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1. 31 attended
2. Bar take down year on year by ~13%, this is in line, if not better, than most pubs.
3. PB has a plan to increase income by better liaison and joint fund raising events with M&J’s, an active and expanded commercial committee with new blood, extra league games
4. PB is planning a Brain Storming Session at club on 20th July
5. There is to be an increase in subs to Life - same, Playing @ £75, VP @ £75, Social @ £40, Spouse @ £10, Student/colt @ £35
6. PB is looking at a credit card facility behind bar but this will not be for cash advances.
7. Yann suggested savings could be made if people volunteered to do tasks foc – for example watering pitch, mowing pitches and this to be looked at by RJ/PB. WW advised that we must be aware of our H&S responsibility though.
8. Membership levels and income down due to loss of Medics and colts back to M&J section and a general cleansing of the data-base.
9. Concern was raised at the meeting at the low level of players we have with the number of teams we put out and are we sure we have them all as members. The same issue was raised with Social Members. WW said that this was a big problem in the club as we can only chase those members who are on our data-abase and if a player is not then we do not know about them hence cannot chase for subs. We are in the hands of the captains to provide info on all of their players.
10. It was suggested that perhaps we should have a category for ‘lost’ players but it was pointed out that there is – the Former Players Association.
11. The M&J section is thriving with now 400+ kids. They have identified 29 roles and have 13 committee members. It is the intention to have a better relationship with the senior club and encourage their members to use the club. It is their intention to provide ball boys for the first XV home league games.
12. For the first time in a while there will be a continuous flow of players from the juniors at all age groups and this year there will be two colts teams. Rich Gibson is putting a coaching plan together and another to reduce the current massive drop out rate between 19 and 24.
13. Playing targets for 09/10 are to at least equal or better our 08/09 position in National League 3 Midlands and to win the Warwickshire Cup. New coaching team of Mat Davies and Paul Thompson. Retention of most players from last season bar one or two.
14. The management committee of 08/09 were vote back in en bloc.
15. Our grounds (both first XV/clubhouse and the Cow Patch are now coming out of greenbelt for development from 2016 onwards. We are therefore looking for a new site and the overwhelming feeling of the meeting was that the site must be in Kenilworth . We will look to have a bigger and better area than that planned for the Cow Patch and WW to advise where there is one with nice sand and gravel below it.
    

As at 23 June

The club will be open for the Lions game today (Tuesday) and for the second test on Saturday. Tonight it will open just before the game (6) and close just after. We thank Ian for making this possible.

Please remember the AGM tomorrow night, 24th June, and come along if you can. Please remember it is your club and if you want to know what is happening in the club then this is the ideal opportunity to find out and ask questions of the management team. There is big news to hear on the Ground Re-Development side. We are looking for new blood in the management team and the various sub committees so if you are interested then please come along and put your name forward.

As at 19 June

The club will be open tomorrow for the Lions first test Lunch which is a sell out. The game, kick off 2pm, will be shown on two big screens so there will be room for all.

There may well be other more informal lunches before the next two tests so watch this space or look on the web site.

Please remember the AGM on Wed 24th June @ 8pm. We are looking for new blood to come into the Management Team and other non committee posts so, if you want to help the club carry through its success then please attend and consider joining the management team.

The AGM of Warwickshire RFU is to be held on Friday 10th July at Coventry RFC.

Players (and indeed others) are reminded of the pre training BBQ on Friday 3rd July. Training then starts on Tuesday 7th July – contact Dom or Dicky for details.

The make up of the league has changed again. Due to the fact that Halifax have dropped out/down the league system Sheffield Tigers, who were due to play in our league next season, will now return to North division and their place in our league is to be taken by Luton.

The closing date for tickets for England v New Zealand in Nov is looming fast and we have loads of tickets so if you want some apply, if you want more than the normal four then you will almost certainly get them. To get your name on the list send a note of your requirements to Willie W plus a cheque for the amount made out to Kenilworth RFC Ltd.

You may or may not be aware that our former coach suffered a heart attack a few weeks back but the very good news is that he is now back home and on the mend. We owe Fergie a lot for what he did for us.

More good news is that Pete Roberts got married a few weeks back

As at 10 June

Pre Season details have been announced for season 2009/10 for all Senior players.

Head Coach Matt Davies is looking forward to seeing all senior players for the start of Pre-Season on Friday July 3rd.

All players should meet at the clubhouse on Friday 3rd July

6.45 Players meet - Matt Davies will give an overview or plans for coming season.

7.15 Training - a short sharp session to get the juices running!

8.15 Barbecue, Beer and Bonding!!! There will be a barbecue for all players plus some beer and other isotonic refreshments.

Training will then continue every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the Summer. The training schedule will be distributed on the website a week in advance so all players should check in advance. We will be training at the Cow Patch as well as the Abbey Fields (just to check that the hills are still as steep!!)

All players are welcome - existing and new..

Head Coach Matt Davies will be talking to existing Senior Players (1XV + 2XV) over the next couple of weeks to discuss his and their plans and expectations for season 2009/10.

Please could players confirm to either Dom Carrick or Colin Dick that they will be there on 3rd July - (to confirm barbecue catering!!)

Dom Carrick - domcarrick@yahoo.co.uk 07989 444438

Colin Dick - colin.dick@bridgestone-eu.com 07989 359114

Dates for your Diary

The Playing Management is currently working with fixture secretary (and clubman of the year) Dean Stephenson to confirm a series of pre season fixtures for the Senior Squad to prepare them for their assault on National 3 Midlands so if you are serious about first/second team rugby next se ason then please c keep them available.

The proposed dates are as follows.

Saturday 15th August

Saturday 22nd August - Away fixture and overnight stop

Thursday 27th August

First League fixture is Saturday 5th September at home to Luctonians.

Dear Member,

For a number of valid reasons, generally all associated with the downturn of the economy and the inevitable pressures on allocation of monies, some of our sponsors have had to withdraw their sponsorship to the club for the forthcoming 2009/10 season. Given Kenilworth's success of last year and our desire to succeed again in National Midlands 3 we are again asking for individuals and/or companies to give due consideration to providing sponsorship to Kenilworth RFC. Kenilworth's funding continues to be a mix of revenue through the club (mainly bar take) and the kind sponsorship of a few local companies and individuals. Kenilworth survives on a very tight budget where any donations or sponsorship, however small, can and do make a huge difference. Increasingly we find it more difficult to balance the need for a team to compete in National Midlands with the funds available and therefore the request for new sponsorship.

We fully understand, especially in today's economic climate, the difficulty in providing sponsorship that we all know is largely benevolent! However sponsorship is available at any level and the attached brochure will give you some idea of the sums involved. Please do not take the figures literally as we can tailor any package to your need/budget.

Your continued support of the club is appreciated.

If you may be able to help the club in any way please contact:-

Pete Lindsay on Email :peter.lindsay@uk.ngrid.com or Mobile: 07789753345

Peter Blakeman, Chairman, 5th June 09

PRESS RELEASE, 4TH JUNE

Kenilworth RFC are delighted to announce they have secured the services of Matt Davies as first team coach for the 2009/10 season. Matt has been an instrumental part of the Kenilworth's first team front row for the past two years and now, with the full backing of the players and committee, will take up the position as Head Coach. Matt brings a wealth of leadership and rugby experience to his new role with over 150 games for Rugby Lions, many as captain and a number of seasons playing National Division One rugby.

Next season Kenilworth will be playing National Midlands rugby and Matt will be looking for commitment and support from all players as we strive to better our 4th position of last season. Matt will be looking to integrate all players into senior squad training utilising personnel from our successful 2XV and up and coming stars from our Colts XV.

It's already looking good for next season with a settled squad from last year and interest already being shown from quality new players wishing to join. Announcement of pre season training and warm up games will be made shortly.

Potential new players who are interested in joining a successful club should contact Dom Carrick on 07989 444438 or email domcarrick@yahoo.co.uk or come in though the web site at www.kenilworthrugby.co.uk.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DINNER THAT WAS TO BE HELD ON THE 12TH JUNE HAS HAD TO BE CANCELLED, AGAIN

As at 1st June

Please note that the club will open from 6pm on Wednesday night (3rd June) for the Lions v Golden Lions game which kicks off at 6.10pm our time.

This will be a trial for future Wednesday games with the Lions and in the event of a poor turnout we will not bother opening early.

It is our intention to open for all Saturday games involving the Lions, these kicking off at 2pm our time.

As at 27th May

• Our Chairman has asked me to advise you that our new mower was purchased with the help of the RFU, the M&J’s section, the 200 Club and the Mobile Club (the company formed to get our land out of greenbelt) who gave us a loan to get to the final figure.

• Our Player of the Year, Francis Nock, has sent this message:

Hello to all,

Just wanted to mail round to say thanks to all those who were so generous at the Club Dinner in sponsoring me in my task of completing the National Three Peaks Challenge. I managed to raise £162 on the night which is well in excess of what I expected so thanks again to all.

For anyone who was not there, I now have a just giving page set up at www.justgiving.com/francisnock . Anyone who wishes to sponsor me, no matter how little you can spare, it would be very dearly appreciated. I am raising money for Wateraid, a charity which provides safe water and sanitation to people in developing countries. It is a cause very dear to my heart.

Thanks again to those who have already given, and to those who are able to spare anything.

cheers, Nocker

• On Saturday (30th May) the club will open from 12.30. This is a big day of TV rugby with the first Lions game at 2pm, England v the Barbarians at 4.15 and/or the Super 14 final (Bulls v Chiefs) at 4.30 and Wales v Canada at 7.45. These are all on Sky.

• The composition of our league (National League 3, Midlands) has now been finalised and you can find it at http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.News_Detail/StoryID/22722. The big news from this is that we will be playing for bonus points as per the other National Leagues.

• We have also received clarification that, although we are theoretically in a National League, we will be able to contest the Warwickshire Cup next season.

As at 20th May

Ground breaking news from Rod Jones –

1. On Friday 24 April, we took delivery of a £5,000 self-propelled mower. This is the first piece of equipment bought with the aid of the RFU’s Rugby Foundation Fund. The new mower will benefit KRFC by reducing expenditure on external contractors & enable the sports turf to be cut at the optimal time for improved grass growth.

2. On Easter Sunday, the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) completed the planting of 1,000 trees in Glasshouse Spinney (beside the Cowpatch). This woodland is owned by KRFC and as part of a 20 year management plan, several oak trees have been selectively felled. This has been a major project and has taken two years to completion.

3. We have spent approx £3,000 on end-of-season renovations to the Main Pitch and Pitches 1 & 2 (at the Cowpatch). To safeguard this investment, any matches/training before July 2009 would be best on Cowpatch pitch 3 (below the Training Pitch) – thanks for your anticipated co-operation with this.

Other

• The AGM is to be held on 24th June, 8pm at the club and the notice is enclosed for your information, together with last years minutes. Please note the comment on there being more members in the bar at the AGM. This is not very funny and if you care about the club then please come along to the AGM. There are a number of retirements this season and it would be nice to see some new faces on the Management Committee. Please consider this and advise me if you would like to be considered.

• Our popular prop Tristan became a daddy a few weeks back and it is congratulations to all.

• Applications for England v New Zealand tickets at Twickenham on Sat 21st Nov are now being taken with tickets at £85, £71, £60, £52 and £41. Applications to me by 18th August. England are also playing Argentina and Fiji on the 14th and 28th Nov and details of these tickets were sent out earlier.

• Warwickshire RFU now have a web site and this is www.warwickshirerfu.co.uk

• First XV Coach Ian Fergusson has now left Kenilworth for pastures new and we wish him well. The club wishes to take this opportunity to thank “Fergie” for the very hard work that he has put in over the last four years, winning Midlands 2 west and gaining our highest ever league position, 4th Midlands 1, this season.

• Tim Hunt wishes to remind all that the Wednesday night sessions will continue over the close season and all are welcome down at the Cow Patch.

• The club will be open on Saturday for the Heineken Cup final and for the forthcoming Lions Tests.

• Friday 12th June – Gentlemen’s Sporting Dinner : Speakers Darren Garforth and Wal Prescott - Tickets £20 - Contact Peter Blakeman – Email Peter@jonicengineering.co.uk

• Saturday 20th June - Lions Lunch Lunch then watch the Lion’s 1st test on a big screen at your table in the company of our own former Lion Mr Steve Brain! Tickets only £15 - Contact Peter Blakeman – Email Peter@jonicengineering.co.uk

As at 18th May

The following awards were presented at the Club Dinner on Fri 15 May.

The Jack Pilbin Trophy for Clubman of the Year

Dean Stephenson

Colts

Most improved player – James Nicholl

Player of Year – Bobby Thompson

3rd XV/Pirates

Player of the Year – Mark Bennett, scoring 181 points, including 22 tries.

Tony Philpot was thanked for good team management in helping to win the Veteran's Double Tops competition, the only rugby trophy won by any Kenilworth team this season!

Most improved 3XV player - Florian Theil

Award for the Best Excuse Not to Play – Paddy Flavelle. Paddy won the Pepper Pot for the best excuse for crying off, text message 'sniff sniff... have man flu and the wife will not let me play'

2nd XV

Most Improved Player – Seb Assefuah

Player of the Season – Paul Stephens

1st XV

Player’s Player of the Year – joint award to Francis Nock and Andrew McGuire

Most Improved Player – Dave Clements (for standing in at No10 and performing very well)

Player of the Year – Francis Nock

AGM – date of AGM is 24th June at the club.

As at 8th May

• It is sad to report that that the season ended in a wee bit of a whimper with us narrowly losing at Luctonians to miss out on the play offs and going out of the Warwickshire Cup to a very good Broadstreet but I believe that the first team a squad have done us proud and should be congratulated by all for their efforts this season and if someone offered us what we achieved at the start of the season then perhaps we may have accepted. What it means is that we will be playing in National League 3 Midlands next season which is really the level we are at now but with an increased league of fourteen teams and no national cup games to play.

• For your information Chester lost the play off at Hull, 40-15.

• Tomorrow we have entered a side in the Earlsdon Sevens and this is a mix of our senior players and colts. We won this a few years back and have every chance of winning again.

• The club will also be open tomorrow from 2.30 to show the two rugby games that are on in the Premiership play offs.

Upcoming events

1) Friday 15th May - Club Dinner

We are trying a new format – the dinner is at the club with a marquee tagged on the back – late bookers and Colts tables in the Marquee – then get proceedings over and then we have silly racing ie pigs – sheep on the big screen which you can bet on! - Tickets £20. We already have over 90 booked – if you are not specifically booked onto someone’s table book straight away as there are only a few places left. few places remaining. Contact Peter Lindsay Email: peter.lindsay@uk.ngrid.com

2) Friday 12th June – Gentlemen’s Sporting Dinner

Speakers Darren Garforth and Wal Prescott - Tickets £20 - Contact Peter Blakeman – Email Peter@jonicengineering.co.uk

3) Saturday 20th June - Lions Lunch

Lunch then watch the Lion’s 1st test on a big screen at your table in the company of our own former Lion Mr Steve Brain! Tickets only £15 - Contact Peter Blakeman – Email Peter@jonicengineering.co.uk

As at 20th April

Kenilworth went to Luctonians with a very big support on Sat but were cruelly denied a play off spot with a heartbreaking 13-15 defeat by Luctonians. We were well on top in the first period of the second half and winning 8-3 but a yellow card was punished severely by conceding two tries, one converted to go behind 8-15. We came back strongly and almost scored but did not. Elliot's penalty nearly went over but did not and an encampment on the Lucs line produced no late try. The guys were gutted at the end and we all felt for them. The ironic thing was that Lucs did not get the play off spot - that went to Chester so there were no winners at Luctonians on the day.

It is now Broadstreet in the Warwickshire Cup semi on Wed night, 7.30 kick off at Earlsdon.

As at 14th April

This weekend (18th) all roads will be/should be leading to Kingsland, just west of Leominster to support the boys in their quest to finish second in the league and a play off against either Westhoe or Hull, away, on 25th April.

A win will see us there with no complications. A loss and we will not. A draw will mean frantic phone calls to see how Chester have got on at home to Newport.

There is good team news to report and we should be very close to full strength.

There are two supporters buses going in addition to the players coach, complete with colts who are down to play Luctonians Colts in an early kick off. If you want to get on a supporters coach then speak to Ian Hadwin at the club and he will sort you out.

If you are travelling by car then allow yourself up to 2hrs as it is around 75 miles. Take jcn 7 off the M5 and pick up signs for A44, Leominster. Leave Leominster on the A44 and about 3 miles out of Leominster you should turn right onto the A4110 heading north. Kingsland is then a further 2 to 3 miles up this road and the ground is on the LHS just past a monument and a pub, and to the west of the village.

Luctonians are laying on a pig roast so you can get some food and fine beer at the club before the game. If you fancy a pub lunch though there is a very nice wee pub in the village of Kingsland – not the one opposite the ground but in the heart of the village on the LHS coming from the ground.

For those staying at home the games currently on are the twos away at Newbold and the threes at home to Spartans, both league games. I suggest that you check out if they are on though.

REMINDERS

Adam Wiltshire’s Band Night in support of his tour at the club on Friday 17th April

Play off at Westhoe or Hull – 25th April, To Be Confirmed!

CLUB DINNER – 15th May, at the club: note, this is filling up fast!

The result on Saturday will dictate when we play our cup semi final with Broadstreet.

SADNESS

Following the death of Nobby Bolton (brother of Mike) who died of cancer in Australia in Dec there will be a memorial service at All Saints Church, Warwick on 23rd April at 12noon and afterwards at Old Leamingtonians Rugby Club. Nobby played for Cov from 1968 -1974 and during that period socialised at KRFC and played the odd game for us when Mike was captain in 72/74, he gets a mention in Beaky’s book! He scored 122 tries in 178 first team appearances at Cov and 18 from 26 Championship games for Warwickshire. He emigrated to Australia in 2002 and settled in Perth near to his Daughter. He died there on the 16/12/08 after a valiant fight against cancer.

Another death to announce is that of Jim Broderick. The funeral was Tuesday 21st April. Golf Club. Donations to Myton Hospice.

Yet another death is Wally Holmes, another of the great characters of Warwickshire Rugby Football who passed on recently and was buried yesterday.

HAPPINESS

Mark Powell and his good lady Penny have had a baby boy - arrived this morning at 7.00am 5lb 11oz. Powelly enjoyed the gas and air!!

Game on 11th April

KENILWORTH SELECT 75 MENAI RFC 10

A mix of second, third and pirates plus a few returning first teamers gave Kenilworth a comfortable win over a very likeable and thirsty Menai RFC touring squad.

There were two tries for Gareth Renowden, John Raby and Matt Murray and singles for Ian Bowden, Jai Purewal, Seb Assefuah, Jamie McCance, Ian Phillips, Dan Careless and Alex Stanojevic. Conversions by Renowden, Raby, Assefuah, McCance and Stanojevic.

No other games played.

As at 10th April

Can I clear up where we are with League and Warwickshire Cup.

League

If we win we are in play off

If we lose we are not

If we draw and Chester win they will be in play off as they have a better points difference than us

If we draw and Chester lose or draw we are in play off

If we lose and Chester win then Chester are in play off

The other league news is that Andy Whitehall is joint top try scorer with 13 league tries. What a nice day it could be next Sat (18th) when the ones win and Andy scores and finishes top try scorer!

We want as much support as we can at Luctonians and there are at least three coaches going and a host of cars - speak to Ian Hadwin at the club to secure your place on one of them. Come along and support the boys for the biggest game in Kenilworth's history.

Warwickshire Cup

We have been told to play our Warwickshire Cup semi final v Broadstreet on Wed 22nd April. I have said we will not want to play then if we are in the play off. Warwickshire responded by saying we must play and play an ‘A’ team if need be. I have responded and said that we value the Warwickshire Cup too much to play an ‘A’ team and, in any case, we would quite like to win it!

Watch this space.

If we are not in the play off then expect to be playing Broadstreet on Wed 22nd April in the semi.

Final is 3rd May.

Other semi is Newbold v Dunlop or Earlsdon

As at 5th April

Well the ones did the business on Saturday and defeated Peterborough 22-10 to set up a big day on the 18th April at Luctonians with the winner taking the play off spot. Tries by Jamie Peacock, Francis Nock and two for Andy Whitehall in a superb performance.

KENILWORTH 2’s 26 LEAMINGTON 2’s 19

Two tries for Jimmy Middleton and one for the returning Alex Stanojevic and Ross Lowthian. Stanojevic successful with three conversions.

BOURNEMOUTH ALL STARS 70 KENILWORTH PIRATES 50 (TOUR GAME)

Details to follow.

NUNEATON COLTS v KENILWORTH COLTS – WARWICKSHIRE CUP SEMI FINAL, played Sunday details to follow

As at 2nd April

Well we have reached the day of reckoning and on Saturday we take on Peterborough, at home, knowing that if we lose and Luctonians win, were are no longer in the hunt for the play off spot. Some people have called Saturday the biggest game in the club’s history and I would not disagree with that. What we will need is the support of a big crowd to give the boys every encouragement to win so please make every effort to be there and give them that support, kick off 3pm. Even if we win we will still need to beat Luctonians in our last league game of the season, away, on the 18th April.

For this last game of the season at Luctonians (18 April) when we hope all will be riding on it there are a number of trips planned and these will take place even if the play off spot is not up for grabs. The first XV and Colts are going on a coach and there may be spaces on this. Greg McSweeney is organizing a coach out of the Engine Pub and the Former Players are looking at organizing an away day. Depending on numbers these latter groups may be combined or they may go on separate coaches. If you fancy any of these options then can I suggest that you contact Ian the Steward and he will note your name.

This weekend the Pirates are on tour to Bournemouth. The two’s are down to play Leamington at home.

