Old Yardleians RFC: Club News
IS MODESTY THE CORRECT APPROACH ?
Wed, 14 Nov 2012 09:33
Late fixture change
The Vandals were scheduled to play Five Ways this saturday but they have cried the game off. In its place we now have a game away at Yardley and District, kick off at 2.15
I have been approached by quite a few of our players and supporters who have suggested that we should keep our heads down and get on quietly with the challenges that we have set ourselves on the pitch. Could it be, they consider, that the more we inform the local rugby circuit of our successes then the more satisfaction others might get in knocking us down. In addition, our Vandals management think it possible that other clubs might be tempted to cancel games if they gain the perception that a particular fixture might be less than easy.
If any of you have any views on this subject feel free to let me know.
RFU National Vase
Last saturday we faced Telford in the above competition and although I was in Essex (no, I was not dancing around any handbags), I was kept informed of the score thanks to our club president and his mate, the back row Robin Sadler, who with all possible modesty, mentioned the fact that he has played on all major grounds in England and Wales with the exception of Twickers. I think I can read his mind at this point.
Without giving away any secrets, my observers felt that we did enough to win comfortably by opening up an early lead and controlling the game up front and allowing our half backs to create plenty of openings from which to put points on the scoreboard. A win by 40-14 was pleasing but a little bit of concern was that Telford scored two late tries for which they deserve credit, but it might just suggest that we took our foot off the pedal which is not a habit that we really want to sustain.
Development XV
The Vandals found themselves without a game but I suppose they have deserved a christmas shopping break with their wags.
Meanwhile, our young back up squad (Developers) made the trip to Aston Old Eds. With the Aston first team not having a game, it appeared that they had plenty of replacements. A tight game went the way of the home team by the narrow margain of 5-12.
Minis and Juniors
Our under 17s have, in recent weeks, started games slowly leaving a lot to do in the later stages of their games. Well, this week playing a spirited Bridgnorth team, we started with an urgency in our play and opened up a substantial lead. However, we then decided to take things at a more relaxed level allowing our opponents to claw their way back into the game. O.K. we did win by 35-19 but must aim to concentrate for the full length of games. Thanks to Bridgnorth for a determined performance and also to North Mids Society referee, Mr Phil Carman.
The under 7,8,9,and 10s all played Bournville, a club which has developed a successful mini section and will always provide a real test for their opponents.As reports come in to me you will be able to enjoy the chance to study theadvances that our club has made at this level and I would like to thank the coaches and managers for their contribution to the overall success of our club. First up, our undere 7s.
On Sunday we
travelled to Bournville’s ground with 12 boys and girls. After warming up with
some good passing practice you all did really well and kept very quiet for a 2
minutes silence for remembrance day.
We
then split in to 2 teams and had 2 games each. Everyone played brilliantly. With
lots of good running and tagging. Flynn scored his first try for the club, well
done Flynn, there will be loads more
tries to come. Kyle continued with his
“Jason Robinson” like running skills, as
he jinked his way through all their players for his tries. Riley was top scorer
for the day with 7 tries, with George just behind with 6 – according to one of
the Bournville spectators he weaved his way through the defence
like his Dad used to !
Sophie and
Carys combined well together to show how important it is to support each other –
after a great run from Sophie who was tagged she passed to Carys, who was right behind her to score her first
try for Old Yards, well done Carys and great teamwork girls. Sophie then
scored a great try, running nearly the length of the pitch to score. Not to be
outdone, Bailey had another impressive
performance with some really good running.
Ben continued
his elusive running and, as well as
scoring tries, set up loads more. Jake did
some great tagging, catching boys who were often bigger than him. Alex showed
pace never seen from his dad who still
plays for Old Yards, with excellent straight running and passing and a great run for a try. Rio scored a superb
try as he avoided all of their players to score, showing how good he can be when
he stays focused. Charlie played very well again, with some good passing and
catching and some great runs. Afterwards in the
clubhouse you all merrily ate your hard earned chocolate and crisps. I was then
told by one of the mums from Bournville how well you had all behaved and how
polite you had been and that you were a real credit to us coaches. Thank you
and well done team.
Training on
Sunday, before our next match which is on the following Sunday, the 25th
November, home against Old Eds. So please be
at the club by 10.30am next Sunday and on the
25th.
Simon and
Chris
Weekend Fixtures
Saturday 17th Nov
First XV v Warwickians home league 2.15
Dev XV v Alcester away 2.15
Vandals v Five Ways away 2.15
Sunday 18th Nov
U 17s v Exiles (B92 9ED) away 11.00
Minis etc training at club 10.30
Guess Who ?
One time Old Ys winger, he spent time in the legendary Archbishop Grimshaw School, did a stint in Kenya, met and married the Boss's daughter and now lives in Essex. He was beaten by the supreme athlete (one of a number of titles) in the Cork City High Street Lager-Fuelled sprint. The first club member to remember this silver-headed old team-mate can claim a pint from Simon Brown by saying the words 'Free bar'.