1971 to 1972

1971-1972

1/9/1971

v Pontypool, Home Won 12-6. Team:- M Polledri, T Norris, R Elliott, B Perry, P B Glover, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, P J K Parfitt, M Gould, M R Hannell, B Jenkins, K Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, D J Gay. Try by Phillips, converted by Elliott. Elliott kicked two penalties.

Malcolm Lloyd made a welcome return from injury. He had been out since 12th December 1970.

It was Martyn Gould’s, Oldfield O.B.’s 1st XV debut.

Bath opened the season on a winning note, although their performance indicated that a number of aspects of their play would need to be tidied up. They had built up a twelve point lead and then relaxed to such an extent that the last thirty minutes was occupied in desperate defence as Pontypool came back at them. There were certainly questions as to the pack’s staying power. Bath were lively enough at the start, Walkey’s driving run opened up the defence, only for Perry to drop the scoring pass right on the line. However, a penalty was to follow, and Elliott opened the scoring from an easy position. Gould was getting the better of the hooking duel, with five strikes against the head – no mean feat against Pontypool! Next Phillips ghosted through for a blindside try, which Elliott converted with a fine touchline kick. Elliott followed it with a superb 35 yard, angled penalty, soon after half time. Bath should have had the game in the bag – but there were many anxious moments as the visiting flank forwards- Cobner and McCabe, led the Welsh revival.

4/9/1971

v Cheltenham, Home. Lost 0-20. Team:- A Gay, T Norris, R Elliott, B Perry, P B Glover, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, P J K Parfitt, A Parfitt, K Plummer, M R Hannell, B Jenkins, R J Walkey, R Lye, D J Gay.

A car breakdown, meant that Polledri failed to turn up on time and Bath played 20 minutes with 14 men, with Walkey as make-shift full-back. Once again they fell pray to the ‘Garden City’ men, with a ragged and indifferent display. Redwood was quick to perceive Bath’s weaknesses and came very close to scoring in the opening minutes. Bath were 6 points down by half-time, and continued on the retreat for most of the second spell. At the finish, Cheltenham had run in four tries and Bath trudged off thoroughly demoralised. Terry Norris (Walcot O.B.’s debut)

6/9/1971

v Somerset. Home. Won 16-8. Tries:- M Polledri, R S Elliott, N Hudson, B Perry, T D Norris, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, M D Hannell, M Gould, N Carter, K M Plummer, R Wheeler, R J Walkey, R Lye, D J Gay. Referee – Mike Titcombe (BRISTOL)

The team effort had taken a nasty knock in the Cheltenham game, but there was reason for optimism after a lively performance against Somerset. Phil Hall turned out for the United, and it was hoped that he would soon be pressing for his premier team wing-forward spot. The arrival of Radley Wheeler had re-invigorated ‘the engine room,’ and Malcolm Lloyd and Ken Plummer were attuning themselves to first class football. Newcomers, such as Terry Norris and Nick Hudson were showing early promise.

Bath eventually pounded the County into submission, with an improved performance from their much-maligned forwards. Gould gave another impressive performance at hooker. Tries by Polledri and Norris, with Elliott converted one and kicking two penalties.

Notably, Somerset included Jim Waterman, then Clifton and Mike Beese, then Liverpool.

11/9/1971

v Leicester, Away. Lost 10-22. Team: – M Polledri, R S Elliott, N Hudson, B Perry, T D Norris, G Phillips, M S Lloyd, N Carter, M Gould, J Meddick, K Plummer, R Wheeler, R Lye, R J Walkey, D J Gay. A below strength Bath spent most of the game on the defensive and Leicester came through as worthy winners. Bath managed a try from Gay, and Elliott kicked two penalties. (0-6 half-time) Bath had neither the pace nor power to launch any real threat against an ‘in form’ side.

16/9/1971

v Clifton, Home. Won 39-14. Team:- B Thompson (ex Bristol), T D Norris, D Jenkins, N Hudson, R S Elliott, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, J M Meddick, A G Parfitt, N K Carter, R J Wheeler, K M Plummer, L Lye, R J Walkey, D J Gay.

B Thompson’s first senior game for club. Clifton included former Bath players, Jim Waterman and George Byas. “A vintage performance by fly-half Geoff Phillips transformed Bath from early uncertainty into almost their arrogant old selves…..” “First with his uncanny knack of dropping goals and then with his bewildering side-stepping runs, he completely demoralised plucky Clifton.”

Bath tries by Norris, Jenkins, Phillips (2), Plummer and Gay, with Elliott converting two, Thompson landing a penalty and finally – two superb drop goals from Phillips.

18/9/1971

v Moseley. Home, Won 23-13. Team:- B Thompson, R S Elliott, D Jenkins, N Hudson, I F Duckworth, B Perry, M C Lloyd, J M Meddick, A G Parfitt, N K Carter, R J Wheeler, K M Plummer, R Lye, R J Walkey, D J Gay.

Tries by Elliott (2), Duckworth, and Plummer. Jenkins drop goal. Walkey 2 conversions.

Bath did well to overtake Moseley after a 4-7 reverse at half-time. Although mistake-ridden, it was a nonetheless exciting game, with fluctuating fortunes almost until the end. Sam Doble’s lengthy kicking and sound tackling was a major feature in the midlanders’ play, but their handling became ragged, enabling Bath to counter attack strongly.

22/9/1971

v Newport, Away. Lost 6-40. Kicked-off at 7-15pm. Floodlit. Lost 6-40.

Team:- B Thompson, R S Elliott, D Jenkins, N Hudson, I F Duckworth, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, J M Meddick, N Gould, N K Carter, R J Wheeler, K M Plummer, R Lye, D J Gay, R J Walkey.

Down to earth with a bang at Rodney Parade, as Bath suffered a crushing defeat. There was a lack of commitment in the pack and abdication by Bath’s normally efficient covering defenders. The Welsh side seemed to be able to cut through the Bath ranks at will. Lack of line-out ball was but the start of their troubles. Newport prospered from their ample possession, while the Bath backs seldom had an opportunity to string all but a couple of passes together. Bereft of ideas, Lloyd tended to kick the ball away, as Bath back-peddled desperately. Two penalties were kicked by Walkey, but it was Bath’s most decisive beating for many a long day.

