Saturday 15th January 2011Midlands 1 West

Old Laurentian RFC v Worcester Wanderers RFC

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Welcome to Fenley Field Welcome to friends old and new to Fenley Field for our first home game in the league for over a month, and we are delighted to welcome Worcester Wanderers here today. Since we first met Wanderers last season we have greatly enjoyed our tussles with them and feel that we have developed a real affinity with the club. We are also pleased to welcome today’s match referee, Robin Oliver of the Warwickshire Society. The ice age conditions experienced through November

and December brought three match postponements, the home game against Lichfield and the away trips to Dudley Kingswinford and Old Halesonians. All three games have been re-arranged for dates in February and March – check the fixture listing at the end of this programme for the details. It’s an ill wind that blows no good and one of the beneficial side effects of the weather induced postponements is that players missing through injury are becoming available again. Carl Adams made a welcome return to the side in last week’s encounter with Whitchurch and is expected to appear again today; and Ben O’Riordan came off the bench for a run out with the 2nds last Saturday. With Dan Volkman not available today, we give a 1st team debut in the second row to our American import, Mike Prince. A former offensive tackle with the University of Missouri, Mike has been over here this season to develop his rugby skills. After a series of games in the 3rds, then the 2nds, Mike has earned his chance and will certainly add muscle and mobility to our effort today It is great to see that Simon Bayliss is obviously returning to full match fitness, recording an impressive hat trick of tries against Whitchurch. We returned pointless from the long trip to Shropshire, a disappointing outcome. Our form away from home continues to be a weakness, our only win on the road coming in our earlier encounter with today’s opponents in early October. One of the most impressive aspects of our season so far has been the form of the 2nd XV. Most of the team that notched up a formidable 71 point haul against Stratford last Saturday could step up to first team duty with no difficulty, a good position to be in. There is an excellent chance to see them in action when they take on Old Leamingtonians in the Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup next Wednesday, 19th January, under the Fenley Field floodlights, kick off 7.30pm. Warwickshire RFU have sanctioned the use of our lights for games under their jurisdiction, so we will also be using them for our 1st XV County Cup game against Stratford on Wednesday 2nd February, again kicking off at 7.30pm. Enjoy the game and your day with us.

Bill Bill Wallis

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Worcester Wanderers RFC

Worcester RFC was founded in 1871 and, apart from a twelve year period at the turn of the 20th century has been active continuously since, war years apart. Wanderers are the amateur part, and an integral element of, Worcester Rugby, whose professional team, Warriors, were, until relegation last season, an established premiership side. But they are firm favourites to win the Championship this season and bounce straight back up.

The rise of Wanderers through the regional league structure reflects the success of the club as a whole. Since they established themselves at their Sixways ground in 1975, the club has been on a continuous upward gradient, from local amateur club to major professional side. This rise owes much to the largesse of their principal benefactor, Cecil Duckworth, who arrived on the scene in the early nineties when the club started an unparalleled run of success, leading to promotion to the Premiership, after several near misses, in 2004. The senior club (Warriors) had turned professional along the way and Wanderers continue their long tradition of amateur rugby. The facilities enjoyed by the whole club at Sixways and Weston Fields are superb, from the main 12,000 seat stadium to nineteen other senior and mini pitches – all situated in a highly accessible location just a couple of minutes from junction 6 of the M5. As well as senior men’s rugby, Wanderers have a large mini and junior section and a ladies section. We first met Wanderers last season, in Midlands 2 after their promotion to that league, having finished as champions of Midlands 3 West (South) in 2008/09. They carried on where they had left off the previous season to lead the league table throughout and clinch a second successive promotion. We had two mighty tussles with them, losing narrowly by 9-11 at Weston Fields then turning the tables with a 17-10 win in a compelling game at home on 30th January. Accompanying Wanderers into Midlands One we renewed our rivalry in October 2010, recording a comprehensive win at Weston Fields in which the referee played a major part!

