As mentioned last week, Derren Nisbet has taken over the organisation of the VP lunches and the first one will be on Saturday 9th September v Broadstreet - 12.30 for 1.00 sit down. Derren has provided me with the following note -

Welcome everyone to the new 2023-2024 Season which is a much anticipated one for all of us, especially given the impressive refurbishment of our clubhouse and the beginning of Rugby World Cup 2023. We have chosen the opening 1st team fixture to host the first VP lunch when we entertain our old foes Broadstreet, in what promises to be an exciting game, hopefully with plenty of the fast-flowing Rugby we often see when the pitch is dry and pristine (as usual thanks in no small part to groundsman Jim Poynter). The improvements bring the opportunity for us to host 8 tables of 8 and should people require, 2 tables of 10. Places are on a first come, first served basis! The timing coincides with the opening games in France, featuring Australia v Georgia at 5.00pm and for those who can stay the pace, England will open their campaign in a tasty opener against Argentina at 8pm. Please email me if you would like a place(s) or table at Derren_Nisbet@Hotmail.com or on Whatsapp at 07717795969 (remember to state your name on the message). It would be great to support the team to a win and at the same time renew old acquaintances and get back into the thick of the sport. I look forward to hosting you all - Derren

As mentioned last week, Leamington’s senior squad will be travelling to Old Saltleians for a 6-way pre-season tournament on Saturday. This will feature Stratford, Sutton Coldfield, Old Salts, Walsall and Vipers. The first games kick off at midday with the finals starting at 3PM.

Salts have a new ground (courtesy of HS2) and the address is Coleshill Road, Water Orton, B46 1QE

Directions From M6 Junction 4 - take the A446 North towards M42, Lichfield, Tamworth, across 3 traffic islands. over Grimstock Hill (Shell garage at the top on the left) across the first traffic lights, at the bottom of the hill, turn left at the next lights onto Watton Lane towards Water Orton. Drive under the M42 and take the next left down Gypsy Lane. The club is directly ahead at the T-Junction with Coleshill Road.
From M42 junction 9, take the A446 (Lichfield Road) South towards Coleshill. Across the Hams Hall traffic island, continue towards Coleshill, straight on at the lights until you pass ‘Bikers World’ on your right. Then take a right turn at the next traffic lights onto Watton Lane towards Water Orton. Drive under the M42 as above
After the game it will be all back to Moorefields for the England v Ireland game at 5.30 on the big screen and after that the players are holding their awards ceremony and Kangaroo Court , carried over from last year. The awards are top secret until then but I can announce that Joe Kinghorn will be taking over the captain’s armband for the season and will be supported by Gareth Shuttleworth and Louis Dunbavin as vice-captains. Congratulations to all three
Yet another event this Saturday is that we are hosting the finals of the RFL Midlands Cup at Moorefields. The ladies’ final will be between Telford Raiders and Coventry Bears which will kick-off at 1.00. The men’s final will be between Telford raiders and Birmingham Bulls which will kick-off at 2.30

What’s On – drinking and sporting activities this week are as above or as normal

johnlizlyons@btopenworld.com