25/9/1971

v Exeter, Away. Lost 21-26. Team:- B Thompson, R S Elliott, D Jenkins, N Hudson, R Ascott, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, J M Meddick, M Gould, N K Carter, R J Wheeler, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall. Tries Walkey (3), and Jenkins. Drop goal Phillips, Conversion Walkey.

Phil Hall made a welcome return to the Bath colours. Stothert’s Ascott was brought in to fill the left wing spot. Bath were again in lethargic mood and got off to a shocking start, conceding a try from a line-out, in the very first minute. Throughout the game, they were often left grasping at straws. What chances presented, were often wasted because of failure to set up attacking positions, and lack of pace in the back division.

30/9/1971

v Gloucester, Home. Lost 3-12. It was the 1st Round of newly formed R.F.U. Knock-out competition involving 32 clubs, and displaying a lack of confidence, Bath did not enjoy the experience!

Team:- B Thompson, R S Elliott, D Jenkins, N Hudson, R Ascott, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, J S Parsons, M Gould, N K Carter, R J Wheeler, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, P R Hall, R Lye. Elliott penalty goal.

It was an All Ticket Match. West Stand seats 35p, Ground admission 20p.

This opener certainly did not fulfil the competitions declared aim of encouraging try scoring. All the points came from kicks! The crowd waited in vain for any fluent attacking movement of note.

“……..Gloucester’s pack, grinding forward relentlessly, handed out a stern lesson in almost every aspect of combined play.” Full back Thompson emerged with credit and Hall and Lye worked furiously in the Bath cause. Elliott did pull Bath back with a 35 yard penalty, but at no time did they look capable of any sort of sustained revival.

2/10/1971

v Saracens, Away. Lost 7-30. Team:- B Thompson, R Ascott, B Perry, N Hudson, R S Elliott, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, J Meddick, A Large, N C Carter, B Jenkins, R Wheeler, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.                                                                                                                                                                                                             Bath had already been hit by injuries and were forced to make further late changes. Large from Combe Down came in for Gould. The home side’s points scoring was confined to the first half – a drop goal by Phillips and a try scored by N Hudson.

Perry, Elliott, Thompson and Ascott made a number of unsuccessful attempts to pierce the Saracen’s defence, but their line held firm. In the forwards, Robbie Lye caught the eye with some strong running.

9/10/1971

v London Irish, Away. Lost 12-13. Team:- B Thompson, R S Elliott, D Jenkins, N Hudson, T D Norris, B Perry, M C Lloyd, P J K Parfitt, A Parfitt, F Carter, P B Heindorff, B Jenkins, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.                                                                                                                                                                                             It was Pete Parfitt’s 409th game. The Irish took an early lead when Phil Hall was caught offside. Next, Grimshaw intercepted Elliott’s pass and raced 50 yards for a try which Grindrod converted, establishing a nine point lead after 15 minutes. Bath fought back, particularly Peter Parfitt and a re-invigorated Pete Heindorff. Walkey was unlucky with a penalty attempt as Bath came more into the game. David Jenkins failed dismally with a drop goal attempt. Then Randell ran in a spectacular try for the Irish from another interception. Bath reduced the arrears with a try by Hudson, which Elliott converted. “Right on the final whistle there was an amazing episode. Bath hammered away for a score which eventually came when Lloyd went over from the scrum and Elliott converted. But all the time whilst the move was going on the London Irish touch judge on the other side of the field was standing with his flag raised. It seemed that the referee had overruled him. There could be no other answer.”

16/10/1971

v Bristol, Home. Lost 3-15. Team:- B Thompson, R Ascott, N Hudson, R S Elliott, T D Norris, B Perry, M C Lloyd, F Carter, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall. Hudson penalty goal.

In addition to the civic dignitaries, the official party included Mrs Molly Gerrard, accompanied by her son Duncan. It was Phil Hall’s 400th 1st XV game. News that Ian Duckworth was giving up the game. Despite having played over a 100 1st XV games, he had only appeared twice that season. He was now living in Exeter.

Bath made a good fight of it, against a free running Bristol side, but it was Alan Pearn’s consistency with the boot that put paid to Bath’s aspirations. Roger Elliott had put Bath in the lead with a penalty on the quarter hour, but it was mainly downhill thereafter. A slippery ball had the home defence in a tangle and David Tyler touched down smartly for Pearn to convert. Gabitass and Williams were giving Bath no end of trouble; Perry was caught offside and Pearn obliged with a penalty. Then Pearn added another netting himself a total 89 points in his nine matches for Bristol. At the end, Nicholls took Pearn’s pass from a scrum, and topped up Bristol’s lead with an easy drop goal.

23/10/1971

v St. Mary’s Hospital, Away. Lost 23-24. Team:- T D Martland, R Ascott, N Hudson, R Elliott, T D Norris, B Perry, M C Lloyd, P J K Parfitt, M R Hannell, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R S Smith, P R Hall.

Tries Ascott, Parfitt and Walkey. Elliott, one conversion and three penalty goals.

It was Bath’s seventh successive defeat at the hands of ‘middle of the road’ St. Mary’s Hospital. Certainly they did not rank in the top echelon at this period of time. The away loss came as a bit of a shock, after encouraging displays against London Irish and Bristol. Bath continued to suffer from a lack of pace in the backs and a lack of experience overall. The game highlighted the need for a top class coach.

24/10/1971

At Bristol – An International XV v St. Brendan’s College Old Boys XV.

Bath’s Brendan Perry, playing for the Old Boys, faced a star studded side which included – Mike Gibson (Ireland), Peter Glover and David Gay (Bath and England), John Bevan , Barry John and Gareth Edwards (Wales). It is interesting to recall that Brendan Perry won England Caps at all levels – except the Full England side. His son Matt was to heap even more distinction on the Perry family. It should also be remembered that Matt’s grandfather Idris, a Combe Down stalwart, also played for Bath.

30/10/1971

v Neath, Away. Lost 7-15. Team:- B Thompson, T D Norris, R Ascott, B Perry, M Polledri, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, P J K Parfitt, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall. Bath scored a try through Norris and a penalty by Walkey.

