We appear to have become the epicentre of a Covid outbreak, possibly originating at the VPs lunch on 9 October. A number of members have tested positive (including me) despite their double or treble jabs. As far as I know their symptoms are similar to a regular cough or cold. Members affected will be asked disclose their contacts to Track & Trace and if you are identified you might get pinged. If you are feeling unwell at all it may be advisable for you to take a lateral flow test. As there are no home games this week, as a precaution, we have decided to close the bar and clubroom until next Tuesday, although away games will go ahead and training will be able to continue as normal, except for no food or bar afterwards

Attention was on the 2nd XV this week with the Ist XV not having a game. We were back up to strength with 27 players compared to only 13 a fortnight ago, due to players returning from injury and others continuing to build their senior experience. Newbold did not have quite as many players but they had plenty and they were very powerful. We dominated the opening stages but couldn’t take our chances except for a penalty from Josh Jones. Bold then began to build up some momentum and scored four unanswered tries, either side of half-time. But back we came and tries by Jim Robertson and a long-range effort from Stu Campbell got us back into the game only for Newbold to settle the contest 33-17 with a try on the final whistle

This week the Ist XV are at Pinley, who have had a bad start to the season – we must avoid the over-confidence that cost us dear at Coventrians. The Seconds are away at Stratford. Games are still at 3.00. There is no mini and junior rugby it being half term

The rugby club golf society held its annual golf match against the Old Leamingtonians society at Stratford Oaks last week It was the 25th anniversary of the event. In a hard-fought match, we trounced the OLs by 216 points to 213. The winning team was captained by Pete Forrest and included Rich Luckman, Pat Callaghan, Pat Healy, Jim Poynter, Chivvy Bywater, Hugh Smith, Bill Harris, Graham Hurst and Mick Morris. The society has been running for 30 years and is open to all members throughout the club. Apart from the OL game there are usually a couple of away days over the summer and a short tour. The current members’ anecdotes have become so boring by repetition that we could do with freshening things up. If anyone is interested, please contact PeteaForrest@hotmail.com or JimPoynter @sky.com

johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com