Saturday 11th December 2010Midlands 1 West

Old Laurentian RFC v Nuneaton Old Eds RFC

Programme£2

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Welcome to Fenley Field Welcome to friends old and new to Fenley Field for today’s game, which, if it

actually happens, will be the first for three weeks after the weather put paid to our last two. It’s difficult to remember when ice and snow last caused the postponement of games in November and early December but the silver lining is that, with no national cup competition at level 6, there are a number of vacant dates in our list from February through to April when the postponed games can be played. In fact, the Lichfield game is now definitely arranged for February 12th; and it

is likely that we will now visit Dudley Kingswinford on February 26th. We are delighted to welcome old rivals Nuneaton Old Edwardians here today. This is the first of our return fixtures this season and we will be all out to atone for the defeat we suffered on 11th September, this time, all being well, with a team much nearer to full strength than the one we fielded at Weddington Road. We are also pleased to welcome today’s match referee, Richard Downing, who is on an exchange visit from the Yorkshire Society. We hope he enjoys his day with us. It’s good to be able to report that Terry Wootton has been spotted around Fenley Field since his recent heart attack, apparently with his newly fitted pacemaker turned on in turbo mode! At the other end of the age scale we are delighted to pass on our congratulations to Paul Willis and Lianna on the recent birth of George William, not forgetting proud grandparents Alan and Sue Willis. Another one in the illustrious line of Willis number 4s in OL’s colours? Tomorrow sees the big event in the winter calendar for the Ladies Committee – their Christmas Fayre. Have a look at their feature inside the back cover of this programme and you will see that Leah Hope and her committee have put together a very attractive line up of stalls with a variety of merchandise on offer. Next up on the list is the Children’s Christmas Party, on Christmas Eve. Find out more from Lisa Longrigg or Tracey Wallis. Enjoy the game and your day with us.

Bill Bill Wallis Merry Christmas

As this is the last home game this year, may we wish a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all members, 

supporters, visitors and their families.  

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Today’s Visitors Nuneaton Old Edwardians RFC

Nuneaton Old Edwardians RFC was founded on the 18th February, 1910, initially to provide rugby football for the Old Boys of King Edward VI Grammar School. So they are now in their centenary year, which they have celebrated in some style, culminating in a centenary dinner at Twickenham earlier in the year.

Another event to mark their special year was a major refurbishment of the Weddington Road clubhouse, with the splendid outcome that we saw at first hand when we visited in September.

The club went 'open' in 1955 welcoming players from all backgrounds and walks of life. The Grammar School closed in 1974 and is now a sixth form college. Currently the club provides rugby football for three senior sides and an under 17 junior side.

Over the hundred years of the club's existence it has gained a reputation for friendliness off the field whilst retaining a healthy competitiveness on it.

Before this season, we last met in the league in season 2008/09, at the end of which Old Eds won promotion through the play off route. They had finished equal on points with Leamington, but the Spa men took the league title on points difference. In a close run season we finished two points behind the pair of them and had to wait another year before securing our own spot in Midlands One.

Nuneaton Old Eds enjoyed a mixed season last term, finishing third from bottom in Midlands One West but reaching the final of the Warwickshire Cup, which they lost to Sutton Coldfield. Along the way they had beaten OLs in the semi-final.

Their fortunes this time round reflect last season to some degree and we now sit above them in the league table. They met this year’s favourites for league honours, Dudley Kingswinford, in their last outing and suffered a crushing defeat – but they aren’t the only side to feel DK’s full power this season.

Matches between our clubs are always competitive affairs, more often than not the home side coming out on top. Having lost three of the last four encounters with them, is today the day when we can start to reverse that recent record?

