It was another tight game at Old Coventrians on Saturday and another narrow defeat. The game was level at 10 points all at half time, but a try and two penalties from the home side early in the second half was decisive. We came back strongly towards the end, laying siege to the Coventrians line and eventually touched down to at least claim a bonus point, but right from the restart a mistake set them up for an injury time winner and we lost a point in the final play for the second week running. See John Warner’s report on the website

The Seconds also played at OCs and this was another final-play loss. Tries from Ciaran Flynn and John Brear put us in front late on, only to concede the winner right at the end.

Our Ladies team played in a combined side with KE Five Ways and Worcester MA, against Bourneville, Hereford and Birmingham University on Sunday and won 27-0. Nayna Goswami was player of the match.

This week is blank fixture week but the Veterans side will be playing their second game of the season with a “friendly” against Kenilworth at Moorefields on Friday evening, kicking off at 7.30. We had a good crowd for the first match and another good turn-out is anticipated. The bar will be open as normal on Friday from 5.00

On Saturday the Colts play at Stratford, kicking off at 2.25 and we will be looking for a double over our old rivals.

There is another VP lunch coming up prior to Christmas, before the Old Leamingtonians game on 14 December. Charlie Gardner has resumed the organisation of the dinners and is expecting a crown of up to 100. He says that places are already being snapped up and interested members should get in touch with him as soon as possible on 07989 759709.

The Christmas draw for the 200 Club will be made at the dinner, so if you want to get in it please get in touch with Kit Forrest on 07748 658086 or kit.forrest1951@gmail.com It being Xmas there is the extra prize of £500 in addition to the usual prizes of £250, £100 and £50. The 200 club is a great earner and you have the chance of getting your money back as a prize.

Repeat of message from Phil McGaffin on subs - Thank you to all those who have paid their annual subs or have confirmed that a SO is in place to pay monthly. Greatly appreciated by the club and by me, as it's a few less that I have to track down. We are now into November and it would be good to get this all closed off by the end of the month. This is nearly four whole weeks for those unpaid subs to be converted into paid. There are still a decent number that remain outstanding so if you could help me out and make payment promptly, and let me or Chris Davis know that you have done so, I will be very happy. The club needs your support. If you have any queries, contact me on 07835 995161 0r by email pgaff99@gmail.com. Payment details are attached

johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com