Unfortunately our final trip 'up north' away to Sale ended in defeat despite it being another high scoring encounter. The next four games present an opportunity to get some much needed wins, starting today with the visit of our old friends Blackheath, England's oldest Rugby Union club. Let's replicate the form we showed against Esher. Some of the best tries we have seen this season.

What a great success the' Old Farts' reunion lunch proved to be, a huge thank you to Flash for his hard work, well done. It was great to see so many former players gathered enjoying a lot of banter and reliving our fantastic exploits from the past. It is remarkable how much better we were the older we get! The drinking and sharing of anecdotes filled the evening. When I got home Mrs. Oracle asked how the day had gone, I told her what a wonderful time we had had, she said what on earth did you find to talk about? Well, I said, it was mostly about the medication we all take now! Here’s to the next one.
I mentioned in the last Oracle how well the girls and boys age group teams are doing and this has been reflected in two of our girls being called into the England squad, congratulations to all concerned. If you get the chance come along tomorrow afternoon and give your support to our under 16 and under 18 girls in their National Cup semi-finals against Dartfordians and Basildon respectively, followed by the Mavericks against Cullompton.

So Worcester have confirmed that they have submitted an application for direct entry to the Championship. If successful, how will this affect the set up for the coming season? Although it seems relegation will only apply to two sides from our league, I have yet to see that in writing.
When doing research for the Oracle, I came across the ground capacity register for all the clubs in our league, it ranges from 20,000 down to 2,000. How many are filled to capacity each week, none I would wager. Talking of capacities, I found it rather disappointing to watch the England under 20 game from Bath recently sadly, played to a less than full stadium.
I note that a trial is to be run for away fans to 'be allocated an end' a la Soccer. I find this very disappointing. One of the things we hold dear in our great game is that we mingle with the supporters of our opponents. There may be banter, but there is always fun and a pint after, please don't drag us into antics of that other game.

Another gripe I have is whilst watching the Internationals and other high profile games is the replacements rushing from the 'in goal' area to engulf the try scorer, very unseemly! Also the sponsors advertising sprawled across the middle of the pitch, half of it ends up on the players I don't know how easy it is to wash off? I remember well our days at Stade Landseer when the only thing we had to wash off had been distributed by our canine friends!
On a brighter note it was good to see that soloists were not required at the recent Wales v England game and the anthems filled the enclosed stadium, although it has to be said Sosban Fach dwindled somewhat towards the end.

Some well dones are due. Firstly to the referee of the Knights match, who having completed his duties in that match then came and ran the line in the Esher match due to the appointed flag wielding official being unable to continue his duties following an injury sustained dashing up and down the line. Secondly to our under 18 Girls called into the England squad. To Amber Reed, following the announcement of her retirement after a stellar career with Bears Women and England. And last but not least to our own Ciaran Donoghue knocking over 6 conversions for Bath in the Premiership Final.
Elsewhere, it's getting tight in League 2 West. Just a few points separate Camborne and The Mall XV (aka Dings Old Boys) with a handful of games left, there may yet be a local derby next season.
And so back to today, let’s hope for a good game with a favourable result.
Come on you Dings, shove 'em up the M32.