Storm Darragh wreaked havoc with the rugby fixtures at the weekend with lots of games cancelled and some strange results in the difficult conditions. Our first XV travelled to Droitwich with a very changed line-up and despite having the better of the game we went down by 10-20 playing into the wind at its worst. With the wind in our favour, we led 10-5 at half time bout as the conditions got worse we conceded two tries and a penalty on the final whistle lost us the consolation of a bonus point. See John Warner’s full report on the website

A combined veterans/Second XV entertained Alcester in the Moorefields mud and they ran out fairly easy winners by 53-0 with the referee blowing up early as the conditions worsened throughout. The Colts also played at home and they had a good win over Harbury who had beaten us earlier in the season. 19-12 was the finak score. The Sunday games were all cancelled

Elsewhere at the weekend, Old Leamingtonians won their first match since the opening day of the season when they narrowly beat Berkswell & Balsall. Fellow strugglers Bromsgrove also had a rare win when they pulled off a surprise at Evesham.

The last month has been very difficult for us, having lost 4 games in a row, all very close, and we have slipped from second to sixth in the table. Injuries and availability have taken their toll and we need to get back to a strong and consistent line-up for the second half of the season. This begins on Saturday when we play the return game against Old Leamingtonians. We beat them over there in September and they failed to win a game after that until last week. Their victory over Berkswell will give them a boost and we need to get back on form.

There are no other senior games this week, but on Sunday the U16 are due to play at Keresley and the U15 will be at Shipston. The mini age groups are at home to Kenilworth.

Reminders

The VP lunch before the Old Leamingtonians game on Saturday is sold out. For those attending, it is 12 for 12.30. You can contact Charlie Gardner for cancellations only on 07989 759709.

The Christmas draw for the 200 Club will be made at the dinner, so if you want to get in it to win it, please get in touch with Kit Forrest on 07748 658086 or kit.forrest1951@gmail.com It being Xmas, there is an extra prize of £500 in addition to the usual prizes of £250, £100 and £50.

If you still haven’t paid your Membership get in touch with Phil McGaffin on 07835 995161 or by email pgaff99@gmail.com.

There are a few tickets available for the England v France game on 6 February. If you are interested contact me as below

johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com