1926 to 1927

1926-1927

Training to commence on the following Tuesday and Thursday, on the Somerset Boys’ Home ground, Lower Bristol Road at 7pm.

4/9/1926

v Leicester, Away. Lost 0-14. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, R Banks, I J Pitman, E Chard, H Slade, G Nudds, A F Lace, H B L Wake, E Dunscombe, A Milsom, W Banyard, H Burgess, R I Collett and C M Keatinge. It was generally agreed that the score flattered Leicester. The weather was perfect, and the pitch looked like a bowling green, as Bath turned out in a new set of jerseys. There was an appreciative crowd of around 7500, “including a remarkably large proportion of ladies. In the stand across the ground opposite the Press box the colours of the ladies’ summer frocks and hats made a remarkable picture.” Unfortunately, and from the very first scrum, Joe Nudds got a kick which rendered him useless for the rest of the game. Notwithstanding this early set-back the Bath forwards played “a champion game,” and outperformed their opponents. Leicester beat Bath, both for pace and ability in the backs, of which H D Greenlees was outstanding. “To my mind John Russell is the most awkward scrum half a team can run up against. He is ‘as big as a house’ and ‘as strong as a lion,’ and so it cannot be wondered at that Harry Slade had a very busy afternoon on.”

11/9/1926

v Moseley. Home. Won 18-13. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, R Banks, A F Lace (‘A’ XV skipper), E Chard, H Slade, G Nudds, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, E Dunscombe, A Milsom, W Banyard, R I Collett, N Matthews and H Burgess. Bath try scorers were Gibbs (2), Slade, and Nudds. Slade kicked a beautiful drop goal. Collett converted Nudd’s second try..

18/9/1926

v United Services, Away. Drawn 8 – 8. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, A F Lace, G Nudds, E Chard, C Brinkworth, H Slade, H B L Wake, R S Chaddock, E Dunscombe, A Milsom, R I Collett, W Banyard, N Matthews and H Burgess. There was a try from Wake, but Slade’s conversion kick was touched in flight. Almost at the end, there was a saving score by Gibbs, converted by Collett from wide out. The journey to Portsmouth is best forgotten – in blazing hot weather, it took just ten minutes under five hours! The kick-off was delayed, waiting for Wake and Lace. Bath started without them!

30/9/1926

v Weston-super-Mare, Home. Won 15-6. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, R Banks, G Nudds, E Chard, C Brinkworth, H Slade, S Chaddock, E Dunscombe, A Milsom, W Banyard, R I Collett, N Matthews, S Burgess and S Weeks. Bath started without Slade, nevertheless, Collett had scored and converted within three minutes of the start. Gibbs scored on half time for Slade to convert. “Collett led up to the next try with a good burst through. When he handled to Banks the Larkhall boy beat the opposition with a dummy and scored between the posts. Slade again goaled.” The visitors were congratulated on their style of rugby. “Speaking plainly, they made Bath go all the way, and perhaps deserved more than the six points they got.” Banyard was injured and Bath were beaten in the scrums.

2/10/1926

v Devonport Services, Away. Lost 5-17. Team:- E Chard, H C Partridge, J Nudds, R Banks, W J Gibbs, C Brinkworth, H Slade, R S Chaddock, R I Collett, E Dunscombe, A Milsom, W Banyard, H Burgess, N Matthews and S Weeks. It was an exciting game from beginning to end, which kept the crowd of 2000 highly delighted. There were a lot of support for Bath, “By the amount of noise they made one would have thought that every Jack there was a Bathonian. But all their shouting could not make Bath win.”

The extra weight of the Services pack won them the match.

“The home forwards were such a heavy lot that it was no unusual thing to see one of their number getting away with two or three Bath men hanging on him.”

Bath managed one try through Dunscombe, which Collett goaled. Following this, Bath had a particularly bad five minutes, when they let in three tries. Despite the loss, Brinkworth, Banks and Nudds had fine games.

.

