The Griff and Coton-based side set themselves a stretching target of fielding four senior teams on Saturday, March 23 following the successful return of a social thirds in recent years.

That project rapidly grew legs under the guidance of fixture secretary Lee Joyce, who managed to find opponents, referees and with some support, the players to field six senior teams for the first time in Manor Park’s 64-year history.

An eye-rubbing 121 players participated on the day, ranging from teenagers to a handful of sexagenarians who rolled up their sleeves and dusted off their boots.

“It was a proud day to be a Manor Park boy,” said Jenkins, the club president since 1999. “To have our little club be the talk of the town and much further afield in rugby circles, is a little mind blowing.

“Credit to that lies with our amazing volunteers. People like Lee Joyce and Theo Knight, who led this and executed it and ultimately managed it with a little bit of comfort in the end.

“Not only did 120 odd players pull on Manor Park shirts, but it also provided opportunities for players from other clubs to play some no pressure rugby and get out there on the pitch. It’s such a special thing that happened and will live long in our memories, and hopefully have a legacy too.”

Only one of the fixtures was at their Heath End Road base, as the First XV continued its extraordinary near two-year unbeaten home run with a 34-5 success over Old Leamingtonians with Will Woodward, Chris Goode, Jack Walton, Matt Green and Jake Woodcock scoring tries and Brad Darlaston added nine points from the tee.

The Second XV kept up their pursuit of the Warwickshire II title with a 46-29 win away at Harbury, with Callum Ross bagging a hat-trick and Craig Morris claiming a brace – as well as kicking four conversions and a penalty for a personal haul of 21 points – while Luc Stringer and captain Jak Watson also got over the line.

Elsewhere, the Growlers, named after former player Gregg Rowley who sadly passed away in 2022, defeated Keresely Kestrels 55-5 with Tom Atkinson scoring a hat-trick, Ash Clarke and Adam Bennett got a couple of tries each and there were singles for Jack Thompson and Chris Belcher. Liam Baginskis converted five of the tries.

There was a big win for the Greens at Nuneaton Saracens, with Scott Barrall helping himself to remarkable five tries. Three more tries came from Adam Ross, Jarrod Moore and Danny Blundred while Lewis Turton also added seven successful conversions in a 54-24 win.

The two defeats came as Nuneaton Old Edwardians Veterans defeated Manor Park Veterans 41-0 while Barkers Butts Extras ran out 29-3 winners – with Frazer Heron kicking the only points for the Reds.

The club is hosting its annual awards night for the 2023/24 season on Friday, May 17 at the Griff and Coton. Tickets are £20 per person, and £35 for a player plus their partner. To purchase tickets, contact Bobby Bridge on 07901223751.