Next 1st XV Matches

Saturday 22nd January v Stratford (away) League ko 2.15pm

Saturday 29th January v Sutton Coldfield (home) League ko 2.15pm

Wednesday 2nd February v Stratford (home) Warwickshire Cup ko 7.30pm

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 8th January Whitchurch 27 - Old Laurentians 17 An inauspicious start to the New Year by OLs saw Whitchurch claim the double and move to within one place of the Rugby side. With few exceptions most players on both sides looked rusty with little between the sides. No more than a score separated the teams for most of the game, which turned in Whitchurch’s favour mid-way through the second half when they scored two tries in three minutes. The home side had the better of the opening quarter and soon had six points on the board courtesy of two penalties from fly half Nicholas. The visitors were fortunate that these were the only scores they conceded as Whitchurch failed to convert a three to one overlap and then they dropped the ball in the act of scoring. Poor kicking by the visitors helped the home side but gradually OLs eased their way back into the game before taking the lead with an outstanding try. From a scrum 60 metres out half backs Denzil Evans and Richard Parker combined to put Simon Bayliss into space. No-one laid a hand on him as he beat three defenders to touch down wide out. Evans’s splendid kick from near touch gave OLs the lead. With their line-out working well OLs dominated for a spell and they should have scored a second try but with winger Troy Owen free the pass was not given and the chance was lost. However the next try was soon forthcoming. Bayliss once again found himself in space and once again he scored. With half time looming OLs seemed in command but a yellow card for Adams, which puzzled not only his team but all the home supporters, was followed by a Whitchurch try as their pack drove hooker Giddings over the line to leave his side only a point behind. OLs lost centre Iain Wallis early in the second half and they missed the chance to regain the lead when Evans missed a penalty. They were punished soon after when Nicholas kicked his third penalty. They game went away from the OLs in the next few minutes with two tries for Whitchurch. The first was unfortunate as Owen was just about to catch a fine attacking kick with a clear run to the line only for Whitchurch’s full back Hockenhull to snatch it out of his hands and run 50 metres in the opposite direction to score. Minutes later OLs attacked from a scrum but winger Oakden intercepted and ran 70 metres to score and the gap between the sides had suddenly jumped from 2 to 12 points. Once again OLs fought back and a number of forward drives and a long pass found Bayliss with the ball in space. He had more work to do this time but a clever change of pace left the opposition winger clutching air as he raced away for his hat trick. For the next ten minutes OLs pressed with Mark Todd and Chris Le Poidevin making ground. Kicks at goal were turned down as OLs went for their fourth try. Whitchurch’s flanker was yellow carded but all of OLs pressure came to nothing as the home sides outstanding No 8 Lloyd led the break out from defence. Whitchurch ended the game on OL’s line. They extended their lead, and denied OLs a losing bonus point, with Nicholas’ fourth penalty. An excellent tackle by Le Poidevin saved a try and Whitchurch once again knocked on with the line at their mercy. However they had done enough to secure the double over the OLs. While OLs had the chances to win the game, Whitchurch also had a number of their own. The home side deservedly edged the game if only for the outstanding play of their No 8 who seemed to make acres of ground each time he carried the ball. Bayliss showed that he is back to his best and that given half a chance he is likely to score. Report by Mike Lewis

Calendar of Events, 2011

22nd January VPs Away Day to Stratford

12th February Comedy Hypnotist Evening (USA Tour event)

19th February Captains Day

5th March (TBC) Quiz Night

12th March Sponsors Day

9th April Ladies Day

May (date tbc) Club Dinner

OLRFC Jersey Sponsors, 2010/11

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New Year’s Day Party

A trio of Willises dream of a dynasty

An appreciative audience for Dukes Jetty

Dukes Jetty had the joint rocking

More New Year revellers

Bernie and Jenny take over from the band

Our much appreciated bar team

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

Festive Celebrations The high spot of the Old Laurentian festive celebrations was the New Year’s Day party, pictured opposite. Local band Dukes Jetty got the joint rocking with a great selection of 60s and 70s favourites that struck a chord with their audience, of all age groups! Thanks to Grant Inch and Ricky Reed who shrewdly secured their services. Mr and Mrs Bernai felt it incumbent on them to keep the party going after the band had finished with their take on the recent Matt Cardle number one hit (pictured)! Thanks are due to Ray Todd, for both the great pictures (see the full selection on the website) and for organising, cooking and serving the food; to Garrie Reeve for organising the champagne and dispensing it as well as manning the door; and last, but by no means least, to our ever cheerful and efficient bar team, led by Chris Tew. There was a great turnout for the children’s Christmas Party on Christmas Eve, when Dean Cobley once again filled (comfortably!) the role of Santa Claus. Grateful thanks are due to Lisa Longrigg and Tracey Wallis for a lot of hard work in organising the affair and preparing all the food. The weather caused the cancellation of the normal Boxing Day game – Colin Wiles had devised an ever more complicated team selection process for it – but a healthy gathering turned up to prolong their hangovers!

