Old Yardleians Rugby Football Club

The final result of 15-15 removed any mathematical risk of relegation but what an unusual game.  A pre-match gathering of sponsors and volunteers boosted the size of the crowd but whether they come again should be interesting to see.

With a stiff breeze behind us a decent half time lead would have been helpful.  The Yards controlled the set piece aspects of the game and Rob Dixon had only just arrived from the bar (free?) with a blouse he chose to model for the day when the score-board needed to come into play.  Two tries, one a typical Andrew Pearce finish and the other, an inevitable penalty try helped us arrive at the interval with a 15-0 advantage. Would this be a big enough lead? most onlookers thought it would be.

I think its called 'deja vu' but it happened.  With two Droitwich players red-carded the inevitable happened.  Sleep set in and the visitors had no thought of taking it easy. They left it late but got the draw seconds before the final whistle.

Travelling over to Aston, our second string men did not have the team abacus with them. Twelve men maybe but a result of 41-0 to the Yards seemed fine to me but my spokesman thought it a little lacking in challenge. Don't worry Jack, the batterings will come one day.

Playing at home against Ross seconds, it looked like an end to end game and our pack were making Ross work hard for any possession but when they got some ball they had some impressive runners. a final score of 34-27 to Yards was a fairly true reflection.  Thanks to North Mids referee, Jim Looney, the usual sound job done.

As Easter arrives this coming weekend, we only have one game on Saturday and that is a friendly at home and that is against Old Sils. We intend to put out a mix of 2nd and 3rd team players. Kick Off will be 3.00.

Last weekend saw our 'stars of the future' show Bournville how much progress our Minis have made since our previous meeting.  Easter weekend means no matches and the following week, April 12th sees the under 8s visit Kings Norton. The rest of our sides will be training in order to reach their peak on the following Sunday 19th April which is the event of the year, the Old Yardleians end of season Festival.  

Not to be missed. Sunday 19th April sees our biggest project so far. We are running competitions at six age groups from under7 to under 12.  Clubs taking part are, Old Yards, Stourbridge, Upton-on-Severn, Camp Hill, Edwardians, Keresley, Earlsdon and Old Salts..

How can you help?  The teams all have their coaches and referees but can you think of other possible tasks that need keen helpers? Car parking, food and drinks organisation, collecting glasses, litter removal, etc. etc.  Don't wait, get in touch with Debbie and volunteer your services