1969-1970 ANECDOTES

1969-1970 ANECDOTES
Tom Martland took up the Captain’s mantle determined to continue with the free running game espoused by Peter Sibley, but at the same time seeking to organise a more solid, grafting style in the forwards.
MANCOM 8/9/1969
The Honorary Secretary reported that a Draft Agreement for leasing the No.2 Lambridge pitch to Walcot, and erection of a temporary clubhouse had been drawn up.
Letter of resignation received from David Gay, who was joining Harlequins.
TEAM NEWS
There was an “out-of-the -blue” announcement that at age 22, former Welsh Secondary Schools’ International, Vaughan Williams had decided to give up first class rugby. A recurring injury problem was given as the reason, but it was thought that Williams was going to play football!

PLAYER INJURIES AND CAPTAINCY CHANGES.
Early season selection was disrupted by a spate of non availability:-
R J Orledge, P C Sibley, C Perry, H B W Barstow (Fracture), P B Glover (Fracture), B J Collins (Cartilage), B Fear, and D J Wilce joined skipper Tom Martland (Torn ligaments ) on the injured list. Tom Martland was obliged to hand over the captaincy to Peter Heindorff, the elected Vice captain.
Alan Townsend was to resign captaincy of the United, due to business commitments, and Jim Galley replaced him.
B Smallcombe resigned captaincy of the Spartans, after injury, and Simon Royal replaced him on 9th September 1970.

COLTS RUGBY
Veteran Committee man Harry Fiddes and his captain, Peter Snook were a tremendous help to the Committee, enabling the Club to organise a full programme of Colts matches
MANCOM 17/11/1969
Acting Captain Peter Heindorff was congratulated upon Bath’s 35-14 win at Pontypool.
MANCOM 1/12/1969
SPARTANS AND COLTS TO STAY
T H Smith estimated that the cost of running the Colts XV would be £400 and the Spartans £350. It was felt that the Colts XV should consist of pure Colts, i.e. players under 18 on September 1st and not receiving full time education. In order to relieve pressure on the 1st Team Secretary, Mr. Reg Monk agreed to take office for the Spartans. For the time being, the Colts fixtures were to be reduced to eight per season. Mr. Tom Martland expressed his disappointment with this decision.

Meeting with Walcot Old Boys regarding their Agreement to rent Pitch No. 2 at Lambridge. The suggested rent of £100 per annum was queried by Walcot representatives – Messrs Tom Hicks, D Webber and John Wride. It was later agreed to explain full details of income and expenditure relating to the Lease, in order to justify what was considered a reasonable rent increase.
SPORTS CHRONICLE 6th DECEMBER 1969
CLUB MOURN JAMIE MONAHAN
This former Bath lock forward had died tragically at age 21. He had been a London Irish player for the past two seasons, but the strongest of connections remained through his Bath family, his Kingswood School connection, and his Bath Club brother, John Monahan.
At Cambridge he had achieved an honours degree and a Rugby Blue, and had opted for London Irish in furtherance of International aspirations. He had appeared in two Irish trials. A gentle giant off the field, this popular young man would be sadly missed.
Adapted from WEEKLY CHRONICLE 12/2/1970
Bath Rugby officials were increasingly concerned that contractors had made little effort to tidy up the Recreation Ground in time for Saturday matches.  The contractors and Bristol Avon River Authority were working on the Pulteney Weir and River Avon flood prevention scheme. The dispute arose over the contractors’ temporary access to the site, across the top end of the Recreation Ground. The area was eventually to be tarmaced, and general improvements were promised.

It was reported that Peter Sibley was willing to act as Club Coach for the remainder of the season. He had been sidelined since the 6th September – his first game.

MARTLAND’S FINE GOAL v
“Bath kept up the pressure and went further ahead in a rather surprising fashion. An attack petered out when Lloyd carried on too far and Drake kicked upfield, but Martland gathering the ball on the bounce, dropped a remarkable goal from 35 yards. Toone kicked a penalty for Sale with ten minutes remaining.
Hall scored a try for Bath which Waterman converted.”
TOUCH JUDGE SENT OFF!
J F (Jim) Vaissiere, acting as Touch Judge, was sent off the field by referee Mike Titcombe, for shouting at the players.

600 UP!
Bath completed a clean sweep of April 1970 Easter successes for the third season in succession. There were two other milestones. In doing so, they topped 600 points, with a personal tally of 100 points for Roger Elliott.
MANCOM 18/5/1970
Mr J W P Roberts reported on a successful short tour in Holland.

MANCOM 20/7/1970
W A J Meek reported on damage to the Clubhouse Lounge foundation. It was agreed to proceed with rebuilding of the Clubhouse lounge and it was agreed to accept the lowest tender.

Messrs Beazer, Roberts and Simpkins reported on a meeting of the top 37 Gate Taking Clubs at the R.F.U. The Clubs represented had decided that they did not intend to support the R.F.U.’s proposed scheme for competitive rugby. They again pressed for permission to use the scheme which had already been submitted to the R.F.U. Committee – and been rejected.

It was unanimously agreed not to send a donation to the Bath City Football Club Ltd who were appealing for financial help.