This was a seventh loss in a row, but a markedly committed performance in a game full fine individual efforts and thrilling passages of play. The Welshmen took an early lead with a converted try. This caused alarm and confusion in Bath’s defence and a penalty was yielded to Lauder from in front of the posts. However, Bath rallied and came back strongly, first with a penalty by Walkey, and then Ascott ran through the centre to send in Norris for an unconverted try. (Neath 9, Bath 7 at half-time)

Bath weathered the storm for much of the second half, with good defensive kicking from Thompson and Phillips, but Neath had the best of it, with a late try by Jenkins, which Lauder converted. Malcolm Lloyd took a knock near the end and was limping badly.

6/11/1971

v Bridgend, Away. Lost 22-34. Team:- B Thompson, M Polledri, R Ascott, B Perry, T D Norris, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, P J K Parfitt, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.

Bath tries by Thompson, Phillips, Lloyd, A Parfitt. Walkey three conversions.

The run of losses continued despite a spirited display, hampered by the loss of Polledri after 25 minutes.

Bath found it heavy going and a string of penalties against them, hardly added to their composure. However, Bath responded to Bridgend’s second penalty success, when Phillips made a wriggling run through the home side’s cover and slipped to Lloyd, who dived over. Walkey converted. Bath were then to see Bridgend’s Williams, Griffiths and Billy Raybould storm over for tries, but still managed to square up with commendable spirit. Bath scored a try through full-back Thompson, but the Welshman kept up the pressure when prop forward Thomas stormed over for Lang to convert. Again, Leighton Thomas touched down and Lang added the extras. Bath were really flagging now, but there was fight in them yet; Parfitt cut through with a try for Walkey to convert. Next, Walkey snapped up a loose ball, switched direction, and sent in Phillips, for Walkey to again do the honours. All in all, it was a creditable effort against a very polished Welsh outfit.

13/11/1971

v South Wales Police, Home. Won 7-6. Team:- T D Martland, D J Taylor, N Hudson, R Ascott, T D Norris, B Perry, C Perry, P J K Parfitt, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, R J Wheeler, B Jenkins, G Pillinger, R J Walkey, P R Hall. Geoff Pillinger’s (ex Keynsham) first senior game.

At last a win after a run of nine losses! This was largely a reserve side, but they achieved, albeit, the narrowest of victories at the right time. The Police had scored a penalty within three minutes, and a spate of penalty awards was to follow. At last Bath ran out of defence and crisp handling was rewarded by a try by Norris, who shook of several defenders in a run from half-way. Walkey just missed with the conversion, but Bath had regained a measure of confidence, and continued to throw the ball about. In turn, the Police forwards came storming back, and it took a last ditch fly hack by Perry to save the situation. Playing at full-back, Martland demonstrated his willingness to join the open play, but sometimes leaving the rear lines exposed to the wily Ron Evans. Protheroe landed a penalty after 35 minutes, but Walkey responded in kind. (Bath leading 7-6 at half-time)

The partnership of the two Perrys was working smoothly, and Wheeler and Brian Jenkins did well in the line-out. However, no further scores materialised and Bath held on to their single point advantage.

17/11/1971

v Bridgwater, Away. Won 23-16. Team:- B Thompson, T D Norris, R Ascott, B Perry, D Taylor, G Phillips, C Perry, P J K Parfitt, A G Parfitt, B Meddick, P B H Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.

Tries:- Hall (2) and A Parfitt. Thompson 1 conversion, 3 penalties.

This was no game for the faint hearted and there were many torrid moments before Bath could chalk up their first away win of the season. At one stage they saw their 17-4 lead whittled down to a single point difference with twenty minutes to no side. There was a strange lethargy in the pack; in contrast, the Bridgwater eight dictated terms in no uncertain manner. Dovey was the disruptive force in the front row, so much so, that Peter Parfitt had to be hurriedly switched with Bert Meddick, to tighten up the binding. Phillips eventually turned defence into attack with an astute kicking display. Then: “Alan Parfitt took a tap down at the front of the line-out to burst through and set up a try for Hall.”

Thompson kicked three penalties and more good line-out work allowed Alan Parfitt to snatch a second try. Then for some strange reason, the Bath effort deteriorated alarmingly. Employing the ‘up and under,’ Bridgwater rampaged back with two converted tries. At last, Phil Hall burst through for the winning try, which Thompson converted.

20/11/1971

v Newbridge, Home. Won 20-0. Team:- B Thompson, T D Norris, N Hudson, R Ascott, D Taylor, G Phillips, C Perry, M R Hannell, A G Parfitt, P J K Parfitt, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall. Despite a steady downpour, Bath took their chances in open play, and their effort was boosted by two smart drop goals by fly half Phillips. Honours were even in an early full-back kicking dual, but there was little constructive play, as passes were frequently dropped or went astray. It was a generally untidy and scrappy game in consequence. Bath established a 7-0 lead at half time, when Perry scored following a loose heel and Phillips dropped a smart 35 yard goal. Perry commenced proceedings with Bath’s second half effort, Phillips carried the attack forward and then Hudson swept through the Newbridge defence to touch down, for Thompson to convert. Phillips landed the second of his drop goals, and as Bath began to coast through to victory, Hudson outpaced the defence for a final try.

27/11/1971

v U.S. Portsmouth, Away. Lost 13-20. Team:- M Polledri, D Taylor, R Ascott, N Hudson, T Norris, R Elliott, C Perry, P J K Parfitt, A G Parfitt, N Carter, K Plummer, B Jenkins, G Pillinger, R J Walkey, P R Hall. Tries:- Polledri and Norris. Walkey 1 conversion, 1 Penalty.

Referee was reported as: “not very good, played a tune on his whistle!”

Prop Niall Carter had reason to be disappointed after this match. On the 13th November he was in the original Somerset selection. (replaced by Hamish Bryce). Following this Services game, he was dropped to the Spartans. Comment was that, he did not have a particularly good match – but then, who did? Again, there was the Somerset selection of David Gay, but he was unable to make Bath’s premier team. Robbie Lye was the current first choice, but some rotation was suggested, to avoid players losing interest.

4/12/1971

v London Scottish, Home. Won 23-14. Team:- R Elliott, T D Norris, N Hudson, D Jenkins, M Polledri, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, M R Hannell, A G Parfitt, P J K Parfitt, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.

Bath Tries:- Plummer (2) and D Jenkins. Phillips drop goal. Elliott conversion and 2 Penalties.

