A disappointing weekend, with the Colts match cancelled on Friday night due to frost and the Seconds, on Saturday, cancelled due to lack of numbers. The First XV played their final fixture of the first half of the league programme when they took on Evesham. Our old Worcestershire rivals were on a winning run and it was a fast and open game with Leamington twice going ahead in the first half before a dodgy ten-minute spell just before the break left us trailing and whilst we got another try just after half-time to get within a score, a succession of penalties restored Eveshams’ lead and they got a fourth try on the final whistle, to win 33-17. Read John Warner’s report on the web site

The league positions for the first half of the season are that Luctonians lead with a perfect record from Ledbury, Evesham and Manor Park with us in 5th place just ahead of Old Leamingtonians, who we play in two weeks’ time

This week the First team play the return fixture with Broadstreet 2nd. Like their first team, who are bottom of Regional 1 Midlands (with 0 wins out of 11), they had a poor opening half to the season and are in the relegation places, along with Earlsdon. The second team are also playing away at Broadstreet against their 3rd team. The Colts are now playing away at Towcestrians on Saturday. The Under 14 are away at Stratford on Sunday

VP Lunch. The VP lunch is fully booked - 16 December. If you want to check attendance, please get in touch with Derren - email Derren_Nisbet@Hotmail.com or on WhatsApp at 07717795969. The second 200 Club draw of the season will be made after the VP lunch and it being Xmas there is the extra prize of £500 in addition to the usual prizes of £300, £200, £100 and £50. The 200 club is a great earner and you have the chance of getting your money back as a prize. If you want to get into the Xmas draw please contact Kit Forrest on 07748 658086 or kit.forrest1951@gmail.com

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