9/10/1926

v Old Edwardians, Home. Won 14-6. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, A F Lace, H C Partridge, E Chard, C Brinkworth, G Nudds, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, A S Goold, R C Juckes, N Matthews, P R Skinner, H Burgess and S Weeks. It was a comfortable win for Bath by 1 goal, 3 tries to 2 tries from the Old Boys. Bath try scorers were Juckes, Gibbs, Partridge and Chard, with Weeks converting one. As expected, the boys from ‘Brum’ gave a rousing exhibition “and the game was fast and open from start to finish.” In the early stages of the game, Bath halves were “shockingly ineffective. They could neither attack themselves nor stop the other people when they got the ball…..” There was frequent fumbling in the three-quarters. However, Nudds was in fine form, and it was pleasing that he had won his place in the Somerset XV. Bath’s goal kicking effort was described as ‘shocking.’

16/10/1926

v Plymouth Albion, Away. Won 11-9. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, E C Morgan, S Watts, E Chard, W Hancock, C Brinkworth, J Lester, R S Chaddock, A Milsom, H Burgess, N Matthews, S E Weeks, W Usher, and A Morley(ex Bath now St. Stephen’s).

With a long injury list and four playing for Somerset and Harry Slade – Bermuda bound, it was a considerably weakened side that travelled to Plymouth.

Gibbs scored within five minutes of the start. Later Hancock got a capital try after running half the length of the field, providing Weeks with an easy conversion.. Hancock again figured in the final try, by feeding Gibbs after drawing the full-back. David James had a splendid game at full-back.

Bill Hancock

It was Bill Hancock’s debut and he was not called upon until 10pm on the Friday. He still had to go into work and ask special permission to leave with the team. He had represented Weymouth House School at Rugby, Soccer, running and swimming.. He played a sound game and showed great promise for the future.

23/10/1926

v St. Thomas Hospital, Home. Won 14-3. Team:- D James, E Chard, H C Partridge, R Banks, W Hancock, S Watts, C Brinkworth, G Nudds, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, R C Juckes, W Usher, E Dunscombe, N Matthews and S Weeks.

Bath tries:- Chaddock, Nudds, Banks, and Chard, and Weeks converted one.

“Many were disappointed that W. Hancock did not get a ghost of a chance. He did not get a single pass, and possibly would have got a couple of tries if Banks and Partridge had not neglected him.”

30/10/1926

v Newport, Home. Won 8-6. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, R Banks, I J Pitman, H C Partridge, E Chard, C Brinkworth, G Nudds, R S Chaddock, E Dunscombe, H Burgess, N Matthews, R I Collett, S Weeks and W Usher.

“ ‘TWAS A FAMOUS VICTORY” It was considered to be one of the hardest games Bath players had experienced: “It was 80 minutes’ real good Rugby, and the people on the popular side had as good a sixpennyworth as they will have for some considerable time. One enthusiast told me it was the first time he had been warm for a fortnight.”

SCORING OPENED BY BATH

“Bath, however, got a champion try 20 minutes from the start. I J Pitman cut through beautifully at the centre and then gave to Nudds with the defence beaten. NUDDS scored beneath the posts, but Collett missed an easy kick.”

SECOND HALF

“Within a minute of the restart Bath got a goal. Collett made a tremendous run and when the ball got loose, Dunscombe and Matthews carried on the ball going over the line near the posts USHER touched down to score and WEEKS goaled.”

6/11/1926

v Old Paulines, Home. Won 10-3. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, R Banks, W Hancock, E Chard, C Brinkworth, I J Pitman, S Watts, R S Chaddock, A Milsom, W Banyard, A S Goold, L Seal, S Weeks and N Matthews. Pitman and Hancock combined well in the early stages, with several good forays, but it was the second half before Pitman secured the first try, for Weeks to convert. Then it was Matthews turn and Weeks was again successful. “Once more I J Pitman made all the difference among the home backs. His straight cutting through puts sting into the Bath movements, and usually upsets the defence.. I.J. seems to have lost very little of his speed, and probably he would have got another try or two had he gone on all out by himself.”

“Hancock, I fancy, shows promise enough to be kept in the 1st XV regularly, that is, if there is a place for him when Nudds and Partridge return.”

Matthews was considered to be one of the most improved players in the side.

There was some evidence that Bath’s training programme was improving fitness levels: “On each Tuesday and Thursday there are always at least 30 players down. Jack Cutting and his ‘physical jerks’ have taken on splendidly, and there’s no doubt about it that Cutting knows his job and he does put them through it.”

