OLs Captains Day

Saturday 19th February 2011Midlands 1 West

Old Laurentian RFC v Bournville RFC

Programme£2

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Welcome to Fenley Field Welcome to friends old and new to Fenley Field for today’s Midlands One (West) game, and we are delighted to welcome Bournville RFC here today. We are also pleased to welcome today’s match referee, Marcus Greenway of the Warwickshire Society. Today’s match is sponsored by Hydrex and we are pleased to be able to welcome John Tull, Rob Smith and a number of their colleagues and guests to today’s game. The support that the club has received from Hydrex over

recent seasons has been substantial and we are very grateful to them for this. Today is also Captains Day when it is our pleasure to welcome former captains from all teams, a number of whom are still active in the club. Mike Lewis is expecting a good turnout and our thanks go to him for organising it. The 1st and 2nd XVs have both reached the semi-final stage in their respective Warwickshire Cups, At time of writing we know that the confirmed semi-finalists in the senior Cup, as well as ourselves, are Sutton Coldfield and Nuneaton Old Edwardians, plus the winners of the outstanding Spartans v Shipston on Stour quarter-final. So we await the draw, that’s due to be made early next week, with interest. The 2nds have a big match tomorrow, Sunday 20th, when they meet Broadstreet 2nds here at Fenley Field in the semi-final of the Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup. Kick off will be at 2.15pm and your support will be warmly welcomed. Our 2nds are a class side who are playing some great rugby and are well worth turning out to see and they face a tough assignment tomorrow. Next Sunday, 27th February, there will be a memorial drink to remember that great OL’s stalwart Kevin Jones, who passed away so suddenly and tragically just a year ago. KJ’s many friends are invited to come along to the club from 1.00pm onwards. The Kevin Jones Memorial Fund is still open and Spike Pawsey or Reiner Ferguson would be delighted to receive your donations. They are suggesting either a quarterly standing order for £5.00 or an annual cash payment of £20.00 and either of them can give you full details on how to donate. The plan is to keep the fund active and use it to offer financial support to young players who would like to travel on our regular tours to Minneapolis. KJ was an inveterate tourist and very well known to our friends in the US and this will help the club to maintain the strong links that have been built over the years. He would most certainly have approved of this objective!

Bill Bill Wallis

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Today’s Visitors

Bournville RFC Bournville RFC was established over 100 years ago and celebrated its centenary in 2009.

The original Bournville RFC sides consisted entirely of Cadbury employees and the company would traditionally award caps to players. Gradually through the years other players from outside the Cadbury family joined the club,

whose seasons consisted of friendly matches against local rivals such as Five Ways Old Edwardians, Selly Oak and most notably Kings Norton.

From the 1960s through to the 1980s the club grew in strength and numbers, although still heavily reliant on Cadbury employees for its players.

But the playing record of the club declined as it struggled for members in the period leading up to the formation of leagues in the late 80s and in the 90s it faced an uncertain future with poor leaguer results and falling numbers and doubts about the future of its Rowheath base.

This was all to change dramatically in the 21st century when the club started to enjoy unprecedented success.

Up to season 2008/09 Bournville enjoyed four successive promotions, starting at level 10 (Midlands 5) and rising through to Midlands 1 (level 6); and it might have been five promotions if circumstances had not prevented them from contesting the promotion play-off last season, having finished in 2nd place in this league. Instead Old Northamptonians went up to National 3 Midlands.

They have been up among the leaders for the whole of this season but their last realistic chance of contesting the promotion places probably disappeared last Saturday when they went down to second placed Sutton Coldfield. They still hold third spot but are now 22 points adrift of Sutton with Camp Hill breathing down their necks, just five points behind and having played one game less.

Bournville now play their home matches at Birmingham University, with the use of a superb pitch, certainly one of the best we have played on this season. What was the first league meeting between the clubs took place on that pitch last October when Bournville won comfortably enough after we faded badly in the last 10 minutes having put ourselves back into contention after a poor start to the game.

