1964-1965 ANECDOTES

1964-1965 ANECDOTES
For the following season summary, we are indebted to former Bath Club player, John Edwards. At one time he was regular contributor to the Match Programme. In later days he remained active in coaching, bringing his Dorset & Wilts side, Minety Rugby Football Club, through from 3rd to 1st Division.
Bath 1964/65

Four games at the beginning of the season in ten days was a big task for Kevin Andrews Bath side.
Weston Super Mare didn’t present any great difficulties. Both sides were trying to come to terms with laws regarding direct kicking into touch, but Bath out paced the Weston side who were unable to employ their normal spoiling tactics, Weston had a new No 8 one Peter Larter who was a successful goal kicker. Bath won easily by
33-3 and John Stevens writing in the Bath Chronicle rightly noted, “…I must reserve my opinion until I see the outcome of a clash between two more evenly balanced sides.”
He didn’t have to wait too long. The next Bath game was away to Llanelly (with “y” not an “i” in those days). For Bath No 8 Tony Comer made his debut and among his half back opponents was one B. John! Llanelly with many internationals in their side ran out easy winners by 35-5 despite being 5-0 down early in the game. It was clear that Welsh rugby was much more three-quarter orientated, rather than the forward based English game. In fact this game gave the first clue to the resurgence of Welsh rugby that was just about beginning and was to go on and produce the Welsh teams of the Seventies.
Two days later Bath met the touring Waterloo side that included England No 8 Alan Ashcroft and Dick Greenwood, future England selector and father of Will Greenwood the Leicester and England centre. Bath reverted to type played 10 man rugby until they got in sight of the line and then let the backs have the ball, it worked they won by 14-3.
Bath’s next test was against the star-studded Leicester side at Welford Road. The result was a sound beating by 31-8 disappointing as Bath had won the fixture at home the year before by 11-0. Captain Kevin Andrews who before long was to find himself playing for Leicester scored one of the Bath tries.
An interesting fact about rugby in the sixties was the County Championship. It was the stepping-stone to the English national side and every player was keen to get into the county side so that the national selectors would see them. Bath had many players in the Somerset and Dorset & Wilts county side in those days almost as many county players as they had international players in the Nineties!
Bath were more than capable of beating sides like Weston Super Mare, Stroud and Clifton, but the stronger English clubs, those we now see as Premier league clubs, and the Welsh sides usually had the beating of Bath. Having said that there is always one game at which the form book can be thrown away, Bath love playing Bristol. In the sixties Bristol were very successful led by their extraordinary captain John Blake who would run the ball from anywhere. Any new players coming to the area always chose Bristol as their team and consequently they always had a few internationals and this season, Richard Sharpe was the Bristol outside half. The game on the 17th October was extraordinary, Bath coming off the back of a drubbing by Devonport Services, put their illustrious neighbours under immense pressure, it was very much the Bath pack against the Bristol backs. In the end despite being in the lead Bath lost by six points 22-16, and those playing to this day believe that Northamptonshire referee J.Cyril disallowed a perfectly good Bath try which would have certainly meant that they would have recorded their first victory since 1955! With ten minutes to go it would have put Bath in the lead but a converted try in the last minute meant the Bristol hoodoo continued.
Not only that but it seemed to get to Bath who from mid-October to the end of December won only three games out of eleven the wins were against Old Cranleighans, United Services Portsmouth and Old Blues but they did achieve two draws with Saracens and London Irish. All was not well at the Rec, Bath had the forwards to match most sides but were let down in the backs who were somewhat pedestrian despite the presence of Geoff. Frankcom and the young Brendan Perry. Bath try as they might could not work as a team, individually they were a match for most sides but it was the critical area of teamwork that let them down.
The beginning of the New Year did Bath no favours as they faced the redoubtable London Welsh on the Rec. The Exiles were at the top of their form, led by John Dawes who was later to go on to lead the Lions on that famous “99” tour of South Africa. Bath were simply outpaced, out thought and out played. They went down by 26-6 and were lucky to get the 6!