The Club Flag had been purchased and presented by the two ladies who promised it. It was hoped that the colours would be flying for the Llanelly game,

13/11/1926

v Bristol, Away. Lost 0-8. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, R Banks, W Hancock, H C Partridge, C Brinkworth, I J Pitman, G Nudds, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, R I Collett, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, W Usher and H Burgess. It was a wet day, and only the most ardent supporters journeyed to the neighbouring city. There was an impressive ceremony at the memorial gates before the game. Both captains laid tributes of remembrance. Bath’s inscription read: “In grateful remembrance of those gallant members of the Bristol Rugby F C from their friends the Bath Football Club.” There was a large crowd, but the pitch was in dreadful condition. “Bristol were having the better of things, their forwards heeling well and their backs handling very accurately under the wretched circumstances.”

“Bath, however, played below their form all through, although no one appeared to be weak. Banks, Pitman and Hancock were all good, James was excellent, while Chaddock and Matthews were perhaps the most prominent of the visiting pack.”

20/11/1926

v Llanelly, Home. Lost 0-6. Team:- R Banks, W J Gibbs, L J Pitman, W Hancock, E Chard, C Brinkworth, G Nudds, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, R J Collett, H Burgess, W Usher and H R Juckes. Dreadful pitch conditions again: “The Clerk of the Weather would have a rough time of it if he were to bump accidentally up against a school of Football Club hon. Treasurers.” Llanelly were in top form, with the distinction of being the only Welsh side to beat the Maoris. Bath lost their ground record to one of the best sides in the Kingdom.

27/11/1926

v Edgware, Away. Won 5-3. Team:- D James, W Williams (St. Saviour’s O.B.’s), C E Morgan, R Banks, E Chard, C Brinkworth, G Nudds, A S Goold, W Banyard, H Burgess, W Usher, H C Brown, R I Collett, P R Skinner and S Weeks. Rain threatened and attendance was less the one hundred.

Headline: “A NARROW SQUEAK”

Bath saved the game in the last minute, when Burgess scored and Collett goaled.

THE VENUE

“Chandos Fields’ it is known as, and it is at the back of the Chandos Hostelry through whose farm yard we got to the ground. There were farm horses looking from their stalls to watch the game, and Rhode Island Reds walking down the touch line.”

4/12/1926

v Plymouth Albion, Home. Won 10-8. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, R Banks, W Hancock, H C Partridge, G Nudds, C Brinkworth, R S Chaddock, H B S Wake, N Matthews, A S Goold, H Burgess, P R Skinner, H R Juckes and S Weeks. Pitman had hoped to be playing, but he did not consider the form of Somerset response, gave him a definite clearance.

“Forwards played a capital game throughout, especially in the second half, when they brought off some very fine rushes. Gibbs (wing)…did not get a lot to do, but that was a capital try of his, very smartly engineered by Ralph Banks.” Bath tries:- Matthews, Gibbs. Nudds drop goal.

11/12/1926

v Richmond, Away. Lost 8-16. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, R Banks, H V Partridge, E Chard, C Brinkworth, G Nudds, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, R I Collett, H Burgess, A S Goold, and P R Skinner. Goold scored three minutes into the second half, and again, for a conversion by Collett. However, Richmond gave a brilliant exhibition of running Rugby and Bath were well beaten. Nudds went off injured and: “looked very groggy after the game.”

18/12/1926

v Bridgwater, Home. Won 9-3. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, H Slade, W Hancock, R Banks, C Brinkworth, G Nudds, R S Chaddock, W Usher, E Dunscombe, R I Collett, H Burgess, N Matthews, S Weeks, and P R Skinner. Bath tries:- Gibbs, and Dunscombe, then: “Collett did tremendous things from a line-out and then opening out from the loose, the Bath backs sent the ball again to Gibbs who made for the corner in great style and got there with a real good one.

No one expected Collett to goal, and he didn’t. ”

27/12/1926

v Old Blues, Home. Lost 3-13. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, I J Pitman, W Hancock, H C Partridge, G Nudds, A Tomlinson (ex Bishopston), H Slade, H B L Wake, A N Goold, E Dunscombe, R I Collett, N Matthews, H R Juckes, and H Burgess. “The Old Blues showed delightful handling and were very fast outside, Bath having all they could do to cope with their movements.”