Next 1st XV Matches

Saturday 18th December v Old Halesonians (away) League ko 2.15pm

Saturday 8th January v Whitchurch (away) League ko 2,15pm

Saturday 15th January v Worcester Wanderers (home) League ko 2.15pm

Who’s Who at OLs President Duncan Snook

Chairman Bill Wallis 01788 333043

Secretary Alan Willis 01788 813481

Treasurer Keith Baxter 01788 521950

Chairman, Playing Committee Colin Wiles 01788 811782

Fixture Secretary Mick Roberts 01788 574247

Commercial Manager Bill Wallis 01788 333043

House & Grounds and Gym Reiner Ferguson 01788 541295

Ladies Committee Chair Leah Hope 07810 341667

Membership Treasurer & 200 Club

James Melvin 07739 383225

Web Manager & Press Officer Ray Todd 01788 804220

Club Coaches Mark Palmer, Denzil Evans Chris Wade Neal Leeming Adam Mitchell

Griffin Club Pete Staines 01788 817401

Club Shop Leigh Fisher 01788 535472

Club Steward Chris Tew 07886 581613

Club Physio James Neal 07928 253414

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1st XV Match Report Midlands One West – Saturday 20th November Camp Hill 21 - Old Laurentians 3 OLs met a very useful Camp Hill team on November 20th and put up a strong performance before conceding victory to a side in prime form. Late withdrawals from the selected team, together with injury problems, meant that OLs had effectively run out of lock forwards, but the new and untried combination of Paul Amor and Steve Pike did a great job for their side in the engine room. Similar problems affect the back row, compounded by the enforced withdrawal of the experienced Dave Longrigg with a broken bone in his hand at half time. But a silver lining appeared in the fine performance of Dom Hammond, first on the flank, then at number 8 in place of Longrigg; and a highly promising second half debut by flanker Alex Smith. After a bright start by OLs, a slashing break by Danny Murch setting up a half chance for Simon Bayliss, strong pressure on the Camp Hill line forced a penalty which Denzil Evans duly converted for 3-0 lead after six minutes. Soon enjoying the lion’s share of possession and territory, Camp Hill cranked up the pressure on OLs, moving the ball through a pacey back line at every opportunity. Their efforts were rewarded after seventeen minutes when centre Ian Briggs kicked an equalising penalty. Fine defence by OLs kept their hosts at bay, lock for the day Steve Pike displaying his versatility in defence more than once. But the pressure told as injury time in the first half was reached and a strong drive by Camp Hill’s pack was finished by hooker Adam Willis, who touched down for the five points, Briggs adding the extras for a 10-3 lead at the break. After Pike had spent five minutes on the touchline having a cut patched up, the even lighter weight Andy Coleman moving up to the second row, Camp Hill’s Briggs added a further penalty to increase his side’s lead to 13-3. The home side’s pressure was being broken up increasingly by attacking forays from OLs but their lead was increased on sixty eight minutes when full back Simon Edwards crashed over for a try to lift the margin to 18-3. OLs ended the match on the offensive, opting to go for a try from several penalties that were well within Evans’ range. Iain Wallis took a quick throw in from Bayliss and with Coleman and Richard Parker up to carry the move on the final pass to the accelerating Bayliss was deliberately knocked on by a Camp Hill hand and a try scoring opportunity was lost. In the final minutes, Briggs slotted another penalty for the home side to complete a score line that OLs would probably have accepted if offered before the game. OLs depleted pack had fought superbly throughout to keep Camp Hill at bay for long periods, Hammond and Mark Todd seemingly involved in everything with Ollie Cowley never far behind. Camp Hill’s back line tested OL’s defensive skills to the full, only breaching the line once late on to score; and Danny Murch displayed once again how important he is to the side, both in defence and attack. Report by Bill Wallis

Calendar of Events, 2010/11

12th Dec. (Sun) Christmas Fayre – from 1.00pm

24th December Kids’ Christmas party

26th December Internal club game

1st January New Year’s Day Party (watch website for details)

22nd January VPs Away Day to Stratford

12th February Comedy Hypnotist Evening (USA Tour event)

19th February Captains Day

12th March Sponsors Day

9th April Ladies Day

May (date tbc) Club Dinner

OLRFC Jersey Sponsors, 2010/11

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RUGBY BYTES by Mike Lewis Thanks to the many contributions and suggestions to these Bytes. Please keep them coming.