Following their resounding success at Earlsdon last week the colts are now in the semi final of the Warwickshire Colts Cup and on Sunday (5th April) at 3pm they take on Nuneaton, at Nuneaton. As there are no M&J sessions at the club on Sunday it has been agreed that the club and the bar will remain closed until around 5pm when it will open till the last person leaves. Be careful though as the Pirates will be returning around 6/7pm and they may well be in a bit of state! The colts would love your support in this fixture and there is no reason whatsoever why they should not progress to the final.

There is still no news of the Warwickshire Cup although the final is still down for 3rd May. We are the only ones in the semi final and eagerly await news!

WHAT’S COMING UP

5th April Warwickshire Colts Cup semi final v Nuneaton (a), 3pm

11th April An Easter Saturday game for the Vets v a touring team from Bristol area

17th April Adam Wiltshire’s Tour Fund Raiser featuring ‘The Last Minute’

18th April Luctonians, away – FORMER PLAYERS AWAY DAY

24th April Mini & Juniors Spring Ball at the Woodside.

25th April Harold Stilwell Cup – to be played at Kenilworth (To be confirmed as depends on play off situation)

25th April League play offs (we can dream!)

3rd May Warwickshire Cup Final (should we get there)

15th May CLUB DINNER (to be held at club)

ENGLAND v ARGENTINA (14TH Nov) and FIJI (28th Nov) – the RFU have informed me that these tickets are now on sale to affiliated clubs and that they will accept tickets direct from club members as they are not in our normal quota system. Please contact Willie W who will send you the application form. Please note if you buy your tickets before the 30th April then discounts and other incentives are offered. After this they go on sale to the general public.

KRFC Club Dinner 7pm Friday 15th May 2009

This year after an absence of almost ten years we are returning to the club to hold the Club Dinner on Friday 15th May. This year, in addition to the after dinner team awards and brief speeches, we will also be holding a Race Night with a difference! Remember the club dinner is open to everyone, not just the players, and it's a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all senior teams including the colts, all of whom have played an important part in contributing to another successful season. Therefore it would be good to see a number of tables filled with supporters, former players and alikadoos, come on don't be shy! For the fourth year in a row prices have been held at £20 for the evening, dress code is blazer/jacket and tie, booking sheet can be found on the main notice board in the club and in addition please inform Pete Lindsay via email peter.lindsay@uk.ngrid.com

Here is to a win for the ones on Saturday to set up a very big day at Luctonians.

As at 30th March

MIDLANDS 1

KETTERING 13 KENILWORTH 38

A superb result for Kenilworth to keep the dream of a play off spot alive and to set up one very big league game against rivals Peterborough on Sat, 4th April. If Kenilworth win this game they will then travel to Luctonians on Sat 18th April knowing that another win will see them in the play off. A loss and the dream will be over. The Kettering result was all the more commendable as regular fly halves Russ Clarke, Pete Roberts and Mark Rea were all unavailable due to injuries and winger/full back Dave Clements stood in and had an outstanding game, amongst many others.

Second XV – no game due to opposition cry off.

KENILWORTH 3’s 24 MANOR PARK 3’s 10

A very good warm up win for Kenilworth on the back of their win in the Vets 20/20 final and before their tour to Bournemouth next week.

Two tries for Seb Assefuah and one each for Russell White and Ross Lowthian. Two conversions for Glyn Owen.

WARWICKSHIRE COLTS CUP

EARLSDON 20 KENILWORTH 24

Kenilworth progressed to the semi final of the Warwickshire Colts Cup with a hard fought win at Earlsdon. Dominating the first half they let things slip a bit ion the second half but ran out deserved winners. Try scorers were Cameron Wright, Bobby Thompson, Jack Gibson and Gavin Harmon. Gavin was successful with two tries.

In case you are all gagging to know our Vets won their 20/20 cup with a last minute try from Jamie McCance. Apparently Darren Garforth treasured his medal so much it has taken pride of place in his display plastic bag at the bottom of his cupboard along side his England, Leicester and BaBa's memorabila!

The opening match of the Warwickshire District Competition was on Wednesday night as South Warwickshire defeated Rugby and District 18-15 away at Long Buckby.

The match was won by a last minute drop goal from Stratford fly half Simon Brain. Tries came from Elliott Smith (Stratford), Dom Carrick (Kenilworth) and Simon Thomas (Wellesbourne).

Kenilworth were represented strongly in the squad by:

Ross Lowthian, Dom Carrick - Capt, James Wadey, Ian Phillips, Sam Hobbins, Tristan Wati, John Raby and Russ White - assistant coach

As at 20th March

Only one game on for the club this weekend - our Pirates are taking on Cheltenham Civil Service Old Boys with a 1.30 kick off on the main pitch. The Old Boys are on Tour and will be staying at the club to see Scotland beat England and Ireland take the Grand Slam.

The team for the Vets 20/20 Final next week (25th March) has been announced and it is:

S. BLADON

G. BALLINGER

J GARFORTH

M. POWELL (capt)

T. HUNT

D. GARFORTH

J. FITZPATRICK

D. CARRICK

C. DINGLEY

G. OWEN

J. McCANCE

P. ROBERTS

M. NICHOLAS

S. RAMUS

M. BENNETT

REPLACEMENTS

G. EDNEY

J VINCENT

A. PHILPOT

A.HONESS

D. CHRIMES

This is an 8.30 kick off at Broadstreet and all support would be greatly appreciated.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY - APRIL 17th - Adam Willtshire has organised for live music from The Last Minute at the club in a fundraising event for his U11' Welsh Tour

As at 16 March

MIDLANDS 1

KENILWORTH 23 SOUTH LEICESTER 14

Another scratchy win for Kenilworth but one that we will accept. K's move to third in the league following defeats for Peterborough and Newport.

Games remaining are Kettering (a), Peterborough (h), Luctonians (a). Wins in all these games will see us in the play off.

RUGBY LIONS 2's 22 KENILWORTH 2's 24

A superb win for Kenilworth. Two tries for John Raby, one for Ashley Jenkinson and a penalty try. Two conversions by James Peacock.

OLD COVENTRIANS 32 KENILWORTH 24

Tries for Mark Bennett, Alastair Johnson, Paddy Flavelle and Will O'Meara. One conversion for Sam Kincaid, one for Will O'Meara.

KENILWORTH COLTS 22 SOLIHULL 14

One try for Sam Hobbins and three for Rob Thompson. Adam Hadwin, one con.

As at 11th March

On Saturday the ones are at home to South Leicester, kick off 3pm. Gas Renowden has done his homework and it is easy – I think we can all concede the league to Broadstreet but if we win all or remaining games then we will be in the play offs, probably against Hull on the 25th April. This sounds ever so easy but we have the matter of defeating South Leicester and Peterborough at home and Kettering and Luctonians away in our last four league games!

The two’s are away at Old Laurentians and the threes are at home to Old Coventrians, both in league games. Our second XV are lying one point behind Broadstreet in their league but the three’s are a wee bit adrift in mid table in theirs.

The colts are at home to South Leicester colts.

On Thursday night (12 Mar) the Dene River Jazz Band make another return to the club.

The colts have been drawn away to Earlsdon in the Warwickshire Colts Cup, to be played on 29th March, 2.15 kick off.

The senior Warwickshire Cup is in chaos and we are the only team in the semi finals to date with others still to play their first and quarter final ties. Warwickshire RFU have decreed that the semi finals must be played by the 19th April with the final set for 3rd May.

Our Vets squad have done us proud by reaching the final of the Vets Double Top (20/20) competition and they will play Shipston Vets at Earlsdon on 1st April @ 8.30pm. Their march to the final has taken one game.

Please be aware that poor Colin Dick broke and dislocated his ankle on Saturday at Longton – running touch. He is couped up at home and would welcome a call or a visit from you in lieu of not going to Hong Kong for the Sevens!

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

28th March Kettering, away

29th March Warwickshire Vets competition

29th March Warwickshire Colts Cup, v Earlsdon, away

25th March Pirates in Vets 20/20 final @ Earlsdon, v Shipston, 8.30 kick off

4th April Peterborough, home – FORMER PLAYERS LUNCH

18th April Luctonians, away – FORMER PLAYERS AWAY DAY

25th April Harold Stilwell Cup – to be played at Kenilworth

25th April League play offs (we can dream!)

3rd May Warwickshire Cup Final (should we get there)

Jos Sibley has brought to my attention the following: Kenilworth under 15’s had seven players selected for the Warwickshire under 15 squad this season – Alex Selby, Will Sibley, Ollie Brown, Laurence Brown, Jacob Green, Tom Pope and George Harman. Many of the other squad members play for their respective district teams including South Warwickshire, Rugby District and Coventry Schools. Kenilworth under 15’s have a fixture arranged for Tuesday 17th March against Warwickshire to be played at Broadstreet with a 7.30pm kickoff. As much Kenilworth support as possible for this fixture would be a real boost for the lads.

We have now received confirmation from the RFU re the new league structure for next season and a copy of this is availble on request.

As at 9th March

This Thursday, 12th March, sees the return of the Dene River Jazz Band their last appearance at the club was well attended and they are back by popular demand.

Kenilworth returned to winning ways with a hard fought win at windy and cold Longton, 16-6 with tries for Tristan Wati and Andy Whitehall, his ninth of the league.

Kenilworth also announce that the red card that was given to prop Tristan Wati in the game against Broadstreet has been rescinded due to video evidence confirming Tristan’s version of events that he was nowhere near the incident.

The two's travelled to Sutton Coldfield and won 39-19 with tries for Dom Carrick, Jimmy Middleton, Will Parks, Mat Cooper and Ian Phillips. Glen Bond got four conversions and two penalties.

The three's had a cracking game v Old Laurenitians at home but lost 21-22, missing a kickable penalty in the last play of the game. No scorers available yet.

The colts did not play.

On Sat 14th March South Leicester visit Kenilworth in another must win game for us to keep up our challenge for realistically, second spot, and the play offs. In three great results for us Broadstreet had a superb win at Chester, Peterborough lost at home to Hinckley and Newport lost at South Leicester so it is all so tight with three points separating the second to sixth spot with us lying in fourth one point off the play off spot - and we still have to play Peterborough at home and Luctonians away.

Kenilworth under 15’s had seven players selected for the Warwickshire under 15 squad this season – Alex Selby, Will Sibley, Ollie Brown, Laurence Brown, Jacob Green, Tom Pope and George Harman. Many of the other squad members play for their respective district teams including South Warwickshire, Rugby District and Coventry Schools.

Kenilworth under 15’s have a fixture arranged for Tuesday 17th March against Warwickshire to be played at Broad Street with a 7.30pm kickoff. As much Kenilworth support as possible for this fixture would be a real boost for the lads.

As at 2nd March

WARWICKSHIRE CUP, second round

KENILWORTH 72 BERKSWELL & BALSALL 10

KENILWORTH 2's 15 OLD LAURENTIANS 2's 5

Tries for Paul Stephens, Jai Purewal and Matt Murray.

SHOTTERY 10 KENILWORTH 3' s 49

Three tries for Mark Bennett and Steve Green, singles for Paddy Flavelle, Florian Theil, Ali Johnston. Three conversions for Bennett.

BURTON COLTS 17 KENILWORTH COLTS 27

Tries fro Sam Hobbins, James Nicholl, Jack Gibson and Jake Dodd. Gavin Harmon got two cons and one pen. Other con from James Nicholl.

As at 27th Feb

The game v Berkswell & Balsall in the Warwickshire Cup, second round, is confirmed at home, for Saturday 28th Feb at 2.15.

Other games include the second XV against Old Laurentians, at home, the thirds away at Harbury and the colts away at Burton.

As at 23 Feb

Kenilworth fell to their near neighbours and got a wee bit of a lesson in an impressive Broadstreet performance that now puts them in poll position for the top spot. Kenilworth are now in one big dogfight for the play off spot with one point covering five teams. We simply did not play to our full potential and Street capitlalised on some silly errors. Towards the end, and reduced to 14 by the sending off of Tristan Wati, we did start to play a bit and could/should have scored one, may be two, but that should not highlight the fact that Street looked the better team and we wish them well for the rest of the season in their quest for the title.

KENILWORTH 2’s 53 EARLSDON 2’s 7

Another big league win for the K’s second string with three tries for John Raby, two for Jai Purewal and singles for Jimmy Middleton, Adam Trean, Mark Johnson and Jamie McCance. Four conversions for Glenn Bond.

LEAMINGTON 3’s 31 KENILWORTH 3’s 12

A disappointing reversal for K’s third XV with tires from Mark Bennett and Tom Watts and one conversion from Bennett.

STOURBRIDGE COLTS 12 KENILWORTH COLTS 20

A truly superb win for K’s colts with tries from Bobby Thompson, Ashley Dutton and Tom Egginton and one conversion and one penalty from Adam Hadwin.

This Sat, 28th Feb, it is likely that Kenilworth will play their delayed Warwickshire Cup second round tie with Berkswell & Balsall, 2.15. To be confirmed.

As at 16 Feb

A big win for Kenilworth on Saturday, 15-0 over Newport, that moves us up to third place in the league, two points behind Broadstreet who defeated Luctonians 14-13. Street have a game in hand and we have set up one very big game when we travel there next Saturday. Against Newport we were under the cosh for long periods of the first half but you need to win games like this, and we did, with an Andy Whitehall try, his eighth in the league, and a penalty try.

It was a clean sweep across the board with the two's winning 50-3 away at Stratford and the threes having a 44-0 win at home to Cov Welsh. For the threes there were three tries for Mark Bennett and singles for Rod Jones, Phillipe Fournier, Rhys Jones, Paddy Flavelle and Adrian Marsh. Two conversions for Flavelle.

The colts did not play.

As at 12th Feb

This weekend the ones are playing Newport at home in a weekend where the top six in the league all play each other. Kick off is 2.15. Before the match there will be an informal buffet lunch provided by President Geof Jordan and if you fancy a wee bit of a snack and a good crack with the friendly Newport crowd then let Ian or Geof know.

We have aslo signed a new back/second row, Stuart Eborall, from Blaydon. Stuart has a superb CV which has seen him play with Sale Sharks and Manchester as well as Blaydon and he has been a regular in the Blaydon team before moving down to Rugby. He is down to make his debut on Saturday.

If you fancy yourself as a match reporter then your help would be appreciated this weekend with our regular scribe Bob Jones, and his deputy, Dai Davies, both off to Cardiff. Please let me know if you can help out, it will be very much appreciated.

It was disappointing last weekend when no games were played due to the ice and snow and our Warwickshire Cup tie is now likely to be played on Sat 28th Feb, to be confirmed. The weather also caused the postponement of the Dom Coker game and there is no news yet as to when that will be played.

The second XV are now only one point behind Broadstreet in their league and on Saturday they play at Stratford. The threes are at home to Coventry Welsh but they really blew their league chances with a miserable defeat at Harbury two weeks ago.

The colts are down for an away game at Old Halesonians.

We have a new groundsman in place, Matt King, who started with us on 5th Feb. The club would like to thank Jim Turner who manfully stepped in to help out following the departure of our previous groundsman in September.

This Thursday, 12th Feb, sees the return of the Dene River Jazz Band – their last appearance at the club was well attended and they are back by popular demand.

Our Veterans side never played their semi final due to a waterlogged pitch and we have still not yet heard when it will be played, possibly 4th March.

Remember you can watch all of the Six Nations games on the two big screens.

There is a bit of a backlog in the Warwickshire Cup due to postponements and Warwickshire teams progress in the National Cups and it is looking likely that the semi finals (should we progress that far) will be played at two different venues under the lights on 11th March. The final is earmarked for Sunday 22nd March.

For those who have applied for Six Nations International Tickets at Twickenham please do not despair – they have just arrived and will be issued ‘shortly’. You are likely to get at least 50% of what you asked for, maybe more.

As at 2nd Feb

A hugely disappointing and costly result for Kenilworth as the patched up side went down to a pumped up Malvern side. Kenilworth had a horrific start losing tries at will (we have now given Malvern 8 of their 28 tries!) but coming back strong to trail only 24-17 at half time and with the slope and wind in our favour. What was wanted was pressure on Malvern but it simply did not materialise and all credit must go to Malvern for holding on for the win.

KENILWORTH 2's 27 BROADSTREET 2's 0

A superb win for a young Kenilworh second string against the current league leaders.

Tries for Sebastian Assefuah, Jamie McCance and Jai Purewal. Three conversons and two penalties for impressive fly half and Coventry student Mark Rea. Man of the match was back row forward Ashley Jenkinson, another Cov Uni student.

HARBURY 2's 33 KENILWORTH 3's 5

A truly shocking performance in the mud from Kenilworth third XV with only a try from Will O'Meara to show for their efforts.

KENILWORTH COLTS 38 KERESLEY COLTS 3

A superb performance in a game which saw a Keresley player 'air ambulanced' off the pitch with a worrying injury.

There were two tries each for Bobby Thompson and Jack Gibson and singles for Alex Hill and Tom Egginton. Ashley Dutton was successful with four conversions.

SUNDAY 8th Feb

Warwickshire Cup, second round (1/4r final), v Berkswell & Balsall, 2.15 kick off

MEMORIAL GAME FOR DOM COKER, ex Kenilworth player

PAG's LAGS V ROLLO's REPREBRATES, kick off 1pm, all former playing mates of Dom Coker welcome.

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK FOR DARREN GARFORTH'S DINNER AT CLUB ON 5TH FEB - DINNER IS CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER

CHANGE OF VENUE FOR DOUBLE TOPS SEMI ON 28 JAN - NOW AT BROADSTREET, KICK OFF 8.30 - GAME IS NOW OFF!

As at 26 Jan

Kenilworth first XV continued their winning ways with a comprehensive win over Hinckley, 43-12. With Broadstreet losing at Peterborough we are now level on points with them and Newport but they both have a game in hand. We are three points behind Luctonians. Next week Broadstreet are at home to Newport and Luctonians host Peterborough so could be an interesting table come next Saturday night!

BARKERS BUTTS 2’s 12 KENILWORTH 2’s 43

Three tries for Jimmy Middleton, 2 for Ross Bayston and one each for Pete Roberts and Adam Trean. Mark Rae had three conversions and Paul Stephens one. This was club captain Pete Roberts long awaited comeback after being out since March 08.

KENILWORTH 3’s 27 COVENTRIANS 2’s 14

Two tries for Mark Bennett and singles for Florian Theil, Gary Stephens and Rod Jones. One conversion from Mark Bennett.

TOWCESTER COLTS 15 KENILWORTH COLTS 0

Kenilworth Colts depart the National Colts plate competition.

On Wednesday night (28th) our Vets play in the semi final of their Double Tops competition at Keresley, kick off 8.30.

Next Sat the ones are away at Malvern, 2.15 kick. It is never easy over there and Malvern demonstrated in the earlier game at Kenilworth that they can play a bit and perhaps should not be in the position they are in.

As at 19 Jan

The big news to offer is the loss of our Second XV crown as our gallant two's just missed out on retaining their crown for the third season on the trot when they lost out to Nuneaton Old Eds, 12-15, to an extra time penalty. Training 0-12 at the break and not really in the hunt the boys used the conditions they had in their favour in the second half (slope and wind) to come back to 12 all and for the last few minutes were encamped on the Old Eds line who, by this time had been reduced to 13 men with two in the bin. One infringement too far came and this offered K's a chance to win the game with the last kick of the game. Stand off Mark Rae's kick (as would another previously) would have been successful on a normal set of posts but these on Barkers Butts second team pitch leaned at an angle of around 45 degrees and the nicely struck kick went to the side and extra time. K's were never in the game in extra time and an Old Eds penalty gave them the win. All credit must go to a very strong Old Eds side but on a better pitch with uppright posts we would probably have won. Before the game it was agreed that the game would double as our league encounter and the 12 all result at the end of 80 minutes will stand as the league result, not helping us one bit in our quest for this title.

This result spoiled what was looking like a superb weekend for Kenilworth with Saturday wins for the ones, colts and threes.

The first XV travelled to Bedford and had an impressive win, 37-7. The Bedford team contained none other than Alex Stajka who had joined them earlier in the week from Kenilworth. We were far to strong for Bedford and have now moved into third spot in the league, a scary three points off the lead after Luctonians defeat at home to South Leicester.

The colts had a very good 38-10 win on the main pitch against Newbold. There were six tries from James Nicol (2), Gavin Harman, Bobby Thompson, Adam Hadwin and Liam O'Sullivan. Ashley Dutton was successful with four conversions. The colts had a very encouraging 26 players to choose from.

The threes entertained Shottery in a non league game and won 37-17 with two tries for Mark Bennett and Will O'Meara and singles for Baz, Alex Jones and Seb Assefuah. Mark Bennett was successful with one conversion.

Broadstreet's run in the National Trophy has come to an end but not without giving Bridgwater & Albion a big fright, losing 17-18.

Next weekend the ones are at home to Hinckley in the league, kick off 2.15. The twos return to Barkers in a league game, the threes are away at Coventrians in a league game and I think the colts will be playing their postponed cup game with Towcester.

JAZZ AT THE CLUB

The Dene River Jazz band will be appearing at KRFC in the main bar this Thursday 15th Jan starting at 8-30pm. There is a modest entrance fee of £3. We are attempting to make this a regular booking to boost club income by emulating the success of other local venues where they have been appearing eg Westwood Heath Social Club, Leamington Royal Naval Association and The Navigation at Inn Wooton Wawen (23rd Feb) all of which attract a sophisticated clientele of dedicated aficionados of between 50-100.

Please come along and bring some friends.

As at 12th Jan

Last weekend was a wipeout for all of the club fixtures, the first for a very long time.

The postponed league game v Bedford Athletic has now been re-arranged for this coming Saturday, 17th Jan, 2.15 kick off. This has necessitated the calling off of our Warwickshire Cup tie v Berkswell & Balsall which will now, probably, be played on the first available weekend, this being 7th/8th Feb.