Next 1st XV Matches Saturday 26th February v Dudley Kingswinford (away) League, ko 2.15pm

Saturday 5th March v Banbury (away) League ko 3.00pm

Saturday 12th March v Camp Hill (home) League ko 3.00pm

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

Fenley Field, Lime Tree Avenue, Bilton, Rugby, CV22 7QT

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1st XV Match Report Midlands One West – Saturday 12th February Old Laurentians 17 – Lichfield 47 Laurentians are slipping into a worrying trend of going behind to an early rush of points by their opponents, fighting back into contention in the middle period of games then falling away in the final stages to late scores. This time it was a very useful Lichfield side who outstayed them when adding three tries in the final quarter after OLs had hit back to be just 17-24 behind on the hour mark. It was the visitors’ athletic and mobile pack who laid the foundations for their win, scoring between them five of their side’s tries, fly half Josh Massey kicking six goals and adding a try. OL’s backs carried more threat than their opposite numbers, who rarely broke the home side’s defensive line, and their tries came after penetrating runs by Simon Bayliss, full back John Carruthers claiming both in a fine debut for the team. But when Lichfield visited OL’s 22 they rarely came away without a score, thanks to the driving play of their pack which OLs struggled to counter throughout. After Massey kicked an early penalty, the game was evenly balanced until flanker Burton went over for Lichfield’s first try after 26 minutes, Massey converting. On the half hour mark, OLs suffered a major blow when lock forward Paul Willis was stretchered off with a knee injury. Andy Orbinson came on to join the back row and number 8 Ben O’Riordan moved up to the second row after clearly demonstrating in his first league match after a long layoff that he could be the solution to OLs back row problems through the continuing absence of Glenn Todd and Carl Adams. Shortly after, prop forward Bassett finished off another spell of Lichfield pressure with a try, Massey’s conversion lifting the score to 17-0 at half time. Seven minutes into the second half, Denzil Evans and Iain Wallis combined delightfully to send Simon Bayliss scything through the home defence. When he was held, Lichfield’s scrum half was yellow carded for illegally preventing quick release and OL’s settled for 3 points from Evans penalty when 7 points could have been the reward as a try from the move had been on the cards. But although reduced to 14 men, Lichfield’s riposte was swift when lock forward Thompson finished off another strong forward drive with a try, converted by Massey to lift their lead to 24-3. OLs hit back with a fine try after prop Chris le Poidevin ran strongly from the back, scrum half Richard Parker used swiftly re-cycled ball to put in a neat chip down the blind side and Bayliss took it at pace before releasing Carruthers for his first touch-down, Evans converting for 10-24. The home side hauled themselves right back into contention when quick lineout ball saw Bayliss entering the line from his wing to send Carruthers on his way to the line once more, Evans successful conversion reducing the deficit to 17-24 with 20 minutes left to play. But after OLs lost Parker to the sin-bin after a late tackle, Lichfield stepped up a gear to close the game out. First Massey added a penalty after the referee harshly judged a chest high OL’s tackle to be dangerous. Then he ignored a Lichfield lineout throw that was clearly skewed and the move ended with hooker Gabbitass going over for a try that Massey converted. Finally, after converting a try by lock forward Squire on 72 minutes, Massey rounded off the scoring with a try of his own shortly before the final whistle.

Calendar of Events, 2010/11

19th February Captains Day

4th March Quiz Night

12th March Sponsors Day

9th April Ladies Day

6th May Club Dinner

Today’s Match Sponsors

Hydrex specialises  in the rental, contract rental and sale of mobile plant  and  equipment  to  a  variety  of  industrial sectors  including  rail, mineral  extraction, waste  recycling, construction, civil engineering and industrial rehandling.   The  business  operates  through  five  divisions  which  are supported by a national network of depots.  Old Laurentian RFC wish to thank Hydrex for their generous support to the club over several seasons and for sponsoring today’s game. We hope that they and their guests enjoy today’s occasion.

Excel Heating & Plumbing

01788 560838 Best wishes to Old Laurentians for

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RUGBY BYTES by Mike Lewis NO NEED TO WIND-UP THE OFFICIALS!! Running the line can be a risky business and you need all your wits about you – just ask Mike Warwick and Dave Eales. During the first half of the recent Warwickshire Cup game against Stratford, official touch-judge Rich Hughes was constantly asked by the spectators – ‘How long to go sir?’. After responding politely to the first few requests Rich eventually turned a deaf ear to the requests until half time. As the referee blew his whistle to start the second half Rich was asked again ‘How long to go?’ Trying to be helpful he immediately looked at his watch, before the penny dropped!! DANCING ON ICE COMES TO FENLEY FIELD There is no truth in the rumour that Keith Baxter has signed up for Dancing on Ice. You might have noticed how gingerly Keith has been walking of late. Seems he went ice skating for the first time a little while back and after a few tentative steps he measured his length on the ice. This resulted in rather painful chest and rib bruising hence his recent discomfort. Instead of Dancing on Ice, Keith has signed up for a new production of Sleeping Beauty, which is to be made on ice. CAPTAINS DAY TODAY There has been a good response from former captains to the invite to attend today’s event. You will come across between 35 and 40 former, and current, captains in the club house today, while a number have cried off due to prior engagements. The best excuse came from the star of Blind Date, John Whittaker, who is ‘going shooting’. The oldest serving captain here today is Dave Duffy who was 1st team captain in 1956-57. It is a pleasure to welcome him and all other captains who have given their services to the club. THE GAME’S NOT WHAT IT WAS After the games last weekend I had an enlightening conversation with Tim Dougherty about the 3rd XV game. After giving me his usual brief description, ‘we lost’, he commented on the 3 dismissals by remarking that ‘the game’s not the same, you can’t have a decent fight these days without being sent off’. Remarkable Andy Spriggs was not one of the three, although he tried his best to join them on the touchline. CHAOS IN CARDIFF The wisdom of holding the Wales v England game on a Friday night in Cardiff was questioned well before the game. Events proved the questioning to be right. Driving down to Wales in mid-afternoon the radio announcers were cheerfully saying –‘roads into Cardiff are flowing freely’. No surprise there when the next announcement was about a seven mile tailback on the Severn bridges – traffic hadn’t had a chance to reach the city. When I drove into Cardiff for the game the traffic had finally reached the metropolis – there were now 10 mile jams getting into the city. Not the best start to the evening and it got worse as there was less drinking time by the time we parked! I notice that there are no evening games for the next two seasons, while the IRB looks at how successful this year’s experiment has been. Will they be thinking of the supporters or TV revenue and viewing figures? Congratulations to England on their win, and I can’t even blame the referee for our defeat!

Whatever next? The gulf between rugby football at its highest levels and the grass roots game continues to grow ever wider. We have become used to premiership and international players looking like colossi cloned in the gym. When once a player standing 6’4” and weighing in at 17 stone would have got no further than the second row, now he is likely to be playing at centre or wing – just think of Sonny Boy Williams Jamie Roberts or Matt Banahan. It makes you yearn for the lightweight stars of the past – but how would the likes of Richard Sharp, Phil Bennett or Barry John have fared in today’s game? But the latest development really takes the breath away – equipping the players with miniature GPS devices that measure their speed, distance travelled, heart rate, and acceleration. There’s no hiding place anymore! But please don’t tell our coaches about them as they come in at around £2,000 a throw! After England started using them in training, Aviva Premiership teams have now been given dispensation by the IRB to use them. I love the story Paul Ackford told to introduce his recent article on this system that puts this GPS stuff into perspective. Twenty years ago, when England players were undergoing an early season fitness assessment, Mike Teague and Peter Winterbottom (real players, those two!) posted some remarkable results in the ‘bleep’ test, shuttle runs between 2 fixed points. Everyone was staggered until they revealed their secret in the bar later on. They had surreptitiously shifted the cones marking the zone a few feet closer together and shortened the distance!! Nice one!

2nd XV Match Action Clonmell Cup – Quarter-Final Old Laurentians 2nd XV 41 – Daventry 2nd XV 0 Laurentians talented 2nd XV won through to the semi-final of the Clonmell Cup with a comprehensive win over a spirited and competitive Daventry side under the Fenley Field lights on Wednesday. Playing their 21st game of a busy season, James Melvin’s side passed 800 points as they scored three tries in each half; and in just his second game back after an injury layoff, Dave Longrigg went over for a hat-trick of touchdowns, inspiring comparisons with England’s Chris Ashton in his running lines and support play (if not his pace)! In the opening minutes, Danny Orr kicked a penalty before Ben Shepherd punctured the Daventry defence from an attacking lineout to find Longrigg on his shoulder for the first try after ten minutes, Orr converting for 10-0. Showing an enormous appetite for the ball, Shepherd invariably made the gain line with his running in the centre, putting OLs on to the front foot throughout. With midfield partner Luke Harris complementing him perfectly, OLs backs were always setting problems for the Daventry defence. Also making a welcome return to match action was number 8 Pete Nealon and his forceful ball carrying caught the eye as he provided assists for three of his side’s tries. It was his break after twenty minutes that was supported by the inevitable Longrigg for OL’s second try, Orr’s conversion attempt narrowly missing. Daventry’s eight gave their opposite numbers some early problems in the tight, but once OL’s forwards got into their stride they dominated up front. On the thirty five minute mark, Nealon went close from a five metre scrum and when OLs took the next scrum, they quickly moved the ball wide and Grant Inch came into the line from full back to put Jamie Brightwell over in the corner for the winger’s 18th try this season. Orr converted with a fine kick from wide out and a half time score of 22-0. In the opening minutes of the second half, Nealon again made good ground from a scrum to find Harris in support. The centre’s incisive run splintered the defence and who should he find up to take the scoring pass but Longrigg. Orr converted his try for 29-0. After ten minutes, the irrepressible Ricky Reed exploited some hesitation at the back of a Daventry scrum close to their line to steal the ball and plunge over, Orr’s conversion attempt bouncing back off a post. The scoring was completed in the thirtieth minute when OLs won a scrum against the head on their 22 metre line and Steve Pike broke strongly to find Nealon in support. When he was held, the ball was rapidly spread by Reed to find right wing Jeff Fowler who shrugged off a couple of tackles to run in powerfully from 40 metres for OL’s final try, Orr adding the goal points. OLs replaced their centre pairing early in the second half for Greg Lloydall and Connor Maddix to slot in seamlessly and ensure that no momentum was lost, demonstrating OL’s strength in depth. In the semi-final, OLs will face the winners of the clash between Lutterworth and Rugby Welsh. Newbold have also booked a semi-final place and will play either Rugby St Andrews or Long Buckby. OLs will complete a busy week on Sunday when they take on Broadstreet 2nds in the semi-final of the Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup at Fenley Field, the match kicking off at 2.15pm.

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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 19th February, 2011

Old Laurentian RFCSponsored by Player Tr

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Cleaver Scientific 15 John Carruthers

Nick Phipps 14 Simon Bayliss

Jim Darcy 13 Danny Murch

Simon Bracken 12 Iain Wallis

Excel Heating 11 Troy Owen

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 Ben O’Riordan

Arwel Jones 5 Mike Prince

Stuart Gleghorn 6 Andy Orbinson

Electrical Testers 7 Andy Coleman

Ray Roberts 8 Stuart Eborall

16 Garrie Reeve

17 Alex Smith

18 Danny Orr

Midlands One West

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Robin Fransson 15 Chris Humphrey 14 Carl Colvin 13 Dan Barratt 12 Adam Coniff 11

Alex Warner 10

Burhan Turgot 9 Paul Coles 1 Dean Bick 2 Rhydian Smith 3 Steve Smith 4 Rob Griffin 5 Tom McIntosh 6 Adam Cristol 7 Matt Dickerson 8 Rob Sigley 16 Simon Horner 17 Iestyn Pratt 18

We extend a warm welcome to today’s referee Marcus Greenway, 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 Table Midlands 1 West

Team P W D L PF PA PD BP Pts Dudley Kingswinford 18 18 0 0 734 218 516 14 86 Sutton Coldfield 17 16 0 1 675 254 421 14 78 Bournville 17 12 0 5 499 300 199 8 56 Camp Hill 16 10 0 6 432 287 145 11 51 Lichfield 17 10 0 7 488 487 1 8 48 Old Halesonians 17 9 0 8 399 382 17 12 48 Whitchurch 18 10 0 8 332 339 -7 5 45 Old Laurentians 16 7 1 8 354 366 -12 6 36 Walsall 15 6 1 8 431 141 17 10 36 Stratford Upon Avon 17 6 1 10 404 447 -43 10 36 Worcester Wanderers 18 5 1 12 308 413 -105 8 30 Nuneaton Old Eds 16 5 0 11 289 519 -230 7 27 Banbury 18 2 0 16 283 629 -346 5 13 Leamington 18 1 0 17 218 791 -573 2 6

Today’s League Fixtures

Dudley Kingswinford v Whitchurch

Leamington v Lichfield

Nuneaton Old Eds v Camp Hill

Old Halesonians v Banbury

Old Laurentians v Bournville

Stratford Upon Avon v Sutton Coldfield

Worcester Wanderers v Walsall

The Midlands One Scene As Dudley Kingswinford recorded yet another routine win last week, this time swatting aside Old Halesonians, Sutton Coldfield effectively killed off any remaining hopes Bournville may have had of featuring in the promotion shake down. Sutton’s 32-12 win means that a massive 22 points now separate them from Bournville in third place. After going down heavily to Walsall two weeks ago, we can take some comfort from the fact that last week our conquerors meted out similar punishment to Whitchurch. Although we are still nine points behind the latter, we have two games in hand on them. Nuneaton Old Eds and Leamington played their game as a double header, deciding their Warwickshire Cup semi-final as well as the league points. The win lifts Old Eds well clear of the bottom two and pushes them closer to Worcester Wanderers above. Stratford enjoyed a good win over Banbury and moved up to the same points total as us, although they have played a game more. Camp Hill, one of the dark horses in this league, are now pushing Bournville hard in fourth place and have a game in hand. The bottom half of the table is becoming extremely congested above the two back markers and every point now becomes precious for us. A few more bonus points would be a great help!

League Results – 12th February Nuneaton Old Edwardians 38 v 13 Leamington

Old Halesonians 5 v 41 Dudley Kingswinford

Old Laurentians 17 v 46 Lichfield

Stratford Upon Avon 48 v 17 Banbury

Sutton Coldfield 32 v 12 Bournville

Walsall 52 v 18 Whitchurch Worcester Wanderers 12 v 26 Camp Hill

League results – 5th February Banbury 35 v 32 Nuneaton Old Edwardians

Bournville 24 v 22 Old Halesonians

Camp Hill 47 v 0 Leamington

Lichfield 26 v 52 Dudley Kingswinford

Sutton Coldfield 56 v 5 Worcester Wanderers

Walsall 37 v 14 Old Laurentians

Whitchurch 19 v 18 Stratford Upon Avon

Top.Points Scorers, Season 20010/11 All teams (15 pts and above)

Player Tries Convs Pens Drops Tot Pts Denzil Evans 0 32 22 2 136 Ben Roberts 13 21 9 0 134 Danny Orr 3 32 9 2 112 Jamie Brightwell 18 0 0 0 90 John Bean 5 18 8 1 88 Gary Hammond 13 0 0 0 65 Grant Inch 11 0 0 0 55 Jeff Fowler 10 0 0 0 50 Kev White 3 11 3 0 46 Greg Lloydall 5 3 5 0 46 Simon Bayliss 9 0 0 0 45 Troy Owen 8 0 0 0 40 Paul Amor 7 0 0 0 35 John Carruthers 6 0 0 0 30 Alex Smith 5 0 0 0 25 Howard Harris 5 0 0 0 25 Luke Harris 5 0 0 0 25 Steve Pike 2 7 0 0 24 Ben Shepherd 4 0 0 0 20 Ricky Reed 4 0 0 0 20 Dave Longrigg 4 0 0 0 20 Ben Brand 2 1 2 0 18 Ben Wiles 2 2 1 0 17 Dom Hammond 3 1 0 0 17 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 Stuart Eborall 3 0 0 0 15 Andy Orbinson 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

Recent Photo Action

Dom Hammond goes in for the ball

John Carruthers breaks through

Ben O’Riordan leaps highest

Where’s that damned ball!

