1990 to 1991

1990-1991

ON TOUR 4th to 25th August 1990

Bath took a large party for a three-week’s tour of Australia, uniquely, sponsored by Admiral Sports UK Ltd. Unfortunately, six of Bath’s Internationals were required for England training prior to the Argentina Tour. The outward journey included a stop-off at Bangkok, where Stuart Barnes insisted that only Training was on the itinerary! David Brown was the very efficient Tour Manager and he was accompanied by Club President Alec Lewis.

Tour Itinerary:-

Aug 9 – North Queensland (Cairns) ; 12 – Queensland South (Toowoomba) ; 15 – Queensland (Brisbane) ; 20 – Northern Suburbs (Sydney); and 22nd – Randwick (Sydney).

In uncomfortably hot weather, there was a 27-24 win against Cairns Barbarians. Tries by Swift Bamsey, Steve Knight and Stuart Barnes, who also converted all four and added a penalty goal for good measure.

On Sunday 12th August Bath played a combined side under the banner of Darling Downs and drew 19-19. Tries by Adebayo, Chilcott (2) and Barnes, who added a drop goal. Then on to Brisbane where they lost to Queensland 19-21. Tries:- Steve Knight (2) and Victor Ubogu. Barnes contributed another penalty. The final game was against Randwick, where with an under-strength side, Bath lost 3-19. Barnes dropped a goal.

It was a very successful and constructive tour, and provided valuable experience for several youngsters, putting the whole side in good spirits for the oncoming domestic programme.

PLAYERS DEPART

Stuart Barnes’s post tour comment included: “It is that feeling of fun and togetherness that has sustained Bath over the years and makes the club special. That is what made the departure of several tourists to clubs not so distant so sad. To many it has felt as if the club had been used, and without doubt the element of poaching and avarice represents the gravest threat to the game we all love. Bath have been able to thrive both on and off the pitch for many years due to ability and fraternity. Let us hope that for the future

Bath clubs never forget that lesson, no matter how the game evolves.”

1/9/1990

v Pontypool, Away, Lost 17 – 34. Team:- J Webb, D Trick, I Palmer, A Saverimutto, J Fallon, C Book, S Knight, G Chilcott (Capt), J Deane, M Crane, A Reed, A Adams, J Olds, N Maslen, S Ojomoh. Referee – D Cherry. Replacements – N Riou replaced Ojomoh

The selection was in the nature of an enhanced United side. There was therefore a strong backbone of experienced players, so it could be argued that the game was not significantly devalued from Pontypool’s point of view. At this stage, Callard was still preferred to Jonathan Webb in the premier side. It was a debut game for former Richmond winger Jim Fallon, who scored two tries. Andy Reed, from Plymouth, had also committed to the Bath colours, and scored a try in his first domestic appearance. Nevertheless, it was a heavy loss and quite unusual to have 34 points scored against them.

Bath were lacking in two key areas; they missed Morrison’s control in the lineout and they rued the absence of a rampaging open-side forward.

The try count was 4:3 in Pontypool’s favour. Bath tries were scored by Fallon (2) and Reed, with Webb kicking a conversion and a penalty.

2/9/1990

v Romania, Home, Won 38-9. J Callard, P Blackett, J Bamsey, P de Glanville, A Adebayo, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, M Lee, M Haag, D Cronin, A Robinson, J Hall, D Egerton. Replacements – A Lumsden, A Saverimutto, S Knight, J Deane, G Chilcott, N Maslen.

Audley Lumsden, absent for so many months, was loudly applauded as he replaced Adebayo.

Bath tries by Callard (2), Blackett, de Glanville, Ubogu, and Egerton. Conversions:- Barnes (2), Penalties:- Barnes (2)

The Romanians scored three penalties.

An historic encounter in that it was the first occasion when a Romanian National side had played against an English club XV. Links had been established as long ago as 4th October 1978, when, under Mike Beese captaincy, Bath entertained a Bucharest Select XV, winning 18-6. John Palmer had toured with England B and later Jeremy Guscott figured prominently on his England debut in Bucharest, scoring three tries. Bath hosted Steaua the previous season and it is with deep sadness, we record the death of that day’s skipper – Florica Murariu, and coach Radu Durbac in the Bucharest fighting.

It is appropriate to pay tribute to the local travel agent and ex schoolmaster, Glyn Maddocks, who maintained strong links with Romanian rugby over many years. He was influential in generating the England v Romania match on 22nd April 1990, and organising considerable practical help for a rugby fraternity caught up in turmoil.

“An inventory of equipment, made in January this year, revealed that there were 150 pairs of rugby boots and 40 new rugby balls left in Romania. There is no scrummaging machine, no tackle bags, no maul sacks – the cupboard is bare, but thanks to genuine rugby people in this country, not for much longer.”

“Today’s match is very significant because this is the first occasion in which a freely elected Romanian Rugby Union has sent a team to this country. There are no ‘Security’ men this time, just a team of dedicated players and officials who have survived one of the most repressive regimes ever known and whose devotion to the game we all love has carried them through to a new era.”

Glyn Maddocks – U.K. Representative F.R.R.

5/9/1990

v Toulouse, Home, Won 44-9. J Webb, J Fallon, P de Glanville, J Bamsey, A Adebayo, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, G Chilcott, M Haag, D Cronin, A Robinson, J Hall, D Egerton. Replacements – S Knight & J Deane.