Earlier Match Action Midlands 1 West – Saturday 11th December Old Laurentians 34 – Nuneaton Old Edwardians 0 After overcoming some gritty resistance from Nuneaton Old Edwardians in an undistinguished first half, OLs upped the pace in the second period to run out convincing winners with a powerful performance that swept their visitors away. Old Eds started brightly, flanker Stu Holes impressing with some sharp breaks from set pieces. But it was twenty five minutes in before the deadlock was broken after Richard Parker broke from deep defence and took off on a fifty metre run that was held near Eds 22. After the maul that followed, Eds fly half Craig Quick was yellow carded and Denzil Evans opened OL’s account with a penalty goal. OLs failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage over the next ten minutes, Eds pack proving particularly strong in the set scrums and giving their hosts some problems in this department. Although the visitors were winning the greater share of possession during this period, OL’s defence was rock solid. Centres Danny Murch and Iain Wallis were totally in charge in midfield, one superbly timed tackle from Wallis sending his opposite number back into the middle of last week. OLs had taken to the field with a new and untried back row combination. Dom Hammond was starting a game for just the second time at number 8; and for Alex Smith it was his first start at open side. Both had outstanding games, Smith capping his with a try. Hammond had a major hand in OL’s first try shortly before half time when he took a quick penalty inside OL’s half and combined well with Smith to make deep inroads into Ed’s defence. When the attack was held the ball was twice recycled smartly and Steve Pike, the third member of the back row trio, went over by the posts with the visitors’ defence splintered. Evans converted to give OLs a 10-3 lead at half time. OLs had begun to gain the upper hand in an attritional contest as the second quarter unfolded and after the break they dominated proceedings to stretch away to the win. Denzil Evans dropped a goal after seven minutes of the half, having started the movement that led to it by counter attacking from deep and sending Parker on a long run into Ed’s 22. Minutes later, OLs won a scrum on their own 22, Parker put Bayliss away and the wing linked inside with Wallis who sent Smith in for his debut try, converted by Evans to lift the score to 20-0. The movement covered 80 metres with just three passes for a fine try that left the defence spread-eagled. After what was an increasingly rare foray into home territory by Eds had been repelled, Scott Wiles led the counter and when Eds won the ball, possession was turned over and the ball reached Murch. The centre chipped ahead and fielded his kick under strong pressure to go over near the posts for a fine individual try. Evans added the extras for a 27-0 lead after 20 minutes. OL’s pack, having weathered the early pressure from the visitors’ eight, were now comfortable on their own ball and increasingly spoiling Eds possession in the tight, scrum half Parker harassing his opposite number constantly. The fourth and bonus point try came after the pack turned over Eds’ ball, Bayliss lobbed a fine pass to Evans and the fly half sliced through a retreating defence before quick hands through the centre sent Grant Inch in for the touchdown on the left. Evans topped a fine personal performance with his fourth conversion and OLs finished very much on top to take five points from the game. The win takes them back up to sixth spot in the league, now thirteen points ahead of their visitors who remain rooted in the bottom three after this result. 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 15th January, 2011

Old Laurentian RFCSponsored by Player Tr

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Nick Phipps 14 Simon Bayliss

Jim Darcy 13 Iain Wallis

Simon Bracken 12 Ben Shepherd

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Cottons Accountants 10 Danny Orr

Roger Cole 9 Richard Parker

The Merchant’s Inn 1 Ollie Cowley

Martin Valentine 2 Mark Todd

Dave Eales 3 Garrie Reeve

Tom Costello 4 Paul Willis

Arwel Jones 5 Mike Prince

Stuart Gleghorn 6 Dom Hammond

Electrical Testers 7 Alex Smith

Ray Roberts 8 Carl Adams (capt)

16 Wayne Oliver

17 Andy Coleman

18 Ben Roberts

Midlands One West

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Sam Carter 15 Tom Mitchell 14 Greg Fincher 13 Ally McLaughlin (Capt) 12 Chris Jenkinson 11

Ross Coombes 10

Lee Watson 9 Richard Ralph 1 Simon James 2 Gareth Owens 3 Tim Ohlson 4 Luke Weaver 5 Richard Hobbs 6 Mike James 7 Chris Griffiths 8 Jamie Bates 16 Russ Marsland 17 Paul Burton 18

