I shall come onto the food, ale etc later but let's start with the rugby.
The Vandals
Our senior citizens travelled to Redditch to play the once dreaded Exiles (Vets) who used to beat every team they played. However, the ageing process gets us all eventually and our boys claimed another comfortable victory by 32-12.
Thirds/Fourths/Anyone with a pair of boots
A mixture of shapes and sizes took on Harbourne 3rds and won by 24-12 in a game that will be remembered for a very serious injury to that star Hooker from years back, Toff. Everyone at the club sends their best wishes for a successful recovery.
First XV
Keeping it brief, we played at home to the top team in the league, Banbury and we should have gained a fairly clear insight into why they are top and why we are not. We started quite well with our pack causing the visitors a number of problems. However, we seem to work our way into positions where we look certain to score but then produce some unenforced error and we fail to trouble the scoreboard. But, when Banbury saw half a chance, from any situation, they took their opportunity in what you could say was a clinical manner. Why that happens I will leave the coaches to ponder.
Tries from Jake and Carl were not enough and a score of 14-50 looks a little unkind, I am confident that we can put things right at Droitwich next Saturday.
Vice Presidents
A number of former players or members pay an annual fee in order to to show their love of the club and in return they are invited to the club for a lunch and to watch a bit of rugby. Saturday saw the final gathering of the year and thanks go out to Mick, Pat and all of those who helped to provide such a pleasant occasion.
As a player myself, front rows tended to play their own little games with little concern for the other members of the team. 'How many against the head' was seen as the real reason for playing. You never know, that might be an idea for our first team to look into. Back to the VPs, they were almost all forwards and mainly tight heads, such as Rob, Pembo, Keith (Bert), Mick Ison, and Fridge was spotted lurking near the food table even though he was meant to be on the way to Redditch.
There were rumours circulating that Robbie has started a fitness programme aimed at retired front row players. So far the sessions include a brisk walk from the bar to the patio carrying one full pint of Brew X1. The next level will be to walk from the bar to the touchline but now carrying two full pints of Brew. Those who can manage it will be able to increase the distance covered by visiting the gents on the way to the bar. If progress is seen by Rob as reaching the expected standard then he will invite former second rows to join his elite group. Backs will continue to make do with milkshakes.
Mini Teams
Another mega performance from our future stars saw some superb play from our teams against one of the strongest sides on our list, Harbury. Not so long ago they would be too good for us but our progress can now be seen.
Weekend Fixtures
First XV v Droitwich away League 2.15
Dev XV v Bridgnorth home merit league 2.15
Vandals v Upton home merit table 2.15
Sunday
Under 7, 8, 10 all away v Aston Old Eds 11.00
Under 9,11,12 TBA