THERE is a definite undercurrent of excited expectation at Laund Hill as the YMCA club approach a new rugby union season.
The first team squad have been significantly strengthened by the return of a trio of former YM favourites – Adam Ryder, Gavin Stead and Ed Barber – and with the recruitment of Damian Clayton and Matt Johnson from neighbouring Huddersfield, the Salendine Nook-based side are looking ahead to the start of the new Yorkshire I season.
A mixture of first and second teamers have already had a run out against Rishworthians, while on Saturday, a mainly first team squad ripped Keighley apart in a pre-season friendly, where Clayton impressed in his new role at No10 (he was normally seen at scrum half at Lockwood Park), while Ryder, Stead and Mark Whitehead all bagged a couple of tries each in YMCA’s 51-7 thumping of a side who will be playing in North I East this season.
After finishing as the side’s second highest try-scorer last season at Huddersfield with 12, Ryder has again returned to his former club, where he played at outside centre against Keighley, partnering Stead, who has come back to Laund Hill after two successful seasons in the National League with Bradford and Bingley.
Meanwhile, Barber has ended his rugby league spell with Dewsbury, and will give YM more firepower in the back division.
YM are playing another mixed squad friendly with Halifax tonight at Laund Hill (7.30) and have a Development squad run-out next week before the big kick-off at home against Ilkley on September 1.
However, the excitement is not just confined to the senior squad, because there is also a lot of optimism on the junior front this year, with a new chairman and new committee.
Richard Garretty has taken over as junior chairman, while Andy Kelly has been appointed head coach of the Under 14s as they look to strengthen the junior side of the club, and are looking into the possibilities of appointing a Development Officer.
“The junior section went through a bit of a shaky time last year, but things are definitely looking up this year, and there is tremendous excitement in general thoughout the junior section,” said Kelly, who himself is no stranger to junior rugby having played at the YM as a nine-year-old.
“We definitely need to get a Development Officer in place, because we are now getting a lot of inquiries coming, especially in the last few weeks after the excitement caused by the Olympics.
“We have age group sides from Under 8s, 9s, 10s, 12s and 14s,” continued Kelly. “The Under 14s is the oldest of our junior sides before going into the development squad, and we are trying to recruit at that level.
“Both the YM’s director of rugby Damon Scholes and first team skipper and coach Mark Whitehead have been spending quite a bit of time with the kids, and we are really excited about the prospects for the coming season.
“We are having a signing on day on Sunday, September 2, when everybody is welcome to come along to Laund Hill and see what we have to offer. As well as the chance to sign on, we are also having an mini assault course for kids to have a go on, and the usual bouncy castles and things like that.”
Anyone who wants further information on the junior set-up or signing-on details can contact Kelly on 07900 082675.
At North Dean, one of YM’s derby rivals, Heath were warming up for their Yorkshire I challenge this season with a friendly against Calderdale neighbours Old Crossleyans.
Heath took an early lead with a try from Mark Puttick, but Crocs, who will play in the next division up (North I East) hit back with three tries to open up a 22-7 lead.
Olly Wilby scored for the visitors and then Giles Hetherington marked his return to Heath when he intercepted and ran the length of the pitch to score between the posts.
