Our visitors today are top of the table Bournemouth RFC and we welcome their Committee, players and supporters to what is an important game for both clubs. Whilst defeat will not mean the end of the season for either club  due to the significant number of matches yet to play, including the corresponding fixture at Bournemouth, there is no doubt  the team the emerges victorious today will be in a strong position to finish in the top two.

Bournemouth arrive on the back of an 11 game unbeaten run, their last defeat coming at Chinnor on 9 October. Last week saw Bournemouth record a 51 – 9 defeat of Coney Hill RFC, following  65 -5 victory against Cleve RFC the week before. Sam Yarwood is the leading try scorer in the League with 15 to date, whilst close behind him is his colleague Sam Hardcastle  who has scored 12 tries. Dan Pollard has contributed 75 points from his boot, only 14 points behind Old Pats Adam Seager, who has racked up an impressive total of 89 points.

Last week the Old Pats  produced another impressive result with a hard fought victory at Weston–Super–Mare RFC by 27 – 15 with the match played in a gale force wind. The previous game was also an away fixture, this time at Newton Abbot, where a similar disciplined performance say the Old Pats record a 21 – 18 win in a match that was in the balance right up until the final whistle.

I am sorry to confirm that Craig Ballinger broke his fibula in three places in the last minute of the game against Coney Hill RFC. Craig has undergone an operation and the good news is that he is hoping to be ready for pre season training. Hunter Workman has also suffered a broken leg whilst playing for the 3rd XV and I am sure  you will all want to join me in wishing them both a speedy recovery.

Today’s sponsors are regular Old Pats supporters Easton Bevins . Phil Bevins has been associated with the club as a player, official, referee and keen supporter for more than 40 years. Currently serving on the Centenary Committee which is arranging events and materials for the club centenary in season 2012 – 2013 and invites input for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Details of Easton Bevins can be found in their advert elsewhere in the programme and please try and support those who support us.

The Colts recently travelled to Redruth in the National Colts Cup where they produced a valiant display and were defeated by the narrowest of margins, 10 – 9. Great credit goes to the Colts for a performance such as this and many thanks to Tony Fielding, Rob Knock, Bryce White and George Angell for all the work they are doing with the next generation of Old Pats players.

Our referee today is David Proctor from the Midland Group and we hope he will enjoy his visit to Everest Road.

Michael Angell

Chairman - OPRF