In charge of today’s game is Robin Oliver of the Warwickshire 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: Suzi Cox

Touch Judge: Gary Thompson

League Tables Midlands 1 West

Team P W D L PF PA PD BP Pts Dudley Kingswinford 13 13 0 0 531 135 396 9 61 Sutton Coldfield 13 12 0 1 511 216 295 10 58 Bournville 13 10 0 3 411 207 204 7 47 Old Halesonians 13 8 0 5 332 275 57 10 42 Camp Hill 12 8 0 4 314 221 93 7 33 Lichfield 13 7 0 6 355 393 -38 6 34 Old Laurentians 13 7 0 6 298 258 40 5 33 Whitchurch 13 7 0 5 250 235 15 4 32 Stratford Upon Avon 13 4 1 8 294 359 -65 8 26 Worcester Wanderers 13 5 0 8 240 272 -32 5 25 Walsall 12 3 1 8 318 364 -46 8 22 Nuneaton Old Eds 13 4 0 9 212 420 -208 4 20 Banbury 13 1 0 12 198 430 -232 4 8 Leamington 13 0 0 13 157 636 -479 1 1

Today’s League Fixtures

Camp Hill v Whitchurch

Dudley Kingswinford v Bournville

Leamington v Walsall

Lichfield v Banbury

Nuneaton Old Eds v Sutton Coldfield

Old Halesonians v Stratford Upon Avon

Old Laurentians v Worcester Wanderers

The Midlands One Scene The top two continue their winning ways with Sutton Coldfield piling on the points in recent games. Their second meeting with Dudley K doesn’t happen until mid-March in a game that will probably decide the destiny of the league championship. As well as a three point lead, DK have a massively superior points difference, thanks to a parsimonious defence that has only conceded 135 points in 13 games, so the clever money is on them. Bournville have now won five on the trot and have opened up a five point gap over the inconsistent Old Halesonians side who, like OLs, lost at Whitchurch in their previous match but did pick up a losing bonus point. Camp Hill are now pushing Halesonians hard, climbing to fifth position on a five game winning streak and with a game in hand over their rivals. Lichfield picked up a useful bonus point in a narrow defeat at Bournville last Saturday which allowed them to leapfrog OLs into sixth position; but in their previous game they had shipped a surprising 67 points at Sutton. Also steadily climbing up through the bottom half of the table are Stratford, who comfortably disposed of Nuneaton Old Eds last Saturday, the latter now firmly stuck in the bottom three and facing Sutton Coldfield today! There is no hope left for Leamington this season, half their games played, only one point to their name and conceding an average of almost 50 points per game. Banbury also look doomed and need a dramatic change of fortune to save them from the drop.

League Results – 8th January Banbury 9 v 33 Camp Hill

Bournville 28 v 24 Lichfield

Stratford upon Avon 34 v 17 Nuneaton Old Edwardians

Sutton Coldfield 76 v 8 Leamington

Walsall 8 v 33 Dudley Kingswinford

Whitchurch 27 v 17 Old Laurentians Worcester Wanderers 11 v 22 Old Halesonians

League results – 11th December Bournville 39 v 8 Banbury

Old Laurentians 34 v 0 Nuneaton Old Eds

Stratford upon Avon 12 v 43 Dudley Kingswinford

Sutton Coldfield 67 v 24 Lichfield

Whitchurch 21 v 15 Old Halesonians

Worcester Wanderers 18 v 6 Leamington

Walsall P v P Camp Hill

Top.Points Scorers, Season 20010/11

All teams (15 pts and above)

Player Tries Convs Pens Drops Tot Pts Ben Roberts 13 21 8 0 131 Denzil Evans 0 26 20 2 118 Danny Orr 3 23 4 1 76 John Bean 4 6 7 1 56 Grant Inch 9 0 0 0 45 Gary Hammond 9 0 0 0 45 Jamie Brightwell 8 0 0 0 40 Kev White 3 8 3 0 40 Paul Amor 7 0 0 0 35 Troy Owen 6 0 0 0 30 Alex Smith 5 0 0 0 25 Howard Harris 5 0 0 0 25 Steve Pike 2 7 0 0 24 Simon Bayliss 4 0 0 0 20 Jeff Fowler 4 0 0 0 20 Glenn Todd 3 0 0 0 15 Iain Wallis 3 0 0 0 15 Danny Murch 3 0 0 0 15 Rich Foxon 3 0 0 0 15 Ben Shepherd 3 0 0 0 15 Ricky Reed 3 0 0 0 15 Luke Harris 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

