Colts and Mini Rugby into
the 21st Century
Shannon Killarney replaced
Chris Watts as Youth Development Officer in 2001. For several years, Bill
Tucker, Kevin Grant, Steve Raybone, Jan and Bill Collins, Debbie Woods, Julie
Peach, Pat McDaid and Shannon had been instrumental in grabbing young players
from every corner of Solihull and South Birmingham. Sunday mornings at the
club became a busy time with exited chatter, squeals of delight and shouts of
encouragement by enthusiastic parents.. Several ladies, including Lynn Raybone
and her daughter Rachel volunteered to help out with catering making it an
enjoyable time for both parents and youngsters.
Famous Visitors
Following a business meeting
Mick Ison was able to invite French international Thomas Castaignede and the
World Cup winning Australian centre Tim Horan to the club on 28th February
2002. The Saracens players ran coaching sessions for the juniors, colts and
senior sides. This was later followed by a visit to Saracens Rugby Football
Club to watch them play Wasps in a Premiership encounter. There was an
opportunity afterwards to meet several more famous players including Lawrence
Dallaglio and Abdel Benazzi.