I J Pitman played for the first time since November 20th. (L H Scott standing down). He did a tremendous amount of work, and was easily the most prominent Home back. Otherwise, the Bath backs’ play was disjointed, and had little concerted thrust.

28/12/1926

v Gloucester, Home. Lost 6-13. Team:- E Chard, W J Gibbs, I J Pitman, H C Partridge, L H Scott, A Tomlinson, G Nudds, H B L Wake, A N Goold, H R Juckes, L W Bisgrove, N Matthews, H Burgess, A Milsom and W Usher. Bath were leading at half time by two tries, Scott and Nudds, to one goal. On change of ends, Gloucester replied with tries by Loveridge and Short,

1/1/1927

v Richmond, Home. Lost 11-15. Team:- W Bishop (Walcot Old Boys), W J Gibbs, G Nudds, H Mackay, E Chard, H C Partridge, A Tomlinson, I J Pitman, H B L Wake, A N Goold, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, L W Bisgrove, R I Collett and H Burgess. Mackay scored early for Bath, which Collett converted. Collett followed up with a first half penalty. “Goold got a fine individual try after intercepting. He ran to the full-back, kicked over his head, and following up at great speed took the ball on the bounce to fall over with a great try.” However, Richmond had run in four tries and scored a penalty goal. The visitors played good Rugby and exhibited more dash; Bath had more of the overall play, but the Londoners deserved their win. “At times Bath’s tackling was lamentably weak.”

8/1/1927

v Old Cranleighans, Home. Won 19-3. Team:- D James, R Banks, H Mackay, G Nudds, W Hancock, A Tomlinson, S Watts, R S Chaddock, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, W Banyard, H Burgess, P R Skinner, W Usher and A Milsom. Bath try scorers were Matthews, Milsom, Tomlinson, and Watts. Burgess converted two and added a penalty It was the Old Boys’ first visit to Bath for a thoroughly enjoyable encounter. Dick Chaddock was more than pleased, exclaiming: “I have found a goal kicker.”

15/1/1927

v Cardiff, Away. Lost 5-13. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, R Banks, G Nudds, H Mackay, A Tomlinson, S Watts, H B L Wake, R S Chaddock, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, W Usher, R I Collett, A Milsom and P R Skinner. Cardiff scored two goals and a try to Bath’s try by Mackay, converted by Collett. The South Wales News referred to the match as: “This very poorly attended match was one of patches of sparkling brilliance intermingled with rather longer ones of desultory play. Cardiff just deserved to win, but a margin of 8 points certainly flattered them, for Bath’s young team fought strenuously and skilfully, but luck seemed against them. Their most carefully manoeuvred attacks came to premature endings through interceptions, and what was even worse, through erratic fly-kicking by the Cardiff defence.”

22/1/1927

v Devonport Services, Home. Won 9-0. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, G Nudds, I J Pitman, W Hancock, A Tomlinson, R Banks, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, R I Collett, A Milsom, A N Goold, and P R Skinner. Nudds, Gibbs (2) got the tries. A splendid match played in wretched conditions. Gibb’s second try was the “tit-bit “ of the game; on such a heavy ground, his run was considered a remarkable performance.

SOME MUD

“When I saw the forwards come off I thought ‘What a pity they haven’t to walk through town to the ‘Angel’ as they used to do in the good old days of yore.’ What fun the boys and girls would have had with them. It was difficult to tell Dunscombe from Chaddock, Chaddock from Dunscombe, or Wake from anyone else. I cannot remember players getting in such a state. I have known them wet-it was raining a few seasons ago in Plymouth I remember, but on Saturday it was MUD and thick mud at that. I pitied the Services ‘bag man’ who had to pack up the kit and get it to the station. While who ever has had to do the washing this week has had something to do.”

29/1/1927

v Llanelly, Away. Lost 0-24. Team:- W Bishop, S Farnham. E Clements, G Woodward, L M Basden (Bath Harlequins), F Rhymes, A Tomlinson, R I Collett, A Milsom, H Burgess, W Usher, N Matthews, S Weeks, R Strange (Bath Harlequins) and V Matthews. Bath sent a very depleted side to Wales. For a variety of reasons, only Collett, Tomlinson, Milsom, Burgess and N Matthews, of the regulars, were available.

