As Old Rafiki once said in the Lion Kind - "It is time!" Yes the 2019/2020 season is upon us and it all starts this weekend!
We can go through the fixture in a moment - but first of all a big Thank You to Barnes RFC for their participation last weekend in the inaugural Wimbledon Barnes pre-season Tri-Tournament. This was won 2-1 in Wimbledon's favour - but this was a fabulous event enjoyed by both clubs and we look forward to more of the same next year.
As an update - one Wimbledon player suffered a neck injury on Friday night and I am happy to report that he was released from Hopsital that night with no long term injuries. We would like to thank the very capable and brilliant work of our own physio and that of the Barnes medical team who all worked together to ensure the safety of all players. If you see any of the physio team over the weekend - stand them a drink. You have no idea how good they are until you need them!

We have a load of announcements to make - it is the start of the season but let's go through this weekend's fixtures first:
1st XV vs London Irish Wild Geese (h) 3.pm Saturday
2nd XV vs Bishops Stortford (h) 2.pm Saturday
3rd XV vs Old Blues (h) 2.pm Saturday
Ladies XV vs Suttong and Epsom (h) Sunday. Kick Off TBC

Some great fixtures there - and a great Derby on Sunday for the Ladies XV. You support is always encouraged and on Saturday, with the staggered kick offs - you can catch a feast of rugby. There will of course be a supporters lunch on Saturday as usual as we welcome our guests from London Irish. If you wish to attend please email John Woods or myself and lets make it a fun start to the season.

Parking
OK - this should not need to be pointed out but it has come to light it does. Please do not park on any areas at the club with the yellow crosses on them. Rugby is a full contact sport and very occasionally we may need an ambulance. To ensure the safety of ours and opposition players - we need to keep these clear to allow for ambulances to get through. That is all. Rant Over. Don't do it again - or I shall bite you and give you TB.

New Years Eve
Righty Ho Ho Ho. Chairman Woodstock and Kim Jong Jim have decreed to all members that a New Years Party to celebrate the great and glorious parting of the year of 2019 and the glorious and great arrival of the year 2020 is to be held. Details are to be announced soon and some can be found on the book of the face. Please contact your local party representative for advice on dress code.

Lands End to John O'Groats
Club heroes Matty Gilbert and Nick Ogbonna are undertaking a mammoth cycling adventure starting this Sunday in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK, following the death of Matt's Step Father. This is 900 miles over 9 days including a whopping 122 on day 1. Now we are a generous club and look after our family. This is an incredible challenge and we wish both the chaps well. Please do drop them the cost of a round into the following address:
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jogle-onpc

Good luck from all of us guys. Great cause and a great challenge. Go Well!

Right - that is more than enough from me. Have a great week and I'll drop out the team sheets on Friday.

Big Love

Badger