With the first team having the week off, attention was on the Seconds who played at Moorefileds on Saturday against old rivals Sutton Coldfield. Although we had to borrow a prop to allow competitive scrums, the team was otherwise a strong one and won by 43-12, with Brad James, Max David, Garrett Bell (2) Harry Griffin and Kofi Miller touching down and Josh Tockley converting 5 and scoring a penalty.

The Colts put in another strong performance on Sunday, defeating a combined Coventry Welsh and Pinley side and were required under the rules to declare at 50-0. Gary Harvey’s report of the game is below

In an exhilarating display of their rugby prowess, the Colts secured a commanding victory against a combined force of Pinley and Coventry Welsh. From the outset, Leamington asserted their dominance, orchestrating a relentless offensive that left their opponents struggling to find their footing. The match showcased the seamless coordination between the Colts' forward line and the rapid, incisive attacks launched by their back players. This strategic synergy propelled them to an early lead, and they maintained their momentum throughout the game. Noteworthy among the standout moments was Olly Spearman’s first try, a masterclass in precision as he navigated through a ten-yard stretch to secure Leamington's first try. Christian's contribution, on the other hand, was nothing short of extraordinary — a testament to his blistering pace as he covered an impressive 35 yards, leaving opposition players trailing in his wake. The Colts' performance not only secured a resounding victory but also treated spectators to a captivating exhibition of skill and teamwork. The anticipation now builds for their upcoming clash on Friday night against Barkers, promising another thrilling chapter in Leam Colts' pursuit of rugby excellence. Try scorers were Tom Van der Hoven (2), Olly Spearman, Christian W-S Archie Thompson, Alex Burbidge, Syd Harvey (2) and George Wilkinson
This week, the 1st team entertain Evesham to complete the first half of the league programme. Evesham had an outstanding season two years ago, leading to promotion along with Nuneaton Old Eds and they had two comfortable wins against us to help their progress. Both promoted sides found it tough at the next level and have come back down again. Evesham have stabilised their position and are currently in 3rd place with 7 wins and a draw, to our 6 wins. Although they are long-time opponents, they had been languishing tin the league below us until they were promoted in 2018 and since then we have won 4 games apiece with the most memorable one being in March 2020 when we hung on to a lead to win 17-14 in a game which turned out to be our last for more than a season as all game were then cancelled due to Covid

The Seconds are over Rugby way, playing Old Laurentians. The Colts are playing Barkers Butts away on Friday night. The U14s are at Stratford on Sunday, morning and the U15s are at Nuneaton. The mini age groups are playing Old Leamingtonians.

VP Lunch. The VP lunch is now getting close - 16 December. If you want to attend, please get in touch with Derren Nisbet as soon as possible - email Derren_Nisbet@Hotmail.com or on WhatsApp at 07717795969 (remember to state your name and number of guests on the message).

I mentioned last week that some people have told me they are not getting In-Touch. If you are one of them you will obviously not be able to read this but if you know of anyone so deprived, please advise them that messages might be going into their junk boxes which some members have told me is the case for them.

Give your presents to Santa - A message from Phil McGaffin
‘The festive season is upon us once more and whilst our attentions can be distracted by shopping for gifts, partying and visiting relations, there is a small matter of continuing to bring you exciting, quality rugby, all from a clubhouse that is the pride of Leamington and the envy of many others, near and far.

“Christmas is always a sad time for me. My father was sacked from his job as a highway maintenance operative on Christmas Eve, for stealing. I should have realised something was wrong when I went round to see him as all the signs were there! Ta-dah - now we are off!!

We are once again appealing to your kind hearted nature as, to keep the club moving forward, we have an ever-increasing list of things we need to purchase. Thanks to the efforts and achievements of many this year, the club is in a good position for the future but continued economic pressures require the 20cm waisted Treasurer to tighten his belt even further and prioritise spending on those items that are essential to maintaining the clubhouse and pitches. As such, the extra items that are needed ( I would say 'luxury' items but my definition of luxury is champagne and oysters not kettle bells and a watt bike!) for the continued development of the playing side, across all ages, costs, and these are the gaps we are trying to fill. If Christmas bonuses have landed early or you happen to have a few pounds under the mattress and you would like to make a donation/contribution, then please let either Gareth, Wiggy or myself know asap.

Richard (Wiggy) Watkins - richard.watkins3@ntlworld.com
Gareth Wilkinson - gareth@tagproperties.co.uk
Phil McGaffin - pgaff99@gmail.com

You can either make this kind offer on your own or join up with mates, family, work etc and make a combined offer. We will happily acknowledge those people who have offered to buy or contribute in this newsletter or if people want to stay below the radar, then just let us know. Let me take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Remember a medicine ball is not just for Christmas but for a lifetime of pain! Xmas 2023 – Gift List

1. New posts for the 1st XV pitch - £2,000
2. New Post pads – 2nd Team Pitch - £400
3. New Post pads – training pitch - £400
4. New Post pads – minis pitch - £400
5. Colts VEO Camera - £1,400 (for match broadcasting and player/coach analysis)
6. VEO Camera Subscription - £750 (for match broadcasting and player/coach analysis)
7. Colts Sub- Suits 6 no - £180
8. Bag of Match Balls - £600
9. Bag of Training Ball - £150
10. 1st XV changing room livery (project “Moorefields Fortress”) - £1,300
11. Gym Kettle Bell Set - £300
12. Gym Medicine Balls - £60
13. Gym Resistance Bands - £100
14. Gym Skipping Ropes - £100
15. Gym Theraband Roll - £100 (injury re-hab)
16. Gym wall mirrors (technique and form development) - £300
17. Gym Rubber flooring - £3,000
18. Gym Dumbbell set and rack - £1,000
19. Gym Jump Boxes - £500
20. Gym Olympic Bar - £130
21. Gym Olympic Discs - £500
22. Gym Wattbike - £2,500
23. Gym Sled - £300
24. Gym Hex Bar - £200
25. Gym BOSU (balance) Ball - £300
26. Gym Rowing machine - £1,000

johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com