan at fly-half and Dom joining the forward pack. This adjustment paid off, as Dan’s guidance in the backline led to fluid and cohesive attacks. The Barbarians scored three tries and converted twice, narrowly holding off Mitcham & Carshalton’s two converted tries. Final score: Northolt Barbarians 19 - 14 Mitcham & Carshalton.

The day was especially memorable as Rory B played his first-ever game for the Barbarians, showing grit and promise on the field. After the match, he was proudly presented with his first club tie, a special moment that emphasized the team’s camaraderie and inclusivity.

Team Line-Up:

1. Keelan (subbed off due to injury)
2. Rob
3. Ashley Robinson
4. Ryan
5. Kirk
6. Dan Saxby (shifted to hooker in Game 1, swapped with Dom to play fly-half in Game 2)
7. Alex Gaze
8. Luke Halford
9. Tom
10. Dom (played fly-half in Game 1, moved to forward pack in Game 2)
11. Jamie Dyett
12. Rory B (first game for the Barbarians, awarded his club tie)
13. Graham Brooker
14. Reece
15. Jesus
16. Emmanuel (played his first game on the wing)

It was reassuring to have Dr. Mohammed Khazhal on the sideline, ensuring players’ safety and handling injuries with care. His assistance was invaluable, especially when he expertly relocated Graham Brooker’s dislocated finger mid-game, allowing the team to focus on the task at hand.

After the final whistle, the team came together to celebrate Rob and Mas, then headed to a pub in Surbiton to watch England vs. New Zealand and raise a toast to Rob’s memory.

In Memory of Rob
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Rob. Today was for you. We are more committed than ever to fostering open conversations about mental health, creating safe spaces for support, and being there for one another.

#ForRob #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone