v Sutton Coldfield by Ray Todd

Programme ÂŁ3

Saturday 23rd April 2011 Midlands 1 West

Old Laurentian RFC v Sutton Coldfield RFC

on production of your club discount card

Welcome to Fenley Field Welcome to friends old and new to Fenley Field for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final game in our Midlands One (West) programme for 2010/11. We are delighted to welcome Sutton Coldfield RFC here today. We are also pleased to welcome todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s match referee, Andrew Attwell of the Warwickshire Society. Our congratulations go to Sutton who secured second place in Midlands One West several weeks ago. They arrive at Fenley Field today with a fine playing record, having lost just three times in an outstanding season for them The team did everything we expected of them with their handsome win at Leamington last week to keep alive our hopes of Midlands One rugby next season. But to a high degree our fate is now largely out of our hands as we are relying on at least one of Walsall and Bournville beating Nuneaton Old Eds for us to stay up. And after an indifferent season hitherto, Old Eds have suddenly started recording big wins! When we faced Sutton last October we were sitting comfortably in fifth spot in the league table; and a week later, after beating Walsall, we had risen to fourth. We still held 6th place at Christmas, but injuries were beginning to bite and a run of one draw and seven defeats from January onward wrecked our record to leave us where we are now. On a much brighter note, congratulations to James Melvin and his outstanding 2nd XV on their achievement when clinching the Rugby & District Clonmell Cup last Sunday, adding to their second place in Warwickshire One and reaching the semi-final of the Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup. Our cover this week features our outgoing Club Captain Glenn Todd. Glenn is still waiting for a date for an operation on the knee he injured so badly last October and may not be back in action for some time. He has been seriously missed and we wish him all possible good fortune in his quest to regain fitness. This is our last game of the 2010/11 season and therefore the last Griffin Club luncheon. My thanks go to all those Griffin Club members who staunchly support the team week in, week out. The Griffin Club has become a permanent part of the landscape at OLRFC and long may it continue to be so. Grateful thanks are also due to Peter Staines for so capably organising the Griffin Club (not forgetting Kath!) and I am delighted to report that Peter has willingly agreed to continue in this role for the 2011/12 season. The next key date in our calendar is the Club Dinner, in the clubhouse on Friday May 6th. Please book your place with Alan Willis today as numbers are limited by the space available.

Bill Bill Wallis

When only the best will do

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Sutton Coldfield RFC Sutton Coldfield RFC was founded in 1921 and after a nomadic existence for more than 50 years moved to its current home, the Roger Smolden Ground in Walmley Road, in 1977. There they have developed an impressive set-up with a large clubhouse, five pitches and an indoor fibresand training area. The club regularly field four senior XVs, an occasional Vets side and Colts; and has a large mini and junior section. Their most famous graduate is Graham Robbins who started as a junior and went right through the ranks before turning out for Coventry, Warwickshire and England in the 1980s as a number 8 forward. When he was injured, the hitherto unknown Dean Richards took his England place and that was the end of Robbins’ international career! Before this season, we last met Sutton in league action in what was then Midlands 3 West (South). In 2007/08, to which they had moved from the Northern section of Midlands 3 that season. At the end of the previous season, 2006/07, we had confidently expected to meet them in a promotion play-off decider – all we had to do was beat Earlsdon in our final game. But we lost, Stratford won their game by an unexpected cricket score to beat us to second place on points difference and went on to beat Sutton in the play-off! But Sutton didn’t have to wait much longer as they went up to Midlands One as champions the following season and have prospered in this division since. This season they have lost just three times, two of those games to champions Dudley Kingswinford. They arrive here today confirmed as runners-up in Midlands One West, currently no less than 24 points ahead of Bournville in third place – the only other side to have lowered their colours this term. Sutton are current Warwickshire champions, winning the county cup last season. As we well know they have reached this year’s final, where they will meet near neighbours Spartans. Before accounting for OLs in the semi-final, they had knocked out Broadstreet on their own turf, scoring over 50 points in so doing. Sutton have a busy finale to this season for, as well as contesting the Warwickshire Cup final, they have a play-off date with Mansfield, runners up in Midlands One East, with promotion to National 3 Midlands at stake. We wish them well in both. When we met at Walmley Road earlier in the season, we came away disappointed by the final margin of our loss, feeling we could have been closer than 13-31. Given the circumstances of today’s game and our availability problems, we know we are in for a tough time this afternoon!

Final matches of 2010/11 Next Saturday, 30th April, we are playing Long Buckby, away, at both 2nd and 3rd team level. Well worth supporting these two, as it’s just a short train journey followed by a brisk walk, to Buckby’s ground.

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Who at OLs President

Duncan Snook

Chairman

Bill Wallis

Secretary

Alan Willis

Treasurer

Keith Baxter

Chairman, Playing Committee

Colin Wiles

Fixture Secretary

Mick Roberts

Commercial Manager House & Grounds and Gym

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Ladies Committee Chair

Leah Hope

Membership Treasurer & 200 Club

James Melvin

Web Manager & Press Officer

Ray Todd

Club Coaches

Mark Palmer, Denzil Evans Chris Wade Neal Leeming Adam Mitchell

Griffin Club

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Club Shop

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Club Physio

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1st XV Match Report Midlands 1 West – Saturday 16th April Leamington 5 - Old Laurentians 71 OLs claimed their expected win over bottom side Leamington on Saturday, but the scale of the victory probably surprised even their most optimistic supporters as eleven good tries were run in. Laurentians had to come away from this one with all the points to stay alive in the fight against relegation and this sort of situation has led in the past to a tentative and nervous approach to games of this importance. But no such inhibitions were on show in this encounter which rounded off a miserable season for their opponents. Leamington stuck at their task with great spirit, shouted on by a good turnout of loyal supporters on the touchline. But the signs were ominous for them when OLs shunted them off the ball in the first scrum. Carl Adams made a welcome return after a long layoff and his influence was apparent from the first whistle. His presence at number 8 also released Stuart Eborall to move over to 6 and display his full range of attacking skills. After a couple of penalty misses from an OLs side anxious to get points on the board, seventeen minutes had passed before Adams picked up at the base of a close in scrum to send open side Andy Orbinson over for the first try, converted by Steve Pike. Thereafter tries came at regular intervals, the next after a lineout on half way when Iain Wallis switched play back inside to John Carruthers, the fly half carving through the slightest gap before outstripping the defence for a fine try, Then, after Leamington lineout possession had been turned over, Danny Murch sent Eborall on his way, the flanker powering over from 40 metres out. Mark Todd was next on the score sheet, the hooker touching down after good combination between Parker and Eborall and lifting the score to 26-0 after thirty minutes to secure the try bonus point. OLs midfield trio of Carruthers, Wallis and Murch were now stretching the Leamington defence, helped by a plentiful supply of quick possession, and regularly bringing the back row and wings into play. Orbinson took full advantage of this to run in his second try before Murch bounced off several attempted tacklers go over from 35 metres to round off the first half scoring, the break reached with OLs 38-0 ahead. OL’s Jamie Brightwell claimed a brace of tries inside the first ten minutes of the second half, the first after Adams and Parker combined well from a scrum to set up the chance, which the right wing finished with a strong run from half way. His second followed a great passage of interplay between forwards and backs, Brightwell getting up to finish the movement and hoist the half century of points. Eborall then crossed for his second after Murch had made all the running before Leamington finally reaped the reward their endeavour had earned, going over for a try after seventeen minutes of the second half. But OLs responded swiftly when Wallis made a half break before linking with Chris le Poidevin, the prop putting full back Luke Harris over. This was followed by another sweeping passage of play which ended when Adams gave the scoring pass to prop Garrie Reeve as full time approached, Steve Pike rounding off the scoring with his eighth successful conversion. OL’s elation was soon tempered when the news arrived that Nuneaton Old Edwardians, their main rivals in the fight against relegation, had secured a handsome bonus point win over Old Halesonians.

Calendar of Events 19th – 24th April USA Tour 6th May

Club Dinner

13th May

Snail Racing & Pig Roast (organised by the Minis & Juniors – all welcome).

26th May

Annual General Meeting

OLRFC Jersey Sponsors, 2010/11

Excel Heating & Plumbing 01788 560838 Best wishes to Old Laurentians for the season

Sundry Stuff Well done, lads! A big thank you is due from your programme editor, and from the club as a whole, to our two programme sellers this season, Jackson Hughes and Ciaran Saunders. They have turned up for every home league game and have gone about their task cheerfully and effectively. Well done lads! A Summer of Weddings We are not setting out to rival the Times or Telegraph (and won’t be charging for announcements!) but there is a veritable rash of weddings occurring this summer. By the time we re-convene in the autumn, no less than four of our regular first teamers will have plighted their troth and will be sporting wedding bands. First up, in June, is Chris le Poidevin. Jabba marries Olivia at Fawsley Hall on the th 18 of that month. Then there is a very crowded matrimonial calendar in late July, kicked off by Iain Wallis. Big Wal goes to the altar with Lorri at St Andrews Church on the 23rd. Just five days later it’s Carl Adams turn when he ties the knot with Leah in Southam. In August, the wedding guests have the pleasant prospect of a trip to Holland to celebrate Andy Coleman’s marriage to Ellen. The wedding season is rounded off by Jody Roderick, who will be marrying Dani down in Somerset on September 17th. Two of the victims, Big Wal and Jody, will be joining forces for a stag weekend in May when the destination will be Leuven, in Belgium – the home of Stella Artois! Over the weekend a number of OLs finest will be in action in a sevens tournament in that town, not the best prospect for the faint hearted or hung over! USA Tour Early on Tuesday morning a sartorially

elegant band of tourists assembled at Fenley Field to board the coach for the first leg of their trip to Minneapolis. Under the control of chef de mission Rich Hughes, some 40 tourists are on this year’s trip, of whom 36 are deemed to be ‘players’. But looking at the list, for some of those players their halcyon days are well behind them! There are no less than 14 tour ‘virgins’ so fines master Deano has probably been rubbing his hands in anticipation for some time! In fact, it is probably the strongest playing contingent we have st sent over for several years – the 1 XV we are able to turn out today bears witness to that! Praise from Dudley Kingswinford The following email was received from DK supporter Mr Dave Ormston on the day after our match with them: My son, his friend and myself attended the OLs v DK game yesterday. We are DK fans! I wanted you to know how much we enjoyed our first trip to Fenley Field. The programme seller set a great example with a smile and a “good luck to your boys, but not too much” as we passed. We enjoyed good natured banter with OL’s supporters in the stand, were refreshed by fine ale served by smiling staff and the match programme was the best I have encountered anywhere outside the Championship. Topping this, your boys played with skill and passion and certainly gave us a scare for 20 minutes. Having endured some very petty and unpleasant ‘away’ experiences this season I would like to thank OLs for welcoming us so well. Old Laurentians are a credit to both the town and sport of Rugby. We wish you the very best of luck in staying up this season and progressing next.

Warwickshire Rugby Football Union ZERO TOLERANCE ON BACK CHAT TO MATCH OFFICIALS The Warwickshire RFU Discipline Committee are concerned by a worrying trend over recent months of an increase in “Back Chat” to the Referees from Players, Coaches and Spectators. Closer scrutiny of sending off reports has revealed a trend where failure to deal promptly with instances of “Back Chat” to the Match Officials during the game has eventually resulted in severe problems later in the game which then escalate out of control leading to Referees having to dismiss players or in severe cases even abandoning the game. The Discipline Committee have discussed this trend with the Warwickshire Referees Society Executive who agree that action needs to be take now to curb this problem. Law 10.4 (s) states, “All players must respect the authority of the referee. They must not dispute the referee’s decisions. They must stop playing at once when the referee blows the whistle except at a kick-off or at a penalty kick following admonishment, temporary suspension, or sending off. Referees will therefore be asked to adopt a “Zero Tolerance” policy with effect from the weekend of 12th March 2011.

