1921 to 1922

1921-1922

CHRONICLE

Trial teams announcement.

Probables:- Comm, Burt, Dr. F Meine, Hannah, A E Anderson, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F Russell, J Richardson, C Mannings, R S Chaddock, W H Sheppard, G Woodward, J Blake and L W Bisgrove.

Possibles:- J Pope, A Rawlings, Northway, Chapman, Coles, Slade, Wright, W S Bascombe, Carruthers, Humphries, Bonny, Bowley, Coles, G E Blake, Fisher, Fry and J Collins.

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3/9/1921

v Leicester, Away. Lost 6-13. Team:- B Comm, A E Anderson, Dr. F A Meine, H Richardson, L V Burt, J Pope, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F Russell, C Mannings, N Blake, G Woodward, R S Chaddock, L W Bisgrove, and B Loader.

Leicester played with seven forwards, utilising Watts as an extra three-quarter. In fine weather, the attendance was estimated at 12,000. Morgan, Sheppard and Royal were unavailable, their places being taken by Pope, Bisgrove and Loader. It was Loader who got Bath’s first try, for Bath to trail 3-6 at half time. Afterwards, Bath’s second try was scored by Considine after a brilliant dribble by Dr. Meine.

10/9/1921

v Teignmouth, Home. Won 20-0. Team:- H Comm, I J Pitman, F Webster, H Richardson, L V Burt, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F J Russell, R S Chaddock, C Mannings, N Blake, L Bisgrove, J Pope, H Loader, and G Woodward.

Considine and Vowles were prominent in the early stages; there was some delightful handling amongst the backs. As a result, Considine was an early scorer, with a try under the posts. Following a drop-out, Pitman raced away, passing to Vowles, who dropped a smart goal. New wingman, Webster scored after gathering Burt’s cross kick, with Vowles adding the extra points. (12-0) He soon received the ball again, and this time, he threw a long pass to Pitman, who gathered, to race three parts on the field for a fine try. (15-0) Webster again figured in the play, with a scoring pass to Burt, with Vowles converting.

“That F Webster is a find there is no doubt. He had a hand in every score, and stood out prominently on the Bath side.” Considine was in fine form, and Pitman had two good runs.

17/9/1921

v Gloucester, Away. Drawn 9-9. Team:- H Comm, L V Burt, H Richards, J T Webster, Dr. F A Maine, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F J Russell, E S Chaddock, H Loader, W H Sheppard, N Blake, G Woodward, L W Bisgrove. A E Morgan operated as five-eighth. Bath took 100 supporters to Kingsholm. Their reward, was to see Considine race over for a try just on half time. Bath were then 3-9 down. In the second spell, Dr. Meine scored after Vowles had opened up nicely. The in the last three minutes, Considine evened up the scoring with a nice try behind the posts. Unfortunately, Webster failed with the easiest of kicks. However, it had been a magnificent performance, with the Bath team in excellent form throughout. Harry Vowles was reported to have played: “the game of his life.”

22/9/1921

Bath XV v Rest of Bath with proceeds towards the fostering of Junior rugby sides.

“For, after all, it is better for 30 to play than for 30,000 to watch.”

Admission 4d, enclosure 8d, grandstand 1/-.

24/9/1921

v London Welsh (Noted Patron – the Right Hon. David Lloyd George, O.M., M.P.),

Home. Won 29-0. Team:- H Comm, L V Burt, H Richardson, J T Webster, Dr. F A Meine, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F Russell, R S Chaddock, W H Sheppard, G Woodward, L W Bisgrove, J Blake, and H Loader. Tries by Webster (2), Vowles (2), Considine (2), and Meine. Conversions Woodward, and Vowles (3) Considine’s second-half try was particularly memorable, as he raced through, kicked over his opponent’s head, and then gathered the ball again and raced away over the line. “………….his try was a clinker.”

1/10/1921

v United Services, Away. Won 7-0. Team:- H J Comm, L V Burt, H Richardson, J T Webster, Dr. F A Meine, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F J Russell, W H Sheppard, C Mannings, H Loader, L W Bisgrove, C E Carruthers and G E Blake.

