On Saturday 11th Old Cats 1st XV faced fellow title competitors in Old Rutlishians. This game was undoubtedly going to be the toughest challenge for the OCs men since the season began. With a long, rich and rivalled history between these two sides, facing each other in almost every age group throughout the clubs, this made for an exciting encounter. Hard fought in difficult conditions, Cats came out victorious, with a 17-10 win, with Matt Wilson, Ben Doney, and Dylan Thomas putting themselves on the score sheet. This gives Cats the 4 points they were after, but does allow Ruts to go home with a losing bonus point, being 7 or less points behind at the final whistle.

At the same time, the 2nd XV faced up against another rival side, in Old Reigatians. With a few new faces, and with conditions looking slightly worse for wear in this game as well, this was going to be a tough match-up. Cats fought well throughout the game, but couldn't come away with the win. losing to a well organised and powerful Reigatians back line, 21 - 5. Coach Sam Stanley said that the side showed 'Old Cats Spirit for 80 minutes', not giving up, and continuing to play hard until the end.

After two tough games on the Saturday, Sunday was going to be even more difficult playing against the Old Caterhamians Association's President's XV. This is a team made up of former students of Caterham School, alongside players who have been affiliated with the school in one way or another, whether teaching, coaching, or friend. After a spine-tingling 2 minutes silence, the teams took the Caterham School home field, with wet conditions which again were most certainly going to play a part. Old Cats had a great chance to play with people from both 1st and 2nd teams and bring these players together for a change. Old Cats lost this great game 32-12, but with tries from brothers Oscar Nye, and George Nye, and extra points from Harry Hopkins, they showed some level of resistance, and put in a performance to be proud of. A great weekend to celebrate those brave men who gave their lives for this country, and to celebrate the Old Caterhamians Association itself.

Next week sees Cats have a break from fixtures to recover from the battles of this weekend. But training continues, as the 1st XV face top of league Metropolitan Police on the 25th of November away from home, which is sure to be a fascinating exchange of strength and skill.

By, Harry Hopkins