Clonmell Cup Final th

Sunday 17 April Rugby St Andrews 2nd XV 7 - Old Laurentian 2nd XV 32 After coming very close over recent years, Old Laurentians finally got their hands on the Clonmell Cup at Webb Ellis Road on Sunday. The strength of grass roots rugby in the area was amply demonstrated by the standard of play and by the large crowd who turned up, with over 400 paying spectators coming through the gate to watch an entertaining game. Before the main event they were entertained to some great mini-rugby when the Under 9 sides from each club met, OLs shading the results in perhaps a portent of things to come afterwards. OLs had effectively wrapped the game up after thirty minutes, when they had built a comfortable 24-0 lead. But it was a fired up Saints side who came out for the second half and dominated for long periods without being able to break down OL’s defence and add to their solitary first half score. Fly half Danny Orr got OLs under way with a finely struck penalty after just four minutes play. Then with ten minutes on the clock, full back Grant Inch launched an attack from deep and Orr took it on to finish expertly from 35 metres out, converting his own try to lift the lead to 10-0. Just before the twenty minute mark, a long penalty by Orr found touch deep in Saints’ 22, they conceded a free kick at the lineout and OLs forwards drove for the line, scrum half Ted Wallis driving over for a try that Orr converted to lift the lead to 17-0. Despite the edge that the big Saints pack had established at both set scrums and lineouts, OL’s forwards were sharper in the loose and quicker to the breakdown and with scrum half Wallis providing a smooth link, their backs were seeing plenty of the ball. In the centre, Ben Shepherd and Alex Smith were constantly testing Saints’ midfield defence, the latter looking very much at home for a flanker deployed in an unfamiliar position. It was Shepherd who registered OL’s next try, after another attack instigated by Inch. OL’s big centre spread-eagled Saint’s defence with a powerful run, getting over the line despite the close attention of several defenders, Orr converted and the score rose to 24-0. After thirty five minutes, OLs ambitiously ran a penalty from their own 22, the ball squirted free from a tackle and Saints’ centre Simon Kilborn was quickest to the loose ball to touch down under the posts, Matty Waldron converting to reduce the deficit to 24-7 . In added time at the break, OLs flanker Paul Lewis got up quickly to halt a Saints’ attack and in trying to recover the ball they conceded a penalty that Orr kicked for a 27-7 lead at half time. After four minutes of the second half, OLs stretched their lead with a well-constructed and expertly finished try. Right wing Greg Loydall, ran back a missed touch finder and number 8 Richard Foxon took the ball on with a powerful run through midfield that sucked in the cover defence. The ball was recycled quickly and Shepherd made the first thrust before handing on to Smith who ran strongly to score half way out. The conversion missed, but OLs were 32-7 ahead. This was to be the final score of the game, as Saints forwards fought their way back into the contest and took the game to OLs, who were then limited to occasional counter attacks as they came under siege. But Saints, despite camping on OL’s line in the clubhouse corner for a long period and coming close to a score on several occasions, were unable to find either the power or the guile to finally breach a stubborn defence. /continued opposite

Clonmell Cup Final (continued) The result was a personal triumph for OL’s skipper James Melvin who has led his side expertly throughout a highly successful campaign, achieved despite the regular calls st made on his side as a result of the 1 team’s injury plagued season. With one game to go OL’s 2nds have won 24 of the 29 games played, scoring just short of 1,100 points so far, finished a close second in Warwickshire League One and reached the semifinal of the Warwickshire Second XV Cup before bowing out to Broadstreet. Saints team boast a similarly successful record and having won the championship of Warwickshire Two could well be facing their OL counterparts in league action next season, subject to decisions yet to be made on whether OLs are promoted. It was a fine team effort that brought the Clonmell Cup to Fenley Field. The team that took the field at Webb Ellis Road was a blend of experience and youth, with highly promising displays from young wingers Ryan Murch and Greg Lloydall, who each caught the eye in both defence and attack. Number 8 Rich Foxon was a bundle of energy throughout; and there were highly promising cameo performances from Sam Howells and Chris Mills when they came on as second half replacements. If there had been a man of the match award, the prime contender would have been Danny Orr, who notched up a personal haul of 17 points as well as leading OL’s backline expertly.

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President Duncan Snook Life Vice Presidents Grantley Jenkins, Mike Lewis, Geoff Morris, Mike Pawsey, Ray Roberts, Terry Wooton, Pete Higgs Vice Presidents Nigel Appleby Jason Barnett Simon Bayliss Keith Baxter Malcolm Blair Dave Boe Antony Borton Arnie Bottomley George Boulton Simon Bracken Matt Brinklow Anthony Burborough Adrian Canale-Parola Jerry Cahill Malcolm Cashmore Dean Cobley Stuart Coburn Barry College Brian Cockerill Roger Cole Kevin Cossar Tom Costello Jim Darcy Richard Curtiss Toby Davidson Paul Dempster Michael Denny Graham Devine Adam Dougherty Andy Dougherty Maurice Dougherty Stu Dowsett