A welcome win at a time of fluctuating fortunes, Bath showed something of their old form. Bath led by 14 points to 4 at the interval, and were coasting to a comfortable win. However, the Scots were determined to make a game of it and came back with a burst of ten points in a two minutes ‘purple patch.’ There were some glorious handling movements on both sides and Bath were full of fire to the end. Elliott was just wide with a last minute penalty attempt. It was greatly encouraging.

11/12/1971

v Gloucester, Away. Lost 16-24. Team:- M Polledri, T D Norris, D Jenkins, N Hudson, D J Taylor, R S Elliott, M C Lloyd, P J K Parfitt, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, K M Plummer, B Jenkins, R J Walkey, R Wheeler, P R Hall.

The game opened with a plethora of penalties, but both side’s kickers were off the mark. Wheeler, Walkey and Jenkins were prominent in the forward effort, but it was Gloucester who registered the first success, when yet another penalty was awarded, and Stephens duly landed a goal. Gloucester’s Bayliss was then prominent in attack and it took three defenders to put him down. Elliott’s kick brought relief from a dangerous situation. Almost on the interval, Walkey forced himself over for a try, which Elliott converted. (Bath led 6-3 at half time)

“…..Gloucester roared to the attack on the resumption.” and built up a practically unassailable lead in the second half. Nevertheless, Bath staged a fine rally, with splendid tries by Plummer and Taylor, with Elliott converting the first of these efforts.

18/12/1971

v Llanelli, Home. Lost 0-34. Team:- B Thompson, J S Waterman, D Jenkins, N Hudson, T D Norris, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, P J K Parfitt, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, P B Heindorff, B Jenkins, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.                                                                                                                                                                  Jim Waterman had just returned from Clifton, but Bruce Thompson held the full-back spot. There was keen competition for places and Niall Carter and David Gay also had to content themselves with United games.

Bath were beaten out of sight with a full repertoire of skills unfolded by a crack Llanelli side. Coached by Rugby legend Carwyn James, it is interesting to record the Scarlets’ selection:- R Davies, A Hill, W J Davies, R Bergiers, R Mathias, P Bennett, S Williams, A Crocker, R Thomas, B Llewelyn, D Quinnell, H Jenkins, C John, J Vaughan and A James.

In all, they ran in eight tries and converted one. Mathias bagged three tries, with Bennett, as usual the master technician, with his uncanny dodging runs and ability to open up the tightest defence.

From following week’s Bath Programme Notes: “The only thing to be said about last Saturday’s match with Llanelli is what a fine side they are.”

Sadly, it left the home side “lifeless and bitterly disappointed.”

27/12/1971

v Streatham & Croydon, Home. Won 20-3. Team:- B Thompson, J S Waterman, D Jenkins, N Hudson, T D Norris, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, P J K Parfitt, A G Parfitt, J Meddick, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.

Tries:- N Hudson (2), Waterman, and Phillips. Thompson 2 conversions.

A muddy pitch slowed operations to a tempo which befitted recent Christmas festivities. Phillips put on another fine kicking display, as the ball degenerated from slippery to heavy, and handling became increasingly difficult. In these conditions, it was not surprising that it took 30 minutes to advance the score. This was finally gained by a try by Phillips, who jinked through on the blind-side and touched down wide out. Near half-time, Hall got away and set up Hudson for the next try, which Thompson converted. Finally, Phillips fielded a high ball, and after a bit of a juggling act, Hudson dribbled through to touch down. Thompson put Bath out of reach.

EVER PRESENT

At the half-way stage, Skipper Roger Walkey was the only player with a 100% attendance record.

In his 16 games, Roger Elliott was the top scorer with 57 points made up of 13 penalties, 10 conversions and 2 tries.

1/1/1972

v Leicester, Home. Won 17-15. Team:- J S Waterman, R S Elliott, N Hudson, P Binham, T D Norris, G Phillips, R Harding, N K Carter, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.                                                                                                                                                             Richard Harding, ex Millfield and Schoolboy International was called up for his first game of the season and Oxford Blue, Peter Binham made his debut. David Gay was again obliged to turn out for the United.

Bath led 13-7 at half time and just managed to keep ahead to the finish. Their visitors strove manfully despite the loss of wing forward Chris Baynes just before the interval. All the early pressure had come from Leicester with Peter Wheeler once making a strong touch-line run and linking with his forwards. The Tigers, with their superior rucking looked the sharper side. However, Bath were not to de denied, and their first advance followed a quick heel, allowing Phillips time to drop a smart goal, his 13th of the season. However, Leicester soon replied with Barker’s equalising penalty. Next, Heindorff thundered through from a ruck, the ball was fed to the diminutive Norris, who lost no time dashing over, leaving Walkey to achieve a touch-line conversion. Two minutes later, Heindorff repeated his earlier effort; this time his 18 1/2 stone spread-eagled all comers, and he plunged over amid the loudest cheer of the afternoon. The Tigers completed their first half effort with a try by Adey. (13-7)

Leicester started the second half with considerable fire and enterprise, but again this was countered by a bulldozing run by Heindorff, and another link with Norris for his second try.

In turn, Leicester came back at Bath, with Horner and Money registering tries. Roger Elliott missed a penalty, which was the signal for the Tiger’s final onslaught, which threatened to run Bath ragged. The homesters lived out those final desperate minutes with some last ditch match-saving kicks from Phillips and Waterman.

8/1/1972

v London Welsh, Away. Lost 0-54. Team:- J S Waterman, R Elliott, P Binham, M Hudson, T D Hudson, B Perry, M C Lloyd, P J K Parfitt, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, K M Plummer, R J Wheeler, R Smith, R J Walkey, P R Hall.

Bath ceded no less than seven players to County calls, and had the misfortune to square up with London Welsh at the pinnacle of their playing prowess. The home side fielded 11 Internationals, including 7 British Lions, playing their first game since return from tour. The Welsh crossed the Bath line on ten times, and converted of seven occasions. The Bath backs managed to defend valiantly for the first 20 minutes and then the flood gates were opened. It is as well to record the London Welsh side:- J P R Williams, T G R Davies, S J Dawes, K Hughes, J L Shanklin, D Llewellyn, J Shore, T G Davies, A P Baker, L C Jones, T G Evans, M G Roberts, J Taylor, T M Davies and A J Gray.

12/1/1972

v Royal Navy, Home. Won 22-10. Team:- B Thompson, R Elliott, N Hudson, D Jenkins, T D Norris, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, J Meddick, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, D J Gay, R Lye, P R Hall.