The final of the Warwickshire Second XV cup is currently planned for next Sunday, 18th Jan at Barkers Butts, kick off 2.15. Be prepared to pay £3 to see our fine squad attempt to win the cup for the third year on the trot. One slight problem that exists is the fact that we do not know who our opponents are, either Nuneaton Old Eds or Wellesbourne. Warwickshire RFU have a cunning plan however to play this semi final on Wed night (14th) under the lights at Earlsdon but if this does not go ahead for one reason or another then clearly the final will not be played.

Our third XV are down to play Shottery at home on Saturday in a non league game whilst our colts are down to play Newbold. However it is possible that the colts will have to play their postponed National Cup game v Towcester on either Sat or Sun – again, check the web site or the club for this.

Our Veterans side have reached the semi final of the major Double Tops (20/20) competition. This is quite remarkable bearing in mind they did not know they had entered nor have they played any other games. Their quest to reach the final of this prestigious competition will take place on Wed 28th Jan, kick off 8.30 and will be against Dunlop Vets at Keresley RFC. If you fancy playing in this then your team captain is Tony Philpot to whom you should put your name forward as being available. 07967 592018.

The PAG’s LAGS v ROLLO’s REPROBATES has been re-arranged for Sunday 8th Feb, kick off 1pm. Conditions willing it will be played on the first XV pitch. PAG would like to point out the following:

All are welcome to play for the Lags side (subject to the RFU qualifying age of 17 for all players, 18 Front Row). Note any Second or Third Team players or Pirates will also be very welcome. Returning University students & older colts will be especially welcome.

A special welcome will be extended to Dominic’s parents and family, and we are hoping to be able to put on some food and drink afterwards.

Can you please all confirm availability (subject to the qualifying conditions set out below) and please spread far and wide amongst your mates and anyone who may have known Dom.

The qualifying requirements are onerous;

You must have a pulse*

You must have had an outstanding rugby career (if only in your own mind)

3 you must be prepared to die for your team (or at least to cheat lie and infringe)

You /your son have had the honour of selection. Please confirm your availability

Capn Pag

*at least at the start of the game

Notice of a SPORTING DINNER at the club

Sporting Dinner Thursday 5th February; Speakers Darren Garforth - Former England, Leicester & Kenilworth player

Wal Prescott need we say more?

Dress lounge suits/blazers

Tickets £25

Names to Peter Blakeman or Ian Hadwin

Notice of a mixed PRE MATCH LUNCH: 14th Feb, v Newport, £12 per head. This is the day of the Wales v England game which kicks off at 5.30pm and which will be shown at the club.

Please note that all of the up and coming Six Nations games will be shown at the club and that we now have two superb big screens, one in each bar area.

The draw for the 200 Club took place on Christmas Eve and the winners were:

£500, Graham Ballinger

£50, Roy Massey

£25, David Parry

Dave Smith has been on from New Zealand wishing the club, and its members, all of the best for the New Year. He is planning another Kenilworth Barbarians game in April/May of this year and would like to extend an invite to anyone who is intending to be in New Zealand at this time to either attend or play. Dave lives near Nelson, at the top of South Island and has a nice wee B&B you can sample! Dave has also pointed out that his local team are always on the lookout for players so if you fancy a summer’s rugby in New Zealand then let me know and I will put you in touch with Dave.

Would you believe there are still a lot of members who have not paid their subs and their names are up in lights in the clubhouse. If your name appears then please pay. If your mate’s name is on the list then please ask him to pay up as it is not fair that most of us pay and some do not. If you play for the club but have never been asked for subs then it means you are not on our membership list and we would be grateful if you could inform us with your details and pay your subs. There will come a time when you will be refused entry and this we want to avoid.

As at 9th Jan

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF OUR READERS WITH APOLOGIES FOR THE LACK OF COMMUNICATION OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD - THE LURE OF PORTUGAL WAS TOO MUCH I AM AFRAID!

With the continuing thaw it is likely that most games should go ahead this Sat. Bedford have informed us there will be a pitch inspection at 11am so please contact the club or your coach or another player before you set out.

The second XV game with Nuneaton Old Eds was in doubt but only because of next week's cup final so please check this out as well as the two's may pick up another fixture. The threes are down to play Broadstreet at home in a crucial league fixture. The Colts play in a National Cup fixture at Towcester on Sunday.

As at 22nd Dec

SEE YOU AT THE CLUB ON XMAS EVE FOR A WEE DRINK BEFORE THE BIG EVENT. THE CLUB WILL ALSO BE OPEN ON BOXING DAY FROM 12 NOON. BRING YOUR BOOTS IF YOU WANT A RUN OUT AND A GAME OF FRIENDLY TOUCH RUGBY.

Another good weekend for Kenilworth will all four teams winning, the ones win taking them back to fourth in the league.

The first XV avenged their recent defeat at Chester with a 22-16 win with coach Fergie complaining that we gifted Chester their 16 points and should have won much easier than we did. Alex Stajka was the point scoring star of the day with seventeen points and the forwards were very proud of the Penalty Try that came their way after a 15m drive from a scrum. Man of the Match went to prop Nick Collett.

The seconds, with a much changed team from last weekend, ran out 75-0 winners against Spartans with thirteen tries in total and three each for messrs Bayston and Fox, two for Cooper and Purewal and singles for McCance, Carrick and Bowden. Jamie Peacock was successful with five conversions. There is still no news of our Second XV Cup final opponents.

The thirds went to Stoke Old Boys 2's and won 23-10 whilst the colts tavelled to Old Halesonians and also won 25-10.

The club was rocking on Sat night for the Xmas Fancy Dress Party with such starrs as Charlie Chaplin, Paula Ratcliffe, Nell McAndrew, Stephen Hendry and the Grim Reaper all making appearnces with lots more. Check out the piccies on the photo section of this fine web site.

The next action is on 10th Jan with the ones away at Bedford.

This will be the last post of the year and we wish all our readers a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.

As at 15 Dec

The two's have progressed to the final of the Warwickshire Second XV Cup for the third year running with a hard earned away win over local rivals Broadstreet, 22-19. K's started on fire with two quick tries by the impressive No7 Richard Smith and a number of sparkling backs moves that should have resulted in scores, but did not. Street gradually got themselves back into the game in the second half and we were hanging on a bit at 15-12 when a Ross Bayston interception gave us a wee bit of breathing space at 22-12. Some backchat, a sin bin and some wierd ref's decisions gave Street another try but we held on till the end to defend our trophy. The other semi final between Nuneaton Old Eds and Wellesbourne was called off due to a waterlogged pitch and there is no news of when it is to be played. If on schedule the final will be played Sunday 18th Jan at a venue to be decided.

The weather caused the cancellation of the colts gamne aagainst Stourbridge anfd the threes game v Warwickians was never played, if it was ever on!

Next weekend is the start of the return league fixtures and we entertain Chester at home, a must win game for us if we are to retain any hope whatsoever of keeping in touch at the top.

Congratulations must also go the Broadstreet first XV who have now defeated National League clubs in the last three rounds to progress to the fourth round of the National Trophy and a possible fixture against Coventry and the like who enter the cup at this stage. We wish our old rivals the best of luck.

As at 12th Dec

The ones do not have a game this weekend and the big focus is on the second XV who play their Second XV Cup semi final at Broadstreet on Sunday, kick off 2.15. Spare a thought for poor Chris Collett who was on the bench last weekend for the ones. It was the intention not to play Chris unless in an emergency. That emergency rose in the fourth minute of injury time with prop Tristan Wati in the bin and a scrum was needed! The need to play Dom Carrick and John Raby has also depleted the second XV options but the good news is that the first teamers who did not play last week can help out for the twos this week. Over to Fergie and Macca to sort that one out!

The threes now have a game, at home to Warwickians, 2.15 kick off. This is not a league game.

The Colts fixture has also changed and they are at home to Stourbridge with a 2.15 kick off.

Our President Geof Jordan is retiring on 19th Dec and he has asked that you change his email address to geofandnessie@hotmail.com

Guinness Premiership Final - Twickenham Saturday 16th May 2009

If there is sufficient interest he Club is going to make a block booking as it receives a commission for doing so – Tickets are £35 (£10 under 16) and if there is sufficient interest we can organise a coach and make a real day of it – Contact Peter Blakeman or Jenny Maisey to express and interest and book.

As at 8th Dec

Last week's good work against the league leaders was not sustained this week with a defeat at Peterborough, 13-25. It was a funny sort of game and it could be argued that the home team were lucky to turn round 10-6 ahead, scoring with really only their two sojourns into K's half. Midway through the second half we got it back to 13 all with a truly superb Elliott Brown try and looked the likely winners when a series of disasters gave away two tries to give the home side a win. This defeat has dropped us back to fifth, five points behind Luctonians and four behind Broadstreet.

The two's made the short distance to Leamington and ran out decent winners, 57-16 with four tries from Gaz Renowden. The three's had another idle Saturday when Bedworth failed to turn up. The colts had a close and good win against Barkers Butts, 8-7.

Next weekend the one's do not play and all attention will be on the two's who take on Broadstreet in the semi final of the Warwickshire Cup, at Broadstreet. The three 'second XV' subs were all used aagainst Peterborough with particular bad luck going to Chris Collett who had to come on for the last scrum of the game in injury time when Tristan Wati was sin binned.

As at 2nd Dec

After our superb win over the league leaders last week this weekend the ones are away at Peterborough in a difficult looking game with our hosts having defeated Longton 53-0 away last week and scoring eight tries in the process. We have failed to win in big games at Peterborough in recent years and Saturday’s game will not be easy as we look to keep in touch at the top. Another big game is Newport playing Luctonians. Kick off 2.15pm.

The twos are away at Leamington and the threes are at home to Bedworth, both league games with a 2.15 kick off.

The Colts are also at home, against Barkers Butts.

Following the ones recent success in the first round of the Warwickshire Cup our next round is to be played on Jan 18th when we take on Berkswell & Balsall at home.

In the Second XV Cup semi final the twos have been drawn against Broadstreet at Broadstreet, on Sunday 14th Dec. The other semi is between Nuneaton Old Eds and Wellesbourne.

There are still a number of subscriptions outstanding and if you are one of them then you are getting close to being refused entry to the club and the bar. Please pay up to avoid any embarrassing moments. A LIST OF THOSE WHO HAVE NOT PAID IS UP IN THE BAR - if you are on it then it is simple, pay your subs and scratch out your name!

Please remember that if you are planning to buy anything from Amazon that if you go through the club web site (www.kenilworthrugby.co.uk) and into the Amazon site from there then the club will get a kick back from what you spend.

The RFU are inviting interim comment on the ELV’s that were introduced at the start of the season as a decision needs to be taken in May 09 if they are to be adopted. If you wish to comment then you will find the questionnaire at www.rfusurvey.co.uk

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE CLUB

The proposed game for Dom Coker has had to be postponed and will now be re-arranged for the New Year.

6th Dec Peterborough, away

6th Dec Christmas Ball – black tie and posh frocks

14th Dec Warwickshire Second XV Cup semi final, Broadstreet, away, 2.15

20th Dec Christmas Lunch before Chester

20th Dec Club Fancy Dress Party and open to everyone. Theme is ‘come as your initials’

24th Dec bar open till 10pm, complete with Happy Hour

26th Dec A Boxing Day game is being arranged by Tim Hunt.

18th Jan Warwickshire Cup, 2nd round v Berkswell & Balsall

29th March Warwickshire Vets competition

25th April Harold Stilwell Cup – to be played at Kenilworth

Please note from the Whats On Section that we are hosting the Harold Stilwell Cup on the 25th April – this is a 15 a side tournament for teams from South Warwickshire.

I have now had notification from the RFU of the number of tickets we will get for the Six Nations away games in Dublin and Cardiff. There is not a lot I warn you. I know some people have contacted me to ask for tickets but I cannot locate my notes so we will start from scratch. If you wish to be considered for tickets for Croke Park and Cardiff then please advise me ASAP. Depending on the number that want tickets and the tickets available we may need to have a ballot.

There has been a bit of abuse recently of the KRFC pitch allocation policy with teams not playing or training on their allocated pitches. Please note that the Pitch Policy has been agreed at Management level by all sections of the club and should therefore be complied with by all sections of the club for both training and playing. If it is not then do not come bleating to us when the pitches are sha***d at the end of the season for your important games. Your co-operation on this would be most appreciated.

and finally……………………………that nice wee house in Portugal now has a web site at www.casacaracol.co.uk and bookings are now being taken for next year.

As at 1st Dec

A truly superb victory for Kenilworth first XV team on Saturday, defeating the league leaders 25-12 with what coach Ian Fergusson called "a stupendous performance". Tries for Andy Whitehall, Elliott Brown, James Wady and Francis Nock has now put Kenilworth only three points off the lead in fourth place.

The two's lost their second league game 17-19 to Newbold to leave them lying in second place, six points behind Broadstreet. Tries by Ross Lowthian, Jamie McCance and Richard Smith. One conversion by Andy Fox.

The threes did not have a game

KENILWORTH COLTS 5 CAMBRIDGE HOUSE COLTS 18

This game for the colts was against an Irish touring side. K’s only try scorer was Max David.

Next weekend the ones are away at Peterborough who last weekend thrashed Longton 53-0 at Longton.

As at 26th Nov

This weekend the ones are at home to the league leaders Luctonians, kick off 2.15pm.

The twos are at home to Newbold and the threes are away at Spartans, both league games with a 2.15 kick off. There is no colts game.

Following the ones success last week in the first round of the Warwickshire Cup our next round is to be played on Jan 18th when we take on Berkswell & Balsall at home.

In the Second XV Cup semi final the twos have been drawn against Broadstreet at Broadstreet, on Sunday 14th Dec. The other semi is between Nuneaton Old Eds and Wellesbourne.

There are still a number of subscriptions outstanding and if you are one of them then you are getting close to being refused entry to the club and the bar. Please pay up to avoid any embarrassing moments. A LIST OF THOSE WHO HAVE NOT PAID IS UP IN THE BAR - if you are on it then it is simple, pay your subs and scratch out your name!

Following the success of the previous Jazz Night there is another organised for tomorrow, thursday 27th Nov.

The RFU are inviting interim comment on the ELV’s that were introduced at the start of the season as a decision needs to be taken in May 09 if they are to be adopted. If you wish to comment then you will find the questionnaire at www.rfusurvey.co.uk

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE CLUB

27th Nov Jazz Night – details enclosed

29th Nov Luctonians, home

6th Dec Peterborough, away

6th Dec Christmas Ball – only two tables left

14th Dec PAG’S LAGS v ROLLO’S REPROBATES, The Coker Cup, 1pm in memory of Dom Coker

14th Dec Warwickshire Second XV Cup semi final, Broadstreet, away, 2.15

20th Dec Christmas Lunch before Chester

20th Dec Club Fancy Dress Party and open to everyone. Theme is ‘come as your initials’

18th Jan Warwickshire Cup, 2nd round v Berkswell & Balsall

29th March Warwickshire Vets competition

25th April Harold Stilwell Cup – to be played at Kenilworth

As at 24th Nov

Another good weekend with all four teams winning and the ones progressing to round 2 of the Warwickshire Cup and two's progressing to the semi final of the Second XV Cup.

The two's kicked things off with a 39-20 win over a decent looking OL's squad and progressed to the semi final with two tries each for Dom Carrick and Jez Noon and singles for Drew Dingley and Jamie McCance. Russ Clarke had two conversions and Alex Stajka had one con and one pen.

The threes also won on Saturday away at Shottery with two tries for Seb Scott and Phillipe Fournier and singles for Rick Homer (yes Rick Homer!), the new winger and John Brain. Nick Hillard had two conversions.

The colts returned to winning ways with a 29-15 win over Keresley with two tries for Nick Whalley and singles for Jack Gibson, Jake Dodd and Bobby Thompson. Adam Hadwin had two conversions.

On Sunday the ones took on the elements as well as Stratford and ran out 27-8 winners in a hard fought game which has, apparently, spilled into extra time with complaints and potential citings galore from our Stratford friends - watch this space. There were tries for Reg Varney, Gareth Renowden, Tristan Wati and Francis Nock with Glenn Bond successful with two cons and one pen.

As at 18th Nov

Well it could only happen to Kenilworth as the pre match entertainment at Chester was a Wine Tasting event, and rather fine wines too! In any case the first XV and supporters arrived in their well appointed coach sporting Kenilworth RFC on the front and sides and rather surprisingly, the boys came out of their blocks for once after a long coach journey and dominated the early stages only to go behind 10-0 and never recover. Chester were good on the break and punished us severely and they have a classy set of backs with us having the classy forwards. It was not to be in the end and every time we got close they scored and eventually ran out losers 15-25. Paul Thompson scored both our tries with one pen from Glenn Bond and a con from Elliott Brown, returning to the team.

SPARTANS 2’s 12 KENILWORTH 2’s 19

The two's warmed up nicley for their cup game next week with a good win with a depleted squad at Spartans. There were tries for Seb Assefuah, John Raby and Jake Hind. Alex Stajka 2 conversions.

THIRD XV

There was a phone call from Stoke Old Boys at 1.45 saying they were not going to play as they only had eight players. They must have fancied watching England on the telly and may well have regretted their decision.

I am now up to date with the colts adventures and last weekend they lost to Rugby Lions 10-12 (tries for Adam Hadwin and Jack Gibson) and this week lost to Bromsgrove, 15-32 with tries for Nick Whalley, Alex Hall and Jake Burrows.

Weekend of 22nd/23rd Nov

Sat 22nd

Warwickshire Second XV Cup, v Old Laurentians, 2.15 kick off

Sun 23rd

Warwickshire Cup, v Stratford, 2.15 kick off

As at 10th Nov

The good club weekend of the previous week was not sustained with the ones winning, the two's drawing but losses for the threes and colts.

The first XV stuttered to a win against a brave Bedford who never gave up and were in fact leading just after the break However pressure told in the end for us to run out 36-18 winners. Whilst we are scoring tries we are also leaking tries and this must be our big concern.

The two's were down to play Nuneaton Old Eds but they cried off the league fixture and we faced Hinckley at home in a pool game instead. This ended 12-12 with tries for Lee Cassell and Andy Fox and Alex Stajka successful with one conversion.

The threes returned from Broadstreet with a 0-35 defeat, least said the better.

No news of the colts game as yet.

This weekend the ones travel to Chester and there are still some spaces on the coach if you fancy a day out.

As at 6th Nov

On Saturday the ones are at home to Bedford Athletic in the league and this is a 2.15 kick off. The match is preceded by our annual Sponsors Lunch which kicks off at 12.30.

Our second XV face a tough looking task at home to Nuneaton Old Eds who, like us, were undefeated till they came up against Broadstreet last week to whom they lost 7-34.

Our threes are away at Broadstreet and our colts away at Rugby Lions.

Next week (15th) the ones are away at Chester and a smart executive coach will be leaving the club at 10.30. Supporters are welcome but please book your space with Ian Hadwin.

There are still a number of subscriptions outstanding and if you are one of them then you are getting close to being refused entry to the club and the bar. Please pay up to avoid any embarrassing moments.

Following the success of last weeks Jazz Night there is another organised for the 27th Nov.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE CLUB

8th Nov Watch Scotland defeat the All Blacks (sorry Grizz) for the first time in history, 5.15, big screen

15th Nov Coach to first XV game at Chester, depart 10.30, names to Ian Hadwin

22nd/23rd Nov Warwickshire Cup Weekend at KRFC for one’s and two’s

27th Nov JAZZ NIGHT

29th Nov Open mixed lunch before Luctonians

6th Dec Christmas Ball – see Adrian Marsh

14th Dec PAG’S LAGS v ROLLO’S REPROBATES, The Coker Cup, 1pm in memory of Dom Coker (willing volunteers needed to play – see PAG Jones)

20th Dec Christmas Lunch before Chester

20th Dec Club Fancy Dress Party and open to everyone. Theme is ‘come as your initials’

29th March Warwickshire Vets competition

25th April Harold Stilwell Cup – to be played at Kenilworth

Note: all the up and coming Internationals will be shown at the club.

It is sad to report the passing of the Midweek Pink but it has now gone on-line and you can access it at http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/pinkonline

Russell White has bought me a pint and persuaded me to give some publicity to South Warwickshire RFU and the fact that it now has a web site: www.swrfu.com so check this out for details of senior, colts and junior SW fixtures and training sessions.

As at 3rd Nov

A superb weekend for KRFC with all four sides winning and scoring 122 points for with only 20 against.

It was a thorough and professional performance by Kenilworth first XV to defeat a very young Hinckley side 17-5 and confirm their place in the top four of Midlands 1. You need to check out the picture gallery to see the silky skills of prop Nick Collett (offers being taken to delete it!)

KENILWORTH 2’s 36 BARKER BUTTS 2’s 3

Kenilworth returned to winning ways with a decisive win over local rivals Barker Butts. Try scorers were Drew Dingley, Andy Fox, Jamie McCance, Sean Roy and Ross Bayston with 2. Bayston was successful with 2 conversions and Fox 1.

COVENTRIANS 2’s 7 KENILWORTH 3’s 32

A six try spree for K’s third XV with three tries for Shane Haywood, two for Seb Scott and one for Jake Hine (returning after a two year absence following knee reconstruction). Ali Kirkwood was successful with one conversion but missed five!

KENILWORTH COLTS 37 OLD LEAMINGTONlANS COLTS 5

Seven tries for K’s colts with singles for Adam Hadwin, Rhys Jones, Sam Hobbins, Alex Hall, Cameron Wright and a double for James Nicholl. Adam Hadwin was successful with only one conversion.

Next Sat ones are at home to Bedford Athletic in league. This is preceded by the annual Sponsor’s Lunch.