Played in intensely hot conditions and on a hard ground, Morgan and Considine provided the early running, but it was the second spell before Comm picked up near the half-way line, beat several home forwards and dropped a beautiful goal. Bath continued to have the best of the play, and Burt sped away for a great try. “On the Bath side Considine again was the outstanding figure.”

“Considine and Vowles were very alert halves, the latter was more than a match for Carter, while the fly-half contrasted very favourably with Davies*, and in his quick, unexpected bursts and making openings, was certainly more dangerous, the international. Davies’ touch finding was cleverly tactical, but Considine was more aggressive and enterprising.” (‘Astral’ – London’s DAILY NEWS)

* Lieut.-Comdr. Davies (England Captain) His England half-back partner Kershaw, was down with ‘Flu.’

A commentary on a later Hampshire County game described Davies thus: “It was an eye opener to most people to see the way Davies gathered his passes. It did not matter at what angle or at what height they came, nothing was impossible. His fingers were like grappling irons, with a touch of magnetism about them. No other player could have grasped the ball as he did, and it was worth the journey to see him do it.”

6/10/1921

v Weston-super-Mare, Away. Won 17-0. Team:- Comm, Considine, Meine, Turner, Browne, Slade, Russell J, Russell F, Chaddock, Mannings, Carruthers, Blake G E, Clifford, Bisgrove, Stokes.

8/10/1921

v Torquay, (nicknamed ‘Ticks’) Home. Won 19-3. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, R S Chaddock, H Richardson, R Richardson, Dr. F A Meine, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F Russell, C Mannings, H Loader, L M Bisgrove, N Blake, Dr. W H Royal and A G Boley.

Tries by Philip Hope, Harry Richardson (3), Considine. Conversions, Vowles (2).

Of Considine’s try: “Then Bath got a wonderful try. Considine made a brilliant run from beyond the half-way line. He beat several of the opposition and handed to Vowles, who received in capital style. He gave out to Dr. Meine, who ran and then gave inside to Considine again, who had no difficulty in getting over. It was a really brilliant try, but the scorer could not convert.”

FIRST SUBSTITUTE ?

“It was sporty of Bath’s captain to allow another player to come on when Payne was injured.”

It was Bert Loader’s last game, before departure to New Zealand.

15/10/1921

v Old Edwardians, Away. Won 10-0. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, R S Chaddock, H Richardson, Dr. Meine, H Vowles, A E Morgan, F J Russell, C Mannings, W H Sheppard, L W Bisgrove, N J Blake, J Pope, G Woodward, and L Humphries.

Tries by Joe Blake and Dr. Meine, both converted by Woodward. Considine had asked to be rested, but on the day – he wanted to play. “In fact two forwards tossed as to who should stand down to let him play, and Considine started to unwind, but the committee men present persuaded him to take the flag.”

22/10/1921

v Bridgwater, Home. Won 13-0. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, J B Hannah, H Richardson, L V Burt, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F Russell, R S Chaddock, C Mannings, G Woodward, L W Bisgrove, W H Sheppard and N Blake.

Tries by Burt, Chaddock and Sheppard. Conversions by Woodward and Vowles.

Comment by 2THE MASCOT”

“Like the Waterworks Committee, Bridgwater must be thankful for the rain, for I think Bath would have got a few more tries under dry conditions.”

“The rain prevented the backs from handling with any precision and certainty, and it is some time since players have been so handicapped.”

Midweek – 4th Somerset L.I. v Wessex RE, on the Rec., in aid of Bath Combination. Organised by Bath’s Major T B Timmins.

29/10/1921

v London Welsh, Away Won 9-0. Team:- H J Comm, Dr. F A Meine, J T Webster, H Richardson, L V Burt, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F Russell, C Mannings, W H Sheppard, R S Chaddock, G Woodward, L W Bisgrove and N Blake.