After a scrappy start, the Navy took the lead with a try, but Thompson countered with two penalties to give Bath a first half lead of 6-4. After the interval, both Norris and Hall bagged a brace of tries for a comfortable win.

15/1/1972

v Metropolitan Police, Away. Won 21 –7. Team:- B Thompson, R Elliott (Capt.), P Binham, N Hudson, T D Norris, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, B Meddick, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R Lye, D J Gay, G Pillinger.

A comfortable enough win, with tries by Norris and Lloyd. Thompson kicked both conversions and three penalties.

Norris made a spectacular 60 yard dash for his try. It is not on record what his colleagues would have said if he had failed to negotiate the last defender – he had two teammates outside him!

Flanker Geoff Pillinger went off with a back injury 10 minutes after the interval.

22/1/1972

v Aberavon, Away. Lost 10-15. Team:- B Thompson, R Elliott, P Binham, N Hudson, T D Norris, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, M R Hannell, A G Parfitt, B Meddick, R Wheeler, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall. Tries:- Norris and Lloyd. B Thompson Conversion.

Lack of co-ordination and some woeful defensive errors put paid to Bath’s chances at Port Talbot. After nine minutes play, Phil Hall obstructed Bevan and the out-side half made no mistake from an easy position. Kenny Plummer and Alan Martin earned the referee’s wrath, when a loose maul developed into a loose brawl. Later, Bath took the lead, when Phillips tried a drop goal and Norris grabbed the ball as it drifted just short of the posts. Thompson converted. The ‘Wizards’ excerpted more pressure, and Bevan was on hand to succeed with a smart drop at goal. (Half-time 6-6)

In the second half Aberavon’s Ian Hall picked up a loose ball and raced in under the posts for Bevan to add the extras, and Bath’s hopes were further dashed when Martin landed a 35 yard penalty. Near the end Lloyd scored an unconverted try for Bath

Former Walcot winger Terry Norris was the leading try scorer with 10 – double the number achieved by anyone else. He was small of stature and lacking in pace: “He is built more like a scrum-half, and, like players in that position, tends to make a lot of ground by slipping under grasping tackles.”

Jim Waterman was playing for the United XV, preferring to be considered in his full-back position, rather than the suggested switch to winger. Meanwhile, Bruce Thompson was playing well, and achieving place-kicking successes.

29/1/1972

v Old Wesley, Home. Lost 6-10. Team:- B Thompson, T D Norris, N Hudson, B Perry, R Elliott, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, M R Hannell, A G Parfitt, B Meddick, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, D J Gay, R Lye. Referee – F J Ellison (KEYNSHAM)

Bitterly cold weather made handling difficult and there was a spate of dropped passes. For some fifteen minutes, the tourists had the best of things, but Bath got more into the game, with excellent work by Hudson and Norris in the backs, and solid work up front, from Pete Heindorff.

The Irishmen continued to provide lively and dangerous opposition, and their constant pressure was rewarded by two tries, one converted, thus overtaking Bath’s contribution provided by Thompson’s two penalties.

5/2/1972

v Rosslyn Park, Away. Lost 13-29. Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, P Binham, B Perry, R S Elliott, G Phillips, R Harding, M R Hannell, A Large, J Meddick, R Wheeler, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, D J Gay, P R Hall.

Bath tries scored by Norris (2) and Walkey converted one and added a Penalty. Rosslyn Park capped this with six splendid tries, one conversion and an early drop goal. The final stages were fairly even until Andy Ripley drove through with the ball at his feet to put Bath in disarray. “Jim Waterman had a very busy afternoon and was hors de combat on a couple of occasions, but fortunately did not have to go off. Geoff Phillips too had to suffer some tough handling, but his kicking was one of Bath’s best assets on the day.” Bath’s outside play was rather disappointing. There were good individual efforts from Norris, Elliott, Harding and Perry, but most of the plaudits were due to the pack. They never really got on top of the Park eight, but Walkey, Gay, Plummer and Hall put in some serious work.

This game should have been played at Bath, but the ground was flooded at the Recreation Ground – transferred to Rosslyn Park Friday afternoon.

10/2/1972

v R.A.F., Home. Lost 16-21. Selected Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, B Perry, P Binham, R S Elliott, G Phillips, R Harding, J Meddick, A Large, M R Hannell, P M B Heindorff, K M Plummer, D J Gay, R Lye and P R Hall.

Bath favourite, Geoff Frankcom led the Service side, scoring two tries and contributing significantly to his former side’s downfall. He was instrumental in keeping a young and dangerous looking back division in sharp condition. By contrast, Bath’s flimsy covering and half-hearted tackling undoubtedly contributed to their ‘demise.’ Untypically, Waterman had an off-day with his kicking opportunities, but there was a good performance from Gay in the forwards, and incisive running from Roger Elliott generated two excellent tries by Binham. Norris had scored an earlier try, which Binham had generated. Elliott added extras.

12/2/1972

v Gloucester, Home. Lost 7-28. Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, P Binham, N Hudson, R Elliott, B Perry, R Harding, M R Hannell, P M Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall, J Meddick, A Large.

All Bath’s scoring success, such as it was, appeared in the first half. Waterman scored a penalty in the 7th minute and Norris scoring his 15th try of the season. The try followed an excellent build up involving Lye, Hall and Walkey. Further progress was cut short when Eric Stephens stepped up to kick two simple penalties, which added to an earlier Cowlin try, put Gloucester in the lead 9-7 at half-time.

“The events of the second half, therefore, came as something of a shock, though they underlined Bath’s frailty these days.” Stephens added to his penalty count. Gloucester then took control in the loose and a spate of scoring followed. Booth racked up his 39th drop-goal of his career (a record). Shortly afterwards it was his kick ahead which found the Bath cover lacking, Clewes scored and Stephens converted. Stephens kicked his third penalty as Bath began to sink without trace. Steve Clewes was away again, forcing his way down the left touchline and Watkins took the inside pass to score unopposed. Stephens gave Bath the final ‘push,’ converting in the dying seconds.

AN INFINITELY FORGETABLE SET-TO!

19/2/1972

v Cheltenham, Away. Lost 3-16. Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, B Perry, P Binham, R S Elliott, G Phillips, R Harding, M R Hannell, A G Parfitt, J Meddick, P B Heindorff, J Parsons, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall. Veteran John Parsons filled in for Ken Plummer.