Two’s are at home to Nuneaton Old Eds (league), the threes away at Broadstreet (league) and the colts away at Rugby Lions.

As at 30th Oct

The ones are away this weekend at Hinckley who are currently one point above us in the league courtesy of one more draw than us. This will not be an easy fixture as Hinckley are reported to have a smokey young back line as well as a sprinkling of older heads including a few from Nuneaton. There is no news on the KRFC team yet. Please remember we are now into 2.15 kick offs.

An under strength second XV suffered their first defeat last week at Broadstreet and hope to get back into winning ways with a game at home v Barkers Butts, 2.15 kick off.

The threes are away at Coventrians in their league, 2.15.

The colts are down to play Old Leamingtonians at home, 2.15.

On the 8th Nov when we play Bedford Athletic at home we are holding our annual Sponsors’ Lunch and if you have not got your invite yet and you are a sponsor of the club then please advise Peter B.

SUBS for the season are now due and if you want to avoid the embarrassment of your name going up in lights at the club then please pay.

The Autumn International tickets have now arrived and are currently being sorted for distribution. It looks as if we may have some spare Australia (15th Nov) and South Africa (22nd Nov) so if you want to be considered for any of these then please drop me an email. For those that have applied for tickets they will be with you early next week but if you wish to know what you have got then contact me.

We may also have some tickets available for Scotland (in the defense of their Calcutta Cup I remind you) and France at Twickenham so if you have not applied for these games, and wished you had, then drop me an email.

Can I remind you all that on the web site (under fixtures) you will find a copy of the programme for all of the previous first XV home league games and last weeks programme included a photo of the legend Roly and his new wife.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

31st Oct Jazz Night at Club (Dene River Traditional Jazz Band)

8th Nov Sponsors’ Lunch before Bedford Athletic – see Peter B as some extra spaces maybe available for ‘others’

15th Nov Coach to first XV game at Chester

29th Nov Open mixed lunch before Luctonians – see Peter B

6th Dec Christmas Ball – see enclosure and only two tables left!

20th Dec Christmas Lunch before Chester – see Peter B

20th Dec Club Fancy Dress Party to which everyone is invited to participate (not just players).

This years theme is, I understand, is to come as your initials, ie Dicky would come as Charlie Drake, but would he be any different!

As at 27th Oct

An up and down weekend with wins for the ones and threes but defeats for the two's and the colts.

The ones defeated Malvern 46-24 but it was hard work and Malvern never gave up and kept responding when we thought the game was dead and buried. Seven tries were scored by us guys, generally spread throughout the side (as it has been all season hence no one threatening the stats) and with two for centre Ricky Hyslop in what was really his debut as his last game only lasted two minutes. The seven tries make us second top try scorers in the league with 23 and just one behind the try scoring leaders Chester. Results in the league still remain unpredictable and we still remain in sixth place but have narrowed the gap on the leaders Luctonians to three points after their defeat at Peterborough. Newport must have set a record with three draws on the trot.

Our undefeated two's had a depleted squad at Broadstreet and duly lost 36-3. The three's continued their advance up their league with a 17-3 home win v Harbury 2's and our colts lost at OC's COventry 31-10.

Next week the ones are away in the league at Hinckley, the two's are at home to Barkers Butts in the league, the threes away at Coventrians in the league and the colts at home to Old Leamingtonians.

As at 22nd Oct

The ones are home this weekend in a league game against Malvern who are suffering the same fate as we did last season and have lost their first five games. Word of warning though as we started an undefeated stretch on the sixth game! This is the last of the 3pm kick offs. Missing from the squad will be scrum half Gareth Renowden who is off at a wedding and Luke & Elliot Brown with a bust hand and nose respectively. It is hoped that James Hersey will be available along with Mat Davies and, maybe, Ricky Hyslop.

The second XV travel to Broadstreet for a top of the table clash (both undefeated) and we wish them well, again a 3pm kick off.

The threes are at home to Harbury 2’s in their league game and hope to continue their climb up the table.

The colts are down to play away at OC’s Coventry.

Following their resounding win at the start of the defence of their Warwickshire Second XV Cup (68-14) the two’s have been rewarded with a home tie against Old Laurentians, to be played on the weekend of 22nd/23rd Nov. Broadstreet have been drawn away to Old Leamingtonians.

This is also likely to be the weekend of our first round Warwickshire Cup tie with Stratford as they were knocked out of the Intermediate Cup last week. Sense dictates that we will play one game on the Saturday and one on the Sunday, but are we sensible?

On the 8th Nov when we play Bedford Athletic at home we are holding our annual Sponsors’ Lunch and if you have not got your invite yet and you are a sponsor of the club then please advise Peter B.

SUBS for the season are now due and if you want to avoid the embarrassment of your name going up in lights at the club then please pay.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

31st Oct Jazz Night at Club

8th Nov Sponsors’ Lunch before Bedford Athletic – see Peter B as some extra spaces maybe available for ‘others’

15th Nov Coach to first XV game at Chester

29th Nov Open mixed lunch before Luctonians – see Peter B

6th Dec Christmas Ball – see Peter B

20th Dec Christmas Lunch before Chester – see Peter B

20th Dec Players Fancy Dress Party

As at 21st Oct - AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS

In case you are concerned about your tickets for the Autumn Internationals please be advised that they have still not arrived from the RFU.

I advise that you will all get some tickets for the games you have applied for but I cannot be exact as I have applied for extra ones for the Aus, SA and NZ games and do not know exactly what I will get.

If you have applied for the Pacific Islands on the 8th Nov you will get your full allocation.

As at 16th Oct

The ones do not have a game this weekend as we are not involved in any of the National Cups. I think all those that witnessed the superb draw that was achieved at Newport last week, as well as the players, would have welcomed another league game this week to build on the superb performance and the very heartening team bonding that was demonstrated at the final whistle.

The Seconds are at home and begin their defence of the Second XV cup with a tie against Sutton Coldfield, to be played on Saturday with a 3pm kick off. The second XV guys would really appreciate your support in this difficult looking tie and a team we struggled to beat on our way to winning the cup last season.

The thirds are also at home against Wellesbourne in what is not a league game and the colts are away at Dudley K (to be confirmed).

In the current second and third team league tables our two’s are joint second with Broadstreet and are undefeated along with the leaders Nuneaton Old Eds. Our threes are now mid table courtesy of their win at Coventry Welsh last week.

The next home league game for the ones is against Malvern on the 25th Oct, kick off 3pm, the last of the late kick offs.

On the 8th Nov when we play Bedford Athletic at home we are holding our annual Sponsors’ Lunch and if you have not got your invite yet and you are a sponsor of the club then please advise Peter B.

SUBS for the season are now due and if you want to avoid the embarrassment of your name going up in lights at the club then please pay.

There have still been very few applications for tickets for the Six Nations games in Feb and March 2009. It is not too late to apply.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Friday 31st October – JAZZ NIGHT at the club – details to follow

Friday 21st Nov – Dom & Reg’s Quiz & Curry Night – DUE TO A DOUBLE BOOKING AT CLUB THIS WILL NEED TO BE RE-ARRANGED

On the 6th Dec the club are holding a XMAS BALL and if you fancy going or getting a table together then contact Peter Blakeman.

As at 10th Oct

Stratford have cried off the second XV game and we are in the pool for another.

I have now returned from my sojourn in the southern Hemisphere and bring greetings from Dave & Debbie Smith, Mr & Mrs Roly and baby Hugh, Tony Munro and his five kids, Dave Farrell with his one kid and Terry & Jude Crafar.

In case you have had a news blackout and have waited on this news piece for your info on the club the story so far is:

Home wins for the first XV against Kettering and Longton but defeats away at South Leicester and, god forbid, at home to Broadstreet last week. We are currently lying seventh in Midlands 1 four points behind the unbeaten leaders Luctonians.

The Second XV are undefeated to date but are only lying third in their league behind Nuneaton Old Eds and Broadstreet because they have played one game less.

Not so good news of our Third XV who are the strongest team in their league and are holding up the rest with only one win in their four games.

Our colts have won two of their three games, the loss coming against Barkers Butts in the Regional Cup.

Current top scorer for the ones is fly half Russell Clarke and there are joint top try scorers in Mat Cooper and Andy Whitehall. The current top second XV scorer is Andy Fox and he also shares the top try scorer with ex colt Ross Bayston on seven. Mark Bennett is the leading scorer for the threes, including five tries. The full up to date stats are enclosed and I have had to do a bit of catch up with these so if you see something which is not quite right then please let me know.

Recent signings have included centres Glenn Boyd and Ricky Hyslop from Rugby Lions and ex Nuneaton and Old Leamingtonians scrum half Alex Stajka. The centres will be most welcome as we are suffering a few injuries in the backs just now with James Hersey and Pete Roberts not available for a few weeks yet. Tak Norton did us proud in the first three league games and it was sad to see him go back to Christchurch and his beloved pigeons

On Saturday the ones are away at Newport and this is a 3pm kick off I believe. The twos are at home to Stratford and the threes are away at Coventry Welsh. There is no colts game this weekend.

Next weekend the ones take a break from league rugby and as they are not involved in the National Cups it is a week off. The two’s begin their defence of the Warwickshire Second XV cup with a game at home against Sutton Coldfield. This is down to be played on the Sunday (2.15) but there is a chance that it maybe switched to Saturday so check this out.

The next home league game for the ones is against Malvern on the 25th Oct.

SUBS for the season are now due and if you want to avoid the embarrassment of your name going up in lights at the club then please pay.

There have been very few applications for tickets for the Six Nations games in Feb and March 2009. It is not too late to apply and details are:

Italy 7th Feb

France, 15th March

Scotland, 21st March

Tickets are £85, £71, £60, £52 and £41 and applications will be taken by me up to the end of next week.

If you are aware of anyone who may be considering becoming a referee can you please pass on the information shown below?

ELRA Course – Alcester Grammar School, Birmingham Road, Alcester

To be held on consecutive Wednesdays 11.30am until 5pm

Part 1 December 10th 2008

Part 2 December 17th 2008

Contact Peter Tolan for further information.

02476 467231 (h)

07980 512020 (m)

peter@pgtolan.plus.com

Please note that we still do not have a touch judge for our home league games – surely there must be someone out there who wants to get involved.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Friday 31st October – JAZZ NIGHT at the club – details to follow

Friday 21st Nov – Dom & Reg’s Quiz & Curry Night – details to follow

In the next few weeks you will start to see some activity in the woodland around the Cow Patch when the selective tree felling starts. This will quickly be followed by planting of new trees and some 900+ young trees will be planted.

In the Warwickshire Cup we have been drawn at home to Stratford in the first round and this will be played on the first available Saturday so watch out for Stratford’s results in the National Cup and if they go out next week a likely date is the weekend of 22nd/23rd Nov, or 13th/14th Dec. If we are successful thehre then our next opponents will be either Berkswell & Balsall or Old Leamingtonians on the 17th/18th Jan.

As at 8th Sept

The club had a 'clean sweep' on the opening day of the season and the report from the four matches is below.

LEICESTER LIONS 2’s 12 KENILWORTH 43

Coach Ian Fergusson described this win as very pleasing with the new signings for this season blending in well. Surprisingly for Kenilworth they went into the game with no backs subs, the backs resources being stretched by a number of non availabilities and injuries and the need to provide backs for the second XV game.

The game began with Lions exerting pressure on Kenilworth and going close to the K’s line on a number of occasions. However Kenilworth soon began to show some authority and on 15 minutes scrum half Gareth Renowden took a quick pen which was further penalised for not being 10m and which resulted in a kick to touch close to the Lions line. The resultant line-out take and drive was text book stuff with new Kiwi Grizz McGuire touching down for an unconverted try. No8 Paul Thompson, a new signing from Rugby Lions was at the end of a fierce attacking scrum which resulted in a pushover try, converted by fly half Russell Clarke. buoyed by this success Kenilworth then took another 5m scrum in lieu of a penalty and again the forwards drove towards the line for the ref to award a penalty try, converted by Clarke.

K’s then conceded a converted try but then promptly took a scrum against the head on the Lions 5m line for Paul Thompson to charge over for an unconverted score and a half time lead of 24-7.

Conditions deteriorated at the start of the second half with driving rain and the loss of Jez Noon from the backs prompted a re-shuffle with ex colt Matt Cooper out on the wing. Early in the second half scrum half Gareth Renowden also departed for a short time and Grizz McGuire became a back. On 60 mins a searing run by Andy Whitehall was off loaded to the impressive McGuire who scored under the posts for Clarke to convert. The K’s scoring was completed by two scorching tries from ‘new’ winger Cooper. His first came from a scrum on K’s 22 which went along the line to Cooper who then charged through from inside his own half to touch down, converted by Clarke. The next Cooper try was equally impressive running in again from inside his own half, not converted. With K’s exerting further pressure on the Lions line a pass was intercepted for an unconverted try and a final score of 12-43 to Kenilworth.

Kenilworth’s next game is their first in the league, at home to Kettering.

KENILWORTH 2’s 24 SUTTON COLDFIELD 2’s 19

New second XV Manager Neil McComiskey was equally satisfied with this performance in wet conditions to set themselves up for their inaugural league campaign next week.

There were debut tries for prop Chris Kroeger and back row forward Paul Stevens and further tries from James Hardy and ex colt Seb Assefuah. Captain Andy Fox was successful with one penalty, as was James Hardy.

OLD LEAMINGTONIANS 3’s 29 KENILWORTH 3’s 41

Tries for John Brain, Mark Bennett, Will O’Meara (2), Keith Wise and Glynn Owen and four conversions from Owen set themselves up for their first league campaign next week.

KENILWORTH COLTS 27 BURTON COLTS 0

K’s colts completed the club’s clean sweep start to the season with an impressive win over Burton and tries for Bobby Thompson, Alex Hall, Andy Bladon and Cameron Wright.

A message from George Edwards

Our girls tag league treasurer Mike Vallance from the Comets team, based at Old Leamingtonians, has undertaken a personal challenge to raise money for the Army Benevolent Fund, so far he has managed to raise a considerable amount to date but is just short of the target. Can we, as Kenilworth RFC, circulate Mike’s request for assistance in reaching his target. In view of the likelihood that quite a few of our membership will have friends and or relatives that may need or know of someone who could be in the unfortunate position of needing to benefit from this fund it would be good if we could help a local rugby coach attain the target that he has set himself. See below, the message that Mike has sent to the teams in the girls tag league asking for some support. Hopefully you can see your way to circulating this request to the wider Kenilworth RFC membership. I have sent this request to you because from my discussion with Ian last night he indicated that Willie is off on holiday and you might find time to forward the message as opposed to Willie who is preoccupied with packing his cossie.

Thanks in anticipation

George Edwards

Mike’s message

Some of you will know that over the summer in the close rugby season, I have personally been raising money for the Army Benevolent Fund to support their Current Operations Fund – a charity appeal for soldiers and their families affected by current commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I agreed to raise money by walking a minimum of 500km (about 330 miles) over the summer at a series of extreme walking marathons. I set out to raise £5000 for the fund and then raised the target to £6500 in memory of Private Joe Whitttaker, a 20 year old local boy who sadly lost his life in Helmand Province in June. I am only £260 short of my target and I am reaching out to all you to see if you will be prepared to sponsor me as I complete the final two walks of my trek challenge in September. My justgiving page is www.justgiving.com/michaelvallance - I am sure we all know someone who has served or may be serving at the moment and so please see if you can spare a few pounds to help my appeal. The charity website is www.armybenfund,org and my ugly mug is on the fundriasers' page !

See you all soon

Mike

Applications for International Tickets for the SIx Nations games at Twickenham are now beiong accepted, these being :

7th Feb, v Italy

15th March, v France

21st March, v Scotland

Tickest are priced £85, £71, £60, £52 and £41 and your application should be sent direct to the club for the attention of John Davies by 15th October.

In the Warwickshire Cup we have been drawn at home to Stratford with the tie to be played on the first available Saturday and no later than the end of the year. In the second round, should we be successful we will play either Balsall & Berkswell or Old Leamingtonians on Sunday 18th Jan.

As at 5th Sept

The following games have been confirmed for this weekend (6th Sept):

Kenilworth 'A' v Leicester Lions 2's (A)

Kenilworth 2's v Sutton Coldfield 2's (H)

Kenilworth 3's v Old Leams 3's (A)

Kenilworth Colts v Burton Colts (H)

Directions to Leicester Lions will be in the club tonight or you can access them through their web site (www.leicesterlionsrfc.com)

The club has announced the following new signings:

Chris Kroeger, an 18yr old prop from Warwick School & Banbury

Andrew (Griz) McGuire, a 29yr old back row play from New Zealand, per Chinnor. Griz has played against Tak Norton in what sounds like a Kenilworth and Broadstreet situation in Christchurch!

Paul Thompson, a 33 yr old back row/second row forward from Rugby Lions

Mat Davies & Dave Clements from Rugby Lions have been freed from their loan status from Rugby Lions

It is the start of the M&J’s season on Sunday and they are holding their registration day at the club on Sunday, 10.30.

Gaz Renowden has prepared an alternative KRFC web site at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/kenilworth/. The site allows you to sign up as a player or a supporter/member etc to the KRFC site and may allow for easier communications. Could you have a look and provide comment please.

Next weekend the ones kick off their league campaign with a game v Kettering at home, kick off 3pm. Kettering have just been promoted from Midlands 2 east and will be no push over.

Our new programme for 08/09 with Dom Carrick on the cover, sorry Luke Brown pretending to be a forward, is now ready and will be rolled out for the Kettering game. It contains details of how to order a new first XV strip and casual KRFC gear.

Prior to the Kettering league game there is an informal lunch and if you fancy attending then please contact Geof Jordan. There is also a Former Players lunch on the 27th Sept (v Longton) and another v Broadstreet on the 4th October.

The two’s and three’s also kick off their league campaigns with games against Old Coventrians (H) and Manor Park (A) respectively. The colts are away at Leamington.

I am delighted to announce that former first XV captain Neil McComiskey has agreed to take on the 2nd XV manager’s role.

If you are a colt of the 2007/2008 season and no longer eligible to play Colts rugby then please do not be lost to the senior club. The senior club will welcome you with open arms and I suggest you contact your ex captain Ross Lowthian and/or Colin Dick about progressing to the senior club. Training for the seniors is on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

On Tuesday 9th Sept at 4pm the West Mids Police are taking on the City of London Police at The Butts Stadium.

Have a good weekend – I am now off to suffer the delights of New Zealand for four weeks and taking in the legendary Roly’s wedding in Lake Taupo on the 27th Sept. I hope to return to three wins for the first XV and to hear that our second and third XV’s are sitting proudly on top of their league too!

With me being away we will need someone to do the programmes for the 13th, 27th and 4th so if there are any volunteers please speak to Peter B or myself prior to Tuesday of next week. We also need a photographer so that piccies can be circulated to the press and for the web site. Any piccies taken should be sent to Pete Hall (pete.hall@btopenworld.com)

As at 1st Sept

Kenilworth used 25 players in a full 80 minutes match against Jersey. Each half was split with water breaks where some player changes were also made.

Kenilworth soaked up a great deal of pressure in the first 20 minutes where Jersey spilled a couple of try scoring opportunities. New 3/4 Russel Clarke converted a penalty when abrasive Kenilworth defence caused Jersey be penalised 30 meters out. Winger John Raby capitalised on a spilt ball on the left wing to break clear and run in from 40 meters. Clarke converted.

With a squad containing at least 9 new faces, Kenilworth's defensive organisation was impressive to say the least - this was also backed up by some committed cover tackling from the back three and especially Spencer Brown. Returning Kiwi Tak Norton was a constant threat and spent game time at scrum half, fly half and inside centre.

Russell Clarke converted another penalty whilst Jersey replied in kind to register their first points of the day.

Following the break Kenilworth's continuity began to improve against a tiring Jersey side who contained a number of their professional players. The set scrummage improved with new props Tristan Wati and teenager Chris Kroeger beginning to exert some pressure on the tiring Jersey pack.

Kenilworth's fitness levels looked good despite a searing sun and 85 degrees of heat. Jersey managed to cross for a try following a mishit cross field kick and an awkward bounce that fell into the hands of their delighted winger with the last play of the match.

Final Score - Jersey 8 - Kenilworth 13

All in all it was a pleasing performance from a Kenilworth side with a number of new faces. The defence and work rate was extremely impressive and continuity in attack improved as the game wore on. The line out functioned well with a number of jumping options including new signings Paul Thompson who was impressive at No 8 and second row Luke Watts.

A welcome contingent of Kenilworth supporters also enjoyed the match and the accompanying delights of St Helier.

The whole event was also fantastic as a team building exercise and the entire group enjoyed an evening in St Helier conducted by team stalwarts Dom Carrick, Reg Varney and Colin Dick. The "dance off" between messrs Varney and Garforth was a sight to behold.

As at 22nd AUGUST

OLD BRUFFS HAVE CRIED OFF SO NO GAME TOMORROW

On Saturday we have been offered a game against a touring team from Limerick – Old Bluffs and this has now been organised for 3pm on Saturday 23rd August. If you fancy a run out then please feel free to bring your kit down as you may well get a game at some stage but if you are can you let Gareth Renowden and Colin Dick know please by email.

Last week's game v Camp Hill was curtailed in half by Camp Hill so only 40 minutes were played. No score was taken but we scored a few tries without conceding and there were a number of new players on show that had the Kenilworth faithful asking "whose that Fergie?".

Those on show and now signed up were;

Spencer Brown, a centre from Lichfield. Spencer is an ex England Internationalist.

Russell Clarke, a fly half from Lichfield.

Richard Smith, a back row from Lichfield.

Luke Watts, a second row/back row from Broadstreet.

James Wadey, a No8 from Rugby Lions.

