It was another disappointing game on Saturday, as the first team suffered its eighth defeat in a row , against Berkswell and Balsall, who appear to have done some good recruitment since we last met. But again, it was a very close thing with both sides scoring 2 tries and kicks made the difference as we went down 20-10. Read John Warner’s report on the website

The second team also played at home, to Barkers Butts. We led for most of the game until BB scored to take a 12-7 lead on 65 minutes. The ref decided to abandon the game at that point and walked off, leaving both sides confused. The Colts game was cancelled due to illness in the squad

This is a free week, so no games are scheduled for Saturday. The club will be open as usual in the afternoon from 2.30 with rugby on TV. On Friday night the Veterans are entertaining Stratford - kick off at 7.30.

On Sunday. The U16 are training as are the mini sides. The U15 are away at Silhillians in the Warwickshire Cup

Trespass by Travellers. If you have visited the club in the last few weeks, you may have noticed that a new bright yellow overhead barrier has been installed on the main gates. This is to discourage unlawful entry into the ground and improve our safety. The Club has suffered several unauthorised incursions by Travellers over the years – it is expensive, disruptive and unpleasant. Following the most recent incident, in June 2024, we discussed with the Police and County Council, how to discourage future attempts and how to seek eviction if they succeed. The key points are

• The club has the Common Law right to seek eviction of trespassers, but it is better to keep them out in the first place.
• To maximise our chances of doing this, the overhead barrier at the main gate must be kept locked 24/7
• The only exception is to allow delivery vehicles and coaches delivering services and players etc to have short and controlled entry by arrangement
• The main gate itself will need to be open during the day but should be locked at night
• In addition to the barrier and gate we are in the process of increasing our defensive measures within the ground.
• Through arrangements agreed with the Police and Council we have a protocol for dealing with incidents by - immediate police enforcement, or the use of bailiffs and the courts

These arrangements will only work if we are vigilant. The new overhead barrier is now in place and a limited number of keys have been issued. The barrier should be closed at all times. The car wash staff will control access and closure of the main gates during their hours which cover most of the day. They will keep the barrier locked except for the specific circumstances described above and at other times the users of the facilities or the bar staff will be responsible, as agreed.

As mentioned above, opening and closing will be permitted for arranged visits such as away team coaches and brewery, waste disposal vehicles etc., but the message to members is that they cannot just turn up in large vehicles and expect the barrier to be opened and left open whilst they are here. It is hoped they will find other solutions. This is not intended to be difficult or put people off coming. We realise that there is a level of nuisance involved that we have to live with, but if we can keep travellers out it will be for the benefit of everyone. We need to remain vigilant at all times and members and visitors are asked to co-operate with the above.
Johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com