1966-1967 ANECDOTES

1966-1967 ANECDOTES
OVERALL IMPROVEMENT IN PLAY
Bath finished 24th and last in the overall English/Welsh table, and 14th in the English table. However, this season was a milestone in Club development. The Sibley and Hall combination were evolving a handling game, with a more open style of play. There was more continuity in selection, and a general improvement in performance.

MANCOM 10/10/1966
Decision to re-name Bath ‘A’ XV as Bath Spartans.

PLAYERS ARRANGING THEIR OWN GAMES
There had been a number of extra fixtures, arranged by the players. It was agreed that the Fixture Secretary could be left in the embarrassing situation of having to refuse such arrangements, and it was felt that Sunday fixtures were not in the best interests of a first class club. There had been a Sunday game at Fylde and arrangements were in hand to play Keynsham and Old Sulians. Although Messrs Robson and Sibley could see no harm in these extra games, it was resolved that any Bath player wishing to play in games not organised by the Management Committee should ask permission from the Selection Committee and if five or more players request to play in the same match it shall be referred to the Management Committee.
MANCOM 7/11/1966
Secretary expressed concern at the numbers of Bath players turning out for Somerset Barbarians on Sundays. It was resolved to ask Somerset County R.F.U. to clarify as to whether the team was recognised by the County.
Mr John Roberts was concerned at the number of players travelling to away matches by private car. Club Captains asked to discourage the practice.
Club to advertise for full time Bar Steward. Messrs Hawkins, Hughes and Vaissiere agreed to carry on running the Bar for the time being.
Mr Brian Davis complained that 8 pairs of shorts had already been lost, and footballs were missing after training sessions.
Mr Reg Hillman agreed to decorate the Clubhouse at his own expense.

FORMER BATH SCRUM HALF – WILL NOT BE COMING BACK!
DAILY MIRROR 12/1/1967
Rugby’s one-time long haired, self styled beatnik yesterday launched an attack on the British game-from his new home in France.
Twenty-six-year old scrum half Jeremy Spencer-he won a cap for England against Wales at Twickenham last season-is now teaching at a school on the Basque coast and playing for the local side St.-Jean-de-Luz.
Says Spencer: “Rugby is played far more seriously in France, because clubs are in a league and there is something at stake every weekend. The British play for prestige.
In France too, team spirit is far better- and there’s a big difference between English and French Rugby when the play is tough.
English players are hypocrites. When thy punch you in the face, they say sorry.”

Spencer has certainly made the grade in France. Critics regard him as second only to Jean Lasserre among the French scrum halves.
Spencer’s remarks are unlikely to get him into trouble with England’s Rugby authorities.
About returning home he says: “To hell with playing for glory in England. I like my life here, and I wouldn’t leave for anything in the world.”

14/1/1967 WESTERN COUNTIES v AUSTRALIA, at Bristol.
This encounter certainly needs recording in the annals of Bath History. Bath’s David Dolman played at full-back and saved a certain try with a flying tackle on right winger Moore. He described the match as “a great experience.” Geoff Frankcom, then a Bedford player, was at centre and played well. The Counties won by a try and two penalty goals to nothing. (9-0) It was the Australians’ tenth defeat of their tour. Nevertheless, it was an outstanding result from a mixture of Gloucestershire and Somerset players. Capaldi got the try and Hopson kicked two penalties.
MANCOM 30/1/1967
Mr Peter Brown had paid for the production costs of the Centenary Book. Committee was now advised that the value of unsold books now amounted to £336 19s 4d and 111 books had been taken by various members for sale and had not been paid for or returned.

THE SIBLEY TOUCH
“Here was a classic example of where safety-first tactics can get one. Gloucester played unambiguously and got nowhere. Bath were always trying something new or to move the ball about. In the end Bath ran them off their feet – a fact which was borne out by various national newspaper reports. How long is it, I Wonder, since everyone unanimously agreed that Bath were cleverer and faster outside the scrum?
Sibley has every reason to feel more than satisfied. His cheerful optimism that in time, his methods would pay off, have been more than adequately fulfilled.”
A RIPPING TIME !
“Biggest cheer during last night’s game between Bath and Stroud on the Recreation Ground was for the visitors’ full-back and captain Russell Hillier.
Midway through the second half, he gathered a kick ahead and tried to run up the field. Two Bath players closed on either side and tried to tackle, at the same time.
Hillier shook off both, found his touch-kick – but then discovered that he had lost his shorts which were ripped off in one piece. Another pair was hurriedly brought from the dressing room.”
(BATH CHRONICLE)
The Selection Committee could claim considerable success, in keeping a consistent side together.
45 players were used in 50 matches, inevitably including a number of irregulars on the German Tour games. Significantly, 10 of the side played in more than three quarters of the matches.