Bath had already beaten Toulouse 16-11, just over a year previously in a close season Tournoi du Limousin. Toulouse coach, Pierre Villepreux, was generous in his praise of Bath’s free-running style of play.

Bath tore into the French Champions of 1988-89 as if there was no tomorrow! Chris Ducker (Evening Post), used the words: “organised destruction,” and so it was. Their all-round package of aggression emulated the previous season’s Twickenham annihilation of Gloucester.

Barnes and Hill put up a number of high balls, which sent the French into retreat. The inter-passing between forwards and backs was dazzling and the back row combination of Robinson, Hall and Egerton made the Bath side irresistible.

Bath tries by Robinson (2), Ubogu (2), Webb, Hill, Dawe, Egerton and Hall, plus a penalty try. Barnes and Webb converted one each.

Referee Ed Morrison was singled out for praise, for the manner in which he controlled such an explosive encounter.

8/9/1990

v Llanelli, Away, Lost 12-28. J Webb, J Fallon, J Bamsey, A Saverimutto, P Blackett, J Callard, S Knight, G Chilcott (Capt), J Deane, M Lee, M Haag, D Cronin, J Olds, N Maslen, D Egerton. Replacements – N Pratt, M Crane, N Riou – Crane replaced Chilcott in the 15th minute.

The traditional Rag Doll was left at Stradey. A change of livery was needed after Bath’s three years of success. The try count was 3:2 in Llanelli’s favour. Callard, playing at fly-half, and Steve Knight had scored Bath’s tries and Webb converted both. Scrum half Rupert Moon was a constant thorn in the Bath flesh, and their depleted selection was unable to match Llanelli’s speed and guile.

Chilcott’ shoulder dislocation was a first for him. He jokingly conceded that the Chilcott skeleton had previously sustained dislocation to both knees, an elbow and several fingers.

15/9/1990

v Cardiff, Home, Won 45-23. Team:- J Callard, A Swift, J Bamsey, J Guscott, A Adebayo, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, M Lee, M Haag, D Cronin, A Robinson, N Maslen, J Hall. Referee – F Howard (Liverpool) Replacements – N Pratt & C Adkins.

It was a magnificent, eight try victory against the most formidable of rivals. Bath tries:- Barnes (2), Swift (2), Bamsey (2), Guscott and Callard. Barnes converted 5 and landed a penalty.

Cardiff fielded eight internationals and Coach Alan Phillip’s post match comment was: “Men against boys.” It was not immediately apparent as to how Bath managed to inflict a try count in the ratio of eight to three. In reviewing the game, it was obvious that Stuart Barnes was at the peak of his form. With a combination of flat passing and pace, he engineered situations where Bath seemed to be able to score at will. There was always a steady supply of ball in the loose, where Dawe, Robinson and Hall alternated their effort between arch destroyers and free running, skilful ball carriers. Cardiff were taken apart.

Noticeably, all Bath’s tries were scored by backs. No small measure of credit was due to former international John Palmer, who had joined Jack Rowell’s coaching team alongside ex-flanker Simon Jones.

The previous coaching panel of Rowell, Hudson and Robson were all ex-forwards.

22/9/1990

v Liverpool St Helens, Home, Won 46-3. Team:- J Callard, A Swift, J Bamsey, J Guscott, A Adebayo, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, M Lee, M Haag, Cronin, A Robinson, N Maslen, J Hall. Replacements – S Knight & J Deane – Knight replaced Guscott

Lowly, Liverpool St. H played this game with half an eye on the Courage League tables. Bath looked similarly distracted for the first 40 minutes, then in first-half extra time, provided a taste of what was on the way. The home side had resorted to collapsing scrums, to inhibit Bath’s progress. Then, something unmentionable happened to hooker, Gary French. While he was receiving treatment, Robinson grabbed possession from the tail of a lineout and aided and abetted by Haag and Hall, Richard Lee was forced over from 15 metres out.

“Galvanised by this success, they went for the kill after the restart. Just two minutes had elapsed before Hall, standing off at No. 8 from a scrum on the line, brushed aside a tackle to score. ” (Evening Post)

A procession of tries followed from Guscott, Adebayo, Swift, Ubogu and Bamsey. Barnes converted 6 and kicked 2 penalties.

26/9/1990

v Clifton, Away, Won 30-7. A Lumsden, D Trick, L Heatherley, I Lewis, A Wardle, T Reeman, S Knight, J Mallett, C Atkins, M Crane, M Haag, A Reed, J Olds, N Maslen (Capt), S Ojomoh.

A comfortable enough win with tries from Trick (2), Wardle, Crane (2) and Ojomoh. Reeman converted 3. Mark Crane, aged 22 and brother of Bristol’s Geoff Crane had an impressive game. He learned his rugby at St. Brendan’s College and Old Redcliffians and had been attracted to the Bath coaching set up. He accepted the uphill task of competing with the likes of Chilcott, Ubogu and Lee, but he was made of the right stuff, and felt that Bath could help him to realise his full potential.

