The 1st XV went to Willenhall looking for their first league win of the season and were unlucky to lose 27-13. With the return of experienced props Peter Butler and Shannon Killarney our scrum returned to its dominant ways with our eight driving back the bigger Willenhall pack. Chris Rhodes made his debut for the 1st XV in the second row and did well in the lineout until getting a knee injury mid way through the second half. Our defence was stiffened up with the return of Dave Howlett at centre and it was good to see Nigel Boothe in a 1st XV shirt again. Most of Willenhall?s points came from mistakes by ourselves that we can cut out going forward so we should start to return to winning ways. Our first try came from a scrum when our pack drove forward and number eight Benjamin ?Fat Steve? Honey broke for the line and as he was tackled he stretched out to score. Our second try was by hooker Billy Bucknall who dived over from a few yards out. Ian Walker kicked a penalty and also had a great game kicking out of hand. Man of the Match was Shannon Killarney. Training is on Tuesday at 7pm so can all players attend. Burntwood at home on Saturday can be the time we turn our league season around.
The 2nd XV had the disappointment of Cannock calling off the game two and a half hours before kick off.
The 3rd XV had a good home win 27-12 against Bournville. Changes in the front row meant Steve Sidwell had to play Hooker. Lucky for Sid it went uncontested after a few scrums as the affect of the red bull he had drank was wearing off. Man of the match was David ?Chicken? Hansen who scored a brace of tries
Upcoming games - Saturday 29th September
1st XV at home to Burntwood in the league kick off 3pm
2nd XV away to Coventrians
3rd XV away to Spartans
Upcoming games - Saturday 6th October
1st XV away to Halesonians in the league kick off 3pm
2nd XV home to Halesonians kick off 3pm
3rd XV away to Halesonians
Upcoming games - Saturday 13th October
1st XV home to Dixonians in the 2nd round of the EDF Energy Senior Vase KO 3pm. Come and cheer the lads on in the cup.
2nd XV away to Birmingham Barbarians
3rd XV home to Warley 2nds
OTHER NEWS
Clubhouse
The remainder of the new windows and doors have gone in and they look great. Thank you Tony Fitz for yet another freebie. Tony will now be arranging for the plasterers to come in. For the new changing rooms we are close to finding out if the RFU will give us the interest free loan to finish them off. We have jumped through hoops for this money and the end is now in sight. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in this.
Six Nations Tickets
I have received the notification from the RFU for Six Nations tickets. In the next few of days I will create the club application form so members and VPs can apply for tickets. As most of you know Old Yards are short of funds so this year we will be charging a £5 per ticket administration charge. This is the maximum the RFU allow clubs to charge and it is used to cover our costs especially when we have to use registered post in the process. It will be written on the form as a donation. The application forms will be e-mailed to everyone who receives this update, posted to members/VPs that regularly apply for tickets and placed in the clubhouse by the main noticeboard.
43 players have paid their Annual Subs in full already, support Old Yards and pay your Annual Subs. After this weekend they go up to £50 so pay now! Even Joey Smith has paid so if you have not, why not!
Finally, if you have any Old Yards news you want to put in our update please send it to me
Regards
Mark Baldwin
Hon. Secretary
Old Yardleians Rugby Club