TALL AS A WILLOW Congratulations to Paul Willis, aka Willow, and Lianna on the recent birth of George William Willis. There is already talk of a dynasty of second rows with George following in the footsteps of granddad Alan and father Paul. George weighed in at a healthy 8lb 1.5oz. It was rather unkind of one of our members on seeing George to remark that he was already taller than Macca Owen! APOLOGIES (NOT) TO PETE STAINES In the last programme I mentioned in passing the inability of Pete Staines to find Bourneville’s pitch until kick off. His passenger that day, Ray Roberts, was quick to accost me in the clubhouse to say that it was his fault that they went to the wrong ground. I pointed out to Ray that the truth will never get in the way of a good story, particularly when it comes to Mr Staines, judge and jury of many a rugby tour I’ve been on where I have been wrongly convicted. NEARLY DÉJÀ VU Due to time constraints and poor organisation (where is Joe Keenan when you need him) we left immediately after the Leicester v Australia game without imbibing. On our way back the older members on the coach decided that we should take a nostalgic trip to the Dog and Gun. It was one of the most popular pubs we stopped at on the way back from our frequent games in Leicester. It wasn’t the same – no snarling Alsatians and we weren’t thrown out. Was it a coincidence that Pete Jenkins and Ray Wise weren’t with us? Their idea of playing darts rarely involved the dart board. WHERE AM I? Next time you see Pete Jenkins wandering around lost just ask him if he knows where he’s going. All attendees at a recent OL Society Committee meeting received an email telling them the meeting was at the school. Where did PJ turn up – the clubhouse at Fenley Field! His excuse – at least the OLs have a bar. ABOUT FACE – LIBERAL DEMOCRAT OR WHAT! Signs have been put up in the dressing rooms informing players that, as a contribution to the high cost of medical tape and in an attempt to reduce indiscriminate usage, a charge of £1.00 per roll would be made. Iain Wallis commented that the old man (aka our esteemed chairman Bill), having got into office on the 'black tape ticket', was now acting just like a Liberal Democrat politician by doing a complete about face! What price family loyalty – ask the Mllibands. WHO’S STRETCHING THE TRUTH? Apparently Stu Birch confided after a recent guest appearance for the 2nd against Spartans that he hadn’t worn a “tight-fitting” shirt before. Could it be that Birchy is perhaps putting on weight or is it that without Wootty’s guidance the launderette has shrunk the jerseys. Perhaps Birchy’s memory isn’t what it was because I’m pretty certain that during the early days of his career he would have played for the 3rds when, more often than not, they turned out in their hated tight, nipple-scratching jerseys. Perhaps Birchy was thinner then and couldn’t quite fit the jersey MORE ABOUT NAMES …. In the North Riding, where much of the snow has fallen, the man in charge of gritting is a M. SKIDMORE, while one of the prison wardens interviewed recently was called NICK MOORE.

More Bytes NOT QUITE RUGBY Thought that a story from another sport might not go amiss. During the first test in Australia Nasser Hussain sat down on a chair, which was unfortunately on Lord Gower’s foot. Loud scream from Gower and everyone thought he’d been shot. Later, Gower said on air that he had a throbbing sensation – no answer was forthcoming from the rest of the commentary team. EXTRA BYTE (from Bill Wallis) Alan Willis cornered me the other day to tell me that he had heard from Mike Lewis that he had received an email, from someone (not named) at OLs, demanding that he apologise for the abusive and foul language he was directing at the referee during the recent Banbury game. Somewhat surprised (and, indeed, puzzled) I continued to quiz Mr Willis until he saw fit to point out, some five minutes into an increasingly strange conversation, that it wasn’t the Mike Lewis, but another of the same name who is a member at Banbury! Thanks, Alan! It seems that the Mike Lewis in question freely admitted to the behaviour he was accused of and was quite unrepentant!