29/9/1990

v Ulster, Home, Won 25-6. J Webb, D Trick, J Bamsey, A Adebayo, P Blackett, J Callard, S Knight, M Lee, G Dawe, M Crane, M Haag, A Reed, G Adams, N Maslen, D Egerton. Replacements – L Heatherley, C Atkins – Heatherley replaced Adebayo (off for five months)

An under-strength Bath side demolished a strong Irish Provincial outfit, with a fine all round performance in bad weather conditions. Gareth Adams, Andy Reed and Mark Crane contributed youthful enthusiasm to a fired up pack. David Trick was first on Bath’s scoreboard, Jonathan Webb converting, and adding a penalty shortly after. Bath’s speed of thought and deed was too much for the Ulstermen, epitomised by Adam’s and Dawe’s engulfing of scrum-half Matchett, depriving him of the ball, with quick feed back to Adebayo. He rode a tackle and Adams was again on hand to re-cycle to eager support players. John Callard played well at outside-half, his two tries bringing his season tally to six in five appearances. New Zealander, Laurie Heatherley, stepped in when Adebayo was injured, but saw little of the ball, as the forwards dominated.

“Super-sub” Nick Maslen had a great game: He was at the heart of every driving ruck and maul, hurling his hefty frame into the fray with reckless abandon. ‘When it rains, I’m in my element,’ he said.” (Bath Chronicle) Steve Knight was a splendid stand-in for Richard Hill.

Bath tries by Trick and Callard (2). Webb converted 2 and kicked 3 penalties.

6/10/1990

v Neath, Home, Won 27-13. J Webb, A Swift, L Heatherley, J Bamsey, P Blackett, J Callard, S Knight, V Ubogu, J Deane, S Kipling, M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, J Hall (Capt), D Egerton. Replacements – J Reynolds, J Olds – Olds replaced Egerton.

The Welsh ‘All Blacks’ came to Bath unbeaten in 44 games. They took a mauling, but to be fair, they were sadly under-strength. They certainly did not have enough ‘big guns’ to cope with a switched-on Bath outfit. Bath had made a number of enforced changes, but were very well served by Jonathan Webb at full back. He had an outstanding game, again forcing comparison with Callard’s current form. In turn, Callard was performing well as a make-shift outside-half. In the second half, Neath lost winger Davies, with a neck injury after he had collided with an advertising hoarding. They then resorted to a bludgeoning forward confrontation. This was ‘bread and butter’ to the likes of Hall, Egerton and Robinson and they turned over possession on each and every occasion. Most unfortunately, David Egerton sustained a broken collarbone in the 60th minute.

Bath tries by Egerton (2) and Hall. Webb converted 3 and kicked 3 penalties.

13/10/1990

v Northampton, Away, Won 16-10. J Webb, A Swift, J Bamsey, J Guscott, P Blackett, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, M Lee, D Cronin, N Redman, A Robinson, J Hall, S Ojomoh. Ref – F Howard (Liverpool) Replacements – S Knight and Jimmy Deane. Deane replaced Redman (Broken ribs)

Bath tries from Hall and Webb. Barnes converted 1, kicked a penalty and dropped a goal.

After 28 minutes, John Hall was obliged to help out in a makeshift second row and the pack badly missed Redman’s bulk. At times it was a desperately close call, but Barnes stepped into the breach with an injury-time drop goal.

Apart from Redman’s injury, there were unpleasant memories of this game. The official action concluded in a distinctly unfriendly atmosphere. Uncharacteristically, John Hall was caught on his back, as a demented ‘Saint’ essayed to feed lumps of mud down his throat. But it was Northampton who were choked!

20/10/1990

v Orrell, Home, Won 17-9. J Webb, A Swift, J Bamsey, J Guscott, P Blackett, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, M Lee, M Haag, A Reed, A Robinson, N Maslen, J Hall. Referee – Ed Morrison (GLOS). Replacements – I Sanders & C Atkins

Orrell’s Chris Brierley was sent off in the 49th minute.

Stuart Barnes was guilty of a rare lapse of concentration in this game. Bath were leading 8-3 on the half hour when Barnes aimed a pass at Guscott. Orrell’s number 10, Martin Strett simply intercepted and had a clear 50 yard run in for the visitors’ one try, which he duly converted. This was the only glimpse of Bath’s soft underbelly, although it was the eightieth minute before Robinson’s try put Bath out of reach. Bath’s final scorecard was tries:- Guscott, Swift and Robinson. Conversion Barnes. Penalty Barnes. Haag and Reed combined well in the second row, but it was far below Bath’s usual standard.

27/10/1990

v Bristol, Away, Won 10-3. Team:- J Webb, A Swift, J Bamsey, J Guscott, A Adebayo, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, R Lee, M Haag, A Reed, A Robinson, J Hall, S Ojomoh. It was a League debut for Cornishman Andy Reed. Replacements – I Sanders and J Deane..

Attendance was 7072 and gate receipts were a Courage League record at £14,000.

Bristol included two former Bath players – second row John Morrison and winger James Johnston.

Bath included two former Bristol players in Webb, and Barnes. Whatever the permutation, Bristol were still unable to break the Bath bogey. Ojomoh made a significant contribution, winning a crucial line-out ball, which was progressed by Ubogu and laid back to Guscott. Then a deft chip ahead was miraculously fielded by Webb and on for Adebayo to score in great style in the corner.

Bristol’s former star, Jonathan Webb, kicked two penalties for Bath. Hogg got one for Bristol.

Referee Ian Bullerwell awarded a total of 39 penalties and any attempts at free flowing play were stifled at birth. Bath’s back row combination of Robinson, Hall and Ojomoh, had the edge on Dun, Horrobin and Eves. The game became a continual battle for ‘hard yards,’ aiming for some sort of springboard from around the opposing 22 metre line. The aim was infrequently attained – but it was all compulsive viewing.

SUNDAY 4/11/1990.

THE MARPLES RUGBY CHALLENGE. Special game. A Bath XV v Wasps XV, Home. Drawn 26-26.

