Problems in the Mid-Fifties
The 1954-55 season was one of
the poorest the club had experienced.
Results read, P 28 W 6 L 20
D 2 F 153 A 271. For the last match of the season at Burton, the First XV
had to be made up with two spectators.
The clubs precarious
financial position had persisted throughout the early fifties and led to an
Extra-Ordinary Meeting in October 1955 to try to solve the problem.
Arrangements were made for a Christmas raffle and jumble sale. Cyril Burtons
suggestion of a pavilion repair box for spectators donations was accepted,
provided he made the box himself. 14 was raised in donations including a
generous 5 from Mr. A.Wood. The one shilling match levy was again proposed
and this time accepted. By January, things looked a little brighter with 119
in the bank. The raffle had raised a creditable 52, the jumble sale made a
profit of 28 6s 6d and Cyrils pavilion repair box contained 7s 7d.
There was concern that three
non-Old Yardleians had played for the First XV and it was resolved that it
should not occur again. At this time, the Club Rules excluded non-Old
Yardleians from holding office.
To mark Eric Cuttriss
fiftieth birthday, the Cuttris Cup for Player of the Year was initiated and
presented to the first winner, Ron King.
The fixture list for the next
season showed the loss of Loughborough College, Stourbridge and Burton. Harry
White continued as Club Captain and set out to try to improve matters with a
strenuous pre-season training.