Firstly, how are the four Senior sides performing, all of them in newly promoted leagues? The flagship 1st team have played six and won three. It would be churlish (but true) to say we could have won all six if we had taken our chances (biggest cliche in sport?). I am sure most of us (excluding Lee and Dan) would have settled for three wins on 1st September. One more win would have put us 4th in the league so we have stepped up and are competing well. We have the best defensive record in the league and the team spirit is good. On the injury front and there have been a few, we send our very best wishes to all for a speedy recovery

In the other leagues, the 2nd team have played two and won one and the 3rd team have convincingly won two out of two. Congratulations to the 3rds for endorsing the team spirit of rugby and lending good players to the opposition and still winning. The coaches are always looking for more players so if you would like to play then dig out your boots and come along to a training session on a Tuesday or Thursday.

The top team in September is the Ladies, also with a 100% record with three wins. Captained by one of the trustees, Jeannie, they are playing great team rugby. Any doubters should sneak up on a Sunday and watch!! A pat on the back for all the coaches and players as this is a step up for everyone from last season.

The Colts and Juniors start their league games this month but have being playing 'friendlies' against local rivals to warm up for the season. Sunday morning is as busy as ever with so many Minis and Juniors playing that training is split with the Minis playing early and the Juniors afterwards at 11am.

Last but not least, the Touch 7s is regularly attracting 20 to 30 players - it's a great fitness workout and spans a wide age range. I watched them last Saturday. They tell me new players are always welcome (even old ones)!! I'll think about it.

The pitches are looking in great shape. Plenty of rain and the efforts of Ralph Grove especially, have been instrumental in that so “thanks, Ralph”.

The Club has appointed Nigel Thorne to help deal with minor repairs around the club and improve the general maintenance. It is worth remembering that this is a Members’ club with limited funds and run mainly by volunteers. Everyone can do their bit though, even if it's just picking up some rubbish rather than leaving it for someone else (who will probably be a volunteer).

You may well have noticed that the ambulance service has left for bigger premises, which has left us with a significant income loss in terms of rent. We are trying to find new tenants to take advantage of the large parking space and offices (approx gross 800sq ft), so if you know of any potential interest for part or all, please let me know.

Steve Jones, General Manager and his team are on a roll at the moment, successfully generating conference/party income at the Club which is absolutely vital for the running costs to be covered. They also organise social functions at Monks Lane so keep an eye out for those and support your Club when you can. Well done to Steve and his catering team for the good food provided at the match day lunch against Hornets.

ON 15TH NOVEMBER there will be a President's Charity Quiz aimed at the whole Club, to try and find the brightest team! Could be interesting!! It would be great to get a team from every Age Group plus all the Senior sides (including the 1st XV), Committee and Supporters? Maximum 6 in a team, with a £15 entry charge per team. The Charities we will be supporting are ‘The Rosemary Appeal’ and the Newbury Volunteer Centre, both fabulous local causes which do and will do a huge amount for the local community. Please look out for the posters and contact me on dwsjones@hotmail.co.uk to book a place for your Team. The aim is to get the whole Club represented at one event!! There will be prizes of course, but use of phones will be penalised!! You can't phone a friend called 'Google'!

Finally there have been some rumours regarding David Lloyd and the Rugby Club. We have had meetings with them and the situation is that they have signed a 30 year lease with a holding company which has taken over ownership of David Lloyd. They are committed to Newbury and there is no detrimental impact on the Rugby Club.

Don't forget, on Saturday 28th October when the Blues play Maidenhead, we have a Players reunion lunch with players, former players and friends upstairs in the Wickens. If you haven’t booked in yet, then do it now.

A big thank you to all the Volunteers as usual, as well as the Sponsors: we're always looking for more of both of course!!

Membership renewal/application forms are in the foyer at the Club.

David Jones
President

PS. Don't forget the 15th Nov!