Bath Team:- J Callard, D Trick, L Heatherley, J Bamsey (rep. J Guscott 40), J Fallon, J Palmer (rep. Tim Reeman 40, rep. J Palmer 63), S Knight (Capt.), S Kipling, C Atkins, M Crane, M Haag, A Adams, N Maslen rep. J Hall 68), G Adams, S Ojomoh.

Tries: Fallon 2, Trick 2, Knight and Heatherley. Conversion Callard. Attendance 3000.

Both Hall and Guscott took the field, despite Saturday’s ‘heavy’ encounter with Argentina.

John Palmer came on as a replacement, which was particularly poignant, as he had taught Stephen Roberts at King Edward’s School.

TRICK MISS – MARVELLOUS!

“With the final kick of the match David Trick, apparently taking leave of his senses, booted a conversion attempt wildly into the main stand to deprive Bath yesterday of a narrow victory over Courage League champions Wasps at the Rec.

The crowd roared their approval at the wayward miss, a deliberate gesture which was spot on the mark for such a fabulous rugby spectacle.” (Bath Chronicle)

This was a special Sunday all-pay game versus Wasps, in aid of the Stephen Roberts Trust Fund and the Raphael Tsagane Memorial Fund. A sum in excess of £7000 was raised.

Raphael Tsagane, a young Wasps winger, had been fatally injured in a car crash during the previous season’s Easter Tour. Team-mate Sean O’Leary, also in the crash, was making his first appearance since the accident.

Stephen Roberts aged 18, King Edward’s School, had suffered paralysing spinal injuries playing for Bath Youth at Nottingham the previous April.

The Bath Club’s Fund Raising events included this match with Wasps, a Fashion Show, a Sponsored Walk, and a Celebrity Golf Day. By February 1991, the Stephen Robert’s Fund was exceeding £50,000.

PROGRAMME NOTES

“This game today is a way for both clubs to pay their debts to Stephen and to Raphael’s family. It is also a way for us in the wider community to make our own special contribution.

10/11/1990

v Harlequins, Home, Won 23-3. J Webb, A Swift, J Bamsey, J Guscott, A Adebayo, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, R Lee, M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, J Hall, S Ojomoh. Referee – S Griffiths. Replacements – S Knight and C Atkins

‘Old hand’ Barnes controlled operations, again outplaying opposite number Pears. In fact, Bath controlled most phases of play. Australian Troy Coker, at 6ft. 7ins was the exception, as he cleaned up most of Harlequins line-out ball, and disrupted a number of Graham Dawe’s throw-ins. However, Martin Haag circumnavigated Coker on a few occasions and there was a plentiful supply of ball from other sources. During the week, Jack Rowell, had introduced another facet in his homespun philosophy. For this match, he had deliberately handed over match preparation to his players. The old hands of Barnes, Hall and Chilcott etc., assumed command to good effect. Bath were once again at the head of the Courage League Table.

Bath tries by Adebayo, Haag and Swift. Conversion Barnes. Penalties by Barnes (2) and Webb. Pears kicked a penalty for the Quins.

17/11/1990

v Leicester, Away, Won 9-3. J Webb, A Swift, J Bamsey, J Guscott, A Adebayo, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, M Lee, M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, J Hall, S Ojomoh. Replacements – S Knight & J Deane – Knight replaced Bamsey. Attendance a record at 11,500.

This was Andy Robinson’s great game; he had outplayed Winterbottom the previous week, and now it was Back’s turn to get short shrift. Robinson had a phenomenal game, including the saving of a certain try as Dean Richards lunged for the line from five yards out. In Robinson’s words: “There was no way I could drive him back, so it was just a case of smothering him in the tackle, falling back and making sure he couldn’t ground the ball. Easy really… if you time it right,” he added with a grin.

“Leicester posed plenty of problems in the set pieces early on, especially at the line-out, but in the loose Robinson was in his element, intercepting, tackling and scavenging to extraordinary effect.”

(Evening Post) Fellow wing forward, John Hall was unlucky to have a try disallowed when referee Bayliss was unsighted. Webb scored Bath’s three penalties and Liley Leicester’s two.

24/11/1990

v Leicester, Home, Lost 0-12 Pilkington Cup – Third Round. Team:- J Webb, A Swift, A Adebayo, J Guscott, P Blackett, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, M Lee, M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, J Hall, S Ojomoh. Referee – Colin High. Replacements – S Knight & C Atkins

It was Richard Lee’s 350th appearance for the Club.

Tigers were missing four first team regulars, including Neil Back. Dean Richards set the standard, fielding a high ball and sending Kardooni away on a 40 metre run involving Tebbutt and Redfern. Bath just managed to dislodge the ball from Sandford as he crossed the line. Martin Johnson had the same treatment moments later. Further pressure and Bath were forced to yield a penalty, which was kicked by John Liley. Bath came back, but Jonathon Webb knocked on as he speeded towards the line. Things again went Leicester’s way, as Kardooni charged down a Barnes’s clearance kick for Brian Smith to score under the posts. Liley converted for Tigers’ to give them a half-time lead of 9-0.

Leicester remained fired-up at the restart, with the prospect of a win in sight. Such was their onslaught, that Bath did not enter their opponents’ 22 until the 52nd minute. Webb missed with a penalty attempt five minutes later, and Liley sealed Bath’s fate with a penalty for an offence by Bath prop Richard Lee.