Earlier Match Action Midlands 1 West - Saturday 13th November, 2010 Old Laurentians 22 – Banbury 19 With a performance that was workmanlike rather than inspired, Laurentians claimed the league points but failed to drive home their second half dominance and go on to claim a bonus point. Instead they allowed Banbury to score a second try shortly before the end, due reward for their perseverance but too late to influence the result. OLs started brightly with some sharp back play that stretched Banbury left and right before they conceded a penalty that Denzil Evans put over for a 3-0 lead after six minutes. This was cancelled out by an equalising penalty from Banbury’s scrum half and skipper Eddie Phillips just five minutes later. OLs registered their first try after Dave Longrigg picked up at the base of a scrum and combined well with Richard Parker to send Grant Inch away down the right. When he was held, the ball was swiftly recycled and moved left, where Danny Murch sent Troy Owen on his way to the line, the wing squeezing in at the corner to lift the score to 8-3 after sixteen minutes. But again Banbury fought back to level the score after good work at a scrum on OL’s 22 by number 8 Brand and scrum half Phillips created an opening for wing Miles Johnson which he took well with a try on the right, exposing slack blindside defence by OLs in the process. Then OLs restored their lead after twenty three minutes with a fine forward try after Paul Willis had won a lineout inside Banbury’s 22. OL’s pack mounted a superb, driving maul that rumbled all the way to the line for lock Dan Volkman to touch down for the five points, Evans adding the extras to lift the lead to 15-8. A great run by Murch led to another forward assault on the Banbury line which was just held. Then Simon Bayliss charged down a defensive kick and was quickest to the ball, but not before it had gone over the dead ball line. But Banbury refused to buckle and fought their way back into the game with two further penalties from Phillips, one after some unnecessary back chat gave away a further ten metres and brought the kick into range. Half time arrived with OLs holding a slender 15-14 advantage. Laurentians started the second half at pace with the intention of putting the game out of their opponents’ reach and spurning a series of kickable penalties to go for the try. Their tactics paid off after just six minutes when Banbury’s defence finally gave way under the pressure and Richard Parker went over to touch down, Evans’ conversion lifting the score to 22-14. At this point it looked as though OLs would stretch away for a comfortable win, needing just one more try for a bonus point. But despite an abundance of territory and possession they failed to penetrate a determined Banbury defence again. In an entertaining half, Banbury always looked dangerous on the counter, livewire scrum half Phillips and his back row posing a constant threat. The stalemate wasn’t broken until close to the final whistle when a Banbury attack on the left created half an opening for wing Carl Daniels who finished it well with a try in the corner. The conversion was missed but Banbury had secured a hard earned losing bonus point. OLs were in no mood to concede any more scores, content to play out the final five minutes and take the win points, although the failure to earn a try bonus means they slip to seventh in the league table. Report by Bill Wallis

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President Duncan Snook

Life Vice Presidents Grantley Jenkins, Pete Higgs, Mike Lewis, Geoff Morris, Mike Pawsey, Ray Roberts, Terry Wooton,

