Old Yardleians RFC: Club News
TIME TO LOOK AHEAD
Sun, 09 Jun 2013 09:20
It has been a superb season for the club both on and off the pitch but we must now focus on the new season and with it the challenge of maintaining the standards that we have set ourselves.
Unlike some clubs, we have had to fund and provide the workforce for the majority of our programme of improvements. However, it does make you feel proud when you consider the progress made over recent years. The playing areas are always in good condition thanks to Brian and Alan and the clubhouse is now equally impressive. This means more functions taking place from both internal and community groups.
Working Parties
This Saturday (June 8th) I Happened to be driving through the area so I popped in to see what was going on and was stunned to see the level of activity on display. As I arrived Nick (good name for a cop) was leaving and he mentioned the fact that he just couldn't keep up with the older guys. The main focus for attention was the area in front of the changing rooms which often becomes waterlogged. Pricey was well organised with his squad of grafters and although the activity was voluntary I feel sure that payment in refreshments was appreciated.
We appreciate the support of Natwest who through a scheme to improve the quality of clubs like ours have provided financial backing if the projects are genuinely carried out as planned. This coming weekend we will be continuing the work but it would be refreshing to see some more of our younger members following the example of the 'over 40s'
Physical conditioning sessions
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Pre-season physical conditioning sessions
Mark invites you to join him on saturday June 22nd from 2.00 for the start of the programme that prepares you for the approaching season. He is very happy for potentially new players to the game or to our club to come along to have a look and to join in if they wish. There will be further sessions on tuesday evenings from 6.30 It might seem surprising but physical conditioning that is also fun has got to be worthwhile.
Under 17 social evening
The group of lads who played last season as under 17s asked very politely if they could have some sort of gathering once the season was over. The usual organiser(s) agreed to this idea on the condition that their parents and team officials were invited.
By chance, this coincided with the award to our 'Junior player of the year' set up by BMW which is providing support to the RFU. The company was represented on the evening by Ciara Phillips and her colleague Matt. Club Chairman Sid welcomed them both to the Old Yardleians and she then presented a framed certificate and an international standard match ball to Tre'rail Peters. Outgoing Mini and Junior Chairman Graham Davies briefly described the reason for the selection of the award winner.
As Nick wanted to demonstrate his wide level of knowledge, a mini-quiz was arranged. The first part was on sport and the second was on general knowledge. A word of thanks to our question masters, Tyrell and Steve (Dip FD). They say that experience is vital in the pursuit of victory so I guess it was no surprise that the team containing Mark and Jo, The First Lady,The club chairman and 'She who reads The Guardian' were the overall winners, although Chicken gets the award for providing the most interuptions.
In between the two parts of the quiz, 'The Balti Boys', Nick and Terry, arranged the feast of curry and when second helpings were offered I was amazed at how fast our young players could move.
Pricey won the main raffle prize and 'She who is an expert on wine (quantity rather than quality)' won a bottle of finest Spanish.
Social interaction then took over with Terry having many tales to tell. Keep hold of that shirt Terry as fashion goes in cycles.
A big thanks to all the helpers, Ciara and Matt and all the players.