We opened our Centenary celebrations on Saturday in brilliant sunshine and a party atmosphere. A well-attended Vice Presidents’ lunch and lots of senior and junior events on the field got us going, followed by the final league fixture of the season against Droitwich. Our fellow Spa town have had a bad season, coming bottom of the table, but they turned up keen to show their potential for next year and put on a good show, with only the brilliance of Rich McKowen in the centre separating the teams. There is no video this week as the cameraman was suffering from shaky hands for most of the day for some reason. John Warner’s full report is on the website though and we understand that this will be his last offering as he will be emptying the ink from his pen after 20 years of reporting which we know have been much valued for their fairness and optimism

The 200 Club was drawn on Saturday and the winners were –
Paul Brant £300
Richard Miller £200
Tony Reszka £100
Fred Emeney £50

The Club will now go into summer mode and the usual activities will include the following and will be subject to confirmation each week in addition to the special Centenary Events

Monday- closed
Tuesday – Tag rugby
Wednesday- Walking Rugby, Royals and Ladies
Thursday – Tag rugby
Friday – Bar open at 5.00 for early drinks
Saturday – Royals games with bar open and bar from 4.00 when no games
Sunday - Closed

The next confirmed main Centenary Event is the Golf Tournament on Wednesday 24 June organised by Pete Forrest at Leamington Whitnash – we are looking for around 50 past and present players and numbers are looking good. Entry fee is £63 including bacon bap on arrival and dinner afterwards. Contact email peteaforrest@hotmail.com

We were very sad to hear of the passing of Tony Grimes on 22 April - the club’s Centenary day. Tony was an outstanding clubman over seven decades, beginning his career in the mid - 1950s at the old club, mainly in the second XV but throughout the 1960s he had spells in the first team and captained the Seconds/Extras in 69/70 and 70/71 and the Stags from 1974-77. As he moved down the sides, he played a huge part in ensuring the success of the lower sides during those years. He was still playing and captaining the Tigers in 1991 and only gave this up to become club President in 1992 and 1993. Apart from his huge contribution on the field he was also the man responsible for maintaining it, using his farming skills and equipment for the club’s benefit and for a long time, he organised the bonfire night. Tony disappeared from the scene during Covid but we remained in touch and our condolences go to Jill and to Mark and Claire and the rest of the family.

Johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com