Pat Dunn Dave Eales Tim Fawcett Steve Faulkner Reiner Ferguson Mick Field Keith Finch Alan Foster Peter Fox Leigh Fraser Mark Gallagher Lionel Gardner Stuart Gleghorn David Hannah Keith Harris Stuart Harris Simon Heeley David Hicks Chris Hine Richard Hirons Richard Hughes Peter Jenkins Arwell Jones Ash Jones Gareth Jones Jonathon Jones Peter Jones Roy Jones Geoff Kendall Sean Kerrigan Dave Lane Simon Lawler

Simon Leech Dave Lennard Jim Lewis Richard Lightowler Mike Linnell Kevin Mahon Dom Marsella Dave Mcateer Terry Merriman Jim Middleton Ian Myers John Murphy Graham New William Nolan Andre Nutter Wayne Oliver Ian Parker Clive Pawsey Mark Pawsey Phil Pawsey Nick Phipps Darren Price Spencer Pritchard Brian Rigg Mick Roberts Bill Robinson Rod Ross Pat Scannell Peter Shillingford Will Seager Graham Shorthose Paul Simpson

Dave Smith Rob Smith Stuart Smith Vic Smith Jnr Vic Smith Snr Pete Staines John Stimpson Phil Stimpson Bob Sunerton Geoff Thomas David Thomson Keith Tilley Ray Todd Suzette Tonks Peter Trewren John Tull George Underwood Martin Valentine Chris Wade Mike Wade Mike Walker Murray Walker Bill Wallis Geoffrey Walton Dave Watson Mick Warwick Chris White Scott Whyment Colin Wiles Alan Willis Mark Wilson

OLRFC appreciate the support of all of our VPs.

Player

Cleaver Scientific 15 John Carruthers Nick Phipps Jim Darcy Simon Bracken Excel Heating Cottons Accountants

14 Grant Inch 13 Iain Wallis (capt) 12 Ben Shepherd 11 Jamie Brightwell 10 Danny Orr 9

Ted Wallis

The Merchantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inn

Wayne Oliver

Martin Valentine

Dom Hammond

Dave Eales

Chris Le Poidevin

Tom Costello

Rich Hayes

Arwel Jones

Andy Orbinson

Stuart Gleghorn

Richard Foxon

Electrical Testers

Andy Coleman

Ray Roberts

Stuart Eborall

Roger Cole

16 James Orbinson 17 Pete Nealon 18 Ben Roberts

Cards

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Old Laurentian RFC

Tries

Saturday 23rd April, 2011

Tries

Kicking

Cards

Midlands One West

Sutton Coldfield RFC Player

The Official

Josh Groom 15 David Edwards 14 Ewen Tweedie 13 Johnny Raistrick 12 Nathan Burchell 11 Alan Rowlands 10 Ben Jones

Sean Harrison

Mike Worthington

Chris Hanley

Anthony Worthington

Steve McCormack (Capt.)

Simon Millard

Mark Rayner

Dean Harper

Brook Davies 16 Luke Ward 17 Dan Poulton 18

We extend a warm welcome to todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s referee Andrew Attwell, of the Warwickshire Society, 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 Coaches Chris Wade: Neale Leeming Physio: Suzi Cox