A GLOOMY PICTURE

“The ground was shocking on one side and quite unfit for play. There were pools of water and the rest was mud. This was on the stand side. The other side did not look so bad. There were few spectators, the funeral of W Lewis taking place just before the start.”

“The homesters played with black bands, both sides lining up in front of the stand for a few moments silence prior to the match.”

“Throughout the game a gale of wind was blowing from the west.”

Llanelly were only one try up at half time, but although the forwards put up a good show, Bath were swamped, as Llanelly monopolised play in the second half.

On such an afternoon no one was sorry when the game was over, and the Llanelly people would, I fancy have been just as well pleased had they decided not to play at all, for there was only a poor crowd, and the conditions were dreadful.”

Several members and supporters were vexed and annoyed that Bath provided such a poor side.

WHY THEY DID NOT PLAY

It may be of interest to record the full non-availability and sick report:-

David James Unable to leave business in Chippenham owing to staff influenza.

Skinner Same circumstances.

Bill Gibbs Having been away two days, he could not afford more days off work.

I J Pitman Could not spend all day away from London duties.

Ralph Banks Flu.

E Dunscombe Flu.

H C Partridge In London on a course.

H Wake Could not get away from Cheltenham.

Goold Played for Oxford University against Blackheath.

Dick Chaddock Cut head.

Harry Slade Had been away in Southampton. Could have played if there had been a later train.

Nudds In Bath, but declined. Did not want to risk accident, having just started in Navy.

(Collett, Matthews and Banks were down with Flu the following week)

A letter to the Editor asked: “Granted that the 1st XV threequarters were unavailable, why should a club of Bath’s standing have to search the city for substitutes? If the ‘A’ or ‘Extra’ players are not capable as reserves, of what use are they?”

Later Editorial: “This all boils down to the fact that the best men in the city are in the Junior Clubs and not in the ‘A’s’ who will never be of any service to the 1st XV. Of the Extras, I know very little, but I hardly think it would have been wise to play the Extra threequarter line at Llanelly, and it must always be remembered that young players often get their hearts broken.”

5/2/1927

v R.A.F. Home. Won 11-10. Team:- W Bishop, W J Gibbs, D James, W Hancock, L M Basden, A Tomlinson, I J Pitman, H B L Wake, E Dunscombe, H Juckes, W Usher, A Milsom, P R Skinner, A N Goold and H Burgess. Bath were three points up in as many minutes. It is not clear whether Pitman or Basden secured in a scramble following a scrum near the R.A.F. line. Gibbs gathered splendidly for a second try. Finally the diminutive Tomlinson darted over for Burgess to convert. The servicemen clawed back to within one point – but Bath carried the day.

10/2/1927

v Bristol University, Home. Won 9-0. Team:- W Bishop (Walcot O.B.’s), W J Gibbs, R Banks, G Nudds, S Farnham, F Rhymes, W Farnham, E Dunscombe, A Milsom, R S Chaddock, P R Skinner, S Weeks, W Usher, Dr. B F Russell and A F Lace. Tries:- Rhymes, W Farnham and Dunscombe.

12/2/1927

v Moseley cancelled as ground unfit.

19/2/1927

v Leicester, Home. Won 18-8. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, H Mackay, W Hancock, L H Basden, G Nudds, A Tomlinson, I J Pitman, R S Chaddock, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, H Burgess, P R Skinner, A Milsom and H B S Wake.

Tries:- Gibbs, Tomlinson, Basden and Gibbs. Burgess converted three.

“Taken all round Bath played better together than they have done for a very long time. Some will tell you better than in the days before the war, and well enough to beat any side put against them. The backs were especially fast and piercing, and this had a lot to do with the victory.”

Tomlinson and Pitman had superb games. Bath forwards were: “simply splendid.”

26/2/1927

v Gloucester. Away. Lost 5-6. Team:- T Coles (St. Saviour’s Old Boys), E Chard, D James, W Hancock, L N Basden, A Tomlinson, I J Pitman, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, N Matthews, E Dunscombe, A Milsom, P R Skinner, R I Collett and H Burgess. James Pitman got Bath’s try, with Burgess converting. Bath were without Gibbs, Nudds and Mackay.