Bath had previously enjoyed a good win in the League at the Tigers stronghold, only to under-perform this following week at home. Leicester thus ended Bath’s unbeaten run of 22 Cup games. The Pilkington Cup would reside elsewhere at the end of that season.

BATH ‘SPARTANS’ v RUSSIA!

29/11/1990

With the large proportion of the 1st XV players tied up with Divisional Rugby, a combined United and Spartans Squad beat a Russia representative side 13-7 in Toulouse.

Steve Knight captained the side, aided and abetted by ‘Coochie’ Chilcott. Audley Lumsden scored a try and Tim Reeman landed three penalties.

They lost 60-19 to Fiji and 23-6 to Toulouse. The games were part of the Toulouse Club’s Centenary Celebrations.

A Bath XV v Russia:- J Webb, J Fallon, L Heatherley, J Bamsey, A Lumsden, N Redman, I Sanders, G Chilcott, G Dawe, R Lee, M Haag, M Crane, N Maslen, S Ojomoh and G Adams.

No caps were awarded!!

Some of the intensely partisan crowd expressed their displeasure at the under-strength nature of the Bath teams, but given the demands on their players elsewhere, the makeshift squad acquitted themselves handsomely.

1/12/1990

v London Scottish, Away, Won 33-19. A Lumsden, D Trick, L Heatherley, J Bamsey, J Fallon, T Reeman, S Knight, G Chilcott (Capt), J Deane, M Crane, M Haag, A Reed, J Olds, P Cosgrove, N Maslen. Referee – R Quittenton (London) Replacements – I Sanders replaced Knight.

Kingswood schoolmaster Tim Reeman deputised for the injured Barnes and kicked three conversions. Jim Fallon stepped into the wing position in the absence of Adebayo. Bath tries by Haag (2), Crane (2), Maslen and Lumsden. Ian Sanders dropped a goal. Mark Crane had a particularly good game. The best try came after Fallon’s 50 yard dash, which left Lumsden to do the honours.

15/12/1990

v London Welsh, Home, Won 42-6. A Lumsden, D Trick, L Heatherley, J Bamsey, J Fallon, T Reeman, I Sanders, G Chilcott (Capt), C Atkins, J Mallett, A Reed, N Maslen, G Adams, J Olds, S Ojomoh. Ref – R Rowett (Yorks) Replacements – C Book, V Seager

No rugby followers could take pleasure in the decline of the London Welsh Club, but this now seemed the nadir of their long history. The manner in which a makeshift Bath XV annihilated them, left one to reflect that they were once one of the greatest side’s in world rugby. Chilcott was back for Bath, and captained the side. A mixture of old hands and young hopefuls ran in seven tries, all converted by Reeman, with the Exciles’ woe-bedraggled response of two penalties. Bath tries by Lumsden (2), Trick, Bamsey, Fallon, Sanders, and Ojomoh.

TOULOUSE CENTENARY TOURNAMENT

19/12/1990

v Stade Toulousain, (Weds.) Away. Lost 6-23, Team:- Callard, Fallon, Heatherley, Bamsey, Lumsden, Reeman, Hill, Lee, Dawe, Crane, Haag, Reed, Maslen, Ojomoh and Adams. Heatherley replaced by Palmer in 44th minute) Tim Reeman kicked 2 penalties. Attendance 12,000.

Tim Reeman & co. were exposed to a different sort of element in this rugby mad city. A cacophony of drums, trumpets and rasping hooters accompanied his every goal kicking attempt. He eventually got used to it, but his two penalties were Bath’s only counter to tries by Bonneval, Cazalbou (2) and Soula. Marfaing added a conversion and a penalty. Tempers became a little frayed in the second half and the makeshift Bath side were glad when it was all over.

Organiser Pierre Villepreux expressed his displeasure at Bath’s inability to field a stronger side. He had expected all the Bath’s ‘stars’ to be in attendance.

Fiji were beaten 22 -12 by Queensland in the semi-final and Bath faced Fiji for 3rd or 4th place.

22/12/1990

v Fiji, Away. Lost 19 – 60. Team:- Webb, Fallon, Heatherley, Bamsey, Lumsden, Reeman, Sanders, Chilcott, Dawe, Lee, Haag, Crane, Maslen, Ojomoh and Adams. Hill replaced Sanders in 58th minute. Old replaced Adams in 54th minute.

Bath came off utterly dejected. They had been chasing shadows. Three of Masake Rasari’s tries were gifted away, when Bath attacks broke down, and the outstanding forward was left a 50 metre run-in.

Adams, Lumsden and Webb got Bath’s tries. Webb converted 2 and scored a penalty. Fiji ran in 12 tries and converted 6. Bath had turned around 15-22 down at the interval, but several of their side were comparatively inexperienced at this level, and the Fijian’s speed and agility overwhelmed them.

Toulouse won their final with Queensland by 21 points to 10, despite the Australians fielding 13 internationals.

AMATEURS

“Rumours suggest that the Toulouse players collected a bonus of £500-a-man for beating Bath on Wednesday and that the incentive was doubled for today’s final against Queensland.

The Bath players are amateurs – a fact that the French have difficulty comprehending. They cannot understand why Bath could not order their players to be available, that they had families to maintain and jobs to hold down. ” (Kevin Coughlan Evening Post)

The Toulouse festival was an undoubted success, and Villepreux was looking to expand, to attract other Southern Hemisphere Clubs. The final apres match reception, included pop stars and a laser show for the 2000 guests. Staging whole tournament was said to have cost around £1.3 million.