League Table Midlands 1 West Team

Dudley Kingswinford

Sutton Coldfield

Bournville

Lichfield

Pts

1214 324

890

126

1074 379

695

108

693 459

234

707 651

Camp Hill

638 499

139

Old Halesonians

614 559

Whitchurch

555 545

Walsall

657 654

Worcester Wanderers

501 632 -131

Stratford Upon Avon

614 692

-78

Old Laurentians

577 651

-74

Nuneaton Old Eds

491 766 -275

Banbury

379 1022 -643

Leamington

321 1202 -881

Remaining League Fixtures Saturday 23rd April 2011 Camp Hill

Lichfield

Old Laurentians

Sutton Coldfield

Walsall

Nuneaton Old Eds

Saturday 30th April 2011 Nuneaton Old Eds

Bournville

Old Halesonians

Walsall

The Midlands One Scene th

On April 9 , two of the teams closest to us in the league table pulled off fine wins to all but dismiss the last threat of relegation. We need a win today to overhaul both! Stratford confirmed their recent improvement with an outstanding win over the very good Camp Hill side; and Worcester Wanderers confounded most predictions by beating Lichfield. Both needed to win as they each faced stern tests in their final league games last Saturday – and both lost. If only……..we had a goal kicker at Stratford! After a poor season overall, Nuneaton Old Edwardians have suddenly hit a streak of form, topping 40 points in each of the last two weeks, against decent sides in Whitchurch and Old Halesonians. Where did that come from? They have two games left, against Walsall away and Bournville at home. Six weeks ago you would have put money on their opponents in both cases. But now? We can only watch and wait! Bournville have secured third place in the league – one below their finishing spot last year – so will they be going all out to beat Old Eds next week? Lichfield have had a very good season and will finish as the best of this season’s promoted sides. Today they have a mini play-off as they face Camp Hill and the winner of that encounter will secure fourth place. League Results – 16th April

Banbury

44 Walsall

Bournville

24 Whitchurch

Camp Hill

45 Sutton Coldfield

Dudley Kingswinford

19 Worcester Wanderers

Leamington

71 Old Laurentians

Lichfield

15 Stratford Upon Avon

Nuneaton Old Edwardians

27 Old Halesonians

League Results – 9th April

Nuneaton Old Edwardians

32 Whitchurch

Old Halesonians

12 Leamington

Old Laurentians

50 Dudley Kingswinford

Stratford Upon Avon

29 Camp Hill

Sutton Coldfield

11 Banbury

Walsall

26 Bournville

Worcester Wanderers

14 Lichfield

Top.Points Scorers, Season 20010/11 All teams (20 pts and above) Player

Tries

Convs

Danny Orr

Denzil Evans

Ben Roberts

Jamie Brightwell

Jon Bean

Simon Bayliss

Kev White

Grant Inch

Gary Hammond

Pens

Drops

Tot Pts

188

158

157

110

108

Greg Lloydall

John Carruthers

Steve Pike

Jeff Fowler

Alex Smith

Ben Shepherd

Troy Owen

Rich Foxon

Paul Amor

Andy Orbinson

Danny Murch

Stuart Eborall

Luke Harris

Ben Brand

Iain Wallis

Ricky Reed

Howard Harris

Dave Longrigg

Dom Hammond

Ted Wallis

Marc Owen

Daz Price

Rudi Reed

Recent Photo Action Leamington and Clonmell Cup Final

A tussle for the ball at Leamington

Wal and Orbi make sure heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going nowhere

Pikey on the charge with plenty of support

Danny Orr on his way to the try line

Greg Lloydall with ball

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve won the Cup!

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

The Local Scene Rugby Lions went down heavily again at the weekend, this time shipping over 70 points to Huddersfield in National 2 North. Their turnover of players this season has been massive – the table of first team appearances in the Advertiser a couple of weeks ago showed over 70 names! It seems that their current source of players is Worcester Warriors’ Academy, having been Coventry reserves earlier in the season. But all that ended when they parted company with Director of Rugby Ian Carvell after he had been there for just a couple of months. Rugby St Andrews suffered a bitter blow when they lost their promotion decider to Oadby Wyggestonians last weekend by 26-16. This result confirmed Oadby Wyggs as champions of Midlands 3 East (South). Saints hopes now rest on a slender thread as third placed Long Buckby just need a draw against second bottom Old Newtonians next Saturday to leapfrog Saints and earn the second promotion spot. It seems that Saints had been told that if they won promotion they would be moved across to Midlands West, which would have thrown up a fascinating local derby with Newbold, and (whisper it quietly!) possibly OLs! Newbold have bounced straight back to Midlands 2 and celebrated with a 75-0 thrashing of Redditch last weekend. Their Senior Vase success means that they still have two league fixtures to play, sandwiching their Senior Vase national semi-final away at Littleborough next Saturday. Were they to win that and go on to a Twickenham final, you can be sure they will be putting out a second team