Vice Presidents Nigel Appleby Pat Dunn Dave Lennard Rob Smith Jason Barnett Dave Eales Jim Lewis Stuart Smith Simon Bayliss Tim Fawcett Richard Lightowler Vic Smith Jnr Keith Baxter Steve Faulkner Mike Linnell Vic Smith Snr Malcolm Blair Reiner Ferguson Kevin Mahon Pete Staines Dave Boe Mick Field Dom Marsella John Stimpson Antony Borton Keith Finch Dave Mcateer Phil Stimpson Arnie Bottomley Alan Foster Terry Merriman Bob Sunerton George Boulton Peter Fox Jim Middleton Geoff Thomas Simon Bracken Mark Gallagher Ian Myers David Thomson Matt Brinklow Lionel Gardner John Murphy Keith Tilley Anthony Burborough Stuart Gleghorn Graham New Ray Todd Adrian Canale-Parola David Hannah William Nolan Suzette Tonks Jerry Cahill Keith Harris Andre Nutter Peter Trewren Malcolm Cashmore Stuart Harris Wayne Oliver John Tull Dean Cobley Simon Heeley Ian Parker George Underwood Stuart Coburn David Hicks Clive Pawsey Martin Valentine Barry College Chris Hine Mark Pawsey Chris Wade Brian Cockerill Richard Hirons Phil Pawsey Mike Wade Roger Cole Richard Hughes Nick Phipps Mike Walker Kevin Cossar Peter Jenkins Darren Price Murray Walker Tom Costello Arwell Jones Spencer Pritchard Bill Wallis Jim Darcy Ash Jones Brian Rigg Geoffrey Walton Richard Curtiss Gareth Jones Mick Roberts Dave Watson Toby Davidson Jonathon Jones Bill Robinson Mick Warwick Paul Dempster Peter Jones Rod Ross Chris White Michael Denny Roy Jones Pat Scannell Scott Whyment Graham Devine Geoff Kendall Peter Shillingford Colin Wiles Adam Dougherty Sean Kerrigan Will Seager Alan Willis Andy Dougherty Dave Lane Graham Shorthose Mark Wilson Maurice Dougherty Simon Lawler Paul Simpson Stu Dowsett Simon Leech Dave Smith

Saturday 11th December, 2010

Old Laurentian RFCSponsored by Player Tr

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Nick Phipps 14 Simon Bayliss

Jim Darcy 13 Danny Murch

Simon Bracken 12 Iain Wallis

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Cottons Accountants 10 Denzil Evans (capt)

Roger Cole 9 Richard Parker

The Merchant’s Inn 1 Ollie Cowley

Martin Valentine 2 Mark Todd

Dave Eales 3 Chris Le Poidevin

Tom Costello 4 Paul Willis

Arwel Jones 5 Dan Volkman

Stuart Gleghorn 6 Steve Pike

Electrical Testers 7 Alex Smith

Ray Roberts 8 Dom Hammond

16 Wayne Oliver

17 Tom Gleghorn

18 Grant Inch

Midlands One West

Nuneaton Old Edwardians RFC

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Dane Calcunovic 15 Sven Brown 14 Ricky Hyslop 13 Jody Peacock 12 Carl Hutchings 11

Craig Quick 10

Ashley Kalnins 9 Dave McAdam 1 Tom Simpson 2 Adam Wilson 3 Craig Fielding 4 Sam Garnham 5 Phil Dickson 6 Stu Holes 7 Paul Rees 8 Rob Lapsley 16 Alex Cape 17 Matt Steele 18

In charge of today’s game is Richard Downing, of the Yorkshire Society.. We extend a warm welcome to him, along with our thanks for taking charge of the game.

As always we expect you to treat him, and his decisions, as you would expect to be treated yourself.

For OLs Physio: Suzanne Cox

Touch Judge: Gary Thompson

League Tables Midlands 1 West

Team P W D L PF PA PD BP Pts Dudley Kingswinford 11 11 0 0 455 115 340 7 51 Sutton Coldfield 11 10 0 1 368 184 184 8 48 Bournville 11 8 0 3 344 175 169 6 38 Old Halesonians 11 7 0 4 295 243 52 9 37 Camp Hill 11 7 0 4 281 212 69 6 34 Lichfield 11 7 0 4 307 298 9 5 33 Old Laurentians 11 6 0 5 247 231 16 4 28 Whitchurch 11 5 0 6 202 203 -1 4 24 Walsall 11 3 1 7 310 331 -21 8 22 Worcester Wanderers 11 4 0 7 211 244 -33 5 21 Stratford Upon Avon 11 3 1 7 248 299 -51 7 21 Nuneaton Old Eds 11 4 0 7 195 352 -157 4 20 Banbury 11 1 0 10 181 358 -177 4 8 Leamington 11 0 0 11 143 542 -399 1 1

