My first game for two weeks, my first new ground for three. Was going on the NCE Hop but sadly as I'm getting older the thought of 7 or 8 games in the cold was too much for me.
 
Today's game was in the top division of the Stratford Alliance (3rd bottom v 2nd bottom). Alveston with no win all season raced into a 3-0 lead after 11 minutes. If they are 2nd bottom the top teams must be very good in the Stratford League this season. I always enjoy games in this league, in fact the clubs that go up to the Midland Combination always seem to do quite well. Alveston played some cracking stuff and could have had 10.  The game was well refereed by a chap who must have been 65 plus. Hardly any swearing, no bad tackles and I don't think any bookings. 

Quinton play in Lower Quinton which is 6 or 7 miles from Shipston, Stratford and Campden. Looked a very nice village. Pleasant ground on the north eastern edge of the Cotswold's. From the ground you could see the Malvern's plus numerous Cotswold Hills. Visiting this ground meant a nice easy 35 mile drive across the north eastern ridge of the Cotswolds, via Woodstock, Enstone, Long Compton and Shipston. Plenty of snow still between Enstone and Chipping Norton, and on Ilmington Hill. So much for the BBC weather forecast which said the Midlands would be dry with the odd spot of sun, unless south Warwickshire has moved 80 or more miles east/south and is now in the Eastern Counties or the South East tip of England which could explain the snow we had during the 2nd half.  I later found out from a friend that Oxford had also had a snow storm for a while.
 
Another enjoyable game in a local league at a pleasant setting with cracking views of the countryside. Not a league I would expect to be on many people's to do list unless like me you live within 30 or 40 miles of most of the grounds. One thing is for sure most of the venues are very pleasant.