Old Yardleians Rugby Football Club

On many Saturday afternoons, Richard Walker will slip back in time and tell us what life was like in the days of Dave Collen, Tex and others from that era. Apparently, in the First World War, which was about that time in History, the soldiers dug deep trenches to provide shelter and protection from the enemy attacks. These trenches tended to fill up with mud, water and other fluid waste materials, which led to all kinds of foot and leg infections.

So where is this leading us ? 

Well on most Saturdays, those spectators who assemble on the 'scoreboard' side of the pitch are in danger of experiencing similar conditions, but loyalty to our club means that a fairly large group of supporters will gather there in the hope of seeing the Old Yardleians produce entertaining and stylish rugby with the occasional victory included for good measure. Sadly, in recent weeks, there has been very little to talk about in terms of rugby so I guess that is why conversation moves on to other topics.

Hi Dave,
Yes, it was just like the Great War, when we were toiling 51 years ago at Whitlocks End.

A few images attached to prove the point...

George Jephcott (RIP) Dudley Parry (middle) and Colin Stone (front) working in the trench for the back wall. The excavation for the bath area can also be seen.

The hut we lived in during the summer of 1965, with l-r George Jephcott (RIP) Richard Walker (banjo) Kiwi Thompson (RIP) and Mick Louch

The inside of the hut - squalor or what?

The recently departed Ivor Enoch excavating the cesspool.

I will feed more images in over time
Cheers
Dave Collen.

Last Saturday we welcomed Veseyans to the Tilehouse Lane home of the Old Ys. Looking at the season so far for both sides, it was a game that either team might consider winnable. On the day, it was very cold so it was understandable that frozen hands might make handling difficult. But it would be the same for both sides. To be honest, we never really looked like we wanted to or expected to win. The visitors deserved their win by 23-5. 

Let's hope that we can put last week behind us and as we make that long journey down to Camp Hill, it would be very pleasant if we could produce the result that we know is achievable.

On our previous meeting earlier in the season, the Camps were smarter than us. They intimidated us and instead of  keeping calm and focused, we lost our composure, gave away numerous penalties and filled the sin bin. We hope that we have learnt from the experience and if we get a positive result, then a bit of discomfort for the fans will be overlooked.