The next game was against Metropolitan Police on the Rec and Bath playing their “best rugby of the season” overcame their visitors by 17-13. A good win considering that the Police had already beaten London Welsh. The game was also notable for being skipper Kevin Andrews last game for Bath before he left for a new job in Burton on Trent and a long career with Leicester. The Bath team must have made a special effort for him because a nightmare few weeks were to follow!
The young doctors of St Mary’s Hospital started the rot. Newly appointed captain Gordon Margretts, the teacher from Kingswood school, had a big job to weld a group of individuals into a team. The trainee doctors made sure that didn’t happen, their captain and scrum half Trevor Wintle who was later to play for England led Bath a merry dance. Bath allowed an 8-3 lead to be turned over in the last minute and the students ran out winners by a point. From this date in late January Bath did not win a game until 1st April.
Northampton were next up and after both teams and a crowd of 2,500 had stood for a minute’s silent tribute to Sir Winston Churchill Northampton started the game with only fourteen players due to a dressing room injury to full back Roger Hosen. It made no difference to them, led by England prop Ron Jacobs and supported by fellow internationals in Dickie Jeeps, Andy Hancock, and Bob Taylor; they managed to score thirteen points before they had their full complement of players. Bath finished on the wrong side of a 37-point beating!
They had to travel again the following week to Rosslyn Park who were themselves having a bad run of five consecutive defeats so perhaps Bath had a chance. No, only a fine performance by the Bath back row of Martland, Woolford and Hall kept Bath in the game that they finally lost by 13pts to 6.
Bath had finished their travels and the following Saturday great rivals Gloucester were the visitors to the Rec. Yet again the close rivalry in the West Country served to raise Bath’s game and despite their recent reversals, and helped by injuries to two Gloucester players, full back Hawker and scrum half Booth, Bath went very close to winning. Nil, nil at half time Bath took the lead with a try by schoolboy wing John Monahan only to be overhauled by two Gloucester tries one converted. A last minute try by captain Gordon Margretts put Bath in with a chance of a draw but unfortunately full back Mobley was unable to add the extra points. A chance to halt the run of defeats had been lost.
The Gloucestershire theme continued on Saturday 20th February, with Bath off up the A46 to Cheltenham, surely a game there for the winning. There was some doubt about the game being played after a heavy fall of snow early in the morning, fortunately by the time Mr. Windridge blew his whistle it had gone. Bath wished that they could perform a similar miracle, but alas they were completely unable to raise their game and they allowed Cheltenham to dictate the terms and subsequently as John Stevens reported in the Bath Chronicle “Bath crash to dismal Cheltenham defeat.
If Bath could not defeat a modest team like Cheltenham then the chances of beating London side Wasps looked pretty remote and so it proved to be. Despite having home advantage Bath were undone by a hat trick of tries by international wing Andy Hurst. It was a case again of the Bath forwards just about holding their own but the backs having no answer to the pace and innovative play of the Wasps backs. The final score of 19-9 to Wasps could have been much more but for the efforts of the Bath forwards.
Bristol was due to be the next visitors to the Rec but heavy falls of snow caused the game to be cancelled.
Fortunately only one game was lost to the weather and the Rec welcomed the tribes of Welshmen as Swansea came to town. This turned out to be a better game for Bath despite the fact that they were five points down in five seconds, new scrum half Jim Galley must have wondered what was happening. Full back Balding delayed his clearing kick just too long, it was charged down by Swansea second row forward Willis who recovered well to score the try, duly converted Bath were five points in arrears. They then competed extremely well and managed to restrict the powerful Swansea side to 18 points whilst scoring 12 points themselves including tries by O’Mara and Hall.