against Old Yardleians on May 7th! They have already sacrificed the Warwickshire Shield in the interest of greater things, putting out a shadow side in the semi-final against Saint Andrews at Fenley Field on Tuesday. Saints won very comfortably, posting over 50 points in doing so. Kenilworth have completed their National 3 Midlands programme to remain third from bottom and relegated to Midlands One West. In the battle for the championship of that league, Longton could well overtake Bromsgrove at the top as they are just 3 points behind them and have two games to play against their rival’s one. Dunlop are promoted to Midlands One West but lost to a revived Droitwich at the weekend. The form team in Midlands Two West (South) are Bedworth, who won their last thirteen league games to confirm second place and last Saturday beat fourth placed Spartans by 77-22! They will play Old Saltleians in the play-off for promotion and will enjoy home advantage, having finished the season with the better record. Spartans will have some consolation (if you can call it that!) with a Warwickshire Cup Final against Sutton Coldfield. A real local derby, but played in Coventry! Rugby Welsh concluded a miserable season when going down to Edwardians by 59-14 last weekend to finish just two places off the bottom of Midlands 4 West (South).

The Club’s overall playing record (to 17/04/11) (Includes league, cup and friendly matches)

Team

Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

Points for

Points against

Points diff.

1st XV

632

737

-105

2nd XV

1095

351

+744

3rd XV

467

492

-25

Total

2194

1580

+614

Warwickshire League 1 – Final Table Pos

Team

Pts

Broadstreet III

509

159

350

Old Laurentians II

526

151

375

Earlsdon II

265

313

-48

Newbold-on-Avon II

205

282

-77

Stratford II

278

263

Leamington II

198

447

-249

Spartans II

169

334

-165

Barkers Butts II

152

353

-201

Warwickshire League 3 (as at 02/04/11) Pos

Team

Pts

Newbold-on-Avon III

403

205

198

Earlsdon III

381

210

171

Sutton Coldfield III

375

174

201

Shipston III

288

186

102

Old Laurentians III

333

298

Harbury II

337

270

Leamington III

188

376

-188

Kenilworth III

254

497

-243

Spartans III

185

528

-343

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Earlier Match Action Midlands 1 West – Saturday 9th April Old Laurentians 14 – Dudley Kingswinford 50 Already confirmed as league champions, Dudley Kingswinford brought a 100% playing record to Fenley Field on Saturday and a near full strength team to defend it. But although the score looks decidedly one sided, OLs competed strongly for long periods in this match, effectively losing it when DK moved into top gear with a five try blitz in the fifteen minutes leading up to half time. DK drew first blood when fly half Gareth Bown took full advantage of a missed tackle to cruise over near the posts, converting his own try for 7-0 after five minutes play. But OLs were enjoying parity in possession and territory and equalised on seven minutes after a superb penalty touch finder by John Carruthers into DK’s 22. Ben O’Riordan made a clean catch, Garrie Reeve took the ball on and Carruthers delivered quick possession to Iain Wallis at pace. The centre burst through DK’s midfield to score near the posts and Steve Pike converted for 7-7. OLs were competing effectively in an even contest at this stage, one scything Carruthers break coming to nought, and wings Jamie Brightwell and Troy Owen were brought into play on several occasions. But on twenty five minutes, excellent support play and quick passing gave DK’s right wing Matt Farrington the chance to go over in the corner. This set off the fireworks and OL’s suddenly found themselves on the back foot as DK ran in four more tries before half time. First DK’s predatory centre Stefan Shillingford added to his impressive try scoring record to go over for his 23rd of the season. Then OLs just failed to re-gather one of Carruthers’ beautifully struck re-start kicks but DK’s flanker Jon Tideswell did and set off on a powerful run that took him 60 metres for a fine individual try. DK’s powerful forward play set up the next two tries, the first claimed by wing James Jefferson, the next falling to prop Stefan Thorpe who muscled his way over after a rolling maul took OLs back fully forty metres. Bown converted two of the five try burst and half time was reached with OLs reeling and the visitors suddenly ahead by 36-7. OLs then lifted themselves for an impressive second half effort, refusing to buckle and taking the game to their opponents. Reward came after eight minutes following another good O’Riordan take at a lineout when scrum half Richard Parker broke through DK’s midfield defence and found skipper Ollie Cowley up on his shoulder for the prop to go over under the posts. Pike converted the try to reduce the deficit to 36-14. OLs were now getting into the face of their illustrious opponents, number 8 Stuart Eborall adding the much needed fire and spikiness that OLs have lacked for much of this season. But the next score was claimed by DK, replacement hooker Luke Greenwood going over after DK stole OL’s possession. Bown’s conversion lifted the score to 43-14. Although OL’s scrums had been under pressure throughout, good combination at the base between Eborall and Parker meant that slow possession was often salvaged to good effect; and the lineout battle was shaded by OLs with some excellent takes by O’Riordan, Eborall and Pike. This gave half backs Parker and Carruthers the opportunities to attack that they relish, keeping OLs on the front foot for much of the half. But DK’s class told in the end and they added one more try seconds before the final whistle when Shillingford went over again, Bown converting to hoist the fifty points. OLs had made the visitors work hard for their win and came out of the game with some credit, setting up the team well for the vital game at Leamington the following week.

