Old Yardleians RFC: Club News
More about Kiwi from David Collen
Mon, 23 Jun 2014 12:00
Colin (Kiwi) Thompson
Kiwi was a playing contemporary of mine. I have jotted a few thoughts below, which I wish to share with the OY community.
Colin (Kiwi) Thompson joined the club in the early 1960s.
He was introduced to the club by Colin Cresswell following their return from National Service with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment in Hong Kong. Kiwi had been introduced to rugby football by Colin, having played soccer at school. OYs were still playing at Windermere Road, Moseley, at that time. As a player Kiwi was a fearless back row forward, who was famous for his 'monkey climb' tackle, which he perfected after watching professional wrestling on TV. Although small in stature he was built like the proverbial brick outhouse, and his full frontal collision tackling style, meant that the fancy dan No 10s in the opposition, shipped the ball quickly on, when he was in the team. He made a few appearances for COBs, but his lack of height in the line out, made him unsuited to their style of play.
He entered fully into OY life, and contributed greatly to the 1965 building project, when OY's moved from Windermere Rd to Whitlock's End - see photo below.
A true gentleman, with no enemies, Kiwi was a committed member of the club, whose infectious smile and wry, dry humour made him a very agreeable social companion.
After his playing career was over Kiwi served the club well, as President, to which high office he brought dignity and respect.
I was greatly saddened to learn of his untimely death, and hope his passing was peaceful and pain free.
Dave Collen
Playing colleague and friend
Photo of Kiwi circa 1963