Cheltenham was never a team to get the best out of Bath, and again this degenerated into a bad tempered affair. Indeed, the Chronicle’s John Steven’s reported that it: “spasmodically degenerated into open warfare,” and there was “a whole series of incidents in which fists were thrown freely.” “From a bright start, both sides suddenly deteriorated into niggling brawls with fists flying openly, and after one set scrum, while Norris was speeding down one wing, Parfitt was prone on the other side of the field and had to be carried off.” A referee’s lecture and: “More penalties did not stop the fighting and just before half-time, after Walkey had been fouled, Heindorff was sent off for an alleged short-arm tackle.”

This was only the 25th minute of play, and it did not augur well for the remaining 55!

(Peter subsequently received a reprimand from the Disciplinary Panel, which in part confirmed most people’s view that he was certainly not the main perpetrator of so much unbridled violence)

Bath started the second half 0-10 down and with only fourteen men, to combat ‘The Garden City’s bustling style of play. Waterman’s penalty reduced the arrears, but the packs continued with their private ‘war of attrition,’ even after Parfitt’s return. “The niggling was never far from the surface, and Curran was felled at a set scrum.”

“Even at the end however, the niggling was not over and the referee had to hand out more stern warnings as the unpleasantness continued.”

26/2/1972

v Wasps, Away. Won 12-9. Team:- J S Waterman, T Norris, P Binham, N Hudson, R Hones, G Phillips, R Harding, M R Hannell, A Large, J M Meddick, R J Wheeler, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, P R Hall. A team which included several younger players, showed improved form to end a run of six loses. Bath’s first half tries were scored by teenager, Robert Hones and Hannell, with Walkey kicking both conversions. Wasps pulled back after the interval, but any anticipated climax, fizzled out into midfield, negative football.

4/3/1972

A recurrence of his old knee now threatened former Club Captain and Somerset wing-forward, Tom Martland. It was likely that his playing days would be over. Since joining Bath in 1963, Martland had played more than 220 games for the 1st XV, as well as County appearances for both Dorset & Wilts and Somerset. Previously first choice at wing forward, he had played just 12 games for the 1st XV in the previous two seasons. A versatile player, he had appeared in his original forward spot and a variety of positions outside the scrum. The United XV had benefited greatly from his captaincy. It was hoped that he would play an ever-increasing roll as a Club Coach.

11/3/1972

v Swansea, Away. Lost 20-27. Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, R J Walkey, B Perry, R Hones, G Phillips, R Harding, J Meddick, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, K M Plummer, J Parsons, R Lye, P B Heindorff, P R Hall.

Bath Tries by Hall (2), and Norris. Waterman kicked two Penalties and one Conversion.

“Bath threw away a match they could have won by allowing Swansea to fight their way back with a man short at St. Helens on Saturday.” Their pack had performed well and the formidable back row of Lye, Heindorff and Hall combined well in the loose. “What Bath lacked was the pace and creative ability behind to make the most of the possession their admirable forwards obtained.”

Swansea hit back with two converted tries in the space of ten minutes, to pull the match out of the fire.

18/3/1972

v Ebbw Vale, Home. Won 19-6. Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, B Perry, N Hudson, R Hones, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, M R Hannell, A G Parfitt, N C Carter, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.                                                                                                                                                                           Bath’s up and down form continued, with a better display against the ‘steel town’ men. Tries scored by Hudson, Waterman and Hones, with Waterman landing two conversions and a penalty. A feature of the game was an encouraging display from the forwards, who showed much of the previous season’s determination and fire. Hudson, Perry, Norris and Waterman all had their good moments, whilst visiting scrum-half Turner, gave Bath no end of trouble. However, finishing on both sides left much to be desired. Heindorff and Walkey showed well in the exchanges.

“The turning point came when the Welshmen, having been forced to take the ball behind their own line, moved it almost the width of the field but hardly a yard forward.

The outcome was a panicky clearance kick straight to Waterman, who linked up with Lloyd to send Walkey over and then converted superbly from the touchline.”

There was a nasty incident as Bath took the ascendancy, when a hefty punch forced Lloyd to retire;

the visiting skipper was lucky to stay on the field.

21/3/1972

v Stothert & Pitt, Away. Won 27-12. Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, N Hudson, D Jenkins, R Hones, R Elliott, M C Lloyd, J S Parsons, A G Parfitt, N C Carter, R Wheeler, B Jenkins, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.                                                                                                                                                                        “For the second time they didn’t have it all their own way.””….and full credit to the work’s side for putting up such a spirited fight against the odds.”

Bath did not relish the narrow pitch at Newbridge. Stothert’s played the expected bustling and spoiling game, but it was Bath who moved forward to the Somerset Knock-Out Final. There was no giant killing act this time, but Bath were certainly made to fight for their quarter-final place. Lloyd, Hones and Elliott made effective penetrative runs. Bath tries by Waterman, Hudson, Parfitt and Parsons, with Waterman converting one and landing three penalties.

23/3/1972

v Cardiff, Home. Lost 6-15. Team:- J S Waterman, R Hones, N Hudson, P M Hale, T D Norris, G Phillips, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, J S Parsons, A G Parfitt, N C Carter, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.

There was a very large crowd for this evening game, but expectations of top rate entertainment were never realised. Gate takings amounted to £150.

Waterman’s first penalty did put Bath in the lead after six minutes, but five other kicking chances were missed, including a long range effort by Walkey. A penalty to Cardiff allowed the teams to cross over on level terms. Fourteen minutes into the second half, Waterman contributed a further penalty to complete Bath’s scoring effort. “Cardiff turned the tables very effectively in the last quarter.”

25/3/1972

v Richmond, Away. Lost 17-23. Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, R Elliott, N Hudson, P M Hale, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, J Parsons, A G Parfitt, N Carter, R Wheeler, K M Plummer, R Smith, R Lye and G Pillinger.                                                                                                                                                                          Bath continued to be depleted with injuries and Richmond were quick to take advantage of their shortcomings with a converted try after 4 minutes.. They built on their score and led 16-7 at half-time. Bath had responded with Waterman’s penalty and an unconverted try by Lloyd. Richmond continually probed for gaps in the Bath centre. In the second-half, John Parsons scrambled over for an unconverted try in the corner. For Richmond, Lavery scored a further penalty and Maxwell added a try. At the very end Niall Carter replied with a try which Waterman converted, but there was no time to save the game. Bath missed Hall and Heindorff. Their troubles were further compounded when they lost Nick Hudson with a broken ankle.