29/12/1990

v Swansea, Home, Won 29-4. J Webb, A Swift, J Palmer, J Bamsey, J Fallon, J Callard, R Hill, G Chilcott (Capt), G Dawe, M Lee, M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, N Maslen, S Ojomoh.

Steve Ojomoh had in a fine game, which was crowned by two sharply taken tries off the back of the scrum. His performance had improved significantly, since his accelerated promotion following Egerton’s shoulder injury in October. Other tries were contributed by Webb (2), and Bamsey, with Webb converting 3 and adding a penalty. Swansea were well below strength in the backs, but their pack included six of the first choice side. It was No.8 Stuart Davies who scored their unconverted try.

Apart from a personal contribution of 17 points, Jonathan Webb’s handling, in rain-soaked, slippery conditions, was impeccable throughout.

5/1/1991

v Plymouth, Away, Won 14-9. A Lumsden, A Swift, J Bamsey, A Saverimutto, J Fallon, J Callard, S Knight (Capt), V Ubogu, C Atkins, M Lee, M Haag, W Davis, J Olds, N Maslen, S Ojomoh Replacements – N Pratt, V Seager.

Stuart Barnes was forced to cry off, and Jon Callard slotted into the fly-half spot. The popular Steve Knight, had rendered fine service to the Club, and he was honoured with the captaincy for this game. He had already scored 25 tries in his Club career.

Bath tries by Swift, Knight and Haag, with Callard converting one.

12/1/1991

v Moseley, Home, Won 11-6. J Webb, A Swift, J Guscott, J Bamsey, A Adebayo, J Callard, S Knight, V Ubogu, G Dawe, G Chilcott (Capt), M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, N Maslen, S Ojomoh. Referee – J Trigg (LONDON) Replacements – I Sanders, M Crane – Sanders replaced Knight

Tries by wingers Adebayo and Swift, saw an under-strength side through. Callard took the outside-half spot for his Courage league debut game. Jonathan Webb kicked a penalty.

In the continued absence of Stuart Barnes, Webb took on the roll of opening up the opposing defence.

16/1/1991

v Metropolitan Police, Away, Won 29-19. J Callard, J Fallon, A Saverimutto, J Bamsey, T Wardle, D Willett, I Sanders, G Chilcott (Capt), C Atkins, J Mallett, M Haag, M Crane (T), G Adams, J Olds, S Ojomoh. Book replaced Bamsey and Cosgrove replaced Olds.

Duncan Willett (Exeter University) made his first team debut and showed some nice touches at outside half. Jon Callard reverted to his full back position and kicked 2 conversions and a penalty goal.

Gareth Chilcott kept the under strength selection together, but at one stage they looked very close to going under. The Police were one try up after 20 minutes, then Ojomoh created a gap for the first of Fallon’s two tries. Next Mark Crane bulldozed his way over from a lineout and he was instrumental in setting up Fallon’s second score following a ruck on the Met line. The Police came back strongly with a final total of three tries, a conversion and a penalty. Alastair Saverimmutto put Bath out of sight after an interception on the half way line. Willett and Book (substituting for Bamsey) dropped gaols.

26/1/1991

v London Scottish, Home, Won 22-15. J Callard, A Swift, P de Glanville, A Saverimutto, J Fallon, D Willett, S Knight, G Chilcott (Capt), G Dawe, M Lee, D Cronin, N Redman, A Robinson, N Maslen, M Haag. Attendance 2000.

P de Glanville put on a classy display in his first appearance for four months: “With every touch of the ball, every tackle, the Oxford University student displayed a degree of class which few around him could match.” (Kevin Coughlan Evening Post)

The game also marked the return of Redman and Cronin following injury. This displaced Martin Haag, but his fine form was rewarded with a place in the No. 8 position.

Replacements – I Sanders, M Crane. Tries by Robinson, Knight, and Saverimutto, with Willett kicking 2 conversions, a drop goal and a penalty.

2/2/1991

v Coventry, Home, Won 52-12. J Webb, A Swift, P de Glanville, J Guscott, J Fallon, S Barnes, R Hill, G Chilcott, C Atkins, M Lee, M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, N Maslen, J Hall. Replacements – I Sanders & J Mallett – Mallett replaced Lee

Poor Second Division Coventry! Bath fielded returning players Barnes and Hall. Five of the seven backs were internationals, with de Glanville, surely destined for representative honours.

De Glanville’s pace, handling and tactical awareness, was an immediate compliment to Guscott’s instinctive genius. A significant partnership had been forged.

By the way, De Glanville’s good looks had earned him the name ‘Hollywood.’

It was Barnes’s ‘Garryowen’ which opened up the score book in the fourth minute. Tries from Fallon, Robinson, Webb (2), Guscott Maslen, de Glanville, Swift (2) and a penalty try. Webb converted 6. Coventry scored 2 converted tries. It was later discovered that Richard Lee had fractured his hand.

23/2/1991

v Barnstaple, Home, Won 68-0. J Webb, A Swift, P de Glanville, J Bamsey, J Fallon, S Barnes, I Sanders, G Chilcott, G Dawe, V Ubogu, M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, J Hall, S Ojomoh. Replacements – P Kernan & J Deane – Kernan replaced Webb

This was little more than a training exercise for Bath, but a mountain of a problem for South West Division II, Barnstaple. John Hall, still fostering England aspirations, returned to score two of the 14 tries. Other tries by de Glanville (4), Ojomoh (3) Webb (2), Swift, Bamsey, and Barnes. Webb converted 6.

