Old Yardleians RFC: Club News
The Moss Goode memorial annual 15 a side Tournament
Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:49
Who was Moss Goode?
Moss was an exceptionally honest and uncomplicated player for the Old Yards for many years performing in either the back row or centre. He was solid in defence and rarely gave the ball away to either team. However, as an official at both club and representative level he excelled. He carried out much sterling work and stuck to what he knew was right, and which in virtually all cases proved to be the correct course of action. Moss enjoyed the social side of rugby and was well known in many of the local rugby clubs and for these reasons the Old Yardleians annual 15 a side tournament is named in his honour.
The History of the 15 a side tournament
According to my research findings the first Old Ys tournament was held at the club in 1980, that is 30 years ago for the numerically challenged. Eight teams took part, Old Ys, Centrals, Trinity Guild, Edwardians, Old Moselians, Salts, Aston and Dixonians. The winners were lucky enough to receive a shield and two match balls! According to newspaper reports at the time, " The final between Yards and Dixies was played at a frenetic pace, and although a Dave Adams penalty decided the game for the home side both teams played good open rugby."
The winning team was, and you may need a good imagination to visualize frenetic pace, J. Littleford, B. Wood, T. Guise, D. Adams, R. Pugsley, T. Power, J. Ullah, A. Pemberton, T. Wales, H.Smith, M. Bloxham, A. Harrison, C. Watts, S. Price and, the only star still playing regularly in our Vandals xv, W. Burrows.
This Year's Tournament
We have had to limit the entry to 12 teams for logistic reasons (Baldwin-speak) and have sadly had to turn teams away. Starting at midday and with the final scheduled for approx. 4.30, a feast of rugby football is anticipated. Whether the young players of today can match the frenetic pace of messrs. Guise, Harrison and Ullah remains to be seen. Good luck to all those involved whether as players, spectators or officials. The teams taking part will be,
Ashby
Aston OE
Barbarians
Exiles
Halesonians
Kidderminster
Moseley Oak
Old Ys
Sils
Tamworth
Wednesbury
Wolverhampton