Another round of Injuries and non-availabilities hampered our preparations for the visit of second placed Evesham on Saturday and a shoulder injury to winger Stu Campbell in the opening minutes didn’t help. We were under pressure for most of the game against a strong and much improved Evesham side and lost by 22-0, with tries on the whistle at the end of both halves making the score line look a bit flattering. We hope Stu recovers quickly and there was some good news that youngsters Oli Boyes and Kofi Miller made their debuts after showing good form in the Seconds over the past few weeks. A slimline Scott Peters also made a welcome return after injury. – read John Warner’s full report on the website

The Second XV didn’t get a game as their opponents cried off on Saturday morning

You may have read that Earlsdon had to concede their game against league leaders Nuneaton Old Edwardians on Saturday, due to not being able to field a front row and generally short of players. As a consequence, they have been fined five points and have dropped down into the relegation slots with Pinley, with a significant gap to bridge to get back to the other sides, including Leamington.

This week the first team travel to Kidderminster who have had mixed results since starting with a big win in over a weakened Old Coventrians on the opening day. They are just above us in the table and a win would consolidate our position at Christmas. The Seconds are at home to Shipston. On Sunday the minis are all at home to Newbold.

VP Lunch
The second VP lunch of the season was held before the Evesham game on Saturday, supported by our main sponsors, Sheldon, Bosley, Knight, who also have a link with Evesham. We are holding another lunch on the 18th December, prior to the Spartans game. Numbers are limited and we only have a handful of places left, so if you want to attend get in touch with Jim Mills asap or with your table monitor if you are a regular. Jim’s contact details are - jim.mills@leaas.co.uk or 07725 860186.

200 club – Xmas draw
We will be holding the bumper Christmas draw around 5.00 on Saturday with prizes of £500, £300, £100 and £50 (x2). You have got to be in it to win it and if you take out more than one number you have extra chances to win it. It is £5 per month per number.

So, if you want to join the 200 Club in time for the draw, or take extra numbers - set up or increase your standing order on 01049812 30-94-93 giving your name as a reference. Then contact Kit Forrest on 07748 658086 or kit.forrest951@gmail.com to let him know what you have done or if you need guidance.

Colin Commander Remembered
Paul Brant has sent me some reminiscences of Colin Commander who died a few weeks ago. Paul recalls that he made his first team debut at the old ground in about 1967, alongside Colin in the second-row. On the day of the game Colin spotted Paul walking home from town to get his kit prior to meeting up. Colin offered him a lift but said he had one other stop to make on the way to the game. This was to the Crown Hotel in Hight Street. Being an innocent youth, Paul thought this might be the norm, but after several pints of the black stuff he wasn’t too sure. All he can remember of the game was Colin’s ability (due to his water-polo experience,) to jump at full stretch and catch the ball one handed in line outs and when the first scrum broke up the front row, of Montgomery, Grove and Ward all punching their opposite numbers! He wondered whether this was caused by the fumes issuing from him and Colin or whether they were self-motivated ruffians - you choose. Another of Colin’s contributions to club life was the “Aunty Mary” drinking song which required a lot of heavy stamping and put the floor of the Nissen hut in danger.

johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com