Tries by Bisgrove, Webster and Considine. Bath threw the ball around in grand style, but many chances were missed. “There was an epidemic of knocking-on in the first half.” Vowles had a good game, but it was thought that Considine and Morgan should have made better use of the chances on offer.

The Surbiton ground was known to the Cockney-Taffies as ‘Berrylands’. It was by no means level.

It was believed to have been ploughed up during the War, as was still evidenced by the many furrows.

5/11/1921

v Bristol University, Home. Drawn 3-3. Team:- H Comm, P P Hope, J B Hannah, H Crane (Stothert’s- Skipper of the ‘Cranes’), L V Burt, Harry Slade, G E Northway, F Russell,

George Woodward, L V Bisgrove, J Pope, Dr. W H Royal, L W Humphries, C E Carruthers and D Clifford.

The University side was captained by Fred Burt. (Coventry and Bath) He was marking his brother at centre. L V (Victor) Burt damaged his shoulder tackling him. At half time, Bath were somewhat fortunate to be on level terms. Afterwards, Clifford was tackled near the Varsity line, but dribbled through for Bath’s score. Fred Burt got the University try after evading Comm’s tackle. Bath’s scratch side were: “all at sea behind the scrum, and never once got in a decent combined movement.”

12/11/1921

v Moseley, Home. Won 20-5. Team:- H J Comm, G Woodward, Dr. Meine, H Richardson, P P Hope, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F J Russell, T J (Joe) Richardson, C Mannings, R S Chaddock, H V Kyrke, J Blake and L W Bisgrove. Tries:- Hope, Meine (2), Vowles (2), and Chaddock, with Woodward converting Vowles second try. Bath were too fast and too clever for the Midlanders. Considine was playing well until he took a nasty knock to the head and left the field for the last quarter.

19/11/1921

v Llanelly, Away. Lost 5-16. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, Dr. Meine, H Richardson, George Woodward, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F J Russell, S G Richardson, C Mannings, W H Sheppard, L W Bisgrove, N Blake, J Pope and C E Carruthers.

Before a crowd of 6000: “Both Pope and Vowles did well in stopping some strenuous rushes by the Llanelly forwards, and Bath held their own capitally.” But after sustained pressure, Llanelly got their first of their tries. A Vowles try and conversion kept the score to 5-5 at the interval, but in the second half Llanelly were run away winners. Welsh international, Albert Jenkin’s saved the Scarlets on several occasions and he often kicked half the length of the field. Considine was unable to “get going.”

The Llanelly supporters thought it was the best game of the season.

26/11/1921

v Stroud, Home. Won 9-0. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, D Hardy, H Richardson, R Richardson, A E Morgan, A Coles, F Russell, L J Richardson, G Woodward, L W Bisgrove, Dr. Royal, C Carruthers, L Humphries and J E Blake.

Bath had 7 1st XV regulars, playing for Somerset, and the Combination Clubs were again called upon to complete a side. Scorers were Woodward and Hope, and Bristol referee Walter Hole is recorded as having awarded Bath a Penalty Try. This report is at odds with another official: “Mr. W T Davis, the touch judge, tells me there was no penalty try awarded; it was Bisgrove who scored from a line-out.”

Harry Richardson was injured and left the field of play.

3/12/1921

v Newport,(First meeting) Away. Lost 5-8. Team;- H J Comm, P P Hope, Dr. Meine, J Russell, R S Chaddock, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F J Russell, L J Richardson, C Mannings, W H Sheppard, L W Bisgrove, G Woodward and J Blake. Attendance 8000. Bath took 480 supporters on an excursion train. Fixtures were to continue on a one match per season basis until 1933/34 season.

Bath were unfortunate to lose by a penalty goal, which was awarded in controversial circumstances. Jim Russell’s fly-kick towards touch was judged to be an obstruction, as the Newport wing three-quarter tripped and collided when charging through. Morgan got Bath’s try for Vowles to convert.

The upset of defeat was soon forgotten, when the Newport Supporters’ Club entertained their Bath counterparts at the Westgate Hotel.