Sprigger about to win the ball for the 3rds

Rudi Reed gets his man

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

The Local Scene The rumours surrounding a change of ownership at Rugby Lions were given substance in a press release last week when it was announced that an un-named Canadian businessman will be buying Chairman David Owen’s interest in the club and that the sale is expected to be completed by the end of February. Unfortunately the news didn’t inspire the team as they went down to a crushing 53-10 defeat at fellow strugglers Morley on Saturday. The result lifted Morley, in third bottom place, eight points clear of Lions. This weekend Lions travel to Kendal, who are just a point above Morley, a game that Lions must win if they are to stay in touch with the teams above them in National 2 North. In the same league, Nuneaton travelled to leaders Fylde and went down, not surprisingly, by 33-5. In National 3 Midlands, Kenilworth lost again, this time by 32-22 to Old Northamptonians in what appears to have been an ill-tempered match with a flurry of red and yellow cards. They picked up a try bonus point which lifts them above Hereford and Burton at the bottom of the table. In a highly congested mid-table area, Broadstreet’s win over Newport lifted them back up to fourth. Bromsgrove now have a clear lead at the top.

Newbold made it through to the Midlands semi-final of the Senior Vase when beating Bedford Swifts 44-12 last Saturday. This sets up a very tasty semi with Long Buckby, who won through by beating Old Leamingtonians 25-22, and the game will be played at Parkfield Road next Saturday, 26th February. Buckby have only lost once this season, at the hands of Rugby St Andrews in Midlands 3 East (S) so can Bold be the second Rugby side to lower their colours? St Andrews took over leadership of that league last Saturday whilst Buckby were involved in the Vase. Saints beat bottom side Old Newtonians, but only by the slenderest of margins – 14-0. But Buckby, who now trail Saints by two points, have two games in hand over them. The shock result in Warwickshire last weekend was Midlands 2 West (S) leaders Dunlop losing their 100% record at Barkers Butts. Barkers came through by the comfortable margin of 27-10 to narrow the gap at the top, but Dunlop still have a seven point advantage over them. Dunlop’s winning run in league games had extended to over 40 before this reverse.

Old Laurentians 2nd XV v

Broadstreet 2nd XV Semi-final, Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup

Tomorrow, Sunday 20th February at Fenley Field Kick off 2.15pm

The Club’s overall playing record (to 16/02/11) (Includes league and cup matches)

Team Played Won Drawn Lost Points for

Points against

Points diff.

1st XV 18 9 1 8 399 395 +4

2nd XV 21 18 0 3 823 226 +597

3rd XV 14 6 0 8 318 327 -9

Total 53 33 1 19 1540 948 +592

Warwickshire League 1 (as at 05/02/11)

Pos Team P W D L PF PA PD Pts

1 Broadstreet III 12 11 0 1 420 151 269 45

2 Old Laurentians II 12 10 0 2 432 148 284 42

3 Newbold-on-Avon II 12 6 0 6 205 239 -34 30

4 Earlsdon II 13 5 1 7 215 313 -98 29

5 Stratford II 10 5 0 5 248 251 -3 25

6 Spartans II 12 3 0 9 166 283 -117 21

7 Leamington II 12 3 0 9 178 348 -170 21

8 Barkers Butts II 11 3 1 7 152 283 -131 20

Warwickshire League 3 (as at 05/02/11)