Today’s League Fixtures

Bournville v Banbury

Old Laurentians v Nuneaton Old Eds

Stratford Upon Avon v Dudley Kingswinford

Sutton Coldfield v Lichfield

Walsall v Camp Hill

Whitchurch v Old Halesonians

Worcester Wanderers v Leamington

The Midlands One Scene Dudley Kingswinford appear to be unstoppable in this season’s campaign, following up their large win at Leamington with the league’s biggest win so far when overcoming Nuneaton Old Eds three weeks ago. We were scheduled to visit DK last weekend, but the weather intervened. Sutton Coldfield continue to hang on to DK’s coat tails, their only loss so far being inflicted by the league leaders back in September. But Walsall pushed them hard in their last outing, taking a losing bonus point. A gap is opening up below Sutton and eleven points separate them from Bournville and Old Halesonians, these old rivals being locked together on 37 points. Neither have been entirely convincing this term, Halesonians coming away pointless from Lichfield in their last game and losing at home to Camp Hill the week before. We visit Old Hales next week and will be seriously planning to do the double over them for the season. We put up a great fight before going down to Camp Hill on 20th November and the Shirley based club have been putting together a good string of results in recent weeks, together with Lichfield. Whitchurch were the latest to hammer another nail into Leamington’s coffin and in so doing narrowed the gap in the table between us and them. Worcester Wanderers are inching up the table, succumbing only narrowly to Bournville on November 13th and taking a losing bonus point; then claiming the win points at Banbury last time out.

League Results – 20th November Banbury 17 v 20 Worcester Wanderers

Bournville 31 v 11 Stratford Upon Avon

Camp Hill 21 v 3 Old Laurentians

Dudley Kingswinford 78 v 7 Nuneaton Old Edwardians

Lichfield 19 v 8 Old Halesonians

Walsall 21 v 25 Sutton Coldfield Whitchurch 61 v 12 Leamington

League results – 13th November Leamington 12 v 67 Dudley Kingswinford

Nuneaton Old Eds 12 v 27 Lichfield

Old Halesonians 17 v 24 Camp Hill

Old Laurentians 22 v 19 Banbury

Stratford Upon Avon 27 v 27 Walsall

Sutton Coldfield 31 v 10 Whitchurch

Worcester Wanderers 19 v 21 Bournville

Top.Points Scorers, Season 20010/11

All teams (11 pts and above)

Player Tries Convs Pens Drops Tot Pts Denzil Evans 0 21 19 1 102 Ben Roberts 8 13 8 0 90 Danny Orr 3 21 3 1 69 John Bean 4 6 7 1 56 Grant Inch 8 0 0 0 40 Jamie Brightwell 8 0 0 0 40 Gary Hammond 7 0 0 0 35 Paul Amor 7 0 0 0 35 Troy Owen 6 0 0 0 30 Howard Harris 5 0 0 0 25 Kev White 2 5 1 0 23 Alex Smith 4 0 0 0 20 Jeff Fowler 4 0 0 0 20 Steve Pike 1 7 0 0 19 Glenn Todd 3 0 0 0 15 Iain Wallis 3 0 0 0 15 Rich Foxon 3 0 0 0 15 Ben Shepherd 3 0 0 0 15 Marc Owen 3 0 0 0 15 Mike Prince 3 0 0 0 15 Barnaby Smith 3 0 0 0 15 Daz Price 0 6 1 0 15 Pete Coughlin 1 3 0 0 11

Recent Photo Action

Banbury 1sts and Nuneaton OE 3rds

Looks like we’re winning this ball

Wingers in unison

Rich Parker scores against Banbury

Help is at hand, Plummy

What’s the plan guys?

The Sprigg wants it!