Welshmen never come alone and the following game was at Newbridge who were defending an unbeaten home record stretching back some eighteen months. Here was a major challenge for Bath. A very heavy ground, which had been inundated with rain, did not allow either side to play expansive rugby but the conditions, if anything, favoured the Bath forwards and so it proved to be. A very dour game was dominated by rough and tough forward exchanges, Bath debutante full back Allen Gay was put under a great pressure but managed to hold on to the ball when ever Emlyn Williams the Newbridge captain aimed kicks down field. Newbridge perhaps were moral winners having scored two tries, which Bath matched with a well taken drop goal by scrum half, Galley and a penalty kicked out of the glutinous mud by lock (No 8) Tony Comer. No matter Bath’s run of losses was brought a close by a 6-6 draw.
It was service as normal on the Rec the following week when Richmond were the visitors. Bath competing well were putting Richmond under great pressure, until five minutes before half time Tom Martland the Bath flanker had to leave the field with a gashed head. Richmond scrum half, Steve Smith, seized the initiative taking full advantage of Martland’s misfortune, and engineered two converted tries worth ten points that effectively won the game for his side. As soon as Martland returned equality was regained and Bath scored 12 points through a Nick Bruford try and three Tony Comer penalties to finally go down by 26 points to 12.
There was at last a glimmer of hope for the Bath side; new captain Gordon Margretts having suffered a baptism of fire (eight losses and one draw) could see some hope. What’s more the next game was on April Fool’s Day and Margretts was able to welcome back Bath’s latest international Geoff Frankcom. Against Weston Super Mare Bath were able to record their first win since the 16th January! Two startling tries by Frankcom helped Bath overcome their local rivals by 21 points to 3.
There was no time to enjoy the victory as two days later Bath were on the road to Birmingham to play Moseley. A late start didn’t seem to affect Bath too badly and they soon took the lead through a try by Margretts converted by Comer that gave them a halftime lead. Unfortunately they had missed a number of opportunities that were to prove costly. Moseley, never a team to give up, added two tries one converted to their first half penalty goal to run out winners by 11 points to 5. Bath though on their way back from Birmingham did not have too much time to dwell on the defeat, as the next game on the Rec in two days time was the 145th meeting with local rivals Bristol.
A Monday evening kick off, 4000 people in the ground the scene was set for an epic encounter and that is just what happened. Bath had made a few changes, captain Margretts moved to the wing to make way for Frankcom and O’Mara in the centre, with Nick Bruford on the other wing. In the pack, Lancastrian Pete Jenkins came in at prop, whilst in the second row Clive Armstrong replaced Peter Heindorff, who had moved back to No 8. The changes worked. Bath was on top from the whistle and was unfortunate to go behind to a dubious Mike Ellery try after 20 minutes but their heads did not go down. An Armstrong penalty from 40 yards brought Bath level and Geoff Frankcom was soon snapping up a Bristol fumble and a kick ahead was finished in style by flanker Martland. Bath was never to be behind again. Further tries from Bruford (2) and Frankcom one converted by Martland was more than Bristol could cope with and for the first time in ten years Bath had beaten Bristol!
There wasn’t much time to enjoy the victory as three days later Taunton were the visitors to the Rec. The Bath team showed only one change from the side that beat Bristol with John Parsons replacing Peter Heindorff at No 8. Bath despite playing their fourth game in eight days was up to the task. Taunton was not able to get through the Bath defences and was outscored by two tries to one. For the first time since the end of September Bath had won consecutive games.
The following Saturday saw Exeter visit the Rec and here surely was an opportunity to win three games on the trot, and that is just what Bath did. Exeter had former England wing Martin Underwood in their side playing at stand off and unfortunately he dislocated a shoulder and had to leave the field. No substitutes were allowed of course so Exeter had to play the last 60 minutes of the game with only 14 men. They made a good fist of it though and Bath only won (11-3) by scoring eight points in the final minutes of the game as the Exeter side ran out a steam. Still nobody cared, as it was now three consecutive games won. Could they keep it up over the Easter period?