AFTER THE MATCH

A BATH AND DISTRICT RUGBY SUPPORTERS’ CLUB OUTING

“To describe the harmony, the enthusiasm and the sporting spirit that prevailed at this function, the whole dictionary might be searched for adjectives, and yet not adequately express the good feeling prevailing. A feature of the concert was the magnificent singing of the Alexandra Dock Male Voice Choir directed by Mr. Brindley Williams. Their glees and part songs were grandly rendered.”

Bath Officials included Mr. Cecil Basden (Hon. Sec. of Bath Supporters’), Mr. A H W Taylor (Chairman), Mr. G A Roberts (Hon. Sec. Bath F C).

“The room was so crowded that a large number were unable to obtain admission.”

10/12/1921

v Cross Keys, Home. Lost 0-4. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, Dr F Meine, J Russell, R S Chaddock, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F J Russell, L J Richardson, C Mannings, W H Sheppard, N Blake, G Woodward and L W Bisgrove.

Cross Keys were billed as one of the best sides in the Kingdom. His Worship the Mayor agreed to kick-off and the Supporters’ Club had arranged for the match to be filmed. The match Collection was in aid of the ever-present St. John’s Ambulance Brigade.

“Considine came away, but was stopped by what looked like an unintentional kick, and then a free to Bath, followed by god (sic) work by Vowles, brought play to half way again.”

In the second half: “………..Jim Russell was loudly applauded for a wonderful pick up and kick. The ball however went to midfield, and Male gathering had plenty of time to take aim for a drop goal.”

17/12/1921

v Moseley, Away. Won 11-3. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, Dr. Meine, J Russell, A E Morgan, H Vowles, J T Webster, L J Richardson, C Mannings, N C Blake, G Woodward, R S Chaddock, C E Carruthers, Dr. W H Royal and L W Humphries.

Chaddock scored in the first five minutes, but after being involved in much of the early action was forced to come off with an injury. He was immediately involved upon return, and it was his pass that sent in Philip Hope for another try.

24/12/1921

v Coventry, Home. Won 34-0. Team:- H J Comm, Dr. Meine, L F Burt, J Russell, A E Anderson, H Vowles, S G U Considine, F Russell, L J Richardson, W H Sheppard, C Mannings, N Blake, G Woodward, L W Bisgrove, L Humphries.

Tries by Considine (2), Vowles, Fred Burt, Woodward (2), Dr. Meine, and Humphries. Conversions: -Vowles (2), Woodward (3)

Coventry were outclassed. George Woodward had a particularly good game against “the Cycle men.” His brother “Dilly,” being very impressed by his pace and clever play.

26/12/1921

v Mountain Ash, Home. Drawn 10-10. Team:- Whittaker, Skeates, Considine, L V Burt, Anderson, Vowles, Meine, F Russell, Humphries, Mannings, L J Richardson, Woodward, N Blake, Pope and Carruthers. Mountain Ash entered into the Yuletide spirit and contributed their share of an open game.

The former Bath fullback, Whittaker, had been playing for Combe Down, and was happy to help out. He was the only player in the Christmas games, who was in the Bath 1912-13 season.

“That last 10 minutes really will take some forgetting, and as it were gave the crowd a chance of getting their turkey and pudding off their chests, for what a yell there was when Vowles got away, Richardson scored, and then Woodward goaled.”

27/12/1921

v Gloucester, Home. Lost 3-13. Team:- Comm, Skeates, Webster, Meine, L V Burt, J Russell, Vowles, Considine, F Russell, Mannings, L J Richardson, Woodward, Carruthers, Sheppard and Bisgrove.

Some of Bath’s regulars were sadly missed, and Gloucester were the better side and deserved their win

31/12/1921

v Clifton, Away. Won 11-3. Team:- Jack Boyland (St. Stephen’s Old Boys),

H Richardson, Webster, H R Oldnall (ex Sherborne), L V Burt, Morgan, Considine, F Russell, Mannings, L J Richardson, Woodward, N Blake, Sheppard, Bisgrove and Pope.

