Following a week off from National 3 League South League rugby Old Pats return to action with the visit of Redingensians RFC, to who we extent a warm welcome.
A home win is the order of the day following the defeat at Oxford Harlequins by 35 - 22. Oxford's performance made a nonsense of their league position and they were deserved victors, helped by the return of several senior players from injury. As the League table shows Old Pats are now in 3rd place and as predicted this will be a very tight league that may well go all the way to the last game of the season. Bridgewater & Albion are now 2nd whilst Chinnor occupy 4th place.
Today's visitors have won 4 of their matches to date, against Bournemouth, Cheltenham, Cleve and Coney Hill. Like Old Pats, Redingensians are a former ' old boys ' club founded in 1924 and local rivals Reading RFC are only a few hundred yards away. Jevon Marsh is a player to watch as the Redingensians top try scorer, having crossed the try line 6 times this season. Their last game saw a 15 - 25 home defeat by Newton Abbot.
Whilst the 1st XV had a week off the 2nd XV recorded a fine 24 - 8 win at Hereford. The 3rd XV took on Saracens 1st XV and put up an excellent performance and were on beaten 15 - 12 by a last minute try.
Places for the Vice Presidents lunch on 11 December going quickly so contact Keith East as soon as possible to book your place. Keith can be contacted on 01242 251077 or keithgeast@hotmail.com.
Later that evening the players are holding a Charity Race Night in aid of their support for improving the health awareness of men. Please try and support this important event and if you can provide a raffle prize or wish to sponsor a race please speak to Chris Downes or Ian Hopkins. Details of how to donate can be found on www.oldpats.co.uk. So put the 11 December in your diary for a day of food, rugby and fun.
The RFU Grand Draw tickets are now on sale so why not try and scoop the £10,000 first prize. Players and Committee members all have tickets to sell and don't forget OPRFC keep 90% of all money collected. If you would like to sell some tickets to help the club please speak to John Smith or myself.
Finally, we welcome referee Jonathan Healey from Bath. Born in Scotland Jonathan is a Project Director and was capped by Scottish Schools at both U18 and U19.
We trust he will enjoy his visit to Everest Road.
Michael Angell Chairman - OPRFC