1sts v Nuneaton Old Eds 2nds v Stratford

Mark Todd feeding Willow

Danny Murch sends Jabba on his way

Iain Wallis gets his man

Eddie Edwards goes over

One of Ben Roberts 4 tries against Stratford

Ben Shepherd breaks through

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

The Local Scene Rugby Lions duly completed a double over hapless Manchester for their second seasonal win, a result which does little for their perilous league position in National 2 North, one place above last Saturday’s opponents. In their previous outing, in December, they had travelled to high flying Fylde and came away on the wrong end of a 76-8 score line. Consistently getting good reviews, and a constant presence in their side, is former OL’s colt, prop forward Ben Nuttall. Nuneaton seemed to have turned a corner, pulling off a shock result last week when beating Luctonians for their fourth win of the season and hauling themselves up another place in the National 2 North league table. After a good start to their season in National 3 Midlands, Broadstreet are slipping down the table, the latest reverse coming at home against Bromsgrove to the tune of 20-49. Their conquerors are now in second place, just two points behind leaders South Leicester. In the same league Kenilworth’s fortunes don’t improve, with just three wins from 13 leaving them third bottom, a point ahead of newly promoted Burton with Hereford bringing up the rear. We could well be meeting Kenilworth next season, along with old adversaries Hereford. Our thirds served notice of what to expect from OLs when they overcame their Kenilworth counterparts with a resounding 32-15 win at Glasshouse Lane last Saturday! In Midlands 2 West (S), Dunlop continued on their untroubled way, making it 10 wins from 10 when disposing of Earlsdon by 43-3 last week, the latter remaining rooted at the bottom of the league. Second placed Barkers Butts were surprisingly beaten at home by Bedworth and lost ground on the leaders. Droitwich continue to struggle, just 2 wins from 10 leaving them stuck in the basement at third bottom, with a gap opening up above them. In Midlands 3 West (S), Newbold (on Avon) went down to just their second defeat of the season when losing 17-20 to Shipston on Stour. They remain in second spot, but now nine points adrift of unbeaten leaders Upton on Severn with Shipston rising to third. So the rivers still dominate in this league! In the parallel league in Midlands East, Rugby St Andrews suffered a surprising home defeat against lowly Daventry, losing out by 15-29 and relinquishing second place in doing so. Long Buckby continued their remarkable turnaround from last season’s travails, maintaining their 100% record and league leadership when disposing of Northampton Mens Own. They now sit comfortably at the top with an eight point lead over Oadby Wyggestonians. Rugby Welsh went down at home in a heavy defeat to Ledbury in Midlands 4 West (S). But fortunately for them there are two other clubs in greater trouble below them in the table, in the shape of Stoke Old Boys and Trinity Guild, the latter’s woes increased by a five point deduction. Those OLs with happy memories of plundering large numbers of points in games against Edwardians will be interested to note that they sit proudly on top of this league with a 100% record after nine games.

Rugby Bytes by Mike Lewis WHAT’S THE BERNAI DONE NOW? The Bernai, better known as Bernie, has been on the rampage again. He had a problem over the Christmas period. He fell and hurt himself badly enough to need an ambulance to take him to hospital. The doctors were concerned that Bernie had concussion as his eyes were crossed. He assured them that this was not unusual! When asked by friends if he was drunk at the time Bernie indignantly answered ‘No, as I can remember leaving the pub!!’ However he was unable to say who picked him up and put him in the ambulance. Fortunately the Bernai has made a full recovery, but will anyone notice? GENEROUS TO A FAULT Most of us who have played rugby for any length of time will know someone who is, or was, incapable of passing the ball near the line. However, not many of us know anyone as generous as John ‘Badger’ Brimley who, last Saturday, passed the ball to Leigh Fisher after he had crossed the try line! Fortunately Leigh took the pass and touched down! From now on make sure you’re close to Badger when he has the ball near the try line. HO! HO! HO! At this week’s committee meeting the events over the festive season were being discussed and one present asked who had done duty as Santa Claus at the children’s Christmas Party – answer ‘Deano’. At which point Alan Willis offered the information that, some years back, he had taken on the role. There was, momentarily, an incredulous silence as the meeting absorbed this information until someone ventured to say ‘…but I thought you had to be sort of ….friendly…and jolly… to be Father Christmas!’ PLACE YOUR BETS At some point over the Christmas holiday (my informant is somewhat hazy on the exact time!) and after a good few beers had been taken, Neal Leeming and Tom Costello got into a lively discussion about the upcoming Rugby World Cup. One of them strongly supported England to win, the other was backing New Zealand; and so lively did the debate become that £20.00 bets were struck. Standing close by, and observing all of this, was Hon Treasurer Keith Baxter, who volunteered to hold the stake money. Keith is now the guardian of £40.00 and cannot remember with any certainty who bet on which country. But my bet is that, come 23 October 2011, neither will remember that they even struck the wager so there could be a healthy beer kitty that day!

