Sunday saw the biggest rugby event that the Old Yardleians has ever put on with an estimated 400 plus players as well as parents, brothers and sisters, grannies, friends, coaches and rugby followers.
Six age groups from under 7 through to under 12, with eight teams in each age group provided us with a challenge and the stress levels went through the roof but we did it and that is mainly down to Debs and her team of helpers.
Teams taking part included local rivals, new opponents,and clubs that we have developed a friendship with over recent seasons. Camps,Eds, Salts, Earlsdon, Stourbridge, Upton On Severn, Keresley and anyone else who I might have forgotten, joined us for a day to remember. The enthusiasm of the players and spectators was impressive, the quality of the rugby was excellent which is a credit to the coaches of the clubs.
A massive thank-you goes out to everyone involved, too many to mention individually, but jobs covered included car-parking, BBQ, bar, kitchen, pitch marking, glass collecting and washing, administration, and also making contact with the visiting clubs.
But at the centre of it all was one super star, Debbie Robinson, without whom this festival would not have happened. There were moments of doubt but the message she received of "Don't panic" must have worked as the day was a huge success. New friends were made and the club made a few quid in the refreshment sales. Although it was not particularly important, it was nice to see the Old Yards win three of the finals.
I would like to thank the medical support teams, especially the Air Ambulance to whom we are sending a donation. Good news is that the injuries were not serious.
Next Sunday is our Presentation Day at the club from 12.30 ish to 2.30 ish.
You might want to thank Debs and the team coaches, either as a team or individually. Give it some thought but don't take too long over it.