We are sorry to hear of the death of former player Paul Bowkett (pictured) over the Christmas period, due to cancer. Paul was an extremely promising prop forward who played in the Colts team that won the Warwickshire Colts Cup in 1980 and he moved up to the first team the following season when he shared the propping duties with Paul Gisbourne and John Sturley, as the side (led by Dave Reeve) achieved a record 29 victories. He played for Warwickshire Colts and Under 23s before he moved away from the area. Our best condolences and best wishes are extended to his family.
300 mini and junior players, parents, grandparents and officials from the club had a marvellous but rather cold afternoon at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday to watch Wasps vs Ospreys in the Anglo Welsh Cup. Players from across the Mini and Youth section took part in the on pitch pre-match warm-up activities and Wasps awarded us with their Partner Rugby Club award, with coaches, players and committee members receiving this on the pitch. One of the nicest parts of the afternoon when one of the Wasps’ stewards took the time to say how well our players behaved and that they were a credit to the club. Well done boys, girl - and parents.
There was no 1st XV game on Saturday but the boys are back in action this week when we entertain Barkers Butts. The Butts had a poor time until Christmas and were firmly in the relegation places, but since then they have strengthened their side and had a good win over Berkswell & Balsall and lost by only 2 points to Earlsdon, despite missing three kick from in front of the posts
The Vice Presidents lunch will be held before the game (12 for 12.30) so there should be plenty of support to cheer them on. Afterwards we can relax and watch England take on Wales in Cardiff (kick off 4.50). It is 50 years since the famous game when 18 year old Keith Jarrett made his debut for Wales at full- back (only his ever second game in the position) and kicked all the points and scored one of the most spectacular tries seen at the ground as he ran at full pelt to intercept an England clearance kick, caught it on the full and streaked down the wing to get the decisive score.
The Spartans seem to be playing as the Barbarians recently; such is the open nature of the games they have been playing. On Saturday they went down by the amazing score 42-64 against Newbold scoring 6 converted tries, but unfortunately conceding a few more than that. This week they are away at Barkers Butts, the Spartans are away at Spartans and the Colts are at home to Banbury.
After last week’s excitement of the visit to Wasps and the under 14s scoring 50 points against Alcester (hat-tricks from Tom Betts and Louis Harvey), this Sunday the under-14 and under-13 sides are away at Claverdon and the under-15s are at home to Nuneaton. The Minis are all at home to Claverdon.
Coming up -
Rugby Nomads from Jaen in Spain are touring on 24/25 March
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