Dates for your Diary There are two Warwickshire Cup games coming up shortly, both scheduled for midweek evening kick offs under the floodlights of the 3rd pitch at Fenley Field, 7.30pm in each case.

Warwickshire 2nd Team Cup v Old Leamingtonians – Weds. 19th January

Warwickshire Cup v Stratford Upon Avon – Weds. 2nd February

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2nd XV Match Report Warwickshire League 1 – Saturday 8th January Old Laurentian 2nds 71 - Stratford 2nds 5 After an extended Christmas break, it was a relief to finally play some rugby again. Some rustiness was to have been expected, but at times Laurentians served up some fluid play. OL's had managed to hold on for a narrow victory in the reverse fixture at Pearcecroft, but a much depleted Stratford side arrived at Fenley Field and struggled against a very strong Laurentians 2nd team, eventually going down by 11 tries to one. Ben Roberts scored 4 tries to move back to the top of the club try-scoring charts and converted 8 penalties for a personal haul of 36 points. His pace and lines of running caused Stratford problems all afternoon and, if he continues such prolific scoring, he will surely be pushing for a place in the first team squad. Andy Coleman's pace around the park and effectiveness on the floor provided plenty of ball for the pacey backs to attack and set up Ricky Reed for a try straight from the training paddock. For the last 10 minutes of the first half, OL's seemed to lose their structure, particularly in defence. Stratford seized on this to exert some pressure of their own, twice causing the home side to scramble to clear their lines. A delicate kick was well chased and the away side were able to touch down for a deserved try. At the time, OL's looked a little shaky, but this proved to be the only points that Stratford scored. The veteran members of the side got in on the point scoring, with John Edwards popping up on the wing to finish a well worked move and Gary Hammond scoring 2 tries, the second featuring an outrageous dummy 5 metres from the line. The other veteran member of the side, Ben Shepherd ran powerfully and direct all day. From one of these runs, he offloaded well to put in Luke Harris, who put in a good all round display, with a dive over for 5 points. The depth in the squad was shown with the feature of the fifth different fly-half this season, with the return of a familiar face. John Lee was vocal and organised and got a deserved try for his efforts. The final try came from Ben Wiles, who put in an assured performance at full-back, looking safe under the high ball and dangerous in attack. Ben O'Riordan made a welcome return from injury and will be looking to impress in the next few weeks to win his first team jersey back. The next week sees a busy 8 days for the 2nds, as visits in the League to Barkers Butts and Leamington book-end a re-arranged Warwickshire Cup match under floodlights at home on Wednesday 19th January against Old Leamingtonians. Tries: Ben Roberts (4), Gary Hammond (2), Eddie Edwards, Ricky Reed, Ben Wiles, John Lee, Luke Harris. Conversions: Ben Roberts (8)

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 W Coventry Welsh H 96 0 Leamington III 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 43 Nov 20 L Spartans II H 39 10 Sutton Coldfield III A 0 41 Dec 4 L Newbold II H P P Earlsdon III H P P Dec 11 L Earlsdon II A 22 24 Nuneaton Old Eds III A 7 71 Dec 18 F Keresley II H P P Newbold III H P P Dec 26 INTER CLUB GAME Jan 8 L Stratford II H 71 5 Kenilworth III A 32 15 Jan 15 L Barkers Butts II A Spartans III A Jan 19 C Old Leamingtonians H 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 L Newbold II H Newbold III H Mar 5 TBA Earlsdon III 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 A Cup 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 34 0 December 18 Old Halesonians A L P P December 26 INTER CLUB GAME January 2011 8 Whitchurch A L 17 27 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 Old Halesonians A L 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

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