Considine scored within three minutes of the start. “Another fine bout of passing sent the ball to Burt, who kicked across, and Oldnall, gathering well, scored a good try, which Woodward converted.”

“Bath penned the homesters in in the last 10 minutes, and Considine just missed a drop goal. Oldnall, Richardson, and Woodward made great rushes for the line, and then Mannings got away. He gave the ball to Russell, who handed it out to Considine. The latter scored a good try, but Woodward missed the converting shot.”

Harry Vowles was down with a severe cold, so the was the unusual sight of Morgan or Considine fulfilling the unaccustomed scrum-half roll.

 7/ 1/1922

v Stroud, Away. Won 6-0. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, G Woodward, W H Powell (Oundle), A E Anderson, J Russell, A E Morgan, F J Russell, L J Richardson, L W Bisgrove, J Pope, J Jones, J Dobson, W F Coles and G E Blake. A depleted side did extremely well against the ‘Gothamites’- Meine, Webster, Blake, Mannings and Sheppard were on County duty, whilst Considine was at the England Trial.

Both tries scored by Philip Hope. Bert Comm played an excellent game. W H Powell and George Woodward had good games as substitute centres.

14/1/1922

v Pontypool, Home. Won 3-0. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, A E Morgan, H Richardson, Dr. F A Maine, H Vowles, S G U Considine, L J Richardson, C Mannings, W H Sheppard, G Woodward, R S Chaddock, N J Blake, H V Kyrke, and S W Bisgrove.

Played in bitingly cold weather, the game, a large crowd were entertained to one of the best games of the season.

“………..but Considine got away in a champion run and kicked when opposed by Vaughan. Then the ball got loose and G Woodward picking up started Morgan to give to Richardson and he to Meine. The Doctor got in a champion wing run, and rounding his wing man and Vaughan the full back went over in the corner with a champion try.” “It was a good thing for Bath that Vowles was about. Ponty had two good halves who required some holding.”

21/1/1922

Away game with Teignmouth scrapped, as pitch unplayable.

Off fixture list game arranged, with Bath beating Somerset Light Infantry 48-0.

28/1/1922

v Bristol. Away. Lost 3-8. Team:- H J Comm, PP Hope, Dr. F A Meine, H Richardson, L M Basden, J Russell, H Vowles, A E Morgan, L J Richardson, C Mannings, W H Sheppard, R S Chaddock, L W Humphries, C E Carruthers and F Russell. Attendance estimates vary between 7,000 and 14,000. Let’s say, it was well attended!

Blake, Kyrke, Bisgrove, and Considine dropped out of Bath’s advertised team, so there were last minute replacements to be found. Nevertheless, Bath’s forwards put on a good show, and the first half

ended with no score. Fred Russell scored an opportunist try wide out near the end. Spectators were aggrieved when the referee pulled back Philip Hope, when a score seemed certain.

“And of Bath’s four-Harry Richardson was great-perhaps the best three-quarter on the filed.”

Charlie Carruthers played the game of his life, but again, a makeshift side could not beat their in-form Bristol rivals.

4/2/1922

v United Services, Home. Won 9-0. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, H Richardson, J Russell, Dr. F A Meine, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, L J Richardson, C Mannings, W H Sheppard, N J Blake, C E Carruthers, R S Chaddock and H V Kyrke.

The game was played in wretched climatic conditions, and the ground was simply dreadful. It did not help, that the first scrum was on the bad patch in front of the West Stand. Despite the weather, Bath handled very well and Joe Richardson was over five minutes from the start. Comm could not lift the heavy ball. Later: “When the ball went away to the three-quarters again, Harry Richardson picked up and made off towards the Doctor. Then he turned inside, doing the unexpected, and he completely beat the defence on his own and scored a great try behind the posts, but again Comm missed an easy kick.”

Near the end of the first half, a good three-quarter movement led to a forward scramble and Joe Blake scored wide out. Comm again failed to improve.