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2nd & 3rd XV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fixtures & Results 2nd XV Sept Sept Sept Sept Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Nov Nov Nov Dec Dec Dec Dec Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Mar Mar Mar Mar Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr

4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 4 11 18 26 8 15 19 22 29 5 12 16 19 20 26 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 17 30

F L L F L W L F F F L L L L F

Wellesbourne Newbold II Earlsdon II Leicester Lions III Stratford II Coventry Welsh Barkers Butts II Nuneaton Old Eds II Long Buckby St Andrews II Broadstreet III Spartans II Newbold II Earlsdon II Keresley II

A A H H A H H A H A A H H A H

L L W L F L L C L W L F C F F F F

Stratford II Barkers Butts II Old Leamingtonians Leamington II Leicester Vipers II Broadstreet III Spartans II Daventry II

H A H A A H A H

Broadstreet II Newbold II Daventry Lutterworth Leicester Lions III Nuneaton Old Eds II Kenilworth Combined

Warwickians

H H A A A A H A

3rd XV

35 10 TBA 25 10 TBA 47 17 TBA 37 15 TBA 22 17 Shipston III 96 0 Leamington III 42 0 Harbury II 44 8 Spartans III 24 25 Kenilworth III 16 7 Leicester Medics 18 20 Nuneaton Old Eds III 39 10 Sutton Coldfield III P P Earlsdon III 22 24 Nuneaton Old Eds III P P Newbold III INTER CLUB GAME 71 5 Kenilworth III 37 21 Spartans III 22 5 65 5 Harbury II 43 5 St Andrews III 26 19 Shipston III 51 3 Leamington III 41 0 Newbold III 21 26 43 0 Newbold III 22 12 Earlsdon III 23 20 Earlsdon III P P Sutton Coldfield III 34 34 14 64 Kenilworth Combined 75 14 Shottery

H A A H H H H A H A H

15 52 10 31 33 14 31 0 P 7 P

20 0 21 7 7 33 43 41 P 71 P

A A

32 26

15 7

H H A H

33 P 11 23

17 P 21 24

H H A H

3 10 16 24

13 7 51 24

H H

14 32

64 23

C 2nds Clonmell Final v Rugby St Andrews - Won 32-7 F Long Buckby A Long Buckby A nd

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

1st XV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Fixtures & Results Date Month September September September September October October October October October November November November November December December December December January 2011 January January January February February February February February March March March March March April April April April

Day 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 26 8 15 22 29 2 5 12 19 26 5 12 19 26 30 02 9 16 23

Opponents

Venue

Type

Leamington H L Nuneaton Old Eds A L Old Halesonians H L Whitchurch H L Worcester Wanderers A L Stratford H L Sutton Coldfield A L Walsall H L Bournville A L Southam A Cup Banbury H L Camp Hill A L Lichfield H L Dudley Kingswinford A L Nuneaton Old Eds H L Old Halesonians A L INTER CLUB GAME Whitchurch A L Worcester Wanderers H L Stratford A L Sutton Coldfield H L Stratford H Cup Walsall A L Lichfield H L Bournville H L Dudley Kingswinford A L Banbury A L Camp Hill H L Old Halesonians A L Lichfield A L Sutton Coldfield N Cup Stratford A L Dudley Kingswinford H L Leamington A L Sutton Coldfield H L

Result + 26 10 33 6 41 34 13 44 15 18 22 3 P P 34 P

5 31 22 8 13 17 31 19 45 6 19 21 P P 0 P

17 25 P P 27 14 17 13 7 14 22 25 42 10 15 14 71

27 25 P P 23 37 46 24 91 20 47 13 19 57 16 50 5

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