1892 ANECDOTES

1892  ANECDOTES

THE BATH RUGBY

“ Other than the Bath Rugby fifteen – or all that is left of them –  perhaps no club is more the object of rumour each season, for one or other of their cracks is always off to fresh fields and pastures new. This year prominent among the many changes is the departure of Strachan, one of the neatest and best three-quarters of the club that ever toed a ball. It is rumoured, too, that the Hermitage men will not be available this year, the school having arranged their own Saturday matches, but although this information comes from a pretty official source, it will probably be found that it will be worked all right later on, although their assistance can hardly be reckoned on at the commencement of the season. Still, an unpleasant sense of insecurity fills the mind of the popular and respected captain, who, although he hopes for a revival of last year’s glories, does not seem very hopeful. If, however, what is said from official quarters with regard to the Hermitage men be true, there will be a vacancy at full back, and there were a few who could support comparison with Swabey, the Hermitage captain, in that capacity. Retaining all his skill and long-headedness, he was about as good a man for the post that could well be secured. Still, although there will be a necessity for ushering strangers within their gates, the team will again be able to boast such players as Pattinson, Dixon, Parham, Miller, F Soane, McKay, Hooper, Coles, Rogerson, Alexander, Derrick, Melsome, China and Pinch, all good men and true. The mention of the captain’s name reminds us that he is also in the need for retirement, and has hinted his intention of withdrawing next year. His brother has already fallen out of the ranks, but it is to be hoped that the doughty captain will shine in that capacity for many years to come. Astley, an old Bath player, who figured on several occasions with the club last year, will again be available as a three-quarter, but the executive may yet have a surprise or two in store for their followers and visiting fifteens, although if they have any new men of mark in their eye they have kept their performances remarkably quiet. There  are, however, one or two second team aspirants to fame, who, with a little polish, may develop into rare good men, and should some of the old and respected hands prove to be permanently below their once high standard, they will probably have a very early chance of showing their ability or inaptitude. Taking all things into consideration there is not likely to be any very big gaps in the famous fifteen which so honourably and ably distinguished themselves last year. Then, their career was a capital one, and if they do not sink below that level their numerous and enthusiastic following will have no occasion to grumble. Last year the front rank developed all the brilliance of which its members were capable and their opponents may see a lot of trouble when the team has once again settled down into its stride. Perhaps the most hopeful and coming brigade will be that sported on Thursdays, when the team will be strengthened in their matches by members of the old Bank’s fifteen, who have finally decided to give up playing on their own hook, and amalgamate with their superior brethren. In consequence of this step more Thursday games will be included on the card, and there can be no doubt the combination will be a judicious one, if only for this reason. We understand the surroundings of Henrietta park will undergo a transformation this season, for it is here that the team will find habitation in their encounters. The ground will be properly roped round, canvas erected etc., and thus it is hoped a stop will be put to the system which has hitherto been in evidence, that of the crowd following the players all round the field.”

The report looked at prospects for the Hermitage School, where F Swabey (Captain), F Bateman, B H and G Vincent, B Bateman, F Fanshawe, and J Webster would again be available. Full back Perreau* had left. Another brilliant season was forecast. Several would be called to the Bath XV colours, and their fixture list included a game against Bath on 17th December 1892  *Perreau played at centre for Surrey 26^th October 1892.

 BATH HERALD 13/9/1892

BATH COLLEGE

A fair season was forecast: “One thing, however, is pretty evident, nearly all the old hands will have dropped out of the ranks, and the younger element will have to be largely requisitioned.”

“One thing is absolutely certain, they will be a light lot, but this fact may not prove any very great bar to success, although their initial performances cannot be expected to compare with that smartness of form exhibited by the College towards the fag end of last season.”