England halves W J Davies and C A Kershaw were absent from the Service side.

11/2/1922

v Coventry, Away. Won 9-8. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, H Richardson, J Russell, H R Oldnall, H Vowles, S G U Considine, L J Richardson, G E Blake, C Mannings, R S Chaddock, W H Sheppard, L W Bisgrove, N J Blake and C E Carruthers.

Bath tries from Sheppard, Hope and Vowles. “Blake’s goal kicking was good, although not successful.”

“Bath started well and there was some great dribbling by Richardson and Chaddock.

Bath had much the best of the opening stages, and both Richardson and Vowles came very near scoring, but the visiting forwards were not getting the ball. Considine was in great form and brought off some fine runs.”

“Bath’s performance in beating Coventry on their own ground on Saturday was a highly creditable one, for the cycle men are a tough proposition at home, and it was only Bath’s persistence in sticking at it to the end which brought them such a remarkable victory.”

18/2/1922

v Clifton, Home. Won 9-3. Team:- H J Comm, Dr. F A Meine, J Russell, H Richardson, J B Hannah (ex Kingswood School), H Vowles, S G U Considine, R S Chaddock, C Mannings, J Blake, L W Bisgrove, W H Sheppard, J Richardson, G E Blake and C E Carruthers.

Dr. Meine scored Bath’s first try; the passing had started on the half-way line, then the Doctor put in a great run outpacing everyone. He also got the second score after a Considine break around the scrum. In the second spell, Considine handled again, to send in Jim Russell. In his third game for the Club, J B Hannah showed any amount of grit and dash.

25/2/1922

v Bridgwater, Away. Drawn 3-3. Team:- H Comm, A E (Bert) Anderson, H Richardson, J Russell, P P Hope, H Vowles, Dr. F A Meine, F Russell, L J Richardson, C Mannings, W H Sheppard, R S Chaddock, N J Blake, L W Bisgrove, and C E Carruthers. Bath forwards put on a fine first half performance: “Five times out of six they got the ball, and Vowles sent it away very smartly, but there was a lot of knocking on.”

“Comm marked cleverly and kicked with great power. Vowles beat Howells, and from the next scrum the Dr. broke through strongly, then gave to Richardson, and he to Jim Russell, who scored a great try. Comm could not convert.” Bridgwater were much better in the second spell, and Bath had missed their chance.

4/3/1922

v Devonport Services, Home. Won 25-0. Team:- H J Comm, P P Hope, J Russell, H Richardson, Dr. L A Meine, A (Bert) E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, L J Richardson, W H Sheppard, R S Chaddock, F Russell, N J Blake, C Mannings and L W Bisgrove.

It was Club Captain Philip Hope’s last match before departure to Canada. Harry Vowles was the popular replacement. It was a just reward for 10 years service to the Club. Fittingly, it was described as the best game of the season.

Bath started with 14 men, as the Doctor was late. Upon arrival, he took the field amid: “a great ovation.” Bath tries from departing skipper Philip Hope (3), Harry Richardson (2), Considine (2), Vowles 2 kicked conversion. They were the first kicking successes since the Clifton match on December 31st !

11/3/1922

v Cross Keys, Away. Lost 0-3. H J Comm, N Skeates, L M Basden, J Russell, Dr. F A Meine, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, R S Chaddock, W H Sheppard, N J Blake, C Mannings, L W Bisgrove, C E Carruthers and L W Humphries.

Basden was off injured for most of this match and Vowles took some heavy punishment. Nevertheless, Bath’s 14, were considered to have done well in losing to the one try.

16/3/1922

v Newport, Home. Lost 3-7. Team:- Comm, Anderson, J Russell, H Richardson, Meine, Morgan, Vowles, Considine, Chaddock, Mannings, L J Richardson, Humphries, N Blake, Bisgrove, and Carruthers. Bert Anderson got Bath’s first half try.

