The results over the weekend did not go as hoped for but the club can take credit from two good performances. Club Coach, Alex Carroll, has asked me to include the following note thanking the club for its support

“It was about this time last year I asked for a bit more from our support. The last two days, old leams away and the second team cup final, showed what amazing support we have. The reception we received and positive comments from everyone after Saturday’s game, despite the result, shows how much the club appreciated the quality of the game and the effort and commitment the lads put into it. It was a fast, high-quality game from two excellent teams and the lads appreciated the support both during and after the game. So thank you all.
The second team were equally as committed and to stay in the game all the way to the end while playing with 14 men, again shows what a group of players we have. The support over at Earlsdon was again fantastic.
It was a tough weekend for the club results wise, but if we were not being this successful, this weekend wouldn’t have happened or mattered. So, on behalf of all the players and coaching staff I want to say thank you to everyone for the support. We have three big home league games left to finish the league season. Let’s keep this going. Alex “

On Saturday the game at Old Leamingtonians was very close with the lead changing hands at every score - unfortunately they got the last one, to win by 19-15. Highlights, were a try by John Brear and another entry by Jim Reed in his personal try-of-the-season competition. This leaves OLs on an amazing run of 14 wins in a row and they are looking likely to go up with three rounds of fixtures to play. With regard to local bragging rights, although we lost it is one win apiece over the season and we are ahead on the overall score by 27-25! Read the full report by John Warner on the website. The video is not yet available but will be posted later.

On Sunday, the Seconds lost the Warwickshire Vase final to Berkswell & Balsall in another close game. BB had some fast backs and went ahead with a try in the opening minutes but we came back strongly and battered their line for most of the first half but could not get over for a score. Unfortunately, during this period of dominance the referee harshly sent-off one of our players when the opposition were doing most of the offending and we played for over 50 minutes with 14 men. A penalty on the half-time whistle put us 8-0 down at the break, when the game was transferred to an adjoining pitch due to an ambulance call-out for one of their players. We went further behind but despite our numerical disadvantage we stayed in the game and continued to have chances and came back with a penetly try and another from Oli Boyes. Unfortunately, we could make up the deficit and lost by 20-12. A video link for the game is attached.

https://www.dartfish.tv/Player?CR=p98155c77681m7857970&CL=1

This week we entertain Spartans, from the north of the county, kick off at 3.00. The Seconds are away to the same. Spartans have not been having a great season, but they lie two places below us in seventh place having won 6 of 18 compared to our 11 of 19. We lost up there before Christmas in one of our poorest displays of the season. The Seconds have not played them this season, as the first fixture was cancelled due to a clash with a Shield game against Barkers Butts

On Sunday, the U16, U14 and U13 are at home to Harbury and the U12 are at Old Laurentians

Jim Poynter has some water butts surplus to requirements. They hold about 45 gallons and are available for £10 each with the income going into pitch maintenance. Contact Jim if interested.

The remaining first team games are below. We still dont know the format of the Papa John community cups . ups

Mar 04 - Spartans H
Mar 11 - Old Coventrians H
Mar 18 - Berkswell & Balsall H
Mar 25 – Free week
Apr 01 - Community Cups to start
Apr 08 - Free week - Easter
Apr 15 - Community Cup
Apr 22 - Community Cup
Apr 29 - Community Cup
May 7 - Community Cup finals

A further reminder that the last VP lunch of the season will be on March 11 prior to the Old Coventrians game (12.30 for 1.00). If you would like to join us, please email jim.mills@leaas.couk to book your place. We look forward to seeing you there.

The fourth 200 Club draw will 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 plus others. If you want to get into the draw, please contact Kit Forrest before the lunch on 07748 658086 or kit.forrest1951@gmail.com

johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com