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The Formation of Old
Yardleians Rugby Club
An Extra-Ordinary General
Meeting was held in June 1931 to debate the shattering news that the school
field was no longer available. Despite the Rugby Section being strongly
represented on the main Club Committee, it had been decided that there would be
no financial assistance to find a new ground. It was resolved therefore that
whilst maintaining close links, the Rugby Section would continue separately as
Old Yardleians Rugby Football Club. Bertie Friar managed to secure a pitch on
Billesley Common. All past and present members were circulated and sufficient
money raised to pay the rent. Henry Coldrick became Treasurer and Les Pearson
was re-elected as Captain.
Raising money for the
week-by-week running of the club still provided the greatest anxiety. The
season ended with a substantial deficit but a highly profitable Prize Draw was
organised which saved the day.
Injuries and business
commitments caused the loss of key players. At one time, eleven of the First
XV were absent. Bill Bloomfield and his Second XV are to be congratulated on
the way they survived. The problems were reflected in the playing record. The
Firsts winning nine from twenty-five, the Seconds five from sixteen.
A good performance in the North
Midlands Sevens saw us go into the fourth round to be defeated by Aston Old
Edwardians, the eventual winners of the competition. The large party from the
club who attended the finals in Perry Common went on to visit the Empire Theatre
followed by a substantial supper at Ye Olde Royal in Temple Row.
The social activity of the club
was growing. A dance was held at the Hall Green Institute, now The Galleon
Club. It only made a small profit but it was a great success. Coach outings
for more distant away games were well supported by both male and female friends
of the club.
The Constitution
On the 27th of April 1932 the
first AGM of the independent rugby club took place and a Constitution, based on
that of the Old Yardleians Club, was adopted. H.P Lunn became the first
elected President. Henry Coldrick became Secretary, Norman Price Treasurer and
Eric Cuttris Captain of the First XV. Provision was made for Vice Presidents,
the first being Eric Cuttris followed by Phillip Collins and other members of
the school staff, the latter a means of keeping a good relationship with the
school.
The changing facilities at
Billesley Common were poor, with small rooms and inadequate bathing, and were
abandoned in favour of the Billesley Hotel which although still limited in size,
had the advantage of hot baths.
With a proper Constitution the
affairs of the club became more business-like. The committee met frequently to
decide matters of policy and finance.
At the committee meeting on 15th
of December 1932 it was decided to award colours, in the form of a badge to be
worn on the players shirt.. The committee awarded its first colours to Eric
Cuttris then subsequently to Messrs. Pearson, Rooker, Arnett, Roff, Sanders,
Bamford, Crinean, Wightman and Friar.
With high calibre players we
needed to improve our fixture list but there was great difficulty in breaking
into the circle of older established clubs. The playing record of P 27. W
24. L 1. D 2. F 368. A 49 speaks for itself. Roland Rooker scored 157 points
and Eric Sanders played every game.
All First XV matches were now
scheduled to be refereed by members of the North Midlands Society.
At the next AGM it was agreed
that Vice Presidents would no longer hold official status and need not be Old
Ys thus allowing anyone with the committees approval to show their interest
in the club.
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