18/3/1922

v Llanelly, Home. Drawn 0-0. Team:- H J Comm, Dr. F A Meine, H Richardson, J Russell, A Anderson, H Vowles, A E Morgan, L J Richardson, W H Sheppard, C Mannings, R S Chaddock, N J Blake, C E Carruthers, L W Bisgrove and L W Humphries. Llanelly included Welsh Internationals, in the Rev. J G Stephens and Albert Jenkins. Considine was Reserve for England. The Scarlets had the better of the game, and Bath were somewhat lucky to hold them to a pointless draw. Jenkins was outstanding for Llanelly, and Humphries had a fine game for Bath.

“As the result was a draw, it is doubtful whether the “dolly” will return to Carmarthenshire or spend the summer in Bath.”

Midweek

Old Crocks defeated, but unbowed – 31pts to 5pts. Old Crocks team:- G Parfitt, A F Kitching, W Stevens, J Johnson, V Holmes, A Hatherill, W Fear, F Cashnella, A Ford, F Russell, S Head, R Hulbert, T A Hanney, E Hodges and W R Royal.

25/3/1922

v Pontypool, Away. Lost 3-12. (1t to 1g and a drop goal) Team:- H G Comm,, J T Webster, J Russell, H Richardson, A E Anderson, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, L J Richardson, J Blake, R S Chaddock, C E Carruthers, W H Sheppard, L W Bisgrove and L W Humphries.

It was the Pontypool forwards who laid the foundation for their decisive victory.

30/3/1922

v Weston-super-Mare, Home. Won 31-0. Team:- H J Comm, I J Pitman, S G U Considine, H Richardson, L V Burt, J B Hannah, H Vowles, Dr. F A Meine, C Mannings, R S Chaddock, N Blake, C E Carruthers, Dr. W H Royal, G Woodward and L W Humphries. (Note:- I J Pitman and Considine at centre!) Tries from:- Mannings, Considine (2), H Richardson (2), and Pitman (2). Considine kicked a drop goal. Conversions:- Mannings, G Woodward , and Vowles

“Meine and Considine were especially noticed for their good work.”

6/4/1922

v Teignmouth, Away. Won 15-5. Team:- Comm, Powell, Webster, H Richardson, Substitute, Vowles, S G U Considine, Chaddock, Mannings, L J Richardson, H W Considine, N Blake, Dobson, Carruthers, and Substitute.

“It was a lovely day at Teignmouth on Thursday and the Bath boys played a champion game and won easily by 5 tries to a goal. With Bisgrove, Meine, Sheppard and Humphries unable to get away Bath had the assistance of two players from Newton Abbot.

Bath were in champion form and threw the ball about delightfully pleasing the Teignmouth crowd no end.”

NO VISIT TO PRINCETOWN

“Friday, however, was a wretched day nothing but rain, and the motor trip to Princetown had to be abandoned.”

8/4/1922

v Torquay, Away. Won 10-3. Team:- H J Comm, J T Webster, H Richardson, W H Powell, Dr. Meine, H Vowles, S G U Considine, L J Richardson, W H Sheppard, R S Chaddock, C E Carruthers, C Mannings, N J Blake, H W H Considine, and L W Bisgrove.

A feature of the early play was a run by Harry Richardson. Chaddock got the first try from Considine’s cross-kick. Played in glorious weather, the win was a fitting conclusion to a great weekend, enjoyed – both socially and on the Rugby filed.

15/4/1922

v Old Blues, Home. Drawn 9-9. Team:- H J Comm. Dr. Meine, H Richardson, J T Webster, A E Anderson, H W H Considine, H Vowles, S G U Considine, L J Richardson, W H Sheppard, N J Blake, C E Carruthers, C Mannings, R S Chaddock and G Woodward.

Harry Richardson (2), and Bert Anderson got the tries.

“Up forward there was little to choose between the two packs composed as they were of 14 of the hardest workers we have seen here for some weeks.

H W H Considine fitted in well with the Bath threequarters, who all passed really brilliantly at times, but again there were some bad misses.”