Photos by Ray Todd You can see all of the OLs photos by visiting www.raytodd.jalbum.net

The Local Scene The changes rumoured to be happening at Rugby Lions have come about, with the appointment of former Coventry Director of Rugby, Ian Carvell, to the same position at Webb Ellis Road. Carvell has conceded that he has no money to spend and will have to raise it from local businesses if he is to fund the recruitment of new players. Meanwhile, their fortunes on the pitch continue as before. After losing their critical basement battle in National 2 North with Nuneaton by 15-20, they then went down by 3-64 at home to Hull. Nuneaton went on to pick up a losing bonus point when losing at Hull Ionians and have opened up a five point gap between themselves and Lions at the foot of the table, with Manchester bringing up the rear. At the most senior level, rugby in Warwickshire is in a state of decline. Nuneaton were relegated from League I last season, are clearly struggling to compete in National 2 and are at risk of a second consecutive fall, in company with Lions. Broadstreet were relegated from National 2 North last term but are holding their own in National 3 Midlands, currently six points off leaders Longton in fourth position. In the same division, Kenilworth have lifted themselves up to third bottom but suffered a crushing 55-5 defeat at South Leicester in their last match. However, Coventry are holding their own in National 1 and, although going down by 30-15 to high flying London Scottish last time they played, they are in 10th spot in a sixteen team league. Lower down the leagues, Newbold have already put themselves into contention for an immediate return to Midlands 2. After disposing of Kings Norton 19-3 in their last game, they sit comfortably in second spot in Midlands 3 West (South) and although they are six points behind unbeaten leaders Upton-on-Severn, they have an eight point lead over third placed Old Leamingtonians. It’s ironic – and disappointing for both – that Bold and Rugby St Andrews are operating at the same level but in different leagues, as Saints were positioned in Midlands East when they were promoted three years ago. So no local derby matches, which would have been very spicy! Both reached the last eight in the Midlands Senior Vase, Saints making the long journey to Upton on Severn to be beaten 33-12 in just about the only game played in the Midlands on 27th November. In the same competition, Long Buckby are drawn against Old Leamingtonians; and Newbold against Bedford Swifts, both ties being postponed on November 27th. Buckby retained their 100% record and league leadership when beating third placed Oadby Wyggestonians in Midlands 3 East (South) in their last outing, leading second placed Rugby St Andrews by four points. The latter had a comfortable win over Rushden & Higham the same weekend to maintain the pressure on the leaders.

Rugby Welsh enjoyed a change of fortunes in November, winning their first games this season. Those wins came against Stoke Old Boys and Trinity Guild, both of whom now trail Welsh at the bottom of the Midlands 4 West (South) table.

Referees’ Signals Explained – The Lineout    

Barging in lineout Leanimg on player in lineout                  

Pushing opponent in lineout Offside at lineout                                                    

Closing gaps in lineout Throw in at lineout not straight

To help you to understand the decisions made by referees we show a selection of the signals used by the official to illustrate those decisions. Space permitting, we will include a further selection in future programmes of the 46 different signals defined by the IRB – heaven knows how the refs remember them all!

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2nd XV Match Report Warwickshire League One Old Laurentian 2nds 39 – Spartans 2nds 10 The 2nd team put the disappointing result against Broadstreet behind them with a good win against a decent Spartans outfit. Despite an ordinary preparation, OLs started brightly and soon shot into a 20 – 0 lead, with tries from Gary Hammond and Luke Harris. Jon Bean converted both and added two penalties to put some daylight between the sides. Spartans only answer in the first half was a solitary penalty. Further first half scores came from the excellent Patel and Prince. Restored to his favoured position in the back row, Raj Patel put in a performance of pace and power, scoring from a classic line out move. Mike Prince, improving with every game, crashed over from 8 yards out, although was rather fortunate with the grounding. Bean added a further conversion to make the half-time score 32 – 3. With the game seemingly won, Laurentians started the second half much more slowly. Spartans started to feel their way into the fixture and justly scored a converted try from an inventive lofted cross-field kick. OL’s didn’t really react to this. Despite one crunching hit from Prince, all that they had to show for their second half efforts were a Bean try, converted by himself. Bean showed excellent footballing skills to dribble the ball over the line from 20 yards out before beating the defender to the loose ball. Spartans put in a spirited performance and will fancy their chances in the return fixture in February. Heart should be taken from the result, and at the halfway stage of the league the 2nds sit in second place, having lost just the once. However, if they are to bridge the gap with Broadstreet at the top, more ruthlessness will be required to pile on the points rather than dropping off the pace when the game has been won. The weather has meant that the 2nds missed attractive fixtures against Old Leamingtonians (Warwickshire Cup) and Newbold; and today (hopefully!) return to league action at Earlsdon. Report by James Melvin

