Old Yardleians RFC: Club News
DAVE COLLEN PAYS TRIBUTE TO MARTIN STONE
Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:13
Sad news indeed, Martin was a stalwart of the Club in the 1960s, including a spell as Club Captain, about 1964 ish - I think. He is on the Honours Board at the Clubhouse.
He was an excellent, aggressive No 8, and an inspiring leader on the field. His brother Colin also played, and captained the 2nd XV for a time.
Martin was also one of the diminishing number of OYs who went to Yardley Grammar School, now demolished.
Arguably Martin's greatest contribution to the Club was his involvement in the Clubhouse building programme of 1965. Martin worked for C Bryant & Co (now Bryant Homes) as a civil engineer, and at the time of the OY's build, was working on the Swan Underpass, Coventry Road. Many a load of hardcore, concrete, steel etc was mysteriously mis directed to Tilehouse Lane.
His work took him to Cheshire where he established his own concrete manufacturing business, but he always popped in to OYs when he was in the Midlands. A few seasons ago OYs were playing a cup match in his area, and he generously put £100 behind the bar for the players.
A good clubman, who will be sadly missed.
Dave Collen - school chum, playing colleague and friend.