Traditional visitors on Maunday Thursday were Harlequins who stopped off at Bath on the way to Wales for their traditional Easter tour. Four year before the Quins had inflicted on Bath their worst home defeat scoring 62 points and Bath were determined that no such mishap would happen again. The Quins side was normally full of internationals and they arrived at Bath by train often straight from the office in the City, they were the original “city-slickers”, the 6:15 pm kick off had some players running down Manvers Street getting changed! I haven’t a record of who was playing for the London side all I know is that Bath held their own losing in the end by two tries to one in a final score of 9 points to 6 to the Quins.
Bath was a great place to visit in the days of the rugby tour and the next tourists to visit on Easter Saturday were Liverpool. In 1965 they were a side to be reckoned with and so it proved. Bath were never allowed to get going the Liverpool side clearly enjoying their holiday were soon six points up after only 10 minutes play. Bath had gone back to their old ways and was performing as individuals rather than a team. Liverpool meanwhile was quite the opposite and improves a 6-0 half time lead by adding a further 13 points and Bath’s only reply being tries by winger Russell and outside half Brendan Perry.
On Easter Monday yet another touring side were the visitors in the shape of an Old Boy’s side from London, Old Merchant Taylor’s (OMT’s). Bath with a side showing seven changes from Saturday most notable blind side flanker, Tom Martland, playing in the centre and schoolboy debutante Johannes Zuipa from Midsomer Norton taking his place. The changes worked as Bath ran out winners by 22 points to 8 outscoring the Old Boys by six tries to one and Martland and Zuipa retained their places for the Rag Doll game against Llanelly the following day.
Bath showed just four changes for the evening kick off game. Bath had lost quite heavily earlier in the season to by 32 points so certainly had something to prove and prove it they did. Not only did Bath record their first win against a Welsh side this season but it was their largest win against Llanelly for many years. The Bath forwards were dominant and just did not allow their opponents into the game and as a result the Bath back row were able to harry their opponents unmercifully. As a result Bath ran in three tries from captain and winger Gordon Margretts, centre Brendan O’Mara and prop Peter Parfitt making his 243rd appearance for the club. Remarkably there were also two drop goals by Brendan Perry from some 45 yards and Tom Martland from his new position at centre! A fine victory by 19-6 meant that the Rag Doll was back at the Rec in time for the centenary season and it finished Bath’s season at home on a high.
Two visits to the Midlands finished off the season. Bedford was the first destination and due to a number of circumstances the home side were only able to field six first team regulars so the game should have been an away banker for Bath. Not so! Bedford who had a strong club side in the mid sixties, their no 8 David Perry was captain of England where he was accompanied by the redoubtable Budge Rogers, and their reserve strength was more than a match for a Bath side who didn’t travel very well. The Bedford side including a 17-year-old number 8 soon had Bath on the back foot and managed to gain lead of six points by half time. It was no better in the second half Bath were not allowed into the game and Bedford ran out winners playing festival rugby by 19 points to 6.
The curtain was brought down on the season with a visit to Coundon Road. Coventry was a strong side with the likes of Peter Robbins, Phil Judd and Herbie Godwin internationals all in their side and it showed. Bath finished a season, which had not been one of their best with their worst defeat by 33 points to nil.
Perhaps it is best to pull a discrete veil over a season that had provided 15 wins out of 46 games. In the month of April Bath had played eleven games, seven on the bounce at home great value for the spectators but perhaps the players had a slightly different view. Talking of value for spectators a member in the West Stand was expected to stump up some 30 shillings for the season, or £1.50, and for some inexplicable reason Ladies only paid one guinea or £1.05 for the season – that really represents value!
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MANCOM 10/8/1964
Mr. Gerry Moore, for the Bath Combination, had written to the Club asking for support in his protest to the local authority regarding the proposed conversion of the Norwood Playing Fields to a site for a new University. It was agreed that more information would be required.
Preparations for a Centenary booklet were well in hand.
12/10/1964
Committee considered the serious position of the Club in view of recent poor displays, especially a loss to Devonport Services. It was agreed to formulate a programme of visits to Combination Club games to look for possible 1st XV material. It was decided to write to all District clubs and ask for their co-operation. It transpired that Midsomer Norton, Oldfield Old Boys, Combe Down and Old Edwardians were reported as most helpful, but that Old Sulians were reluctant to help.
