The first XV got off to a good start on Saturday with a 36-14 win at Droitwich. The home side took the lead with a try in the opening 5 minutes, but we levelled quickly and gradually pulled away to win comfortably and score six tries, all by the forwards - John Brear (2) Richard Mullis, Gareth Shuttleworth and newcomer Luke Groves. Harry Healy and ex-colt Tom Van der Hoven also made their first-team debuts and Jack Tripp-Smith played only his second game and kicked 3 conversions. Skipper Joe Kinghorn showed his versatility by switching from second-row to inside-centre. See John Warner’s full report on the website

The Seconds were due to play away at Berkswell & Balsall, but they cried off and we played at Earlsdon instead and suffered some late cry-offs ourselves which left the team short-handed against bigger more experienced opposition. We went down 12-47. The Colts played at home to a very strong Towcestrians team and they lost by a similar score of 14-49. The Colts fixtures arranged so far are shown along with the other teams on the attachment

This week we are entertaining Bromyard who reside between Worcester and Leominster. As far as I can tell, we haven’t played them before. In their current form, they are a young club, having been formed in 1981, but they had an earlier version between the wars before folding at some point. The leagues arrived soon after they were re-formed and they have progressed steadily and won Counties 2 West (West) last season with 15 wins, to give them promotion. They started well last week with a 33-31 win in the opening game. The Seconds are away at Sutton Coldfield. The Mini and juniors are practicing on Sunday

The RFU disciplinary team visited Warwickshire on Monday to talk to clubs about the concerns they would be focussing on this season, in addition to generally monitoring disciplinary trends. These included – referee abuse; interference by spectators and other unauthorised people coming onto the pitch; and ensuring that unde-18 players were assessed before playing senior rugby. The under-18 rule caught us out last year and we need to ensure we don’t slip up again as the penalty is a draconian 5 first XV League points and the club and player(s) will not be covered by insurance. Invalidation of insurance will also apply if any unauthored person decides to join the subs and coaches inside the barrier, as happens a lot

Six Nations tickets have been purchased for the games after Christmas. An application form is attached if you are interested in applying. Please return the form by 30 October. These are the two most popular fixtures, so I expect excess demand

The first VP lunch of the season will be prior to the Worcester game on October 11. Please get your places booked with Charlie Gardner at c.n.gardner44@gmail.com
Kit Forrest will be organising a 200 club draw during the afternoon. Prizes are £300, £200, £100 and £50. The 200 club is a great earner and you have the chance of getting your money back and more as a prize. If you want to get into this the first of four draws for the season, please contact Kit Forrest on 07748 658086 or kit.forrest1951@gmail.com

Johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com