Tristan Wati, a prop from Rugby Lions

Also on show was a Kiwi mate of Tak Norton and discussions are taking place to get this chap signed up - more deatils later. On the matter of Tak Norton I can now reveal that he will be here for the first few league games of the season as he is over here for a couple of months on holiday and taking in his mate's wedding. What a nice we surprise for us all!

As at 11th AUGUST

Our first pre season game takes place on Saturday at home v Camp Hill, 3pm kick off. After the game the BBQ’s will be on so bring your own food and cook it and enjoy the start of the season with a few beers. There will be a number of exciting new players on show.

Pre-season games to follow include Jersey, away on the 30th August and Leicester Lions away on the 6th Sept.

The first, first XV league game takes place on Sat 13th Sept with a game v Kettering at home, 3pm kick off. This is followed by South Leicester away on the 20th, Longton at home on the 27th and Broadstreet at home on the 4th October.

The second XV kick off their campaign with a game against Sutton Coldfield on the 6th Sept. Their league campaign then kicks off on the 13th with three successive home games against Old Coventrians (13th), Old Laurentians (20th) and Silhillians (27th).

The third XV season kicks off at Rugby St Andrews on the 6th Sept then their league campaign kicks off with games v Manor Park 2’s, away, Old Coventrians, home and Old Laurentians, away.

The colts kick off with games v Derby (6th Sept, home), Leamington (13th Sept, away), South Leicester (20th, away) and Newbold (27th, away).

We have still not had a volunteer come forward to run touch for the first XV. Surely there must be someone out there who wants to get involved!

Congratulations to the Coventry Bears RL squad who reached their National Cup final on Saturday (to be played next Saturday at Nottingham). That is the good news, the bad news is that our prop Rhidian Booth, broke his leg. Other Kenilworth guys on show were Mat Cooper, Chris Brown and Scott Clendenning-Fenton - well done lads and all the best on Saturday.

SAD NEWS - 6th AUGUST

“ It is with regret and sadness to announce that Dominic Coker died this week at only 48 years of age.

In the current age of professional rugby there are many KRFC players and club members that won’t know who Dominic was but back in the mid 1980’s Dominic captained the third team (1 season) and the 4th team (2 seasons) when the club used to run 4 teams and a Pirates XV. Dominic virtually lived at the clubhouse during this period – he had an innate act of getting a team together at the last minute – this was not because he wasn’t organized but by the time the 1st team. 2nd team and 3rd team had all had 2 cry offs on a Friday night he was 6 players short – and yet for 2 seasons he virtually put a team out every week. This usually involved a late night trawl of pubs, (notably the Royal Oak with its Friday night lock ins) and curry houses where he waited until some athletic chap looked so inebriated that he cajoled him into playing the next day and Dominic always sent out a team as ,long as he had 13 players.

Due to his build, lack of ball skills and the inevitable shortage of props that was where Dominic played – I can honestly say I cannot remember and have no visions of Dominic with ball in hand – he just seemed to trundle from 1 scrum to the next and take his punishment – it did not matter how severe the intimidation or blows were he just came up smiling and wore his opposition down with his ability to come back for more and remain politeness personified.

This was a by gone era of “alikaddo rugby” which usually involved a pub crawl after the game and sometimes before – its when we used to play Worcester 4th team and beat them – training at 4th team level was frowned upon, and such players were soon promoted up the ladder.

Some of the past players who came up through Dominics 4th team or played for him were Tony McNally, Kevin Willacy, Bruce Doe, Chris Wheatley, Tom Browne, Colin Charville, Mark Swaffield, “Dad Taylor”, Ian McKinnon, “Chomby” etc…and he attended the captains meetings after the weekend during the era of PAG Jones, Bob Bulow, Don Winn, Steve Sutherland and myself under the guidance of Danny Bellamy.

Sadly as his rugby days came to an end Dominic’s life took a downward turn – I think a number of women problems surfaced (I remember half the club looking for an engagement ring that his fiancée at the time, had, in a fit of pique, thrown off somewhere on the 1st team pitch at about midnight – but we found it!) – which led to a lot of stress - but that should not detract from what the man did for KRFC for a number of years.

Tony Whatmore

As at 29th July - not to be outdone a message from Dominic!

The senior squad will be having a run through of the ELV laws that are to be in place this season on Thursday night during pre season training. Warwickshire referee Dermot Collins will be running through each new law and highlighting how this may affect game plans and match structure. Would all senior players - especially 1sts and 2nds please ensure they attend pre season training this week. Interested spectators are also welcome.

The first preseason friendly of Season 2008/9 will be at home to Camp Hill on Saturday August 16th - kick off 3.00pm. We hope to unveil a number of our new signings for the coming season at this match.

As at 28th JULY

Good afternoon all,

Training this week is at the Cow Patch on both Tuesday and Thursday.

Attendance at sessions so far have been good if not great, so can every one make the effort this week. The sessions I have been to, my holiday aside, have been very good and the work rate of the guys there has been high so lets keep up some momentum.

There have also been a lot of new faces at training, particularly in the forwards, so places for next season are by no means guaranteed. Don't let someone get a head start on you!

Please note we have a game a week on Saturday and Fergie is looking to get us geared up for the new Experimental Law Variations in advance rather than learning them as we play.

And don't forget if you want a ticket to Jersey then you need to be impressing both at training and the warm up games!

Cheers

Gareth

As at 16th July

The SPURGEON CUP – the rugby club golf competition, will take place at Kenilworth Golf Club on the afternoon of Wed 23rd July and full details are posted in the club.

AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL SERIES – Australia (15 Nov), South Africa (22 Nov), New Zealand (29 Nov) – applications are now being accepted for these tickets priced £41, £52, £60, £71 and £85. Usual rules apply and applications with me by 8th August.

England v Pacific Islands, 8th Nov - applications are now being accepted for these tickets priced £41, £52, £60, £71 and £85. Usual rules apply and applications with me by 8th August - applications are now being accepted for tickets priced £25, £50, £58, £71 and £60 with juniors (15 or under) at half price.

Please note that we have had our ticket allocation reduced by some 30% for these games and all future games at Twickenham.

Ed Hart is requesting sponsorship for something he is doing (details on link) and would appreciate any offers of sponsorship @ www.justgiving.com/edhart

The latest set of club fixtures are now available for your information. Please note the league fixtures for the 2nd and 3rd XV’s.

Players are reminded that Training has now re-started at the Cow Patch on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Please be advised that 13 new experimental laws (ELV’s) are being trialed this season and full details can be obtained on http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.articles_Detail/StoryID/20179

The above link will also give access to download the following:

A summary of the iRB ELVs

A full guide of the iRB ELVs

The results of the Experimental Law Variations RFU survey

The iRB guide to the Experimental Law Variations PDF

You are all also reminded that the bar very much remains open during the summer on Mondays (7.30pm but only if Darts are on), Wed (from 7pm), Friday (from 6pm), Sat (from 5pm) and Sunday from 1pm.

As at 11th July

Warwickshire Cup dates for next season are:

First XV

First round 4th Jan, or first available Saturday before

Second Round 18th Jan

1/2 Final 1st March

Final 22nd March

Second XV

Preliminary round 7th September

First round 14th Sept (or before this date)

Second Round 23rd Nov (or before this date)

1/2 Final 14th Dec

Final 18th Jan

As at 3rd July

Training restarts on Tuesday of next week, 8th July. All are welcome and if you know of any new players who might want to come along then please let them know and bring them.

§ Steve Ramus is running in the BUPA great South Run on the 26th October 2008. It is a 10 mile run. His chosen charity for the run is “The Stroke Association” and I am aiming to raise at least £500 for them. The following link www.justgiving.com/steveramus allows you to sponsor him online, so any sponsorship money, no matter how big or small would be gratefully received.

§ The Rugby Football Union wants everyone involved in rugby union in England to work together to create the best possible competition structure for the game. To ensure that the “rugby landscape” below Level 3 serves the needs of everyone, the RFU is inviting all involved to join them in a wide ranging consultation process. “We want to make sure that as many people as possible take part in our consultation so that any change in our competition structure reflects the views, aspirations and wishes of the entire game,” says John Owen, the RFU’s Junior Vice President and Chairman of the Rugby Landscape Task Group. From July 1st for a period of four weeks there will be an online survey at rfu.com/rugbylandscapesurvey to bring in views so that “we get the competition structure right to sustain our member clubs for the future,” says Owen. After a full analysis of the questionnaire replies, there will be a stakeholders’ forum, following which recommendations will be drawn up and presented to the RFU Management Board and Council. Visit rfu.com/rugbylandscapesurvey to be part of the new rugby landscape.

§ ADVANCE WARNING – Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce are holding a networking event at the club on Monday 18th August. We are planning to demonstrate minis and juniors rugby to them. Full details are on www.kenilworthchamber.co.uk. Why not come along and see what the KCC has to offer.

As at 27 June

We now have all the 1st XV kit sponsored except for training tops – if anyone is interested in this superb marketing opportunity please contact Peter Blakeman M 07710094245 or Email Peter@jonicengineering.co.uk. Sponsors are also invited for the Second, Third and Colts XV’s kits.

The programme for next season is also currently being put together and if you know of anyone who would like to be advertise in it then please contact krfc@appliedgeology.co.uk ASAP. Details are on the web site.

Attention all Golfers: The Spurgeon Cup is to be played at Kenilworth Golf Club on the afternoon of Wed 23rd July – Details and booking tee times are on the notice board.

All players will be delighted to here that training re-starts on Tuesday 8th July. Only regular trainers will be considered for the pre season game in Jersey.

If you fancy running touch for the first XV in their league and cup games then we would be interested in speaking to you.

At the AGM held last week (the numbers in the bar still won I am afraid) this years Management Committee was voted back en block and Russell White was elected as South Warwickshire representative.

The following members are now having their emails returned to me so if anyone can help with their new email addresses then please email me at krfc@appliedgeology.co.uk

Russ Brayshaw, Alan Sutherland, Bruce Roberts, Andy Povey, John I’Anson, Sam Lewis, John Faulkner, Rod Webb, Miles Barker-Davies, Darren Garforth, Andy Winters, Elliott Brown, Colin Murrell, Victoria Willacy, Jez Noon and Mark Day.

There are still a large number of members who do not get emails as they are not on our email data-base and hence if you know of anyone then please let me know their addresses and/or contact them to contact me.

As at 24 JUNE

REMINDER

The club AGM is being held on 25th June at 8pm.

It would be good to see a full house and not the dismal numbers that have appeared in the last few years. It would also be good to have more people in the AGM than in the bar.

If you attend the AGM and listen then you will know what is going on in YOUR club.

A message from Sam Kincaid

The Party of Warwickshire Referees (supported by RFU and Warwickshire) going to Uruguay on the 16th July are having a brochure made to give to clubs,officials etc during their stay.There are opportunities for firms to have advertisements in the brochure £50.00 half page,£100.00 full page).We already have companies like Land Rover and Webb Ellis involved so you would be in good company-excuse the pun! Anyone interested should contact Ian Roberts at irobref@aol.com or 02476361874 or of course myself 01926511971.

As at 13 June

The club will NOT be open for the All Blacks v England game in the morning (14 June) but the game will be recorded and will be shown after the club opens at 4.30pm.

FURTHER REMINDER: AGM on 25th JUNE at 8pm

As at 11 June

Well we now have the fixture list for Midlands 1 next season and the big surprise is that it is not Sheffield who are joining us from the north but Chester and we play them away on the 15th Nov and at home on the 20th Dec. We start at home on the 13th Sept with a game v Kettering and follow this with an away trip to South Leicester, and home games v Longton and Broadstreet. Our final game of the season is away at Luctonians.

Recruitment for the new season is going well and we are currently talking to a large number of new players so watch this space for the new signings.

As at 30th May

The club will open tomorrow (31st May) for the Premiership Final. Club will open at 1pm and kick off is 3pm.

The club will also be showing the England v Barbarians game on Sunday 1st June, kick off 3pm.

This weekend is the Mini Clubman weekend at the club and if you are into minis then it is a must visit.

REMINDER – the AGM is on Wed 25th June and we do not want a full bar that night.

Training restarts on Tuesday 8th July but do not forget the informal sessions on a Wed night. Please also be minded to rotate your training on the Cow Patch pitches and keep off the first XV pitch.

We have no news of fixtures for next season yet as the RFU are awaiting the outcome of important decisons involving Coventry and Pertemps Bees. It does look though that Luton will be going into London 1 and Sheffield will come into Midlands 1. I will confirm this when I know more.

As at 15th May

The following awards were presented at the Club Dinner:

Clubman of the Year: Phil Hill – for his work in bringing the colts of 07/08 through from the age of seven.

Third XV

Joint Excuse Not to Play award: Tom Holmes & Chris Wheatley

Most Improved Player: Andrew Clarke

Player of the Year: Graham Ballinger

Second XV

Best Forward: Simon Bladon

Best Back: Andy Winters

First XV:

Best Forward: Nick Smith

Best Back: Andy Whitehall

Training Award: Luke Brown

Player's Player of the Year: Nick Smith

Following the defeat of Luctonians in the North/Midlands 1 play off and the win for Hinckley in the 2 play off Midlands 1 next season is shaping up as

Luctonians, Broadstreet, Sth Leicester, Peterborough, Newport, Longton, Kenilworth, Bedford Ath, Hinckley, Malvern, Kettering and Luton.

It is good to see us there and we look forward to renewing acquaintances with Kettering and Hinckley.

We retained the Harold Stilwell Cup a few weeks back but not before a wee fright in the semi v Old Leamingtonians.

Other good news is that three of our fine young colts, Messrs Bladen, Lowthian and Cooper have been chosen to represent Warwickshire in the National Colts Sevens this weekend.

Currently starring in the senior Warwickshire Squad are James Hersey and Chris Brown and we wish them well in their remaining fixtures.

Mat Cooper and Chris Brown are also running out for the Covcentry Bears RL squad.

And finally, to add to our success, a note from Jai Purewal

Seru Rabine Who?

Last Sunday the Wooden Spoon 7s team shocked players and spectators a like by winning the Spoon benefitting, 51st Sunshine 7s competition held at East Grinstead RFC. Widely recognised as one of the major sevens events on the circuit, Wooden Spoon were crowned champions of the 32 team competition that included teams from the British Army and the Kaiviti Crusaders.

What makes this victory even more impressive is that 5 of the 10 players in the Spoon squad were from Midlands One outfit, Kenilworth RFC. Just weeks after the Glasshouse Lane club supported Spoon at their Pirates 30th Anniversary celebrations the club were again out in force. James Hersey, Aleks Stanojevic, Jai Purewal, Elliott Brown and Matthew Cooper were joined by players from Blackheath RFC (National Div. 2), Nuneaton (National Div. 2) and the British Army to claim the Lady Astor of Herver Rose Bowl which was presented to Spoon captain Dwain Brown (Blackheath RFC).

Spoon over came St. Mary’s College and then the Junior Irish Exiles in the pool stages to then face Hove in the quarter final. The Spoon team who were playing together for the first time were improving with every game and as a result dispatched Hove without too much trouble, knowing that they would next face, the Kaiviti Crusaders team that were all Fijian and contained three full internationals including Gloucester’s Akapusi Qera and Leicester’s Seru Rabine.

Despite being banned from all rugby, Rabine had been cleared to play and set his stall out from the start with a big smash on prop Hersey. Not to be out done and moments later, young talent Cooper hit Rabine forcing him to knock the ball on and with resulting possession, Spoon scored to take the lead. This was a lead that the charity side maintained until the final whistle taking them through the final.

In the final Spoon faced the Ruck U Spartans who managed by Will Carling’s brother had a wealth of U18s international talent with many of their players at Premiership Academies. In their semi final the Spartans demolished a strong and highly fancied British Army side playing some of the best sevens rugby of the day.

The first minutes of the final were an edgy affair but it was Spoon that took the lead first through an unconverted try from Jo Vakalala (British Army). Following a long delay resulting from a crunching tackle from Brown, one of the Crusaders was taken off to hospital with a suspected knee ligament injury. The delay didn’t phase Spoon and indeed it was they who scored next, extending their lead with a touch down (unconverted) from Hersey.

The second half saw the Spoon team under a great deal of pressure and tired legs accounted for conceding two tries to the man of the tournament Worcester Academy’s Stu Mackay, one of which was converted giving the Spartans the lead with just one minute to go. From the resulting re- start Spoon retrieved the ball and maintaining possession attacked down the left wing with a sweeping move that culminated in a try for winger Swanny (British Army) which unconverted left the final score at 15-12 to Spoon.

Wooden Spoon player/ manager, Jai Purewal said, ‘we really cannot believe that we have won, it’s a great result for the boys who played for each other and stuck to the task. It’s a fantastic tournament with some massive sides attending and to come out on top is a significant boost for raising the Wooden Spoon profile within the game as we continue to support disadvantaged children throughout the UK and Ireland.’

What a day- still pinching ourselves!

Jai

It is the club Dinner on the 9th at Kenilworth Golf Club - if you want to go and not down to go then speak to Pedro Lindsay ASAP.

Please aslo remember the AGM which will be at the club on 25th June.

As at 21st April

Kenilworth will play in Midlands1 next season courtesy of a 25-25 draw with second placed Luctonians, remarkably, the second draw between the sides this season. In the end Broadstreet's win at Dunstablians condemned them to relegation but the performance and effort put in by Kenilworth was superb as having used up all of their subs Kenilworth lost No8 Mike Smith for the last 15 minutes of the game to finish with 14 men. The celebrations went on late into the night.

Stratford 2's 23 - 24 Kenilworth 2's

A clash of the top two sides in the merit league left Kenilworth with a another win over Stratford, played at a fast pace throughout and both sides looking to play running rugby from anywhere on the pitch it led to a scrappy but entertaining game of rugby, with the scores up and down throughout.

Jimmy Middleton 1 try, Adam Trean 1 try, Tim Driffill 1 try, A Fox 1 try and 2 cons.

The final weekend of rugby is on Saturday where we defend our Harold Stilwell trophy at Shipston, anyone who wants to play is welcome, call foxy on 07809384826.

Our threes defeated Harbury 2's 41-17 with two tries each for Simon Jeavons and Paddy Flavelle and singles for Rhys Griffiths and Alex Jones. Paddy had four conversions and one penalty.

As at 18th April

On Saturday it is the last league game of the season at home to Luctonians and we have got ourselves into the situation of having to win or draw to be 100% safe from relegation as we are one of five in danger. If we lose then there will be some frantic phone calls made to Dunstablians (at home to Broadstreet), Longton (at home to Peterborough), Scunthorpe (at home to Bedford Ath) and Newport (at home to Dudley K). If any of the teams below us fail to win (Dunstablians, Newport, Peterborough and Bedford and Newport fail to win, we are safe. If Peterborough and Bedford win and we lose they go above us. If Dunstablians and Newport win and we lose it will be decided by points difference and currently there is a 29 points difference over both in our favour.

For further spice if Luctonians win then they take second spot and a play off against Huddersfield for a place in National 3 north. If Broadstreet win and we defeat Luctonians then it is Broadstreet who will head to Huddersfield and, of course, we will be safe. We will be safe in any case if Broadstreet defeat Dunstablians.

Our second XV are away at Stratford and our third XV are at Harbury.

Before the Luctonians game we have a Former Players Lunch which is a complete sell out and has a waiting list.

After the game we hope to have star performer Andy Honess play a few songs as well as our talented colts.

Last week the 200 club draw was made and the winners were:

£500 Chris Holmes

£50 Mai Phillips

£25 Andy Honess

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

26th April – Harold Stilwell Cup

27th April – Warwickshire Colts Sevens

26th/27th April – Minis Tournament

9th May – CLUB DINNER

11th May – minis presentation day

17th May – PLAYERS AWAY DAY

31st May – Mini Clubman Festival

25th June - AGM

Have a good weekend and here is hoping that we will be in Midlands 1 still come 4.30 on Saturday. Come on lads, it is in our own hands.

As at 14th April

We travelled to Peterborough on Saturday hoping to avenge the defeat inflicted upon us earlier in the season but alas it was not to be and we were duly defeated 21-7 with a try from Gareth Renowden all we had to show for our efforts. The hospitality was good though!

This defeat means we are still under the threat of relegation and must take something from our game on Saturday v second place Luctonians to make us safe - if we do not we are in the hands of others doing us a favour. At this point in time there are five of us scrapping for safety (Dunstablians, Newport, Peterborough and Bedford) and here is hoping our old friends at Broadstreet can do us a favour and knock over Dunstabliians whilst we return the favour by defeating Luctonians to give them second spot and get them into the play offs. Elsewhere Peterborough are away at Longon and need to win to overtake us if we lose, Newport are at home to Dudley K and need to win well and us lose badly to go above us, similarly for Dunstablians v Broadstreet. An exciting afternoon is in store and here is hoping that the old boys hearts attending the Former Players Lunch can take the excitement and drama that will inevitably ensue. It is all in our own hands though and if we win, or draw, we are safe. Please come down and give us your support.

On Saturday a very youthful second XV boasting eight colts and two U17 players lost 10-26 to Barkers Butts second XV with Sam Hobbins and Adam Trean scoring our tries.

On Sunday ther Pirates concluded their 30th celebrations with a game against a very lively and smokey Wooden Spoon select and lost 19-60. Our try scorers were Mark Bennett and Glyn Owen with two. The Spoon select scored many tries with the last one being converted by that well known place kicker Alan Donald.

200 CLUB

The winners of the 200 Club Draw last Friday (11th April) were:

£500: Chris Holmes

£50: Mai Phillips

£25: Andy Honess

Last Wednesday our colts played in the semi final of the Warwickshire Cup against a very good OC's Coventry (really a Coventry colts) and ran them all the way in a 26-32 defeat. Unlucky boys you did us proud and so very nearly pulled it off. A full report on the game is on the Coventry Rugby Club web site.