MANCOM 23/11/1964
Letter received from Geoff Frankcom indicating that he had obtained a post in Bedford, and would be playing for the Bedford Club during term time. It was hoped that he would continue to play for Bath during vacations.
There were further discussions on the poor playing record. There would be a firm policy of playing the best side available. It was regrettable to note that the ‘A’ side had been playing short on several occasions.
MANCOM 7/12/1964
Club Captain, Kevin Andrews advised that he would be leaving the district at the end of January, following a career promotion. It was agreed to ask Mr G Margretts to captain the side for the rest of the season.
It was agreed that production and sale of match programmes for United games be discontinued. Mr Berry would arrange for team lists to be typed up and duplicated.
It was agreed that a full time Bar Steward be engaged, and the Bar opened 5 days a week.
BATH REVIVE – WAS IT THE TEAM TALK OR THE LEMONS?
Into the second half – and a complete turn-about in more senses than one. The Bath pack dominated: Hooker, Clive Buckle quickly made up the early leeway in the scrums, skipper Kevin Andrews jumped well in the line-out, and Phil Hall, almost a lone forager in the first half, was joined more often by Peter Parfitt, Peter Jenkins and Tom Martland.” John Donovan was “inspirational,” sending in Brendan Perry after a typically bulldozing run. “And in the last quarter Donovan himself put Bath level with a glorious try, scored after he had been put away by Gordon Margretts and had sprinted 30 yards, beating full-back Mick Byrne in the process.”
It was a closely fought dual to the very end, with memorable contributions from Balding, Cousins and, again – that man Donovan.

MANCOM 21/12/1964
The Chairman mentioned about the attitude of some local clubs to the ‘A’ XV and it was agreed to discuss its future at the next meeting.
It was agreed to accept the offer of Mr. J V Smith, to coach the Bath Sevens team for the Middlesex Sevens.
MANCOM 8/2/1965
Following continuing concern at poor results, it was resolved that players who were obviously no longer 1st XV material should be asked to return to their Junior Clubs, and younger players found to replace them. It was considered better to lose games with younger, promising players, than with players who were not likely to improve.
Walcot’s Allen Gay was recommended for a trial.

News that Westhill Boys’ School teacher, and Bath centre, Allen Treloar would be moving on to attend an advanced course at Cardiff Training College, along with Wales and Newport lock, Brian Price.
MANCOM 22/2/1965
Mr John Roberts, Chairman of the Selection Committee suggested the engagement of a Club Coach. Mr Roger Whyte later agreed to attend Tuesday evening training sessions
MANCOM 12/4/1965
Mr. Chris Smith suggested that sheep should be allowed to graze on Lambridge, and Mr Peter Brown agreed to attend to the necessary formalities.
NATIONAL SERVICE ENDS
The Bath & District 7-a-side competition, returned to a purely domestic affair. No more R.A.F. Compton Bassett, Yatesbury, Melksham or Colerne. (All previous winners). National Service had been terminated and most of the stations were being run down, or closed completely. Teenagers shed no tears for the departure of the 18 months stint, but there was a degree of sorrow and nostalgia, that so many fine sides would not be seen again.
This traditional ‘Rag Doll’ game was marred by some unnecessary niggles and led to threats of a possible “Ban Bath” stemming from the West Wales Club. A Sunday Mirror comment reported on the collapse of Gwyn Williams on his way home. Allegedly, prop forward Cedric Jones suffered a kick on the forehead, Mike Thomas was taken from the field and David Bowen finished with a thick ear. Welsh centre Ken Jones said: “Even the toughest games between keen Welsh rivals are like Sunday School outings compared with the Bath match.” Bath Secretary, Jack Simpkins described Llanelly’s complaint as: “a lot of nonsense.” This was apparently borne out by the referee Jack Luscom, who was surprised at the threat to discontinue fixtures.