27/2/1991

v Ebbw Vale, Home, Won 58-0. A Lumsden, A Swift, J Bamsey, Iestyn Lewis, J Fallon, S Barnes, I Sanders, G Chilcott, J Deane, V Ubogu, M Haag, D Cronin, G Adams, J Hall, D Egerton. Replacements – C Dalby & M Crane – Dalby replaced Swift and Crane replaced Chilcott

This ‘heads of the valley’ side were next for the Bath crusher. They had just lost in the Welsh Cup and although Bath fielded eight reserves, they were brushed aside by an avalanche of free scoring. It was a most welcome return of David Egerton, but the star of the night was Jim Fallon, who turned in with a hat trick of tries. The full score card was:- tries by Lumsden (2), Bamsey, Lewis, Fallon (3), Barnes (2), Haag, Adams and Egerton. Audley Lumsden showed his pace, running from deep and linking with the threequarters for two well deserved tries.

1/3/1991

v Llanelli, Home, Won 34-14. J Callard, P Blackett, J Bamsey, I Lewis, J Fallon, S Barnes, S Knight, V Ubogu, J Deane, M Crane, M Haag, A Reed, A Robinson, N Maslen, D Egerton. Replacements – N Pratt and V Seager

Bath had amassed 126 points without reply in the last two games and it was not surprising they were in good shape to take on the ‘Scarlets.’ They were further encouraged by the return to form of No.8 David Egerton after shoulder injury. He brought off a number of heavy tackles and scored a try. Other tries from Barnes, Lewis, Callard and Robinson. Barnes converted one and kicked two penalties. Callard kicked two penalties. On the downside, the combination of Barnes and Callard succeeded with only 5 kicks out of 14 attempts, some from easy positions.

9/3/1991

v Wasps, Home, Lost 15-16. J Webb, A Swift, J Guscott, P de Glanville, J Fallon, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, G Chilcott, M Haag, D Cronin, A Robinson, J Hall, D Egerton. Replacements – S Knight and M Crane

A last minute hiccup after a run of eleven wins, and the first home defeat in Courage encounters for four years. However, to corrupt a well-worn phrase – ‘news of Bath’s death was somewhat premature.’

Bath had wasted possession on a tacky pitch, but the crowd was kept interested with stormy skirmishes between John Hall and Wasp’s Emeruwa. Clough found space in the last seconds, after Bath thought they had clinched the game with a Richard Hill try. Webb converted Hill’s try. Penalties:- Webb (2) and Barnes. Wasps try by Clough and Andrews landed 4 penalties. It was Bath’s first League defeat at home and a timely reminded that others were in the race. Once again there were problems with the place kicking. Andrews had a 100% success, but the Barnes/Webb combination landed only four out of eight attempts. A knee in the face left Barnes dazed and hurt and playing largely ‘on auto-pilot,’ for much of the second half. Dean Ryan and Sean O’Leary won valuable line-out ball, which added to Bath’s discomfort. Andrew kept plugging away with his penalties, and Bath looked unprepared, when Rigby carved an opening for Clough to take the inside pass for the winning score.

15/3/1991

v Newport, Away, Drawn 15-15. J Callard, J Fallon, J Bamsey, I Lewis, P Blackett, T Reeman, I Sanders, V Ubogu, J Deane, M Crane, M Haag, A Reed, A Robinson (Capt), N Maslen, D Egerton . Replacements – C Dalby, S Ojomoh – Dalby replaced Reeman

Tim Reeman’s five penalties accounted for all Bath’s points. His place kicking prowess was proving to be a major asset, as understudy to Barnes. To everyone’s dismay, he suffered a nasty elbow injury in the 55th minutes. Jon Bamsey deputised, Jim Fallon moved to centre and Craig Dalby went on the wing. Newport took the initiative and Bath were forced to hang on grimly to the end. Bath had dominated the line out through Martin Haag and Andy Reed. Reed had his best game yet in a Bath shirt. Ubogu, Robinson and Egerton showed in occasional forays.

23/3/1991

v Nottingham, Away, Won 22-9. J Webb, A Swift, J Bamsey, P de Glanville, J Fallon, S Barnes, R Hill, G Chilcott, G Dawe, M Crane, M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, J Hall, D Egerton. Replacements – I Sanders & J Mallett.

Barnes scored two tries. Webb converted one and added four penalties. Nottingham’s Hodgkinson kicked 3 penalties. It was still a tight run in for the title and Bath could not afford to slip up. Orrell still had the advantage in points differential.

SPIN DOCTORS ?

Bath kept on course for the Courage League Championship, but there was fair amount of gamesmanship on both sides. Honorary Team Secretary, Richard Seaman, although not the perpetrator, admitted that there had been an attempt to ‘con’ Nottingham with the team selection announcement. Damian Cronin was listed in the second row in apparent preference to Nigel Redman. All along, they had intended to play the English international – and Redman knew it! However, there was a leak of information and Nottingham ‘got wind’ of the tactics.

After a pretty torrid game, Stuart Barnes voiced his objections against what he saw as ‘orchestrated verbal intimidation.’ “It was quite obvious that some Bath players had been targeted in a clinical attempt to wind them up. It was a concerted effort to provoke individuals and disrupt our rhythm. It didn’t work because we kept our discipline and eventually controlled the game. Rugby is becoming more and more professional but this is the sort of professionalism we can do without.”

