Change of Captain and More
Records
Only a young man, Darren
Wright had taken on the captaincy in 1998-99 and in a up and down season the
team came fifth in the league. Darren continued in 1999-00 and with the
experience gained in the previous year and by cracking a few skulls together
he led the First XV to promotion. Dave Howlett scored thirty points, the
highest number in a league match., five tries, two conversions and a penalty
in our 49-21 win over GPT Coventry. Dave continued to score regularly and at
the end of the 1999-00 season he had broken Tom Powers record by scoring 271
points.
The New Millennium
As the millennium approached
Richard Walker stepped down as Chairman to be replaced by the equally hard
working Bill Collins. Solihull council passed a resolution to protect sports
and recreational areas in our vicinity against any form of building
development. This enabled the negotiation of a further twenty-one year lease
from 2005. Horne Estates had once more treated us very well.. With the
growing number of cases concerning liability for accident damage it was
realised that officers of the club should be protected from being held
personally responsible for any legal proceedings that might arise. It was
decided to apply to have the club incorporated under the Industrial and
Provident Societies Act 1965. This meant that a new set of rules were adopted
and we became Old Yardleians Rugby Football Club Limited.
Peter Butler came on as a
replacement prop for North Midlands vs. Staffordshire at Walsall.