Pos Team P W D L PF PA PD Pts

1 Newbold-on-Avon III 12 10 0 2 335 172 163 42

2 Sutton Coldfield III 11 10 0 1 327 132 195 41

3 Earlsdon III 12 9 0 3 286 160 126 39

4 Old Laurentians III 12 6 0 6 275 274 1 30

5 Shipston III 10 6 0 4 184 164 20 28

6 Harbury II 12 5 1 6 258 247 11 28

7 Nuneaton Old Eds III 10 4 0 6 281 236 45 22

8 Kenilworth III 12 3 0 9 241 399 -158 21

9 Leamington III 10 2 1 7 140 234 -94 16

10 Spartans III 11 0 0 11 104 413 -309 11

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A treatise on Roman deities (plus some Shakespeare and a bit of rugby) Warwickshire 3 – Saturday 5th February Shipston 3rds 21 - Old Laurentian 3rds 11 It was a trip down the Fosse Way on Saturday, and a chance for the thirds to keep their 2011 unbeaten record on a roll against their counterparts from Shipston. Once again, The Academy was able to field a fair sprinkling of youth to counter the experience and, in particular, a new face in the shape of second row Rudi Reid on the bench. In stark contrast, sporting more silver hair than a badger’s barber shop floor, to a man Shipston were an experienced, sizeable and very well drilled side who won the toss and elected to kick off. Shipston’s experience, size and discipline however were not their major strength throughout the first half. For down this Roman Fosse lurked Aeolus, the Roman God of wind and sixteenth man of Shipston who proved the most mighty and formidable opponent for the visitors. Every Shipston kick was carried in his squally arms far down the pitch, any Laurentian advance thwarted by his mighty blast. Shipston had a very definite game plan and were sticking to it. The home side fly half should take credit for his execution but the gale made life easy for the Shipston Luftwaffe as they bombarded the corner flags to keep the visitors pinned in their own 22. A clash of the Titans ensued as the kicking game of Palmer, the Rugby God of Brilliance, locked horns with Aeolus in a divine battle at which mere mortals could only marvel. Inevitably the wind made the lineout a lottery of Euromillions odds and the sheer size of the opposition in the scrums meant that the OLs had very little quality possession from the set piece. It was then, only a matter of time before Shipston scored an unconverted try to open their account. A penalty followed to make it 8 unanswered points. In an attempt to get into the opposition half, the half backs of Danny McCulloch and Sir Mark Palmer put some width on the ball and a little ground was made, most notably by Greg Loydall, but the consequent restarts fell in Shipston’s favour and it wasn’t long before the visitors were back in the depressingly familiar area of their 22. Two more unconverted tries for the home side made the score 18 – 0 at half time. With the bench straining like greyhounds in the slips and the wind at their backs, OLs had a bright start to the second half and it wasn’t long before they were awarded a penalty about 40 metres out. Captain Birch opted for the points and a magnificent kick saw the ball placed between the posts with aplomb by Loydall. Moments after the restart, Sir Mark employed Shipston’s first half tactic and put the ball long into Shipston territory. Stripped of Aeolian influence, the Shipston kick for touch made next to no ground and the resultant OLs lineout reached Birch who blasted through the attentions of the defence to pop to Brimley for the first OLs try of the game out wide on the left. An apparently nasty knee injury to McCulloch saw him leave early to be replaced by Page with Ben Brand taking over at scrum half. Further changes were made with White coming on for Ryan Murch but not before Murch had produced a couple of try saving tackles early in the half to continue his rich vein of form in 2011. It was also time to take a look at newcomer Rudy Reid who replaced the evergrey Spriggs. Although a couple of rangey runs from Reid and some typically direct attacks from centres Rigg and Ramsden made yards for the OLs, Shipston were frustratingly able to use their close passing and superior size to bully OLs at the ruck and whilst, aided and abetted by Stingray Smith, ball was kept and won in the mauls and the Threes were not able to use the wind to their advantage as the home side had in the first half. Another long range penalty from Loydall took the OLs to 11 and within a converted try of Shipston but defending the margin in the latter stages was the best that the wind weary legs from Fenley Field could manage and a late penalty from Shipston put the game beyond the reach of the Laurentians and for the second time this season, Shipston and their god of wind had done just enough in the first half to deny the OLs the spoils. All our very best wishes to Danny McCulloch for a speedy recovery. By Tim Chambers- Poet Laurentian (designate)

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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 37 21 Spartans III A 26 7 Jan 19 W Old Leamingtonians H 22 5 Jan 22 L Leamington II A 65 5 Harbury II H 33 17 Jan 29 F Leicester Vipers II A 43 5 St Andrews III H P P Feb 5 L Broadstreet III H 26 19 Shipston III A 11 21 Feb 12 L Spartans II A 51 3 Leamington III H 23 24 Feb 16 C Daventry II H 41 0 Feb 19 L Newbold III A Feb 20 W Broadstreet II H 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 25 25 January 22 Stratford A L P P January 29 Sutton Coldfield H L P P February 2 Stratford H Cup 27 23 February 5 Walsall A L 14 37 February 12 Lichfield H L 17 46 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 Stratford A L 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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