As at 7 April

A certain Martin Johnson returned to rugby at Kenilworth on Saturday – donning the No 60 shirt (along with 20 others) in a birthday celebration game between an Andy Clarke (60) select and a Simon Bladon (50) select.

The Bladon select comprising mainly Pirates but with a sprinkling of colts who took great delight in stepping onto the field with their hero (Martin, that is, not Simon).

For the record the score was 48-33 to the Bladon Select with two tries each for Russell White and Andy Bladon (some of Simon) and singles for Tony Philpot, Gary Stephens, Mark Nicholas and Ross Lowthian. Chris Sibley was successful with two conversions and singles for Russ White and Paddy Flavelle.

Peterborough need not fear – despite interest from Mr Johnson we are passed the deadline for signing players for next Saturday’s crucial relegation encounter!

As at 4th April

Following the first XV heroics of last week we are still not safe and need one more point to make sure we stay in Midlands 1 – our goal for the season. Crazy but true but the likelihood is that one or more of the teams below us will drop points. We have now beaten four of the top five in our last five starts and we have the fifth, Luctonians, in the last game of the season on 19th April, the day of the Former Players Lunch (guest speaker Darren Garforth) – suggest you book yourself in as it looks like being a good day with many of our talented colts performing music after the game and, if he will come, the one and only Andy Honess!

Next week (12 April) the ones are away at Peterborough who are unfortunately right in the mix for relegation.

The current games scheduled for this weekend are:

1. Our second XV v Market Bosworth – to be played at the Cow Patch, 3pm kick off.
2. A highly entertaining Si Bladon Select versus an Andy Clarke select as the main attraction on the first XV pitch, kick off 3pm. It is rumored that both captains have some nifty looking ringers up their sleeve so should be a good afternoons entertainment.
3. If this does not tickle your fancy then the Heineken Cup might with London Irish v Perpignan @ 15:00 and Gloucester v Munster @ 17:30, both on Sky.

Our colts reward for defeating Earlsdon in the Warwickshire Colts Cup is a difficult looking game against the high flying OC’s Coventry in the semi final and this is to be played on Wednesday night (9th April) under the lights at OC’s.

On Sunday it is the Heineken Cup again with Saracens v Ospreys @ 12:30 and Toulouse v Cardiff Blues @ 15:00, both on at the club.

On Friday (4th April) night there is the draw for the 200 club and here is a message from our leader:

There will be a 200 club draw on Friday evening around 7 pm - if anyone joins for next season and submits a standing order for before the draw it will be entered in Friday’s draw in addition to next years draws. Cost only £25 per year!

Prizes : 1St £500, 2nd £50, 3rd £25

The CLUB DINNER has been arranged for Fri 9th May at Kenilworth Golf Club – please start thinking of your tables as the bronzed Pedro Lindsay will finally do some work and organize it!

The CLUB AGM will be held on the 25th JUNE @ 8pm and it would be good to see a lot of faces there.

Please be reminded of the Pirates 30th Celebrations next week – the Sporting Dinner on the 10th (John Bentley), a Ball on the 12th and a game on the 13th against a Wooden Spoon Select. It is not too late to book the Dinner or the Ball.

As at 1st April

Lee Simmons ( Dave Simmon's dad), a former player at the club and a great supporter over the years died yesterday. A most charming and hospitable man he was loved & admired by the many people who knew him. A real loss to a whole generation of players who enjoyed his support from the touchline & his wonderful pool parties at his house !

funeral tba

As at 31st March

The first XV duly obliged with a win against the League Campions, Loughborough Students in front of a big crowd of adoring sponsors. It was just as well we did as teams below us and around us also won and we are still not 100% safe of avoiding relegation and still need one more win to be sure although clearly this depends on teams below us winning. The two games left are against Peterborough away (they need the points) on the 12th April and Luctonians at home (they are in the hunt for the pay off spot) on the 19th April and if we beat Luctoninas we would then have defeated the top five in six games!

It did not look good on Saturday when we went down to 12 men with two in the bin and a rather harsh red card for Reg Varney who was on as a blood sub for Francis Nock but we weathered the storm and were well worthy of our 24-10 win. Tries came from Elliott Brown, a very late substitute for Alex Taylor, Nick Collett, Andy Whitehall and the truly superb Mike Smith.

Our second XV took on Nuneaton Development XV and lost 17-43. Our tries came from Jamie McCance and Andy Fox (2) with a James Hardy conversion.

Our threes played in the South Warwickshire Vets tournnament and lost in the final to Old Laurentians.

Our colts took the field in their Warwickshire Cup 1/4r final against Earlsdon without a few of their star performers but ran out 26-3 winners with the stars joining in the fun towards the end of the game. It was another truly superb effort from Phil Hill's guys - no news of their semi final opponents yet but the game is to be played next weekend!

As at 28th March

On Saturday (29 March) the ones are at home against the league champions Loughborough Students, kick off 3pm. We need one more win to be 100% certain of not being relegated and the boys are up for the challenge against the league champions.

We still need someone to do the gate for this so please respond if you can and help us out.

Prior to the game there is our annual Sponsors Lunch which is 12.30 for 1pm start. There is some room for non sponsors and if you fancy attending then please contact Peter Blakeman.

Our two’s are at home to Bromsgrove and the scheduled third XV game has been cancelled due to their participation in the South Warwickshire Vets Tournament on Sunday 30th at Old Leamingtonians.

Also on Sunday our colts are playing in the first round proper of the Warwickshire Colts Cup, 2pm kick off at home v Earlsdon and hopefully (weather permitting) on the main pitch.

Can I remind you of the Pirates 30th Birthday celebrations which kick off in two weeks with a Sporting Dinner (John Bentley) on the 10th and a Ball on the 12th. These events are being held in a Marquee next to the clubhouse and are black tie/posh frocks events. There is still time to book your place at these events by contacting Adrian Marsh.

On Sunday 13th the Pirates then take on a Wooden Spoon Select and this is being combined with a Beer Festival at the club.

Another interesting day at the club will be next Sat when we have an Andy Clarke over 60’s Select v a Tim Hunt over 50’s Select (give or take a few years) to celebrate Andy’s coming of age. More details on this, including guest appearances, next week.

The AGM has been fixed for 25th June and it would be nice to see a full house at the club

Due to circumstances outside our control we have had to raise beer prices by 10p a pint. If you think this is bad then the Virgins and Castle in Kenilworth have raised them by 20p!

We are continuing to have a dog problem, particularly at the Cow Patch. Our new groundsman Geof, and anyone else, has been given permission to throw dog walkers out of the Cow patch area when he sees them there. Please note that for watching matches etc dogs will be tolerated but only if they are kept on a lead and are under control.

You may recall that to encourage sales of our Xmas Raffle tickets we offered some free beer. Please note that if this offer is not taken up by the end of April then it will lapse. Steward Ian has a list of those who requested their beer tokens.

That nice little Vauxhall Astra diesel is still for sale and is available at the club to view. No sensible offer refused – see Ian Hadwin

As at 19 March

No game for the ones last week and our next league game is on 29th March, v the league Champions, Loughborough Students. This is also our annual Sponsor's Lunch. The two's (seconds and some threes and colts) took on Leamington (seconds with more than a springling of ones) and narrowly lost (someone send me details please!). The Pirates travelled to Bideford on tour annd also won but again no details yet.

The bad news from the weekend was the defeat of the U17's in their National Bowl regional semi final - they played well against a much bigger team but our technique was superb and proved the old adage that they were big but not any better. The score was 10-12 against Melton Mowbray and was close at half time 10-12.

This weekend (Easter) the two's are playing Stratford at home, 3pm kick off.

As at 10 March

What a superb weekend, well superb if you are either Welsh, Scottish and support Kenilworth!

A depleted ones with around 8No regulars missing travelled to a very windy South Leicester knowing that anything gained was a bonus - and what a bonus in a 15-12 win. Our boys (all 18 of them) were truly superb and deserved their win through tries for Nick Smith, Francis Nock and Jez Noon. We should have scored a few more tries and were hanging on a wee bit at the death but saw the game out with Captain Mattie Davies getting the guys together at the end to applaud their efforts, describing it as a better win than our last two, v Broadstreet and Longton. We are all but clear of relegation now but probably need one more win to make it truly safe and despite winning and defeating three of the the top five sides in the last three games we have managed to drop down a position in the league. Our next game is against the Students, the Champions, and I think we are all looking forward to it now.

Our two's did not play due to depleted resources but our threes beat Coventrians - no confirmation of score or scorers yet.

Our U17's have been drawn at home in the regional semi final of the National Bowl. It is to be played on Sunday 16th March and is against Melton Mowbray with a 12.30 kick off. Dare we serve up pork pies to them!

As at 6 March

It was not to be and last night we lost our Semi Final 21-31 to a very determined Broadstreet team who exploded into life after we took the lead within the first three minutes with a Luke Brown try. Street responded big style and played the conditions well and scoring three quick tries and two penalties saw us trail 25-5 at half time. A crucial period was when we dominated and were camped on the Street line and failed to convert, even when they were reduced to 14 men with a sin binning after conceding a host of penalties.

We came out firing in the second half, helped by the wind, but two Danny Richards penalties kept us at bay every time we got close.

More worrying for us all is the number of injuries we suffered and our bench at the end looked like something out of Holby City.

Broadstreet now go on and play Earlsdon in the final on 6th April and we wish them well.

As at 4th March

The ones had a superb win against second placed Longton, 38-21 on Saturday to maintain our push to remain in Midlands 1. It was just as well we won as all the teams around us, bar Scunthorpe, won as well. We are now on 17 points, five ahead of Scunthorpe and three ahead of Peterborough with four games (South Leicester (a), Loughborough Students (h), Peterborough (a) and Luctonians (h)) and I think we need two more wins to make us safe. We scored six tries against Longton (Pete Roberts, Scott C Fenton, Andy Whitehall, Luke Brown, Chris Brown and Rupert Cooper) with Chris being successful with four conversions.

This win has set us up nicely for our Warwickshire Cup semi with Broadstreet on Wed 5th March at Leamington, 7.30 kick off.

KENILWORTH 2’s 70 LEAMINGTON 2’s 0

Four tries for colt No8 Matt Cooper, doubles for Rob Varney and Andy Fox and singles for Ian Bowden, Dom Carrick, Kieran Price and Mat Hulse. Four conversion for Glyn Owen and one for Dom Carrick.

COVENTRIANS 12 KENILWORTH 3’s 12

Mark Bennett one try and one con. Colt Andy Bladon, one try.

Our U17's squad did us proud on Sunday by defeating Leighton Buzzard 18-14 to reach the semi final of the National Bowl.

As at 29th Feb

On Saturday the ones are at home in the league to Longton and here is hoping we keep up the good work and capitalize on the big win over Broadstreet. Kick off is still 2.15. The boys need a big and vocal support to help get ourselves out of trouble and start to move away from the relegation zone so please come along and be seen and heard!

Longton 2’s have just cried off and we are in pool for a game. The threes are away at Coventrians and the colts are down to be away at Burton but please check the colt’s game as it may be in doubt.

On Sunday at 11am on the main pitch it is the turn of the U17’s to play in their National competition - the National Bowl. This is a quarter final tie and is against Leighton Buzzard and is the ideal opportunity to take your mother out on Mothers Day and treat her to a cheeseburger and Guinness after the game.

On Wednesday night (5 March) under the lights at Leamington (7.30 kick off) we take on Broadstreet in the semi final of the Warwickshire Cup. The winners will take on Earlsdon in the final at The Butts on Sunday 6th April. Dare I say it or have we ever been given a better chance of winning this elusive cup!?!

The Broadstreet game is followed by another league game against South Leicester, away on 8th March so it is a tough week for the boys and the squad will be stretched to the limit.

WHATS ON

2nd March – Kenilworth U17’s v Leighton Buzzard, National Bowl 1/4r final, 11am kick off

5th March – Warwickshire Cup semi final, v Broadstreet, Leamington

8th March – South Leicester, away

29th March – Sponsors Day, v Loughborough Students

30th March – South Warwickshire Vets tournament

6th April – Warwickshire Cup Final

10th April – 13th April – Pirates 30th Anniversary Celebrations (Sporting Dinner on 10th, Ball on the 12th and a game (Pirates v Wooden Spoon Select on the 13th)

12th April – Peterborough, away

19th April - Luctonians, home: Former Players Lunch

26th April – Harold Stilwell Cup

9th May – CLUB DINNER

31st May – Mini Clubman Festival

As at 25 Feb

The ones duly progressed to a Warwickshire Cup semi final with Broadstreet under the lights at Leamington on 5th March with a 58-3 win over Old Laurentians. Neither side was at full strength but an entertaining game was played in good spirits.

The two's travelled to Banbury and won 53-10 with three tries for new boy James Hardy and singles for Tony Philpot, Paddy Flavelle, Simon Jeavons, Gary Stephens, Mike Hulse (another new boy), and Tim Driffill. There were four conversions shared by Andy Winters and James Hardy.

On Sunday our colts played at National 2 side Blaydon in the last 16 of the National Colts Plate. They were truly superb and gave a much bigger and stronger Blaydon side one hell of a fright in going down 13-22. The boys were amazed to see and hear such a big Keneilworth support and put in a superb performance against a team which prompted PAG Jones (father of two of the side) to suggest they got their milk from Sellafield! Check out the photos and see for yourself - example the Blaydon No8 was 6ft 9 with the second rows not far behind. Their front row were rather big too. Twice our 'wee' guys took the lead but a two try burst in the middle of the second half proved decisive for the home team. However our boys came back with a push over forwards try that had us all in awe of their never say die attitude against their bigger opponents. The response of the club to the game in Blaydon is best summed up by coach Phil Hill:

Thanks for your personal support yesterday, both for making the long drive up to Blaydon and the pics. Not forgetting bringing our linesman and reporter.

Something really fantastic happened for the club over the last week. Not just the way the colts played but the way the whole club rallied round

It’s not just about the financial bit, although that certainly helps, but a whole new level of support meant the lads knew they had so many people behind them.

The Mini and junior section gave us a great donation, the firsts and seconds supported us financially and so many people individually helped us out.

On Tuesday night Ian Ferguson and the first team devoted their training session to helping us.

Whilst we lost yesterday, against a truly huge side with better pedigrees than found at Crufts, the lads gave absolutely everything for the cause. Roll on the Warwickshire Cup

Thanks to all

Phil

It is hoped that our ones can put up an equally determined and committed performance when they play Longton at home on Sat, 2.15pm kick off.

As at 20th Feb

Well my wee trip to Cuba was very successful and I finally persuaded Fidel to stand down. Apparently he is a big Broadstreet man and their defeat on Saturday was the last straw.

Whilst I was away the ones got a bit of a doofing (6-20) at Newport (coach Ian reckons they are one of the three best teams we have played this season) and had the super win against Broadstreet (39-10) - what a game to miss. We badly needed this win as we are still in a relegation dogfight with others around us winning as well. Dudley K look doomed and it is probably one, maybe two, from ourselves, Newport, Dunstablians, Peterborough and Scunthorpe to join them. We appear to have the harder run in playing the top four (three at home) and fellow strugglers Peterborough away. We may still live to regret the silly losses to Peterborough and Scunthorpe and the draw at Luctonians but if the boys play with the style we evidently showed against Broadstreet then we should survive.

The two's have not played since their heroic cup final win against Broadstreet and in the last two weeks our third XV/Pirates have defeated AEI Rugby 54-26 and Sutton Coldfield, 66-38.

According to Bruce Doe the Pirates game was played in good spirit, on a good pitch, with not such good defences. Man of the match had to be Nick Hillard as he starred for us in the first half and then volunteered to play for Sutton in the second half when they lost their fly half due to injury. The Parrot could not be awarded due to Paddy Flavell leaving it at home again (it won't be forgotten). It is apparently on a 'top' shelf at home (no doubt thrown there with considerable disdain and dis-respect) and he can't find anyone at the moment tall enough to fetch it down.

Scorers:

Mark Bennet 3 tries (made no effort to buy a jug - also noted) Paddy Flavelle 2 tries, Nick Hillard 2 tries - plus one for the opposition = 3 - he made no effort to buy a jug either.

Keith Wise 2 tries - should have bought a jug for jug avoidance - after the 2nd try he made out he could not catch anything after that.

John Brain 1 try - brilliantly crafted try from the forwards.

Nick Hillard and Glyn Owen, kicked 4 conversions each.

The colts also played last week and defeated Bromsgrove 11-5 in a warm up game for their cup tie at Blaydon this Sunday.

This Saturday the ones are playing at home in the Warwickshire Cup quarter final against Old Laurentians, kick off 2.15. If we win this then it is a semi final under lthe lights against Broadstreet on 5th March at Leamington.

On Saturday the thirds are at home to Banbury, 1.15 meet for 2.15 ko

On Sunday our fine young colts are playing in the last 16 of the National Colts plate at Blaydon (National 2) – Cow Trees Ground, Hexham Rd, Swalwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE16 3BM. Kick off is 1.30 so if you intend going please leave early enough to get there for this early kick off. Allow at least 4hrs! The colts are leaving on a coach on Sat and staying overnight. This is costing a few bob which we are not getting back from the RFU so if you fancy donating a wee bit for beer for the lads and to help their expenses then let me know ASAP. We already have had some superb donations from various members and sections of the club.

I am now off to plan my next holiday - email me which dictator you next want out.

As at 5th Feb

It is with sadness that I announce the death of one of our Former Players, John Irish. His funeral will be held at:

St James The Great, Colwall, Malvern

At 11am on Sat 9th Feb.

There will be a Players Meeting on Thursday 7th Feb after Training.

As at 31st Jan

Sorry for the lack of updates people but I have been poorly and even missed the Second XV cup final!

It is there we start and we successfully defended our trophy despite going behind 17-0 early on to Broadstreet. However two tries from evergreen Charlie Brown brought us right back into it and a try in the dying minutes by skipper Andy Fox drew the scores level and into a period of extra time during which Jamie Peacock slotted a penalty and the cup was coming back to Glasshouse Lane. Well done lads.

This win sort of made up for a very poor ones performance on Saturday against bottom of the table Scutnthorpe. We led at half time 15-3 but the entire second half was played in our half and we conceded two tries to lose the game 17-15, the last one being in injury time with Andy Lawrence in the bin. We needed that win and need to conjure up at least two more wins me thinks to make us safe.

BREAKING NEWS - 23RD JAN

Our colts have been drawn away to Blaydon (near Newcastle u Tyne) in the 5th Round of the National Colts Plate to be played on the weekend of 23/24th Feb.

Our Warwickshire Cup 1/4r tie with Old Laurentians will now be played on Sat 23rd Feb, 2.15 kick off. The winners will then play Broadstreet in the semi final which has been pencilled in for under the lights at Leamington on 5th March. The other semi is Earlsdon v Old Coventrians to be played on 24th Feb at Old Leamingtonians.

After performing for thirty years, the Kenilworth Pirates are set to put their highly tuned bodies on the line, yet again. And to celebrate the milestone and recognise their many achievements Kenilworth Pirates have challenged the world famous Wooden Spoon Society to a game of festival sparkling rugby on Sunday 13 April 2008. The challenge has been accepted and the titanic match will be a must for any scholar of rugby football. Selection is underway and it is hoped to feature a number of former internationals in the Spoon side. The match will be the culmination of a Festival Weekend which will include a Sportsman’s Dinner on the 10th April and a Gala Dinner the 12 April 2008, both for up to 200 guests in a marquee set up adjacent to the club house. The entertainment will include a champagne reception, three course silver service gastronomic dinner, live bands and disco and special guest speakers. Proceeds from the festival weekend will go to charities supporting disadvantaged children and young people. To find out more and book tickets please contact either Bruce Doe or Adrian Marsh.

As at 21st Jan

The game at Dunstablians (5-47) is best forgotten and will quickly be erased from the memory bank. All credit though to Dunstablians who mastered the conditions far better than our boys and, from my seat in the nice friendly stand, seemed to want it more.

Our two's game was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch and our three's game v Wellesbourne was switched to their superb pitch in Wellesbourne. Our boys won 24-22 with tries for Jai Purewal, Glen Edney, Paddy Flavelle and Simon Jeavons. Paddy had two conversions.

Now to the big one and the result and performance of the weekend - our colts defeating Northampton Old Scouts 10-5 in the fourth round of the National Colts Plate in front of a very big crowd. Our boys survived a second half onslaught and the whole game in the second half was virtually played in our half, if not our 22. Injuries to Tom Palmer, Seb Holt and Ollie Burman did not help the cause but the young guys who came and filled in were truly superb and congratulations to you all. The draw for the last 16 will be made this week and we eagerly await it.

As at 17th Jan 08

On Saturday 19th Jan the ones are away at Dunstablians. The team is looking similar to the one that played against Bedford. Directions to the ground are in the club and are on the Duns web site.

The two’s also play Dunstablians but at home. The threes are in the pool for a home game. Both 2.15 kick offs.

On Friday night there is Heineken Rugby on and you can watch Glasgow stuff Saracens (at the home of the mighty Partick Thistle) and pip them to the last eight. European Rugby will also be on all day Saturday and Sunday on our big screens.

On Sunday 20th Jan our fine young colts are at home in the fourth round of the National Colts Plate and they take on a very strong looking Northampton Old Scouts. Kick off is 2pm on the main pitch. Please come down and give the boys your full support. The bar will be open from 12noon and there will be hot food available. There is a big crowd coming over from Old Scouts and a good atmosphere is anticipated.

The club will also be open on Monday night for a BIG Darts game v the Wardens, kicking off at 8.30.

Next weekend is another big weekend for the club. The ones are at home to Scunthorpe on the Saturday and on the Sunday (27th) there is the Warwickshire Second XV Cup Final with Broadstreet at Old Coventrians, 2.15 kick off. Win, lose or draw the club will be open after the game until the last guy leaves! There is no reason why we should not repeat the win that we had over Broadstreet last season.

