The only winner over the last couple of weekend’s has been the weather with Old Pats games against Bournemouth and Bridgwater & Albion being cancelled due to frozen pitches. The rearranged dates for the diary are:

12 February vs Bournemouth ( Home )

26 February vs Bridgewater & Albion ( Away )

Whilst Old Pats were not in action for 2 weeks our visitors today, Chinnor RFC, did travel to the warmer setting of Exmouth where they suffered a narrow 18 – 16 defeat. A home victory today would go some way to offsetting the disappointment of the first defeat of the season by Chinnor in September by 20 – 8, after Old Pats led 8 -3 early in the second half. Despite their defeat at Exmouth, Chinnor are 4th in the National League 3 South West table , only 2 points behind the Old Pats but having played a game more.

Players to watch on the Chinnor side today are Matt Goode who has scored 8 tries this season and James Cathcart who has contributed 66 from the boot.

Today is the first of the Vice President’s lunches this season and the fact that over 50 people will sit down for lunch shows all the hard work and excellent organisation the Keith East does to ensure these occasions are such a success. We are all very grateful to Keith and I trust that everyone will enjoy themselves today.

This evening, thanks to the efforts of the players and in particular Chris Downes and Ian Hopkins, there is a Charity Race Night, in support of the Everyman Charity which provides support on a range of men’s health issues. Please make every effort to support this and if you are unable to attend please speak to Chris this afternoon as there are still horses and races to be sponsored. Donations to the Movember moustache growing event, supporting the same charity can also still be made by visiting.www.oldpats.co.uk.

Today’s referee is Andy Atwell and we welcome him to Everest Road.

Best wishes go to Kat Mason, one of our physio’s who is leaving us to both get married and join the RAF. We thank Kat for all her help and wish her well for the future.

I note that Dave Osman won the beer draw again last week, which I sponsored. I am delighted he did so as Dave and his group are some of the most loyal and helpful supporters at the club for which we are all very grateful.

Finally, as this is the last home game of 2010 I would like to take this opportunity to  thank you for all your continued  support which is much appreciated by the Committee and players and to wish everyone associated with OPRFC a Very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Michael Angell
Chairman - OPRF