30/3/1991

v Thurrock, Home, Won 38-15. A Lumsden, P Blackett, I Lewis, J Bamsey, J Fallon, D Willett, S Knight, J Mallett, J Deane, M Lee, S Phelps, G Adams, N Maslen (Capt), S Ojomoh. Replacements – J Reynolds, J Olds.

This was not much more than a run-out for the remaining ‘crunch-game’ aspirants. Tries flowed from Lumsden, Blackett (2), Bamsey, Deane, Maslen and Ojomoh. Willett kicked 5 conversions.

6/4/1991

v Gloucester, Away, Won 17-15. J Webb, A Swift, J Guscott, P de Glanville, J Fallon, S Barnes, R Hill, G Chilcott, G Dawe, M Crane, M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, J Hall, D Egerton. Referee – S V Griffiths  Replacements – S Knight, M Lee – Lee replaced Hall in the second half. Hall was to miss out on the whole of the next season.

On a wet and windy pitch, Bath were stultified by a succession of penalties – Gloucester succeeded with just five kicks. It was just as well Gloucester were off target.

However, it was some comfort that Bath’s points stemmed from 3 tries, one converted and just one penalty goal. Bath tries by Webb (2) and Chilcott, Webb kicked a conversion and a penalty.

Barnes was unapproachable after this close encounter. He was incensed by referee David Leslie’s second half penalty count. i.e. 11: 0 in Gloucester’s favour! He maintained that one of Gloucester’s tries was not grounded and that Redman had a perfectly good try disallowed. The overall ratio was 18 : 5 in Gloucester’s favour.

Thanks to the Gloucester Club, £2000 was collected in aid of the Stephen Roberts Fund.

13/4/1991

v Rosslyn Park, Home, Won 45-21. J Webb, A Swift, J Guscott, P de Glanville, J Fallon, S Barnes, R Hill, G Chilcott, G Dawe, M Crane, M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, J Hall, D Egerton Ref – S V Griffiths. Replacements – S Knight, V Ubogu – Ubogu replaced Egerton.

Sadly, Egerton’s shoulder injury, prevented his re-appearance until February 1992.

They knew they had the Championship in the bag, as soon as they heard that Wasps had beaten Orrell.

Bath had treated their supporters to a seven try romp. Webb’s eighteen point contribution included a try. However, it was Guscott who opened the scoring spree, just over a minute from kick-off.

Fine play and fine tries were to follow, as Barnes’s display of accurate kicking and precision passing showed the England Selectors what they could be missing. Redman and Haag must have impressed with their storming games. Bath tries by Webb, Swift (2), Guscott, Barnes, Crane and Haag. Webb converted 4 and landed 2 penalties. Barnes dropped a goal.

Outside, the cans of Courage flowed freely! The champagne was uncorked in the dressing room!

Then they all reappeared to share their refreshment with friends, families and supporters.

20/4/1991

v Gloucester, Home. (Billed as a Friendly) Won 32-19. A Lumsden, D Trick, J Bamsey, P de Glanville, A Adebayo, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, J Deane, M Lee, N Redman, D Cronin, G Adams, N Maslen, S Ojomoh. Replacements – I Sanders & M Crane

Bath tries by Adams (2), de Glanville, Deane and Ubogu. Conversions- Barnes (3). Penalties – Barnes (2). It really was a game too many; the Clubs had locked horns in earnest fourteen days previously. This was supposed to be a friendly and Bath scaled down their selection accordingly. In the words of Kevin Coughlan: “It was messy, mistake-ridden and ultimately unsatisfying.”

27/4/1991

v Saracens, Away, Won 49-6. J Webb, A Swift, J Guscott, P de Glanville, J Fallon, S Barnes, R Hill, V Ubogu, G Dawe, G Chilcott, M Haag, N Redman, A Robinson, J Hall, S Ojomoh. Referee – D J Leslie. Replacements – I Sanders & M Crane

Bath tries by Hall, Barnes, Redman, Fallon, Guscott (2), Ubogu and de Glanville. Conversions:- Webb (7), and a penalty by Webb.

Bath’s faithful supporters shared Barnes’s pleasure at the presentation of the Courage League Trophy.

Sunday, 28th April 1991

Winners of WORTHINGTON NATIONAL SEVENS TOURNEMENT on the Recreation Ground. The Trophy presented to Bath by Captain Michael Pearey R.N., President of the Rugby Football Union in front of a 5000 crowd.

Interestingly, he was the father of Alan Pearey, journalist, who reported for the Bath Chronicle for several seasons.

At the photo call, ‘beer shampoo,’ Worthington of course, was liberally dispensed!

The successful Sevens squad was:- Fallon, de Glanville, Lumsden, Ojomoh, Lewis, Haag, Adams and

Callard (Captain). They beat London Irish, Rosslyn Park and Harlequins in their path to the Final. They won the Trophy after beating Leicester 24-10. Hero of the hour was Gareth Adams, who scored two tries in the Final. Audley Lumsden’s pace was a deciding factor and Martin Haag’s speed around the pitch and general work-rate, was phenomenal.

Bath topped the Courage League Championship Table.

Courage League:- Points For 280 Against 104

Overall Fixture list (excluding Toulouse Tournament):-

Points For 984 Against 392

Top Scorers:-

A new points leader in Jonathan Webb with 11 Tries, 38 Conversions, 25 Penalties for 195 points in 20 games, followed by Stuart Barnes with 10 Tries, 28 Conversions, 14 Penalties and 2 Drop Goals for 144 points in 20 games.