Our 1/4r final Warwickshire Cup tie will now be played on Sat 2nd Feb when we take on Old Laurentians at home, 2.15 kick off.

On the 16th Feb we have Broadstreet at home in the league and there is a pre match lunch to which ‘everyone’ is invited. Please contact Peter B if you fancy attending this.

Tonight if you switch on Cov & Warwickshire radio (94.8FM) you will hear the dulcet tones of Dom Carrick discussing the local rugby scene, and Kenilworth in particular.

PAG Jones has given us some sad news. "Fred" Picton-Turbervill who guested for Kenilworth on the Glyfada (Athens) tour in 1989 was killed in South Africa in the last few days. He was an outstanding centre and outstanding tourist who made an indelible impression on all who met him. He moved to South Africa 5 years ago with his wife and 4 of his 6 children. He was shot during a break-in in front of his children .

Can I advise that all of the Six Nation International Tickets have now been sent out and are behind the bar waiting collection. Any tickets not picked up will be sold!

ADVANCE WARNING (and get your good lady to put this into your diary) – the CLUB DINNER will be held on Fri 9th May at Kenilworth Golf Club. Transport will be laid on to and from the Golf Club to the club. More details to follow but if you wish to book an early table then please contact Pete Lindsay.

FOR SALE – ‘S’ Astra diesel, will run for ever. No sensible offer refused. Contact Willie W.

FOR RENT – nice wee pad in Carvoeiro, Algarve. This year is filling up fast so if you fancy one or two weeks in the sun then please act now – see Willie W.

The XMAS RAFFLE was a great success this year and it is many thanks to all those who sold tickets. Around 1800 tickets were sold and the net contribution to the club was around £1300. Well worth it!

The following envelopes were returned from the Raffle and if anyone knows the whereabouts or new addresses of the following then please let me know: Dr P Kenyon Rugby, Tony Snelson Kenilworth, Dan Sparks Leamington, Anthony Green Leamington, Daryl Marvelly Kenilworth, Andrew Cumming Kenilworth, Andrew Winter Kenilworth, Rhidian Booth, Alistair Burns Leamington, Nadir Irfan, Rupert Smart, Daniel Heathcote (M&J’s), ‘Dad’ Taylor Tywyn.

As at 14th Jan 2008

Stratford cried off our proposed first XV 'friendly' and hence there was no first XV game last weekend. The two's were down to play Leamington (one's) and hence a few of our first XV (just a few mind you) opted to turn out for the Second XV. The guys were gutted to lose 15-17 and that would have been a tremendous scalp for them ahead of their Second XV Cup Final next weekend (26th) agtainst Broadstreet at Old Coventrians. Our try scorers were Gaz Renowden and Francis Nock with Lee Cassell successful with one pen and one con.

The threes were also up against Leamington and ran out 45-13 winners with three tries for Mark Nicholas and singles for Paddy Flavelle, Steve Green, Andy Clarke, Andy Maisey and Mark Bennett. Chris Sibley was successful with four conversions.

The colts travelled to Earlsdon and won 3-0 in a game they dominated but made very difficult by the sticky conditions underfoot. Tom Palmer was successful with a penalty early in the second half.

Next Sunday the colts play in the last 32 of the National Colts Plate against Northampton Old Scouts, kick off 2.00.

On the Saturday the ones are away at Dunstablians in the league.

As at 7th Jan 2008

A Happy New Year to all our readers and a good start to report for all of our senior teams that played over the weekend.

The ones had a hard fought 34-29 win over a determined Bedford Athletic side with the result in doubt right to the end. There were tries for Andy Whitehall, Dave Clements and Pete Roberts.

In the Warwickshire 2nd XV Cup semi final on the Sunday we were somewhat lucky to come away with a 34-20 win against a forward orientated Sutton Coldfield. Highlights of the day were a hat trick of tries within the first 12 minutes for Andy Fox and a superb debut try for colts back row player Matt Cooper. Broadstreet defeated Stratford in the other semi to set up a repeat of last year's final on the 27th January at a venue to be decided (normally one of the defeated semi finalists).

The threes also won and scored 34 points, winning 34-29 with tries for Paddy Flavelle, Nick Hillard (2), John Brain and Alisatir Johnson (2). Nick Hillard was succesful with two conversions.

The fourth winners were our colts who defeated Sutton Coldfield 17-7 with tries for Sammy Alkhalaf and Gareth Hill.

Next Saturday we were due to play our second round Warwickshire Cup tie against Old Laurentians but this has now been put back to 2nd Feb. On Saturday we have arranged a pool fixture at home v Stratford.

Our colts have now reached the fourth round of the National Plate and it is hoped to play this on Sunday 20th Jan against either Kettering or Northampton Old Scouts.

As at 27th Dec

KENILWORTH RFC XMAS DRAW WINNERS

Alan Herron, weekend for two in Paris

Michelle Tomlinson, week in villa in Carvoeiro

Nigel Davis, £250 Waitrose voucher

Dave Chrimes, Meal for two at Simpsons

John Gilbert, Cov RFC hospitality for two

Diana Sellwood, Cov FC hospitality for two

Joe Millburn, case of wine from Bablake Wines

P Bellingham, four ball at Kenilworth Golf Club

All winners will be notifed in due course.

As at 24th Dec

A 97-0 win to report in our "Warwickshire Cup" game at Sutton Coldfield. Sutton contacted us on the Friday to say they could not raise a front row but they wished to continue with the fixture with uncontested scrums as they did not want banned from next seasons cup. We turned up and were told we were playing the SC U21 squad with full scrums - quite why they could not play that front row in a full game defeats me. Fifteen tries were scored with three for Jez Noon and two for Ben Rand (on his first XV debut), Dave Clements, Dan Careless and Elliott Brown. There were singles for Chris Brown, Alexs Stanojevic, Gareth Renowden and Chris Collett - a 50m, sorry 50", dash to the line. Chris Brown was successful with 11 conversions. The game saw the first XV debut of prop Simon Bladon, age 49 and three quarters. There was some debate in the club afterwards if he was the oldest debutant but this appears to be held by Peter Fox, father of Andrew who claimed he made his debut when 50 and one quarter. Mark Powell's claim did not count.

Yours truly went to Veseyans to watch the colts in their third round National Plate cup tie and the superb squad duly won 24-3. The team featured a number of U17 players and they performed incerdibly well against a team who thought they had the divine right to win, particulalry the No8 who wanted to ref the game as well as boss his own players and moan at our players and the ref's decisions. One proud parent on the sideline was one PAG Jones who was there cheering on his sons Lewis and Reece. Their next cup game is on the weekend of the 19th Jan when they take on either Syston, Kettering or Northampton Old Scouts at home.

The Xmas Draw took some £1800 and the draw was made on Friday night - details of winners later. Many thanks to all who sold tickets - a good effort.

As at 20th Dec

On Saturday (22nd), weather permitting, we play our first round Warwickshire Cup game away at Sutton Coldfield with a 2pm kick off – directions to Sutton’s ground are in the club or are on their web site. This will not be an easy fixture as Sutton are a club with famous past and who are currently playing in Midlands 3 West south where they head the league with eleven wins out of twelve.

Our colts also have a cup (National Plate) tie away at Veseyans who also play in Sutton Coldfield at Little Hardwick Rd, Streetly.

On Friday night (21st) the Xmas Draw will be held at the club so make sure your tickets and ticket monies are in the club for 7pm to allow the draw to take place at 7.30ish.

It is not too late to order a Pirates DVD and if you want one then give your name to Ian Hadwin (and £10!)

There are no other games scheduled for Saturday but one big event is the stag night of Andy Fox which will begin at the club on return of the hopefully happy bunch of players and supporters from Sutton Coldfield and then continue in various bars in Leamington thereafter.

On Boxing Day there will be a game at the club with a 1pm kick off. It will be between an Under 25 team against an Over 25 team so if you fancy it come down around 12 noon, complete with birth certificate. Everyone is welcome for this festive game.

Over Xmas the club will be open on Xmas Eve from 6pm, closed on Xmas Day, open on Boxing Day from 12noon, closed on the 27th, open at 6pm on the 28th and 29th, open on 30th Dec from 1.30pm and closed on 31st and 1st Jan, re-opening on the 2nd Jan at 7pm.

It is good to report that our U17 squad has progressed to the National Cup with a 34-10 win last weekend over Berkswell & Balsall last Sunday.

The next league game for the ones is at home to Bedford Athletic on 5th Jan with a 2.15 kick off. On the Sunday (6th) our twos take on Sutton Coldfield at home in the semi final of the Warwickshire Second XV Cup with a 2.15 kick off.

Finally KRFC wish you the compliments of the season

As at 18 Dec

Well we did to Dudley K what Peterborough did to us a few weeks back. We gave away a 19 point start and the K's supporters wanted to go home at that point but a Andy Whitehall try, superbly converted by Chris Brown, gave us hope that we capitalised on in the second half. It was still tough though and going into injury time we still trailed by seven points despite having all of the second half pressure. Chris B decided to sneak a wee penalty with enough time being available for that elusive unconverted try which duly arrived courtesy of Mat Davies. A happy band of players and supporters returned to the club and celebrated with the Xmas Party which saw the likes of Terry Butcher, Hulk Hogan, Phil Taylor, Gavin Henson, the Jamaican Bobsleigh squad, Sebastian Chabal, Wayne Rooney, Daley Thompson, The Stig, George Best, Pete Sampras, Bjorn Borg (and a host of other tennis players), Lennox Lewis and other jockies and golfers make an appearance. The winners for the best Fancy Dress were the superb Jamaican Bobsleigh squad.

The ones also returned to hear that our second XV also had a very close game against Dudley K, this finishing 26-26 with Lee Cassell missing a conversion on the last kick to win the game - he had ran the length of the pitch though!

On Sunday PAG's Lag's thrashed our Pirates XV 58-20 - the full story still to be revealed.

On Sat we are playing our Warwickshire Cup game against Sutton Coldfield, away, with a 2pm kick off. Sutton are top of M3Ws with eleven wins out of twelve and will be no pushover.

Our colts are also in cup action away at Old Veseyans (Streetly).

As at 14th Dec

Kenilworth have pleasure in announcing the signing of Michael Smith, a No8 from Shelford Rugby and he goes straight into the XV to play at Dudley K tomorrow. Michael is from New Zealand and has played Rugby League for Hull, Castleford and York and in 2002 played for New Zealand RL team in their tour of the UK. Also making their first XV debut tomorrow is Andrew Lawrence.  Andrew is from Bath Academy (with Dan Crandon) and signed forms in Oct 07 but has been restricted to second XV games due to injury and non availability for the ones. Also returning from long term injury is Dan Crandon. Ian Phillips drops out following his ear operation and Dom Carrick starts in the second row with Dan Careless. Nick Collett returns at prop along side Mat Davies and Andy Lawrence. The backs are the same as started against Peterborough with Aussie full back Scott Clendenning-Fenton continuing at full back.

Please note that following the successful showing of the Pirates Pantomine DVD last week copies are now available behind the bar, cost £10.

As at 12th Dec

The ones are away at Dudley K on Saturday (15th) and please note that it is a 2pm kick off.

The two’s are playing Dudley K at home (2.15) and the threes are also at home against, probably, Chipping Camden. Both these games will be played at the Cow Patch and the allocated pitches will be put on the notice board.

The colts are down to play at Dudley but please confirm this before you travel as there is some doubt about this game.

On Saturday night (15th) is the Players Xmas Party – a fancy dress extravaganza (Sporting Heroes) and on offer will be Reg’s famous Karaoke, Biffins Bridge and a selection of colts strutting their stuff. Steve ‘Dylan’ Haynes may even make an appearance. All welcome.....miss it, miss out!!

Sunday is a busy day at the club. In the morning our U17’s are playing a championship decider against Balsall & Berkswell with the winner going into the National Cup. This game will be played on the main pitch. In the afternoon PAG’s LAG’s are taking on our Pirates and this will take place at the Cow Patch.

Next week our first XV will probably be playing their Warwickshire Cup first round game at Sutton Coldfield – check it out it maybe Saturday but it may be Sunday! Subsequent dates for the cup if we proceed are 13th Jan for the 1/4r final, 24th Feb for the semi and 6th April for the final.

We have also drawn Sutton Coldfield in the semi final of the Second XV cup, this time at home on Sunday 6th Jan, 2.15 kick off. Should we be successful there then the final is on Jan 27th – venue to be decided. The other semi is between Stratford and Broadstreet.

The Colts reward for their win in the National Plate is an away tie (with whom to be confirmed) on the 22nd Dec.

Over Xmas the club will be open on Xmas Eve from 6pm, closed on Xmas Day and open again on Boxing Day when there maybe a match or two. It will then open on the 28th, 29th and 30th as normal, closed on the 31st and 1st and re-open on Wed 2nd Jan.

The Draw for the 200 club made on Friday night was: Winner (£500), Bobby Bulow, Second (£50) Bill Hancock and third (£25), Mick Wheatley. Congratulations to you all.

As at 7th Dec

SECOND XV CUP - we have been drawn at home to Sutton Coldfield to be played on Sunday 6th Jan. Other tie is Stratford v Broadstreet.

A message from Los Sibley that he would like to share with us all:

Willie

As discussed, please find below photograph of our U14s who represented their districts at the recent Warwickshire schools trial:

The photograph shows members of Kenilworth Rugby Football Club Under 14s who represented their school district sides at the Warwickshire schools trial held at King Henry VIII sports ground on Sunday 2. December. Congratulations to all of them. From left to right: Rob Gardner, George Boylin, Alex Selby (all South Warwickshire), Will Sibley (Coventry), Harry O'Brien (Rugby), Michael Jones (Coventry), Ollie Brown (Rugby), Billy Clarke, Tome Pope (both South Warwickshire), George Harman (Rugby). Eight of the players were subsequently selected for the Warwickshire Schools Development Squad. Following an excellent victory against Shipston last time out, the boys will be playing together again for Kenilworth this Sunday, 9th December against Stratford.

Cheers

Loz

Please remember the showing of the Pirates Panto DVD on Friday night (7th) at the club.

I will firm up on games at the end of the week but our fixture list says the colts are the only team at home this weekend, v Market Bosworth. The ones do not have a game and both the two’s and three’s are away at Market Bosworth and Rugby respectively.

Please be reminded though that the Heineken Cup returns this weekend and there will be back to back TV rugby on both Sat and Sunday at the club.

It is sad that I have to report the departure of our No8 Rupert Cooper to Stourbridge. We wish him well and if you don’t make it Rupert then ‘haste ye back’.

Please remember your Xmas Raffle tickets and get them into the club ASAP for the draw on 21st Dec

As at 3rd Dec

What a shocker on Saturday with us winning 30-7 midway through the second half only to lose 36-38 to a last minute try by Peterborough. All credit to Peterborough for their fightback and some did say that we were flattered by the 30-7 scoreline but we cannot hide the fact that we did not close the game down and paid the ultimate price. The big festive crowd was silenced and there was a strange and subdued feeling in the club after the final whistle that lasted till Andy Honess got his guitar out and we, together with a very impressive colt (Tom Palmer) and Steve 'Dylan' Haynes sang the night away till Biffins Bridge came on and drowned out the neighbourhood. The day started with a very successful Xmas lunch attended by some 84 people and the infamous Blind Auction. This part of the day went well and even prompted the following response from Peterborough:

Forget the cold, forget the match, in fact, forget everything that went on outside the clubhouse of Kenilworth Rugby last Saturday afternoon. It’s what goes on inside a rugby clubhouse that decides where the heart of the club lies and at Kenilworth we found a little gem.Having been invited to a pre-match luncheon, the Peterborough forward party arrived promptly at 12 noon to be surrounded by lots of former players with lots of hugging and lots of back slapping – none of that foreign kissing on both cheeks in Kenilworth.After just a couple of minutes we were greeted by secretary Willie Whitesmith, who, in true Scots fashion offered us a drink after we’d just bought one – but it’s the thought that counts!

Apparently on the last home game before Christmas the club hosts an annual Christmas lunch and this was some experience with around 80 people attending.We were allocated to table no.1 (presumably so numbered because it was nearest to the toilets) and in a short space of time the conversation had dropped to an acceptable level of smut and innuendo. In fact, I lost count of the number of times the word ‘pervert’ was mentioned! Quite why, I can’t recall. I can only assume it’s a term of endearment in Kenilworth.It was great to see several ladies attending this prestigious event and I was fortunate to be placed between Janette (wow, what a red dress!) and Jill (a really luvverly lady).President Geof Jordan had a superb knack of producing bottles of red wine from wherever as Chairman Peter Blakeman tried desperately to keep control of the proceedings, but failed miserably.The meal was superb and plentiful – none of that nouvelle cuisine rubbish here – including party hats and balloons, but what followed was somewhat different.

I can only assume it must be some ancient middle-of-England ritual called a ‘blind auction’.As far as I could tell the game plan was to extract loads of money from the assembled masses by an auctioneer (keep to your day job!) who had a problem telling his lot 13 from his lot 30. Anyway, one member on our table bid £30 for a dog poo scooper – what was he on?

With so much excitement the time just flew by and soon it was time to venture outside into cold to watch the rugby. One last look at that red dress (wow, again!) and out into a freezing Warwickshire afternoon! Oh, and by the way, Peterborough won 38-36 having trailed 16-7 at the break and 30-7 after 48 minutes.

End of match report.

My special thanks to Geof, Jill, Willie, Peter, and Janette for their excellent company – great day out!

Look forward to seeing you all at Peterborough for the return fixture in April…………

Cheers, Phil Elmer, Peterborough Rugby

There was some good news from Saturday with our colts winning their first round National Plate Cup tie 34-7 and even better news from Sunday when our second team won their Warwickshire Second XV cup 1/4r final 34-7 against Old Laurentians.

As at 29 Nov

On Sat the ones are at home to Peterborough in the league, kick off 2.15. We have moved fast to plug the gap of Jeremy Pigous sudden departure and have signed the Old Coventrians Aussie full-back Scott Clendenning-Fenton and he will make his debut in what is looking like a full strength team. No excuse boys! It would be great to see a big and noisy crowd at the game to reward the boys who are now undefeated in five games with four wins and a draw. Please remember if you cannot make the game you can still access the programme on the web site through fixtures. You can also get a report on the web site as well as through the BBC web site, complete with piccies.

The game is preceded by our annual Xmas Lunch and those attending should arrive at the club early and ready to sit down no later than 12.30. There is a lot to get through before the 2.15 kick off. Bring plenty money for the Blind Auction.

Our colts are playing Burton at home in the National Plate, kick off 2.15.

The threes opponents Kings Norton cried off last night and the threes are in the pool for a game on Saturday. Please contact Bruce Doe as Tim is off on his travels.

After the games on Saturday some music is planned in the club. Biffins Bridge, a local rock band will be on at 9.10 and they will be preceded by our very own Andy Honess and anyone else who fancies bringing their guitar along for an informal session.

On Sunday the two’s play in the third round of the Warwickshire Second XV Cup and they take on Old Laurentians at home with a 2.15 kick off. No drinks must be taken outside during the game.

I am delighted to advise that we retained our Double Tops trophy last night by defeating Southam 24-0 with big performances from Drew Dingley and Charlie Brown. However the star man was Ross Lowthian who was one of five colts we had on the pitch at one time – including father and son Bladon. Well done lads and that is the first trophy we won last year to be retained.

As Christmas is fast approaching can I remind you of the deal we have with Amazon. For the club to get a kick back you need to go into the Amazon site through the link on the home page of the rugby club web site

If you are considering selling your house then please remember the deal we have with Brian Holt.

On Friday 7th Dec is the first showing of the Pirates Panto on DVD, commencing at 7pm. If you want to order some fish and chips to devour on the night then please contact Ian Hadwin.

It is planned to do the 200 club draw sometime on Saturday after the Peterborough game.

The list of non payers is reducing by the day so if you are still on it then please pay up to avoid embarrassment at the bar. Please note the club needs the subs to survive!

As at 26th Nov

Superb and brave tactical second half substitutions by coach Ian Fergusson saved the day at Luctonians and so nearly won the game after being 12-0 down early in the second half to get back to a 12 all draw with Chris Brown's conversion attempt in injury time rebounding off the bar. The team was disrupted early Sat morning by withdrawals of hooker Matt Davies and prop Rhidian Booth necessitating the very late call ups of Chris Collett, Rob Varney and Ceiran Price.

The Second XV subequently had no game.

KENILWORTH 3’s 46 HARBURY 2’s 7

Two tries for Mark Nicholas and singles for Rick Homer, Gareth Jones, Jamie McCance, Simon Jeavons, Andy Fox and Glen Edney. Three conversions by Nick Hillard.

KENILWORTH COLTS 47 RUGBY ST ANDREWS COLTS 0

Played on the main first XV pitch – report and scorers to follow.

Next week, Peterborough at home. Preceded by a XMAS Lunch and followed by a live band.

As at 20th Nov

As at 20th Nov

No game for the ones last weekend. The two's played at Old Laurentians and won 61-7 whilst the threes lost at home 27-10. The colts also lost, at home to Old Laurentians, 10-17.

The two's opponents in the next round of the Second XV cup are Old Laurentians, at home, to be played on 2nd Dec.

As at 12th Nov

Well that is now four in the trot in Midlands 1 following our 31-3 win over Dudley K in front of a big noisy crowd including the guests of our sponsor AJA Architects. It was a workmanlike performance without the beauty and spectacle of the previous week but it was won and the boys are gaining in confidence each week. We now have a week off before we travel to Luctonians for our next home game on the 24th Nov.

Our seconds also did us proud with a win in the second round of the Warwickshire Cup, away at Nuneaton Old Eds, 42-17.

