1962-1963 ANECDOTES

1962-1963 ANDECDOTES
Sports Chronicle & Herald – 18th August 1962.
“BATH NEWCOMERS WILL ACT AS SPUR`
`WEALTH OF TALENT MEANS KEEN COMPETITION”
“If a number of newcomers live up to their reputations, they could prove considerable assets to Bath rugby for the coming season, not necessarily as members of the first fifteen, but to act as a spur to those already in possession.
During the last disappointing season the lack of success could to some extent be attributed to the complacent attitude of some of the players, who knew that they would be difficult to replace and allowed a little of the edge and keenness to go out of their play.
Such will not be the case this time, especially if skipper Laurie Rimmer has anything to do with it. He intends to see that discipline is enforced and that if any individual shows signs of slipping he will either bring himself up to scratch again or if that fails replace him.
Keenest competition for first XV places is undoubtedly likely to come in the forwards, where a wealth of talent seems available to challenge the present incumbents.”
In the front row – Peter Parfitt, Pat Hill and John Lacey faced challenges by Dick Byrne – former Munster prop, John Rainforth – former Cambridge Blue, and Don Coles – ex Monkton Combe player. A possible second row partner for Kevin Andrews was Paul Venn or veteran Tony Jacob following Bruce Farrer’s departure. Newcomers could strengthen the back row of Rimmer, Bill Burley and Phil Hall.
“ Last year Bath scored more points than in any other season since the war “
The choice for scrum-half lay between Gordon Drewett, Frank Booth or Julian Darling.
Fly Half Brendan Perry was uncertain about his availability if he went to Cardiff University. Mid-field player Geoff Frankcom, bound for Cambridge University in October, would not be able to team up with Paddy Hillyard for long. Wing Nick Bruford continued, but one berth was open for challenge between Roy Farnham, last seasons skipper and leading try scorer and Old Edwardian Richard Andrew.

“The main crux of the matter, though, lies with the ability of the individual to work in with his team mates and improve understanding.”

“REFEREE’S COLUMN`”
“ ONE MIGHT WONDER WHY A PLAYER EVER TAKES UP THE WHISTLE `”
“Finding himself no longer young enough to hold a place even in the Extra A XV, but being reluctant to hang up his boots, a player begins to realise that the referees are actually human, and that here is a way of prolonging his active enjoyment from the game.
His wife’s initial pleasure on hearing that, at long last, he is giving up playing, may well dissolve into a domestic crisis when she realises that there might be another 10 to 15 years of late Saturday nights. The tact with which he handles this delicate situation will prove invaluable when he ventures forth with his whistle.”

The Sports Chronicle & Herald – 25th August 1962.
“GOOD NEWS – AND BAD – ON EVE OF SEASON
“PERRY CAN PLAY: ANDREWS DOUBTFUL”
“Although skipper Laurie Rimmer and his fellow selectors will have learned much from today’s final trial, they have already received two vital pieces of information – one good and the other distinctly disquieting`. The news was that Brendan Perry expected to be available regularly; Kevin Andrews would not be if he were to be transferred to work away from Bath after October.
Rimmer, meanwhile, was concentrating all of his efforts on building up the side, substituting the traditional Bath training methods for his own rigorous brand by developing physical fitness, followed by tactical practice.
“The new captain intends to see that each individual knows the play of his colleagues inside out and team work and spirit will be the premium.”

The oncoming season brought a flush of new players:-
Ewan Anderson, scrum half, from Oxford University, for whom he had also played cricket in county matches during the previous season.
Frank Booth, scrum half, member of the Lancashire side, had represented North Western Counties against touring sides and was understudy to England player Steve Smith at Cambridge University. He had just moved south.
Dick Byrne, prop, aged 23, who formerly played for Cork and Munster, and was living and working in Bristol.
Tony Comer, back row forward, who was a member of the City of Bath Boys’ School side last season, and was already well known in local sporting circles as a member of Lansdown Cricket Club.
John Dent, centre, from Gosport, who had impressed in the trials.
Colin Evans, prop, who was on the staff of Bishop Wordsworth School at Salisbury. He was a former Welsh Schoolboy International, but had been out of the game for some while following a hernia operation.
Philip Jones, centre, or fly half, a member of Midsomer Norton Grammar School team the previous season, and who gained a trial for the England Senior Schools XV.
Martin Lubbock, fly half, who had come to work at the Severn Wildfowl Trust, Gloucestershire.
Colwyn Owen, hooker, ex-member of the St. Luke’s College team, and a teacher at Oldfield Boys’ School, Bath. He had previously played for the first XV’s of Neath, Llanelly and Bridgend.
Gordon Parfitt, second row forward, from Midsomer Norton, who played an occasional game at the end of the previous season. A distant relation to Peter Parfitt the prop forward.
John Parsons, second row forward, weight 17 stone, from Devizes, who represented Dorset & Wilts the previous season. He caught Bath’s eye when playing in the Devizes side which won the local sevens tournament the previous April.
Brian Toogood, second row or No 8 forward, one of the most consistent performers in the highly successful Walcot Old Boys XV. He was on trail with Bath under the Combination scheme.
MANCOM 22/10/1962
It was agreed to fall in line with the RFU suggestion to number jerseys from 15 to 1 from the fullback, as soon as possible.

MANCOM 12/11/1962
Mrs Gerrard reported that she had consulted a London lawyer, who had advised on the very careful wording of the Social Club rules in order to safeguard the interests of the Bath Football Club.
The Rules of the Bath Football Club would have to be amended in order to comply with the 1961 Licensing Act.
The first edition of the Rugby Old Times was produced by the Bath Football Club Old Players’ Association. Writers were P H Brown, F G H Dolman and W C Steven (Editor).
The Foreword was provided by C R Mannings – who looked forward to future issues!

FROST AND SNOW
There was a nation-wide freeze-up lasting from 26th December to the 16th February. All games cancelled through snow and severe frost. At one stage, there was about a foot of frozen snow on the Recreation Ground, where 30 Degrees of Frost was recorded. The ground was only just playable for the Wasps game.

MANCOM 16/1/1963
Mr. Angus Meek asked to prepare plans for the proposed extension to the Clubhouse.
FALLING GATES
Bath were getting increasingly alarmed at a significant falling off in attendances. Many games had been cancelled due unplayable ground conditions, but spectators seemed to be continuing ‘a big freeze’ of their own. The one and only February game, against Wasps, produced the princely sum of £12 in gate money! The Honorary Treasurer, C D S Thomas, described the position as ‘alarming.’
MANCOM 24/6/1963
Mrs Gerrard sought guidance on the amount of money the Club were willing to expend on the proposed enlarged Clubhouse. It was resolved to allow for a sum of £1600 and to ask the Trustees’ permission to realise £1000 of the Club’s investments.
Acting on the suggestion of Kevin Andrews, the next season’s Club Captain, it was decided not to send a representative on the County Coaching Course.
It was decided to devote the whole of the proceeds of the 1963 Sevens Tournament, to the benefit of the Schools Union.

LOOKING BACK