Old Yardleians RFC: Club News
WEATHER ON THE CHANGE AS WERE OUR RESULTS.
Mon, 14 Oct 2013 12:00
Mr Dave Coaker
Sad news has just arrived informing the club of the death of Dave Coaker.
In my early days at the Old Yards Dave was a very active social member of our club. He was always willing to offer advice to young players over a pint or two.
Dave had been unwell for a number of years and his funeral will take place at Robin Hood Crem on wednesday 23rd October at Midday. No flowers please but donations to 'The British stroke Association' either via 'W.H.Painters of South Yardley' or there will be a collection box at the funeral service.
May He rest in peace.
Dave Collen, a friend of Dave Coaker, would like to offer a few thoughts.
Dave was a member of the 'Plume Crowd' who joined the club shortly after we became established at Whitlock's End.
The Plume Crowd were drinkers at the Plume of Feathers, Stratford Road, Shirley, who became aware of the more liberal possibilities of drinking at a licenced club, rather than a public house. Notable amongst them were Dave himself, 'Wrecker' Mahoney, Larry Blackwell, Mick Lowe, 'Faintly Hall, Robin Sismy and Tony Lowe.
The Plume Crowd contributed greatly to the social life of the club during the early days, and in the absence of drink driving laws, together with a relaxed attitude to opening hours, the bar profits increased considerably.
Many of the Plume Crowd ventured on to the playing field as well and proved to be worthwhile additions to the club's playing strength.
Dave Coaker, a Welshman, had a droll, laid back attitude to life, which, coupled with a dry sense of humour, enabled him to engage with all who met him,
I was sorry to hear of his untimely death, and hope he did not suffer unduly during his illness.
I am not able to get over for his funeral, but hope that someone of my generation will represent me.
Where shall I start ?
Saturday offered a choice of attractive venues, Pinley, Tilehouse Lane or Redditch. The first time I went to Redditch I lost my way and just to bring back memories I did it again. She who needed the satnav for some very important shopping outing suggested I took an A to Z book which I did but to no avail. Strangely, I still arrived before Gary (aka Smoking) and Dave (aka Chicken). It is noticeable that the Aquinas boys are developing the 'stress-free' approach regarding pre-match timing in terms of changing and warm up.
How did the game go? Well the thinking behind the forming of our Hornets squad was that our young 17/18 year olds would make up half the team which would then be reinforced by a more senior group of experienced players acting as mentors. That was the plan but at Redditch on Saturday against their Exiles/Vets team, we only had four players over the age of 18, those being Smoking, Chicken, Big Billy and Paul (aka Toff). The touchline supporters feared the worse, but our warriors feared nothing. We tackled and pressurised the opposition and we looked very dangerous on the counter.
The Exiles clearly had to slow down the play and this they did effectively, by a variety of methods some of which are permitted within the laws of the game. The young lad who must have been the last player to arrive for the game and hence became the referee tried hard and kept up with play very well. However, just as our younger players are still learning the dark arts of slowing down the game at ruck and maul, so to was the lad with the whistle. We lost the game by 7-12 with Tre'rail scoring under the posts after a saunter in from 60 meters, with Bill Burrows in close support.
I have no complaints except for the person who designed the road system of Redditch, the weather which was most unpleasant and the distance from the club house to the Matterhorn like pitch we were allocated. Learn from this type of match because you will probably be in a similar situation again one day. Thanks to Redditch for what was, in my honest opinion, a very worthwhile experience for our team.
The Development XV
Our regular reporter was unable to complete his match report and analysis I would imagine his notepad got wet. However, he sent a brief message by Royal Mail Pigeon. It said that we played Stourbridge 2nds and that we lost 5-27.
First XV
With a major section of our pack on a fact finding mission to watch Ulster play Leicester, it was inevitable that there would be some disruption to our side as we travelled to Pinley for a league match. Because I was busy experiencing the roundabouts and bus lanes of Redditch, the review of the game this week again comes from Mark. He felt that the Home team decided on a traditional 'Warwickshire' style of play similar to the Bedworth and Keresley philosophy of olden days. In other words 'get possession and keep it'. With a vocal crowd and an opposition that you could say were robust, Pinley scored the only try of the game. Jake converted two penalties but missed with two easier kicks. But remember we do not blame goalkickers. Our boys tackled with much more success than in recent times. My touchline feedback concludes that Tommo and Nick Allen had particularly good games. He also feels that in earlier games we had been lacking the fitness that served us so well last season but on this occasion the work rate was much improved. It needs to be remembered how important good fitness and endurance are when it comes to the last 15-20 minutes of games which is when most sides are at their most vulnerable. Simple, get yourselves training on a regular basis. Congratulations to Pinley who had a game plan which came good on the day.
Fixtures for Saturday 19 October
First XV v Old Halesonians Dev. Home 3.00 kick off
Development XV v Wyvern Firsts Away (at Five Ways B48 7BD) kick off 3.00
Vandals XV Kings Norton 2nds Home kick off 3.00
Hornets XV v Aston Old Eds 4ths Away GAME CANCELLED
The stars on Sunday.
The populations of Birmingham and Solihull fell sharply on Sunday morning as five squads of young rugby stars and droves of parents and families headed south to Claverdon, who had just about enough parking spaces to accommodate us. Just as Shefali warned is, yes the rain and wind arrived. Reports say that we won some, drew some and lost some of the games. Debs was impressed by the way our troops got stuck in. Thanks to Claverdon for their hospitality and to my opposite number Ian. We look forward to the return fixture in February.
Debs Says
This Friday evening at the club there will be a brilliant social gathering for our Mini/Junior players and their families. Fun and games include disco, karaoke and that sort of thing. Starts at 7.00 pm and costs £5 per person or £15 per family. Food is provided and Mr Purnell now faces strong opposition from the Old Yards curry and hotdog chefs.