The first XV entertained Kettering on Saturday and found them in great form. We started well with an excellent try by new centre Jim Reed, but were then blitzed by a 4-try burst in 10 minutes from the opposition, who displayed some spectacular running-in from long distance. Apart from that the game was even, but as we were pressing on the Kettering line at the end they picked up a loose pass to run the length of the field for a 44-22 win. See John Warner’s full report on the website

The second XV had a difficult time too when they entertained Stratford under our new lights on Friday night. We had great trouble in getting a side out and started with 14 and no subs and were soon down to 12 men following injuries. Everyone fought hard but we hadn’t got enough resources and we lost by 60-7 with Jim Robertson scoring a try which he converted.

This Saturday the 1st team have the week off and they will resume at Spartans on 26 November, to complete the first half of the season. The 2nd team have a game, but at this point we are not sure whether it is our scheduled Warwickshire League fixture at home to Nuneaton Old Eds or whether we will need to reschedule this and play our Warwickshire Shield semi-final at Barkers Butts. This is being sorted out with Warwickshire RFU

We have a message from Jim Mills concerning the next VP lunch -

Ladies, Gentlemen, VP’s and all - Saturday 10th December will be the second VP lunch of the season when the 1st XV take on Bromsgove RFC in the League. Not only are the 1st XV looking for your support to cheer them on to victory, but they would like you to wear your best Christmas Jumper, Christmas Tie or just something a little festive to add that bit of Christmas spirit. Last year’s lunch had to be cancelled due to covid so many of us have been waiting a long time to toast our chestnuts! We are expecting a mad rush for places, if only to get away from Mat Hancock on, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and for us all to discuss “Big Mike” Tindall, good for the game of rugby and should he have chosen more appropriate swimwear! To book your place, places or table (8 seats) please email Jim Mills – jim.mills@leaas.co.uk.

The next 200 Club draw will also take place at the VP lunch. This is a big fund raiser for the club and costs only £5 per month per number – it is easy to join and you might get some money back. There is a quarterly draw with a first prize of £300 (which at Christmas is £500|) plus others. If you want to get into the draw, please contact Kit Forrest before the lunch on 07748 658086 or kit.forrest951@gmail.com

johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com