“If Bath’s forwards had put the life into it that they did against Leicester, they would have won. The Gloucester people showed much more fire, and they got the better of most of the line-out work.”

12/3/1927

v Blackheath. Home. Won 13-0. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, R Banks, W Hancock, L M Basden, A Tomlinson, I J Pitman, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, A N Goold, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, R I Collett, P R Skinner and H Burgess. Tries by Collett, Gibbs and Pitman, with Burgess converting two. Bath forwards gave another improved performance, and showed the benefit of regular training. The promotion of Skinner, as a specialist hooker, has had a marked effect.

26/3/1927

v Bristol, Home. Lost 3-15. Team:- D James, W J Gibbs, R Banks, G Nudds, L M Basden, A Tomlinson, I J Pitman, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, A Milsom, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, R I Collett, P R Skinner and H Burgess.

Bristol were soon three points ahead with a try by Lillicrap and Bristol’s full tally was one goal, two tries and a drop penalty to Bath’s single try scored by Basden. Bath played poorly, tackled weakly – and : “the Bath play seemed to go down with a bump.” There was a major set-back as Nudds fractured his collar bone. The redeeming feature was the splendid ‘gate,’ with 5811 paying for admission, but an actual attendance put at 7000……….And there was the singing!

The ‘after match’ included a Dance at the Pump Room.

2/4/1927

v United Services, Home. Won 11-0. Team:- D James, J B Hannah, I J Pitman, W Hancock, L M Basden, R D Howard, R Banks, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, N Matthews, W Usher, H Burgess, P R Skinner, A Milsom and E Dunscombe. Bath tries:- Milsom, Pitman, and Usher. Burgess converted one. Rain set in just on two o’clock and kept many away. Bath’s faulty handling lost them a lot of ground, but there was marked improvement in the second half. Pitman scored a neat try. Banks played well at outside half.

7/4/1927

v Bridgwater, Away. Won 8-3. Team:- D James, J B Hannah, K Holmes, W Hancock, V Williamson, R D Howard, W Farnham, R S Chaddock, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, W Usher, P R Skinner, S Weeks, A Milsom, and H Burgess. A good game to win, but a very hard game for the forwards, and they were still tired on the Saturday! W Hancock sustained a nasty cut to the chin.

Newcomers Howard, Farnham, Holmes and Williams did very well indeed. Of the regulars, James was outstanding at full-back. Hancock got a try. Burgess a conversion and penalty.

Referee: – Reverend Perry, Exeter.

9/4/1927

v London Irish, Home. Won 14-8. Team:- D James, J B Hannah, I J Pitman, H Burgess, L M Basden, A J Tomlinson, R Banks, R Chaddock, H B L Wake, N Matthews, W Usher, E Dunscombe, S Weeks, P R Skinner and A Milsom. Tries:- Basden, Burgess, Hannah and Pitman. Burgess converted one. Bath seemed to be playing with a sort of ‘end of the season’ lassitude. It was certainly Pitman’s last game for a while as he was shortly to be married. Nevertheless, his try was the best of the match.

Veteran Francis J Cashnella turned out for the ‘A’s against Swindon, and evidently gave a creditable performance. He started in 1898, and for the last five years, had tried to manage at least one game a season! “Cash is a wonder, and no mistake about it.”

16/4/1927

v London Welsh, Home. Won 9-7. Team:- D James, J B Hannah, R Banks, W Hancock, L M Basden, A J Tomlinson, W Farnham, H B L Wake, R S Chaddock, E Dunscombe, A N Gould, A Milsom, P R Skinner, H Burgess and W Usher.

Hannah scored within eight minutes but the Exciles countered with a drop goal to lead by one point at the interval. “Play was exceptionally fast, and there was some good tackling on both sides.” Bath regained the lead with a try by Dunscombe. Then came Bath’s third try: “Hancock made a bold bid to get through, and the ball went to Hannah, who raced over at the corner with a great try.

London Welsh winger, Bartlett crossed over near the finish, but Powell was unable to level.