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2nd & 3rd XV – Fixtures & Results

2nd XV + - 3rd XV + - Sept 4 F Wellesbourne A 35 10 TBA Sept 11 L Newbold II A 25 10 TBA Sept 18 L Earlsdon II H 47 17 TBA Sept 25 F Leicester Lions III H 37 15 TBA Oct 2 L Stratford II A 22 17 Shipston III H 15 20 Oct 9 Cov Welsh (Wks Cup) H 96 0 LeamingtonIII A 52 0 Oct 16 L Barkers Butts II H 42 0 Harbury II A 10 21 Oct 23 F Nuneaton Old Eds II A 44 8 Spartans III H 31 7 Oct 30 F Long Buckby H 24 25 Kenilworth III H 33 7 Nov 6 F St Andrews II A 16 7 Leicester Medics H 14 33 Nov 13 L Broadstreet III A 18 20 Nuneaton Old Eds III H 31 45 Nov 20 L Spartans II H 39 10 Sutton Coldfield III A 0 41 Nov 27 TBA St Andrews III A P P Dec 4 L Newbold II H P P Earlsdon III H P P Dec 11 L Earlsdon II A Nuneaton Old Eds III A Dec 18 F Keresley II H TBA Dec 26 INTER CLUB GAME Jan 8 L Stratford II H Kenilworth III A Jan 15 L Barkers Butts II A Spartans III A Jan 22 L Leamington II A Harbury II H Jan 29 F Keresley II A St Andrews III H Feb 5 L Broadstreet III H Shipston III A Feb 12 L Spartans II A Leamington III H Feb 19 F Nuneaton Old Eds II H Newbold III A Feb 26 F Rugby Welsh I H Southam III A Mar 5 TBA Dunlop II H Mar 12 TBA Earlsdon III A Mar 19 F Leicester Lions III A Sutton Coldfield III H Mar 26 F St Andrews II H TBA Apr 2 TBA Southam II H Apr 9 TBA Apr 16 TBA Apr 23 TBA

Key: League (Warwicks 1 or 3) = L; Friendly = F; Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup = W, Clonmell Cup = C

1st XV – Fixtures & Results Date Result

Month Day

Opponents

Venue

Type + -

September 4 Leamington H L 26 5 September 11 Nuneaton Old Eds A L 10 31 September 18 Old Halesonians H L 33 22 September 25 Whitchurch H L 6 8 October 2 Worcester Wanderers A L 41 13 October 9 Stratford H L 34 17 October 16 Sutton Coldfield A L 13 31 October 23 Walsall H L 44 19 October 30 Bournville A L 15 45 November 6 Southam (Warks Cup) A C 18 6 November 13 Banbury H L 22 19 November 20 Camp Hill A L 3 21 November 27 Lichfield H L P P December 4 Dudley Kingswinford A L P P December 11 Nuneaton Old Eds H L December 18 Old Halesonians A L December 26 INTER CLUB GAME January 2011 8 Whitchurch A L January 15 Worcester Wanderers H L January 22 Stratford A L January 29 Sutton Coldfield H L February 5 Walsall A L February 12 Lichfield * H L February 19 Bournville H L February 26 Dudley Kingswinford * A L March 5 Banbury A L March 12 Camp Hill H L March 19 TBA March 26 Lichfield A L April 02 TBA April 9 Dudley Kingswinford H L April 16 Leamington A L April 23 League Play-offs L April 30 League Play-offs L May 7 League Play-offs L