31/3/1972

v Harlequins, Home. Won 27-13. Selected Team:- J S Waterman, P M Hale, B Perry, P B Binham, T D Norris, G P Phillips, M C Lloyd, N K Carter, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, K M Plummer, P B Heindorff, R J Walkey, R Lye, and P R Hall.                                                                                                                                           An exciting and fluent encounter. Great fare for the Easter revellers! Brendan Perry had a re-occurrence of his muscle trouble and was forced to withdraw after 20 minutes. Binham, somewhat unwisely, turned out carrying a hand injury, and selection problems deepened.

Bath could attribute success to a fiery display by the forwards, of which Hall, Lye and Carter were omnipresent. Added to this, there was a fine display by Norris on the right wing. Bath tries by Carter, Phillips, Lye (first of the season), and Norris (2). Waterman converted two and kicked a penalty.

1/4/1972

v Halifax, Home. Won 7-0. Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, D Jenkins, R J Walkey, P Hale,, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, N K Carter, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, P B Heindorff, K M Plummer, R Lye, Gay and P R Hall.                                                                                                                                                                            Another win, but little to get excited about. Both sides engaged in aimless kicking and indifferent handling. Bath made a good start as International winger, Hale forced his way over for his first try for the Club. Phil Hall led some enterprising forward raids and Hale had another good run at the line. Halifax settled down to some ‘dour Yorkshire’ tackling and Hale again featured, this time in a defensive roll. Shortly afterwards Hale was unlucky with a snap drop at goal. Gay, Lye and Hall continued to show well for Bath, and also Walkey in his new-found role at centre. Visiting fly-half, A Bottomley cut through neatly on the half-hour, but was thwarted by the combined efforts of Hall and Hale. Amid a great deal of frustration and aimless play, Waterman stepped forward and landed a penalty to complete a dull afternoon’s scoring.

It was a welcome return of David Gay to the senior side.

3/4/1972

v Old Merchant Taylors, Home. Won 52-6. Selected Team:- B Thompson, P M Hale, B Perry, P B Binham, D Flower, G Phillips, R Harding, N K Carter, M Gould, J S Parsons, B Jenkins, R J Wheeler, R J Walkey, D J Gay and P R Hall.                                                                                                                                      John Parsons was prominent in the lineout – perchance, he had profited by his two years in New Zealand. Bath enjoyed a clean sweep with their Easter fixtures, as Bath’s team of youngsters outclasses their traditional opponents, and amassed the highest score of the season. Tries flowed from Burrowes (2), Phillips (2), Martland (2), Walkey, Hall, David Jenkins and David Gay, with Waterman converting five and Walkey one. The old boy’s side had no answer to the rampaging back row of Walkey, Gay and Hall.

8/4/1972

v Sale, Home. Won 20-8. Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, R J Walkey, D G Jenkins, P M Hale, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, M R Hannell, A G Parfitt, N K Carter, P B Heindorff, R J Wheeler, R Lye, D J Gay and P R Hall.

In blustery conditions, fortunes alternated in a rather scrappy encounter. Sale included John Horton at outside-half, and a contemporary report mentions him fumbling a pass in the early stages. However, it was his expertise and tactical kicking, which kept Sale in the game. Bath tries from Hale, Carter and Gay, with Walkey converting one and securing a penalty. Phillips dropped a snap goal from an oblique angle. Phillips, Jenkins and Waterman, in turn, all contributed strong runs. An encouraging note was the improved performance of the Bath pack, with loose rucking of the highest order.

10/4/1972

v Hornets, Home. Won 34-3. Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, D G Jenkins, R J Walkey (Capt.), G Pillinger, R S Elliott, M C Lloyd, N K Carter, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, K M Plummer, R J Wheeler, D J Gay, R Lye and P R Hall. Bath were forced to play two wing forwards in the back division.

John Steven’s comment : “A big win with no sting!” The Weston-super-Mare side were outclassed in a very scrappy match. The visitors were forced to resort to continual spoiling tactics, and on the odd occasion they essayed constructive play, their movements broke down with faulty handling and passing. Bath’s heavier forwards pushed their visitors all over the place, and Hall, Gay and Lye reigned supreme in the loose. Lloyd and Elliott excelled themselves at half-back, as the opposition disintegrated.

13/4/1972

v Taunton, Away. Won 6-0. Team:- J S D Waterman, T D Norris, R J Walkey (Capt.), D G Jenkins, D Flower, R S Elliott, R Harding, N K Carter, M Gould, P J K Parfitt, B Jenkins, R J Wheeler, R Smith, R Lye and P R Hall.                                                                                                                                                                     The weather was the great leveller as it poured with rain from start to finish. “Frustration was generally very much the order of the night and showed itself during the second half when there were spasmodic bouts of brawling.”

Waterman had a commanding game at full back, and Hall and Lye comfortably shore up any defensive lapses. Elliott employed high ‘up and under’ kicks to good effect. “A massive kick by Waterman found touch near the home line; the forwards won the line-out and though Harding’s pass was an awkward bouncing one straight along the ground, Walkey gathered it cleanly.

He was only 15 yards from the line and a determined burst past the flimsy tackling took him over between the posts for Waterman to convert.

It was Pete Parfitt’s final game; he had appeared 422 times in a 1st XV jersey starting from 6th September 1958.

15/4/1972

v Llanelli, Away. Lost 15-33. Team:- J S Waterman, R Hones, R Elliott, D G Jenkins, T D Norris, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, M R Hannell, A G Parfitt, N Carter, K M Plummer, B J Jenkins, R J Walkey, R Lye, P R Hall.

“Bath’s depleted side put up a spirited fight in their return rag doll clash at Llanelli this afternoon but further injuries which reduced them to 14 men, had them struggling desperately.” (SPORTS CHRONICLE)

Waterman landed 3 penalty goals and one conversion from a late try by Malcolm Lloyd. Beechen Cliff schoolboy, Robin Hones was forced to withdraw at the end of the first half; Walkey withdrew from the forwards to plug the gap, and injected fresh spirit into a previously demoralised three-quarter line. Llanelli centres Bergiers and Lewis had been prising gaping holes in Bath’s defence, and Walkey’s presence served to tighten things up. Notwithstanding Hone’s withdrawal, ‘The Scarlets’ were superior in all aspects of play. There was some comfort in that Jim Waterman seemed to have re-gained his old form. Nevertheless, the Rag Doll kept it’s red raiment.