The threes travelled to AEI Rugby and did the business 26-0 with Glyn Owen starring with three tries.

The one bad results of the weekend was a defeat for the colts who lost 0-35 to their Dudley K counterparts.

As at 8th Nov

On Saturday the ones are at home against Dudley K and we are looking for our fourth win on the bounce in Midlands 1. The team will be close to that which played last week at Bedford although Nick Smith is unavailable. Kick off is 2.15. We have a top class Uruguayan referee for this game, Eduardo Blengioe, and Eduardo has refereed at the highest level including Internationals and the final of the Hong Kong Sevens. He will be assisted by two Warwickshire touch judges and we wish him well.

The two’s do not play till Sunday when they take on Nuneaton Old Eds in the second round of the Warwickshire Second XV cup. The game is at Nuneaton Old Eds and has a 2.15 kick off. Eduardo’s mate from Uruguay, Gustavo Gerbasi, will referee this one.

Returning to Saturday the three’s are away at AEI Rugby and the colts are at home to Dudley K.

Some other Dates for your Diary

24th Nov – league game away at Luctonians

1st Dec – Xmas Lunch followed by rock band at club at night. Peterborough at home.

Sunday 9th Dec (possibly) – Warwickshire Cup first round v Sutton Coldfield

15th Dec – league game away at Dudley K

15th Dec – Players Xmas Party – this year’s theme is Sporting Heroes. Live band and Karaoke (open to all, not just the players!)

16th Dec – the return of PAG’s LAGs – opposition, date and venue to be confirmed

Any day now the tickets for the Xmas Raffle will be dropping through your letterbox, or, if you are a regular at the club, will be behind the bar for you. Please make every effort to sell these and there are incentives for selling tickets.

If you have any DVD’s or Videos of rugby games or other sporting events and you do not use them anymore then please bring them down to the club for showing on our big screen

As at 5th Nov

What a win the first XV had on Saturday defeating Bedford Athletic 52-10, away. The boys were superb and to be truthful the score and try count could have been much greater and we gifted them two tries early in the second half. Quite why the Bedford man drop kicked a goal late in the game after his forwards had driven up the park I do not know, neither do his forwards!. Francis Nock had his best game ever and scored two tries, as did Andy Whitehall on the back of his three the week before.

KENILWORTH 2’s 33 BEDFORD ATH 2’s 28

Kenilworth 2nds continued to improve, as they head toward the defence of the Warwickshire 2nd team cup, with an impressive 33-28 victory over a large and capable Bedford Athletic 2nds. Both forwards and backs gelled from the start of the game which was played at a high tempo with a high degree of skill and commitment, especially the Kenilworth back line, where debutant centre Matt Jacob, had a dream start offensively, scoring a brace of tries. First half tries from Alex Stanojevic, Matt Jacob, hooker Ciaran Price and scrum half Ian Chetland, with two conversions by Lee Cassell and one from Sam Lewis gave the Kens a convincing 26-7 half time lead. Had Jez Noon been able to finish a tremendous move, which included both forwards and backs, the game may have been over as a contest early in the 2nd half. As it was Bedford kept the score moving as one side, then the other scored tries. Kenilworth made a number of changes, and by the end of the game had allowed the Bedford side back into the game, but hung on for the win. Kenilworth take on Nuneaton Old Edwardians, away, next Sunday in the Warwickshire Cup.

SUTTON COLDFIELD 3’s 10 KENILWORTH 3’s 24

Tries for father and son Alan and Alex Jones, the unrelated Huw Jones and Sammy Alkhalaf. Two conversions for Huw Jones who also won the best back award. Colt Matt Cooper made his debut at No8 and was awarded man of the match. The Alan Jones try was created when he (again) failed to pass and dummied his two sons to score.

As at 29th Oct

Three very close wins for the ones, twos and colts to report. The threes did not play.

The ones won a tight match 30-28 with the winning score coming from Chris Brown with almost the last kick of the game. It was a super tight game and did not do the old ticker much good. Andy Whitehall scored three tries with Chris Brown clocking up the rest.

An equally tense and last minute win for mthe two's away at Dunstablians winning 32-29 with a last minute try f rom Lee Cassell.

Same for the colts who ended up playing Woodrush and won that 20-19.

Next Sat the ones are at Bedford.

As at 25 Oct

The two’s are away at Dunstablians and the three’s are away at Aston Old Eds, both 3pm kick offs.

The colts have a home game against Woodrush (who reckon they are pretty good) and this is a 3pm kick off at the Cow Patch. The colts were so unlucky last week and gave mighty Worcester one he** of a fright.

On Wednesday (24th) our Cougars won their two games in the 20/20 league defeating Harbury and a very strong Stratford.

Next Saturday (3rd Nov) the ones are away at Bedford Athletic, 2.15 kick off.

On Sunday the 4th Nov there is a Halloween Party at the club, kicking off at 12noon and going on throughout the afternoon. Details of this are up in the club.

In the second XV cup we have been drawn away at Nuneaton Old Eds, to be played on Sunday 11th Nov, 2.15.

It is likely that we will be playing our first round Senior Warwickshire Cup game with Sutton Coldfield on Sunday 18th Nov, away, 2.15 and to be confirmed. If we win this we will be at home to either Silhillians or Old Laurentians on 13 Jan 08.

Please remember and pay your subs. It is now at stage when you might be collared in the club and refused a beer.

Please note that the club has struck a deal with Brian Holt, Estate Agents. Details are enclosed but, basically, if you sell or rent your house through Brian Holt then you will receive a 5% discount on their fees and, in addition, the club will receive 5%. You must make it clear at the time of instruction though that you wish to participate in the scheme. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE AND NOT JUST CLUB MEMBERS SO IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO MAY BE SELLING THEIR PROPERTY THEN PLEASE ADVISE THEM OF THE BRIAN HOLT/KRFC DEAL AND THE BENEFITS TO THEMSELVES AND THE CLUB – BUT THEY MUST MENTION THE DEAL!.

Please also remember that the club has a similar deal with Amazon and a %ge of any sale comes to the club, but only if you enter the Amazon site through the link on the KRFC web site (www.kenilworthrugby.co.uk)

The last Pirates Dinner was a great success and if you wish to view the super photos of the night taken by Nigel Parry then please go into the following link http://www.theimagefile.com/?Action=_VC&id=113879&ppwd=pirates30&pstat=

ADVANCE WARNING – a very good rock band will be playing at the club on the night of Sat 1st Dec, the day we are at home to Peterborough and the day of the Xmas Lunch.

There is even more ADVANCE WARNING of the PLAYERS XMAS PARTY which this year will be on the 15th Dec with a theme of Sporting Heroes. This is open to everyone, not just the players and on the night there will be a Karaoke and a Rock band.

You will soon receive five books of RAFFLE TICKETS to sell for the KRFC Xmas Draw. If you sell all five books then you will get a wee surprise! – watch this space.

Dave Smith has been on from New Zealand. His local club, Riwaka RFC, are looking to augment their playing staff for next season and will find accommodation and work for anyone who fancies playing with them next season. Ideally they are looking at 18-21 yr olds from the end of March. If you fancy this then please let me know and I will pass your name to Dave.

And finally stalwart club member Dave Blackburn has opened a new and high class Fish & Chip shop at the corner of Station Rd and Priory Rd. The guys who have tried it have said it is good so give it a go.

As at 22nd Oct

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in the second xv cup we have been drawn away at nuneaton old eds, to be played on sunday 11th nov, 2.15. http://www.theimagefile.com/?action="_VC&id=113879&ppwd=pirates30&pstat=

On Saturday 1^st September the first and second XV squad has their final pre season game with a tournament at Stratford involving the local club, Banbury, ourselves and Old Patesians a team from Cheltenham who were in National League 3 south for the past six seasons but have now dropped into SW1. The tournament kicks off at 1pm and is to be played on a round robin basis, 15 a side, 15 minutes each way.

On Sunday it is the Minis and Juniors Registration day and this is followed by a ‘Party in the Park’. There is to be a tombola stall at this event and if you have any of that unwanted liqueur that you liked on holiday but hated on return then please bring it down together with any other cans or bottles you would like to donate.

Martin Johnson has written a book “The Original Rules of Rugby” and this is available as from 1^st Sept from AMAZON, priced £5.99. Please note that if you go into the AMAZON web site through the links on the Kenilworth Rugby web site (www.kenilworthrugby.co.uk) then the club will receive commission from AMAZON. Please consider doing this for this book or any other purchase from AMAZON.

Our league season starts on 8^th Sept at Loughborough Students, kick off 3pm. Please come and give our new look squad the support they will need in this difficult league. The boys will also be showing off their new style kit which can now be purchased through the club.

Our first home game is on 15^th Sept when we take on South Leicester, again 3pm kick off.

A full list of players comings and goings will be issued soon.  

The second XV squad kick off their season next Saturday against Bromsgrove, away whilst the thirds XV are at home to Rugby St Andrews.

Can I remind you that if you wish to help out behind the bar at weekends and have not yet given your name can you please do so ASAP.

The World Cup kicks off next week and the club now has a superb new projector, the old projector in the back room and a new big flat screen TV so there will be plenty of room to view the games. The bar will be open for each game and Ian has assured me these lovely Balti Pies (and other pies) will also be available.

The Former Players Lunches at home this year are 27^th October, v Dunstablians and 19^th April, v Luctonians.  

As at 20th August

In truly atrocious wet conditions Kenilworth open their 07/08 campaign with a pre season friendly against Lichfield, one of the strongest finishing teams in Midlands 2 west last season.

The game was played in three periods and involved an almost continuous flow of rolling substitutes as both coaches looked for that elusive blend and to give all who turned up a game. A number of Kenilworth ‘regular’ first XV team players were unavailable for some reason or another and this gave an opportunity to blood a number of recent recruits.

The result was a pleasing 22-0 win for Kenilworth with four tries and one conversion. The try scorers were new Kiwi full back Jeremy Pigou, ex Rugby Lions winger Dave Clements, Charlie Brown and Sam Lewis.

Kenilworth’s next pre season outing is the Stratford tournament on 1st Sept – involving Banbury, Stratford and Old Patesians, kick off is 1pm. The three games played will be 15 minutes each way with rolling unlimited subs. Kenilworth’s opening league game is away at Loughborough Students on 8th Sept.

A full list of Kenilworth’s new players for this season will be issued shortly.

Kenilworth's Elliott Brown and Sam Wood played for a combined Midlands and London Under 20s side against Leinster Academy on Saturday. The match was at Rugby Lions' Webb Ellis Road ground and Leinster won 22-9.

As at 16 August

On Sat 18th August we have our opening pre season game against Lichfield at home, kick off 3pm. All players are welcome to bring their boots and you may get the nod. The club will open at 1pm. Come along and see the new players we have acquired.

We have a new Kiwi visitor, Jeremy, and we are looking for accommodation and work for him and his good lady. Jeremy would like anything temporary short term, including labouring etc – starting straight away. His long term aim is for a position in banking. His good lady Nikki is looking for something in retail and she has previously worked in pharmacy/cosmetics as a Dior counter manageress.

On Saturday night England play France, in France, kick off 8pm our time. The club (and our lovely new projector) will remain open for this game.

A score prediction for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup is being run by Kenilworth School (Lee Cassell and Jos Selby) with proceeds going towards their South Africa tour in 2009. If you wish to participate then blank forms will be available behind the bar.

At the recent AGM of the minis and juniors section Jenny Maisey was elected Lady Chairperson.

The club itself are running a sweep for the World Cup and this is being organized by Ian Hadwin – details soon.

If you want to participate in a Fantasy Rugby World Cup then please look at http://fantasyrugby.landmarkinfo.co.uk

The club are resurrecting volunteers to work the bar and serve food on a Saturday afternoon, generally when the first XV are at home but occasionally when there are other big days at the club. If you are interested in helping out then please drop me an email. The idea is that you will work the bar for about 1.5hrs after the end of the game, depending on how busy we are. Please give this some thought - it is our intention to open both bars after the game to maximize the space we have and the bar take, a very important requirement of the club. Please give this some serious thought. A list will be prepared from the volunteers and a rota drawn up.

With the season swiftly approaching we put out the annual call for you to think of guys who could play for us at any level. If you know of anyone then please let us know. First and Second and Colts XV training is on a Tuesday and Thursday with the third XV chaps having a trundle on a Wed night. Saturday fixtures start on 8th Sept.

Can you also remember the function room facility that the club offers and please consider it for any forthcoming event you, or your friends, are planning.

Our first XV pre season games are now confirmed as:

August 11: Bromsgrove, away

August 18th: Lichfield, home

Sept 1: STRATFORD TOURNAMENT (Banbury (M2), Stratford (M2), Kenilworth (M1) and Old Patesians (SW1). Each team will play three games 15mins, each way with no squad limits and rolling subs are permitted.

WORLD CUP WARM UP

The club will be open for all of these World Cup warm up games, Wales on 4th Aug (4pm), France on 11th August (5pm) and France, away on 18th August, 8pm

As at 17 July

KRFC Main sponsors for 2007-8 season

1) Principal Sponsors - Front Logo 1st XV Shirt - Applied Geology – Thanks to Willie Whitesmith

2) Main Sponsor – Back Logo 1st XV Shirt & Warm Up Tops – AJA Architects - Thanks to Mike Blakeman

3) Main Sponsor – Logo on 1st XV Shorts – Brian Holt Estate Agents - Thanks to Brian Holt, Charles Travis & Julie Philpot

4) Sponsor – Logo on 1st XV Shirt Arm and Colts Shirts – Jonic Engineering - Courtesy of the Chairman

ACCOMMODATION REQUIRED

Can anyone help with accommodation for a NZ couple arriving about 10th August for 3-4 weeks whilst they find their feet - he’s a banker (and a very good player) and she is a pharmacist!

ATTENTION ALL MINI & JUNIOR SECTION MEMBERS

The AGM of the M&J’s section will take place on Friday 27th July at 7.30pm at the club.

EDF ENERGY NATIONAL TROPHY

We have been drawn away to Beverley in the first round – to be played on Sat 13th October.

As at July 10th

The RFU web site is showing us playing Beverley, away in the first round of the EDF cup.

Beverley finished second in North 1, ten points ahead of Altrincham. They then went on to defeat Dudley K in a play off so now start the season in National 3 north.

Should be a good day out if nothing else!

Beverely is just north of Hull!

If you are a golfer then please remember the Spurgeon Cup, to be played at Kenilworth Golf Club on Wed 18th July - details in the clubhouse.

As at Tuesday July 3rd

Kenilworth RFC are pleased to announce a new style strip for their return to Midlands 1 in season 2007/2008. The strip will have matching shorts and will have its first official outing in the away game at Loughborough Students on Sept 8^th.
Replica shirts will be available from the club at the start of the season.

As at Monday 2nd July
KENILWORTH BARBARIANS - An initial report from Dave Smith

Yep, It was the most amazing evening and day of my life. We won 27-19 and were down 19-17 until the last 10 minutes.

We sat in the changing rooms 1 minute before the match in total silence and just looked around at each other, and after the match the same happened, nothing needed to be said, and then Toddy (Blackadder) stood up and said "well that's about as good as it gets", and we all stood up and congratulated each other. It was about the most emotional moment I've ever experienced.

I will be forwarding the video shortly and giving Elliot a copy to bring home with him on the 1 August, he's made up.

We celebrated intil 5 in the morning and then throughout the next day and I felt like shit at work today!

The local paper have received the match details but I will forward my own report shortly.

Thank you to everyone for all the support I have been given, I'm still on cloud nine.

Jeff , Roly, Tony, Tak, both Marks, were magnificent and played like gladiators, it was a privilege to be in their company.

As at 1st June

Hi there Willie, All well here with the local press going frantic about the game!

Elliott Brown is currently on Queenstown but has been in constant touch with me about the game and is desperate to play.

I have made Todd Blackadder captain on the night as I saw him at Riwaka last Saturday and he said he is even in training for the game and so is Roly whom I spoke to tonight. I will probably last about 10 minutes but will give it my all, so sod my back and body!

The local reaction to this game is electric and there is another big call in the local paper this week.

Have arranged for the video recording of the game and will forward.

The harvest of the olives is virtually over and it has been a bumper year so all credit to Deb as I have had to work most days, but tell Jamesy I have lost 2 stone now so he is now the only fat b****** in the club apart from Teflon!

Deb will be bringing a couple of the shirts I have had made back with her, so either raffle them or hold an auction- leave it to Peter Blakeman to decide.

As at 12 June

Newly promoted and ambitious Kenilworth RFC are already making preparations for their return to the top echelon of Midlands rugby this season. The coaching staff of Ian Fergusson, Pete Roberts and Darren Garforth have put together a preseason programme which begins at their Glasshouse Lane headquarters on July 3rd at 7pm. The warm up match schedule is currently being arranged. They are looking to strengthen their senior squad in a number of positions with some players already being identified as potential recruits. Already signed up is back row forward Dan Careless from Old Leamingtonians. Any new player who may be interested in joining should contact Rugby Chairman Dom Carrick on 07989 444438 or email the club website at krfc@appliedgeology.co.uk.

The AGM of the club is to be held on June 27th at 8pm.

The next Quiz Night is Friday 15th June.

As at 1st June - an email from Dave Smith in South Island, New Zealand

Hi there Willie, I have contacted all the Kiwis that have played for KRFC over the years and have formed a team called Kenilworth Barbarians, and we are playing a Nelson Bays select side on Tuesday 26 June at Riwaka RFC under lights at 6.30. The only one who can't make it is Donk.

Being a Barbarians side I have a few guests, such as Todd Blackadder and Graham Thorne and was hoping to get Tana Umaga but have been unable to contact him.

I have had shirts made up in the colours of Kenilworth when I first played for them and will be raffling 2 of them to help cover the cost which is $2000., Speights Brewery are giving me 5 kegs of beer and the local Tavern $300 and providing 2 pigs on a spit roast and entertainment. Terry Crafar is donating $200 and the local St Johns ambulance free of charge.

Graham Thorne’s son is a quadraplegic due to a collapsed scrum and I am charging all spectators $1 to go towards sign language tuition for him and his family.

The local papers are doing free advertising and it should be a very nostalgic evening for all.

I hope to get a video made of the game so you can have an evening at the club to show everybody.

I can't wait, cheers for now Smudger (Dave Smith)

As at 1st June

Messrs Ferguson, Garforth and Umaga have agreed that pre season training will commence on Tues 3rd July – if you know of any new players at any level then please let them know.

Congratulations go to Luke Brown, Lee Cassell and Pete Roberts who over the last few weeks have helped Warwickshire reach the upper tier of County Rugby.

Friday 15th June is another Quiz Night at the club – commencing 8.30 with cash prizes.

Please give Adrian’s Big Apple Ball a thought for the 23rd June – it is for a very good cause and details have already been issued.

Please note that the AGM is set for the 27th June at the club, 8pm. Turnout over the past few years has been poor, to say the least, and it would be nice to think we would have a bigger turnout on the 27th.

I have now received the ‘punishment’ from the RFU over some of our International tickets appearing on eBay – we have received a 10% reduction in our allocation for next year – suspended. Let this be a lesson to us all.

As at 14th May

The awards presented at Kenilworth RFC Dinner at Stoneleigh Golf Club on May 11 were:

Jack Pilbin “Clubman of the Year” – Colin Dick

First XV

Gareth Renowden was backs player of the year & players player.

Ian Phillips was forward of the year.

Phil Jones was trainer of the year.

Second XV

Mark Hill and Andy Fox won the joint Player of the Season .

Drew Dingley was the Most Improved Player.

Third XV

Trevor Jenkins - Worst excuse for not playing (“I had to do the ironing!”)

Graham Ballinger - Most Professional Pirate

Keith Wise - Player of the season

The 200 club draw winners were

£500 Rich Hawthorn

£50 Glynn Owen

£25 David Evans

As at 30th April

We came, we went, we conquered. In a rough and tumble and bad tempered game in St Helier, which saw a yellow card for Darren Garforth in the first ten minutes, Kenilworth came out winners 15-12 against Jersey with tries for Nick Collett and James Burnside and one con and one pen by Mark Hill.

In the threes game back home we came second best being beaten 60-5 by Rugby St Andrews - a nice touch here being the appearance for the last ten minutes in a Kenilworth shirt by Wayne Morgan. Lewis Jones was the try scorer.

As at 23rd April

Bad news to all our world-wide readers. We lost the Warwickshire Cup Final yesterday, 22-7, our first defeat since 28th October. We could argue that the Broadstreet No7 should have walked early in the game for raining in at least four punches but he stayed on, not even a yellow card, but really, we put in a very disappointing perfomance in a game totaly bossed by Broadstreet. Only a very late Gareth Renowden try saved a clean sheet for us. An injury to James Hersey who had to elave the field in the first half did not help.

Having said that it is congratulations to Broadstreet and we now see what we have to do to live in Midlands 1 next season.

On the previous day the Colts put in a superb performance to defeat Leamington Colts 21-15, at Leamington. This has been a great first season for Kenilworth’s young Colt’s, a mixture of under 18’s and under 17’s, who are all still eligible to play colt’s rugby next year.

The final analysis is: played 23 won 16 lost 7, for 508, against 202.

Next weekend our first XV squad are off to Jersey where they have been invited to play against the local team in St Helier. Jersey have just finished third in London 2 south (equivalent league to us) and our boys are flying out on Saturday morning and returning on Sunday morning. If anyone fancies joining them they are going Thomson from Coventry.

- by Paul Garratt and David Burt - a limited edition!

FORMER PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

If you are you a Former KRFC Player then you are invited to join our Former Players Association. We hold two lunches a year and you also get updates as to the progress of the club. Details can be obtained from Pete Boyle on 07801914833 or Geof Jordan on 01789 841596 or email at krfc@sky.com