1968-1969 ANECDOTES

1968-1969 ANECDOTES

Bath appointed a new coach in Don Barrett, a former captain of the Oxford Rugby Club and latterly, team manager for Southern Counties. It was quipped that he was easily recognisable as the man who had more hair under his nose, than on the top of his head.

At age 27, Tom Martland was appointed as Vice Captain of the Club. As well as earning numerous County caps, Tom had already played 164 1st XV games. His main obstacle to progress had been a niggling knee injury. A multi-talented player, he had already turned out at full-back, centre and wing.

News that Vaughan Williams, the former Welsh schoolboy international, would no longer be regularly available. He was intent on establishing himself at St. Luke’s College.

Jim Waterman’s 1st XV debut. He was soon capitalising on the law discouraging direct kicks to touch from the 25yd line. His electrifying burst from deep (full-back positions,) allowed him to align with his three-quarters in superbly timed exchanges, switches of direction, and well timed passing movements. This exciting development was seen as the precursor of much of Bath’s sophisticated running game, which was to heap success on the Club in later seasons.

News that scrum half, Jim Galley was expected to re-join the club from Bristol.

BATH CHRONICLE commented on Bath’s post tour injury list: “One player in hospital seriously injured, two more with four or five stitches in cut heads, and others with leg injuries seems a pretty high price to pay for a three match rugby tour.”
Spartan’s skipper, John Cousins had collapsed after the Old Wesley game, and spent the rest of the tour in a Dublin Hospital, with bruised kidneys. Billy Lye played steady and reliable tour games. Jim Waterman, Barry Fry, Malcolm Lloyd, Bob Orledge and Tom Martland acquitted themselves well – even when playing out of position.

Allen Gay had returned to the Club after a spell at Bristol and Clifton. He turned out for the United on the following Monday.
His brother David, still only 21, was selected for the Barbarians’ Easter Tour. This came as some compensation in a frustrating season, which had seen him dropped out of the England and Somerset selection.

UNLUCKY 13 ?
” – Flame haired prop forward Niall Carter will have every reason to think it is his favourite number and certainly he won’t forget Easter Monday’s game with OMT’s in a hurry.
Carter may still be learning his job as a front row man – he played in the back row until a few months ago – but his goal kicking is a revelation.
His five successful conversions out of five – and a penalty as well – was of a standard of consistency which will make Bath look at him in a new light in future.”

JOHN STEVENS REPORTED: “For, far too often in my recollection, there have been incidents when players have argued with or made comments to the referee which can have done their cause no good at all. Stiffer action by the selectors earlier might have prevented the present incident which was unfortunate both for the club and Orledge
Such niggling and pettiness has been particularly evident when things have not been going well and undoubtedly they have done nothing to further the good name of Bath rugby”
“Orledge, one of the most promising young players Bath have had for years and with prospects of international honours in future, has been made the example.” He hoped it would be a warning to others.

MANCOM 14/4/1969
Mr Angus Meek reported that replacing the West Stand would cost somewhere in the region of £67,000. He also reported on the  Pulteney Weir improvements and a further meeting with the Engineers. Finance had been discussed with the Local Authority and a Club contribution of £6000 towards the Sports Centre development seemed reasonable at that stage.
The Committee thanked the Fund Raising efforts of the 200 Club.
The pitch was to be moved 15 feet to the East and about 8 feet to the South. A new sewer would be positioned along the West touch-line. (An alternative plan was later submitted)
Legal advisor, W G A Burningham would negotiate with the District Valuer regarding compensation for the Club.
Mr Simpkins and Mr Beazer reported that at a meeting of thirty one Senior “gate taking” clubs in London, twenty six Clubs had voted in favour of the introduction of some form of competitive rugby.

TOMMY HICKS, B.E.M.
It was agreed to write a suitable letter to Mr. Tom Hicks, a former Captain of the Club, who had recently been awarded the British Empire Medal for his bravery and devotion to duty during the Great Bath Flood in July 1968. He was employed by the Bath Corporation as Highways Superintendent.

AGM 27/6/1969
W Simpkins proposed and W Beazer seconded, proposal for alteration to Rule 4, which would allow the Club Coach to be an official of the Club. The proposition was carried unanimously.

LAWS CHANGE:- Replacements for injured player allowed in International matches.

LOOKING BACK
Bath had been beset with injuries. A good season nevertheless and only 49 players were utilised, compared with 53 in the previous season.