Old Yardleians RFC: Club News
BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE OLD Y'S
Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:47
There was much gloom and doom at the end of last season on the first team pitch and in the bar and a decision had to be made, do we face the problems head-on or do we slip further into the mire.
Not a difficult one to answer. With a newly elected committee there was a positive buzz from the very first meeting. A wide range of expertise along with a determination to get things right was truly evident.
Two men with considerable business success have turned our finances around which gives the club a much firmer base to work from. A number of generous offers of sponsorship have been received and the details are being agreed.
The club is being given a facelift both internally and externally. The bar area and changing rooms are being smartened up and the carpark will soon be unrecognisable. The pitches are receiving a great deal of TLC and should be in fine condition in time for the 15 a side competition in August.
Socially, the club has received a lot of private bookings which should boost our finances and if anybody would like to consider hiring the facilities then please contact Mike Hughes, Pat McDaid or any committee member (see website home page).
On the playing front the picture was not as bad as it seemed. Although the first XV were relegated, it can be seen that the loss of experienced key players meant that a number of youngsters got their first team baptism just a fraction too early. The return of a number of our experienced players combined with the appointment of two quality coaches and an influx of new players should make a big difference to our results in the coming season.
The Development XV was starting to bear fruit and the Vandals continue to produce stylish rugby and are entering a merit league this season.The Minis / Juniors progressed nicely over the course of the season and we must acknowledge the work done by their coaches and managers.
Training will start this saturday (16th June) at 2.00 pm with sessions on saturday afternoons, tuesday evenings and thursday evenmings.Evening sessions are to start at 7.00. The format is likely to be skill development, team tactics and fitness conditioning on tuesdays and saturdays with a lighter programme on thursdays.
A big thank you to all of you who have turned up to join our working parties in carrying out club improvement tasks. Leading the way was our club President who took responsibility for the 'face painting' activity. Steve Price led the 'sewer rats' and the problem that the club has had for quite a while was solved. Its amazing what an empty pint mug (Guiness) can do if you are not careful where you leave it.
DON'T FORGET
Friday 6th July at the club, bar opens at 7.00 the quiz starts at 7.30 and should finish around 10.15
QUIZ NIGHT
Teams of up to 6 players, £2 each, come along and enjoy
AND FINALLY
No cryptic stuff yet but if any of our members would like a regular game of badminton on a wednesday evening then get in touch with our President, Steve (the face) Painter or Dave Adams