The first team played their first return-fixture of the season on Saturday at Broadstreet Seconds. Rich McKowen was welcomed back after paternity leave and made a big difference in mid-field as we ran the ball at every opportunity. The forwards got their fair share of ball in the tight against a large set of forwards and were much too fast for them in the loose. Tries from Kofi Miller, McKowen and Craig Smith and two penalties and two conversions from Josh Jones wrapped up a 25-10 win. Read John Warner’s report on the website.

The second team entertained Broadstreet thirds and both sides started with only 12 players. It looked like being a difficult afternoon when the visitors scored two converted tries in the first five minutes to take a 14-0 lead, but we came back well chasing back to stop two Broadstreet breakaways tries which changed the balance of the play and by half time we were ahead by 15-14. Down to 10 men for a while we fell behind again but two more tries enabled us to take the spoils by 27-19. Stu Campbell scored a hat-trick and our other two tries came from Josh Tockley and David, a Fijian guest.

Going back to Victorian times, a reconstituted Leamington club played regularly, but unsuccessfully, in the 1896/97 season, but managed only two games in 1897/98 - against Handsworth and Stoneygate. The Leicester side travelled to Leamington in October and won by the only score in front of a crowd said to have comprised “three reporters, two spectators and a dog”. This was probably the last game played in Leamington in the Victorian era. The point of reporting this, is that today’s opponents, Bromsgrove, were due to be the next opponents but the Worcestershire club was having similar problems to us and was dissolved and the match was cancelled and both clubs folded – to reopen later.

Bromsgrove, are the other second team in our league. We won by 46-19 over there in September and they have struggled for wins but are showing signs of getting stronger with a win at Coventry Welsh and a draw against Berkswell & Balsall and a two-point loss to Kidderminster on Saturday. The Seconds are also at home this week (a rare double header) and are entertaining Newbold, who beat us quite comfortably at their place in September.

There should be a good crowd to cheer the teams on as the second VP lunch will be held prior to the games (12 for 12.30). If you want to come and haven’t booked your place(s) please email Jim Mills asap and he will try and fit you in – jim.mills@leaas.co.uk. Prior to the first lunch in September there was a plea from the players and coaches to get out on to the touch line and cheer them on. The response was brilliant and although it might be a bit colder on Saturday let’s have a repeat performance please.

The 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

If you want to look festive at the lunch, we have an order for Leamington RFC bobble hats which should be available by then – price £15. If you want one please get in touch with Tom Chandler or let me know on the address below

It's Chriiiiiiissssstmasssss! Our plea for Christmas sponsorship or gifts has so far resulted in some success by the very generous donation of an electronic scoreboard by ex-first team player Simon Roper and a new hoover from Tony Barton . We thank Simon fand Tony for their generosity and if you can donate, sponsor or gift any of the items below we will ensure your kindness and generosity is known and recognised (you can if you wish remain anonymous!) even if in no other way than a mince pie! If you can assist with any item, please contact Richard Watkins, Gareth Wilkinson or Phil McGaffin via - info@leamingtonrugby.co.uk

• Electronic scoreboard – DONE!
• M&J Rugby Balls for a season - £2,00
• VEO Camera and 1 year subscription - £2,000 (video analysis and live streaming)
• M&J Sub Suits - £1,000
• Floodlight post pads for the 3rd team pitch – Approx. £1,500
• Floodlight post pads for the minis pitch – Approx. £1
• Tackle Suits for M&J Section various sizes (real confidence boosters) – 20no at £50 each (£1,000)
• M&J Bibs - £600
• M&J Water Bottles and carriers £500
• M&J Training Posts - £500
• M&J Pitch Cones - £400
• 3 Cryocuff + shoulder and ankle cuff £210
• 2 Cryocuff + 2 knee cuffs £200
• Juniors Club Ties - £200
• Level floor and fit new moulded lino floor to home showers. Approx cost £200.
• Cart to move heavy fitness kit from Gym to training area £180
• New ‘Henry’ cleaner for general use – DONE!
• 4 2X Deep tissue massage guns £120Set of good quality masonry, steel and wood drills for workshop. Approx cost £50.

johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com