Remember, remember the fifth of November - it’s our big fireworks display tonight!! - the biggest and best show in town and vital to the activities of the club - so come along and support us and if you would like to help, let me know urgently. Thanks to those who have already volunteered. Details have been circulated on the website and social media and the main points are –

Gates open at 5.00
Fireworks at 7.30
Food, drinks and entertainment
Admission - £20 per car and £5 per pedestrian
Admission by cash

The league system had a week off to catch up with postponed games – not that there were many of these. The spotlight therefore fell of the Seconds and they travelled to Old Laurentians with a mixed side. It was a close and competitive game. Although we lost by 26-14, we shared the play but were undone by two breakaway tries running the length of the field, having lost possession when pressing the Laurentians line. Ed Gray and Charlie Harness scored our tries, both converted by Josh Tokley.

On Sunday the ladies played a home fixture and secured a convincing 43-5 win over Daventry Ladies. Try scorers were Cath Lyon X2, Vik Merrick X2, Kate Lawlor, Katrina Ho, Els Marks and 4 conversions were made by Becky Moss. Player of the Match was awarded to Zoe Clark who made an impressive debut with strong carries proving an excellent addition to the team. A strong team performance and well-deserved home victory.

This week the 1st XV visit Old Leamingtonians, for the second time this season, in our away league fixture. We beat them comfortably early on in the RFU Community Competition but they appear to have strengthened since then and we need to be on our guard. Also on Saturday ,the Second team are at Spartans and the Colts are at Towcestrians.

As for the Community Competition, we had a bye in the second-round last week and we have now drawn Worcester in the third round to be played at Moorefields on 31January, the week after we play our return fixture against them in the League.

1st XV 2nd XV Colts
Nov8 Old Leamingtonians A C1 Spartans A Towcestrians A
Nov15 Bye Shield Shipston Vets A
Nov22 Manor Park H C1 Kenilworth A Bicester H
Nov29 Evesham A C1 Barkers Butts H
Dec6 Alcester H C1 Berkswell & B H Earsldon H
Dec13 Kidderminster A C1
Dec20 Camp Hill H C1 O. Coventrians A Keresley H

Ed Gray’s 24-hour Movember charity bike ride on behalf of men’s mental health initiatives has attracted huge interest. This will start and finish at the club on Friday 14 November between 2.00 and 3.00 and will finish the following day – due to numbers and safety considerations it will be a static bike ride in the clubhouse . Participants will cycle in pairs for one-hour time slots throughout the 24-hour period. Individuals are welcome to ride for longer if they wish. We are aiming for a minimum of 48 participants, though additional riders are very welcome. Entry Fee: £5 per person and further contributions are encouraged and will be appreciated. For further information, or to register your interest, please contact Edward Gray on ? +44 7542 515320.

Johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com