17/4/1922

v Stade Bordelais (Founded 1889) (H) Won 11-3. Match took place on Easter Monday under a £170 guarantee arrangement. The visitors were met at the G.W.R. Station, where the St. James Band entertained a large welcoming crowd. It was an “All Pay” match:- Enclosure 1/3d, Stand Enclosure 2/4d, Seats inside ropes 3/6, Stand 5/-. To open the proceedings, the Marseillaise and National Anthem were played in front of a 6000 crowd.

Team: Comm, J Russell, Webster, Meine, H Richardson, Morgan, Vowles, S G U Considine, Chaddock, Mannings, L J Richardson, Sheppard, N Blake, Bisgrove, Carruthers.

H Richardson, Chaddock and Meine got Bath’s tries, and Blake converted one.

“The Frenchmen were keen, fast and their tackling deadly-a little too much so, perhaps- but they still have a lot to learn before they can be termed a clever side. Their visit formed a distinct novelty for Bath people, and they drew a great crowd, but I do not think a french side will be such a draw again for some time.

They must have enjoyed their visit, and were very grateful indeed for the hearty reception they received from the Bath citizens as soon as they put foot in our city.”

18/4/1922

v Leicester, Home. Won 8-0. Team:- Comm, Pitman, Webster, H Richardson, S G U Considine, Meine, Vowles, Morgan, Chaddock, H W Considine, L J Richardson, Woodward, N Blake, Bisgrove and Carruthers.

I J Pitman joined the side, having played for Harlequins v Swansea the previous Saturday.

“Harry Richardson was again the star threequarter, and got a really clever try after a clinking run.”

Richardson converted his own try. Webster completed the scoring, well into the second half.

22/4/1922

v Bristol, Home. Won 6-3. Team:- H J Comm, Dr. F A Meine, J Russell, H Richardson, I J Pitman, A E Morgan, H Vowles, S G U Considine, L G Richardson, R S Chaddock, C E Carruthers, L W Bisgrove, G Woodward, C Mannings and L W Humphries. Bristol changed at the Baths and played in white. George Woodward scored under the posts, but there was no conversion. Then: “The ball went to Meine, who ran well, and then gave inside to Harry Richardson, who brushed Chantrill aside and scored amid great applause.” Bristol’s reply was a Pickle’s penalty. The half time score held, and Bath had won a splendidly contested game. It had been a great season!

TRIES:-

S.G.U.CONSIDINE 20 L.W.BISGOVE 2, H.RICHARDSON 13 N.BLAKE 2, F.A.MEINE 12 F.J.RUSSELL 2, P.P.HOPE 10 W.H.SHEPPARD 2, H.VOWLES 8 L.F.BURT 1, R.S.CHADDOCK 5 D.CLIFFORD 1, J.T.WEBSTER 5 L.W.HUMPHRIES 1, C.MANNINGS 4 A.E.MORGAN 1, G.WOODWARD 4 H.LOADER 1, A.E.ANDERSON 3 H.R.OLDNALL 1, L.V.BURT 3 W.H.POWELL 1, I.J.PITMAN 3 T.F.TURNER 1, L.J.RICHARDSON 3 A E MORGAN 1, A.G.HUGO (sub.) 1

GOALS:-

H.VOWLES 15 N.BLAKE 1, G.WOODWARD 15 S.G.U.CONSIDINE 1

Only 32 goals were converted, from 111 tries.

DROPPED GOALS:-

H.J.COMM 2, H.VOWLES 1, S.G.U.CONSIDINE 1.

CHIEF SCORERS:-

S.G.U.CONSIDINE 66 points

H.VOWLES 58 points

G.WOODWARD 40 points

COUNTY PLAYERS:-

N.BLAKE 4

C.MANNINGS 4

F.A.MEINE 4

W.H.SHEPPARD 4

H.VOWLES 3

S.G.U.CONSIDINE 3

H.RICHARDSON 2

R.S.CHADDOCK 1

H.V.KYRKE 1

J.T.WEBSTER 1

H J Comm played in 38 of the 40 matches.