Having finished its league programme, the first XV moved on to the opening round of the Papa John Trophy on Saturday, when we took on Camp Hill, who play in the equivalent league – Counties 1 North West. It proved to be a good afternoon as our hosts were a big strong side, but could not match us for finesse and we won by 43-12. We dominated the first half scoring 4 times, but Camp Hill stayed in the game with two good tries of their own to make it 24-12 at half time. Playing into the wind in the second half we kept the pressure on to gradually extend our lead.

With a few players unavailable including, our regular centre pairing, we brought in two youngsters – Logan Deeley and Will Callard. Logan sustained a head collision late on and with one of their players in difficulty too, the game was abandoned a few minutes early. We hope that Logan has a quick recovery. Will had a game to remember as he used his pace and balance to tear the Camp Hill defence apart and scored a hat-trick.

John Warner’s report is on the website and this week we play in the second round at home to our old friends Old Laurentians. We think the winners will face Loughborough in the third round - they have had two byes.

After not playing for nearly two months the Second XV got a game at last on Saturday when they travelled with the senior squad to Camp Hill. We went over with 12 players, after a few last-minute dropouts, but Camp Hill lent us 3 players to make 15 and we fielded 4 Colts. We played some good rugby in parts against a physical Camp Hill side, on what can only be described as a bog of a pitch - that Jim Poynter would regard as a challenge. Particular mention goes to Isaac Ward from the Colts who played very well in his second senior game and Mitch Davies in his first game back since injury early in the season, Josh Jones was also returning after a break and scored 2 tries and converted 2. Sam Russell showed his support by coming on as substitute after being subbed earlier, after his stint in the first XV game. The final score was 19 – 32 but really we should have won.

This week – the Colts are at home to Nuneaton in a rearranged game at 7.30 on Friday . The first XV are at home to Old Laurentians at 3.00 on Saturday and also on Saturday the seconds are playing in the Warwickshire X Rugby tournament at Barkers Butts, kicking off at 11.00 There will be two league groups of 4, who will play for semi-final places, with the others going into a plate. It will be 7 aside on half a pitch and a video of the rules is on the RFU website. If you are interested in playing contact Jake Andrews and if you go and watch you may be back in time from the Old Laurentians game at Moorefields

Reminders

Two Castles Run - Lucy Ramsbottom is still looking for marshals for the two-castles run on Sunday 8th June. For each volunteer we provide, £50 is donated to the club – contact lucy@ramsbottom-events.co.uk

Bar Staff Vacancy - We are still looking for new members to join our bar team - speak with Jacky May (or email her on - Jaxk26@virginmedia.com) .

johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com