To celebrate their 15th year and the opening of their season, the Royals are taking on a Leamington XV (or X111) at Moorfields tonight in a cross-code game. Half of the game will be played under Union rules and the other half under League Rules. Kick off is at 7.30

The third place “play-off” at Evesham did not go to plan and in the end we lost by one point. It was an open game throughout with both sides spurning chances before Evesham went ahead with a try just before half-time. Things got worse as loose defence let them in for three more tries after the break and with 20 minutes to go, we were 26-0 down and looked out of it. The side didn’t see it that way however, and we pulled back a try and then another one and suddenly we were back in the game and two more tries, one on the final whistle almost resulted in a winning come- back. Unfortunately, Evesham had reinforced had their lead with a penally kick and this was all that separated the teams. Congratulations to 17 year-old Joe Johnston who made his debut in the centre and had a good game, including 3conversions out of 3. See John Warner’s full report on the website.

The league position is now that Evesham are 4 points ahead of us and will finish third if they beat Old Coventrians, or gain 2 bonus points, in their final game. This assumes that Minor Park will lose to Luctonians (like everybody else). If Evesham don’t get two points or more then we can still overtake them with 5 points at home to Bromsgrove.

The Seconds did not have a game on Saturday, but the Colts played at home to Kenilworth and lost by 14-43. There are no games this Saturday, it being Easter and games resume the following week with the final round of the league programme. We then have the Papa John knock-out competition

Reminders

Geoff Paginton RIP – a reminder that Geoff’s funeral is tomorrow, Thursday 28 March at 10.00 at Oakley Woods and afterwards at the Rugby Club.

Two Castles Run - Lucy Ramsbottom is still looking for marshals for the two-castles run on Sunday 8th June. For each volunteer we provide, £50 is donated to the club – contact lucy@ramsbottom-events.co.uk

Bar Staff Vacancy - We are still looking for new members to join our bar team - speak with Jacky May (or email her on - Jaxk26@virginmedia.com) .

johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com