19/4/1972

v Somerset & Bath Police, at Bridgwater. Final of the Somerset KO Cup. Won 13-8.

Team:- J S Waterman, Hale, D Jenkins, R J Walkey, T D Norris, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, N Carter, A G Parfitt, M Hannell, B Jenkins, K M Plummer, D J Gay, R Lye, P R Hall.

Bath ran out winners of the Somerset Cup, at the same time, declaring that they did not intend to enter the competition in future seasons. They made hard work of a match which they should have won at a gallop. Scrum half Lloyd had tended to kick away plentiful possession, and midfield play was not up to scratch, playing: “without any real inspiration or fluency, thus enabling Police to keep in the game.”

Lye scored Bath’s try after an early drop goal and two penalties by Waterman. The Police twice hit the Bath uprights with long range penalty attempts

CUP OPT OUT?

There had been wrangling about the venue for staging this final. This and previous disenchantment would lead to Bath pulling out of the competition. It was felt that as Bath were the only first class club in Somerset, they had nothing to gain by participation.

The only disadvantage was that as winners, they qualified for automatic entry to the National Competition for the following season. In future years, outside the County competition, they would seeded by the National organisers and their performances in first class rugby would be the yardstick for competition placings.

22/4/1972

v Northampton, Home. Won 15-6. Team:- J S Waterman, Hale, D Jenkins, R J Walkey, T D Norris, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, N Carter, A G Parfitt, M R Hannell, B Jenkins, K M Plummer, D J Gay, R Lye, P R Hall.

Bath had their forwards to thank for keeping a grip on this dour encounter. There were many missed chances and the game was finely poised into the last quarter. Bath led 4-3 at half-time, following a darting run by Lloyd in the 12th minute; Jaggard responded with a penalty. In the second half, Jaggard put the Saints ahead with a second penalty. Bath forwards continued to press and David Jenkins and Waterman were nearly over after spirited runs. At last, Lloyd wriggled through for a replica of his first try, but Waterman narrowly missed with the conversion kick. More Bath pressure and Phillips dropped a neat goal to increase the lead. At the restart, Plummer was a casualty with a badly gashed head. At the end, Lloyd and Phillips engineered a neat blind side move, which was finished of with an Elliott try.

26/4/1972

v Bristol, Away. Lost 12 –24. Selected Team:- J S Waterman, T D Norris, R J Walkey (Capt.), D Jenkins, P M Hale, R Elliott, M C Lloyd, M R Hannell, A G Parfitt, N K Carter, R J Wheeler, B J Jenkins, D J Gay, R Lye and P R Hall.

Bath had led 12-8 at the interval, then had the misfortune to lose leading try scorer Norris, with a recurring ankle injury, and Phil Hall acted as stand in.

Nevertheless, Bath, fielding a lightweight pack, had the best of the early play, putting up a valiant fight, tackling like demons and emerging from the game with great credit.

“Hall, Gay and Lye were everywhere tidying up, making critical tackles, to supplement the efforts of Waterman, Lloyd and Elliott and Bristol, who began with almost bouncy arrogance, were soon shaken out of it by their opponents’ dogged rucking and spoiling.” Hall, Parfitt, Gay and Walkey combined for Norris to score in the corner. Waterman converted finely from a wide out position. Later it was Norris and David Jenkins who exploited gaps for Gay to barge over for a fine solo try, which Waterman again converted. Orledge was impressive in Bristol’s line-out.

Norris’s departure signalled a change of fortune for Bristol, but Bath certainly went down fighting.

29/4/1972

v Bedford, Home. Lost 4-10. Team:- J S Waterman, R S Elliott, R J Walkey, D Jenkins, P M Hale, G Phillips, M C Lloyd, M R Hannell, A G Parfitt, N K Carter, B Jenkins, P M B Heindorff, D J Gay, R Lye and P R Hall. It was Pete Heindorff’s 358th and final game.

Another disappointment in front of a rain drenched home crowd. Bedford had the better of the first half and led 7-0 at the change over. Bath looked bereft of ideas until Lye, Gay and Elliott livened things up. Following a scrum on the Bedford’s line, Lloyd fed to the blind side and Elliott stormed over in the corner. Waterman hit the crossbar with his touchline attempt. Bedford always looked the more dangerous, and Davis wound up the game, and the season, with a final neatly taken drop goal.

SEASON IN REVIEW

It was a difficult captaincy for Walkey and a generally disappointing season. The skipper was faced with the departure of both Orledge and Waterman. Despite this set-back, his ‘term of office’ was deserving of congratulations. From the beginning, he had the full backing of the Committee and the majority of his players. Philip Hall established a new record with 432 games for the 1st XV. David Dolman was appointed official Coach in February, and the fruits of his efforts were beginning to materialise. Retiring stalwart Peter Heindorff had made a magnificent effort with Fund Raising. Although handicapped by injury, Tom Martland successfully coached the United XV.

Top playing attendance: Walkey 43, Lye 40, Norris 39, Hall and Plummer 37, Phillips 36, A Parfitt 35, Lloyd 34, Elliott and Hannell 32, Hudson 29, Heindorff 24, B Perry and J Waterman 22.

There were substantial County demand for Bath players.

SCORING DETAIL

103 Tries: Norris 20, Lloyd, Walkey and Phillips 8, Hall 7, Hudson 6, Gay 5, Elliott and D Jenkins 4, N Carter and A Parfitt 3, Binham, Burrowes, Hale, Martland and Polledri 2, Ascott, Duckworth, Hannell, Heindorff, Hones, Lye, Parsons, B Perry, C Perry, Taylor, Thompson and Waterman one each.

There were 44 penalties, 48 Conversions and 11 Drop Goals.

In addition Bath scored 74 points in the Somerset Cup games.

Bath United were ably led by Tom Martland. Despite filling in 1st team places for County calls, they won 22 of their 34 games, scoring 782 points For, 466 Against. They utilised 70 players.