18/4/1927

v Old Merchant Taylors, Home. Lost 8-18. Selected team:- D James, J B Hannah, R Banks, W Hancock, L M Basden, A J Tomlinson, W Farnham, R S Chaddock, H B L Wake, E Dunscombe, A N Goold, A Milsom, P R Skinner, H Burgess and W Usher. “The visitors looked the strongest lot of players we have seen this season. Man for man they were much heavier than Bath, their threequarters being all as big as Bath forwards. When once their threes got on the move, they took some stopping, but Bath’s tackling was dreadfully weak, and two tries at least came to the O.M.T.’s because of this.” “At half, Bath were beaten, inside and out, and neither Tomlinson nor Farnham had a very good day.” Hannah scored in one of Bath’s best moves, and his effort was capped with a long distance conversion by Burgess. Milsom scored a second try after good following up.

19/4/1927

v Edgeware, Home. Won 26-3. Bath won by 2 goals, 4 tries and a drop goal to 1 try. Anderson had his first game for the 1st XV this season and was partnered at centre by newcomer Kenneth Holmes. Hannah had a good game, and scored two tries. A N Goold and Wake were prominent in the forwards. T Coles was an able deputy at full back. ( Full team not published)

Bath won against weaker opposition. Edgware had an exhausting Easter programme, playing an additional game on Good Friday. “Bath had not, and most probably never will.”

23/4/1927

v Wellington. Home. Won 16-8. Team:- D James, J B Hannah, K Holmes, A E Anderson, W Hancock, A J Tomlinson, R Banks, H B L Wake, E Dunscombe, N Matthews, A N Goold, A Milsom, P R Skinner, H Burgess and W Usher.

“Bath finished off with a win alright, and should have got more points, for they threw away tries in the second half and allowed Wellington to put on 8 points in the last quarter of an hour……Holmes and Hancock meant a very strong wing. The latter seems to have a liking for the Johnstone Street corner, and went for it in great style. He has played in the last seven matches and got seven tries.

Bath tries:-Hannah. Usher, and Matthews. Drop goal Holmes, who also kicked a dropped penalty goal.

THE RECORD

For: 31 goals; 4 drop goals; 4 penalty goals; 49 tries; 330 points.

Against: 27 goals; 2 drop goals; 8 penalty goals; 43 tries; 296 points.

SCORERS

TRIES: W J Gibbs 16 (In 23 games); J B Hannah 7 (In 7 games); I J Pitman 6 (In 16 games); G Nudds 5; E Dunscombe 5; N Matthews 4; A N Goold 4; R Banks 3; W Usher 3; A Tomlinson 3; A Milsom 3; L M Basden 3; R I Collett 2; E Chard 2; W Hancock 2; H Burgess 2; H Mackay 2; L Scott, H Slade, H B L Wake, H C Partridge, H Juckes, R S Chaddock, S Watts and K Holmes 1 each.

TRIES by backs 54; tries by forwards 26.

GOALS FROM TRIES: H Burgess 13; R I Collett 8; S Weeks 6; H Slade and K Holmes 2 each.

DROPPED GOALS: K Holmes 2; H Slade 1; Nudds 1.

PENALTY GOALS: H Burgess 2; R I Collett and K Holmes 1 each.

APPEARANCES:

Full Backs: D James 27; W Bishop 3; E Chard and T Coles 2; R Banks 1.

Three-quarters: W J Gibbs 23; R Banks and W Hancock 18; H C Partridge and L M Basden 11; G Nudds 8; I J Pitman and J B Hannah 7; H Mackay and A F Lace 4; K Holmes 3; D James, C Morgan, S Watts, V Williams, H Burgess, and A E Anderson 2; H Slade, L Scott, S Farnham, E Clements and G Woodward 1 appearance.

Halves: A Tomlinson 17; C Brinkworth 14; G Nudds 12; I J Pitman 9; R Banks 6; H Slade5; S Watts and W Farnham 3; K Howard and J Lester 2; F Rhymes once.

Five-eighths: H Slade and G Nudds once each.

Forwards: N Matthews and H Burgess 31, E Dunscombe 28; R S Chaddock 25; H B L Wake 24; A Milsom 23; R I Collett and P R Skinner 19; W Usher 18; A N Goold 15; S Weeks 14; W D Banyard and H Juckes 7; L W Bisgrove 2; A F Lace, S Pearce, V Matthews, H E L Brown, L Seal, A Morley, P Strange and E Keatinge once each.