The Women’s section
Old Yardleians women’s team was founded in 1993 by a handful
of girls keen to get involved in a team sport. The team was totally independent.
Debbie Wood was voted in as Captain, Lorraine King (Nee Robinson) Vice-Captain
and Jo Chambers as Treasurer. With a dedicated coach in Bob Montague, the team
was affiliated to the Women’s RFU. The first season started with the team in a
Merit League. Battered, bruised and in debt they ended up fourth out of six. The
following summer the training intensified and some experienced new recruits were
added so that next season spent in Division Five was productive. Donna Howlett
took over the captaincy. In 1998 Julie Peach became captain over quite a strong
side although sometimes lacking in numbers. In one memorable match against
Lichfield, OY’s fielded eight players to their thirteen.
Jo Walker won the game with a second half try. Jo Walker was
part of the ‘Famous Five’ with Amy Thomas, Debbie Wood, Louise Fry and Julie
Peach.
The Women’s team had contributed greatly to the club and were
accepted as full members. Several of the girls went on to win County honours,
Julie Peach, Jill ‘Dixon’ Smyth, Debbie Wood, Donna Howlett, Kelly Turral,
Yvonne Ward and Jo Chambers. In 2001 the team folded gracefully due to lack of
players. Debbie Wood became the club’s match secretary doing the job very
successfully until 2002 when she decided to help out with the Colts side.