1973-1974 ANECDOTES

1973-1974 ANECDOTES

LINE-OUT LAW
25th August 1973 brought the announcement that rugby pitches would be marked out with a 15- yard line to accommodate new line-out law. Players were now required to stand two feet away from an opponent and a yard from their own players. A line-out was not to extend more than 15 yards in field.

DISCIPLINE
Bath players had put in weeks of hard practice in anticipation of a tough start against Pontypool.
Apart from reviewing player prospects, there was concern to improve overall player conduct: “Last season there were far too many incidents of disputing referees’ decision and at times downright dirty play which cannot be tolerated again no matter how much they might have been provoked.
The lack of discipline is perhaps a sad trend of society generally, but the onus is clearly on skipper Phil Hall to keep a firm hand on his players so they can take the rough with the smooth without dissent.”

Energetic President and ex player, George Brown, pledged to take an active roll in Club affairs. High on his list of priorities were extension of the Club premises and installation of floodlighting. He was also keen to maintain good relations between Committee and Players.

Niall Carter’s long term rugby future was still in doubt since his serious knee injury in February of the preceding season. He was about to have a cartilage removed, but was still optimistic for an eventual return to playing fitness. His weight and power had certainly been missed.

MANCOM 29/8/73
Gratuities to Coach drivers fixed at:-
Whole Day journey £1
Half Day (After 12 noon) 50p
Return after midnight £1 plus a collection from passengers.

THE PECKING ORDER
At a Committee meeting, the Club Captain asked who was in charge of the Club, the Coach – the Captain or the Committee?
The Chairman, Mr. John Roberts counselled that the Club must always be run by the Committee, therefore the Committee must be in charge of the Coach.

LACK OF DEPTH
Bath would be closely watching the form of 29-year-old solicitor, Brendan Perry in his efforts to re-establish himself as first choice outside-half. His silky skills were unquestionable, but the concern was whether he could sustain full match fitness for the rigours of another season. He had only made one 1st XV appearance the previous season, as he was constantly frustrated by leg muscle problems. In the background, there was news that John Horton of Sale, might be coming to the area on a teaching post.
There was general concern at the lack of depth in the available squad. A number of players had left the Club and there was serious concern over some of the key positions. Geoff Phillips had moved to work abroad, Richard Harding had joined Bristol, Ray Smith had returned to Devizes and Ted Holley had moved to the Midlands.

MENTAL ATTITUDE
This tough ‘opener’ served to highlight Bath’s selection problems. A number of key players had moved on and there were others with long-term injuries. The players generally, looked reasonably fit, but there were doubts that they were mentally attuned to the demands of top class rugby.
“A tough Welsh front row gave them considerable food for thought.” “More than anything, though, Bath’s main weakness to date seems to be their lack of faith in their own ability.”
Captain -Committee at odds.
At the 10th September Management meeting, Club Captain Philip Hall complained that the players had voted to stay in Leicester until midnight on the 8th of September. The Honorary Secretary took the view that it was unreasonable to expect the coach driver to cover 120 miles at this late hour. After leaving at 8-15 pm, they finally arrived at Bath at 1.30am.
It was agreed that time of return should be discussed and finalised on the previous Thursday.
News that England Under 23 fly-half, John Horton of Sale and Lancashire would be joining the Club.
He was taking a post as deputy head of P.E. at Bath Technical College.
V.A.T
Committee advised that revised accounting methods would be needed in order to provide information for the new Value Added Tax.
PHIL HALL’S TROUBLES
The Bath Club congratulated at ‘Courageous’ action in suspending wing forward Phil Hall, following a sending off at Exeter on the 22nd September. Hall’s robust style of play was said to generate flare-ups. Nevertheless, he gained respect throughout the rugby fraternity, and was ever a modest and charming gent off the field. It was a pity he got into this ‘hot water’ during his captaincy.
“I did not see the game in which Hall was sent off, but I’m delighted that Bath are not prepared to accept anything other than a high standard of conduct from their players.
BLEDDYN WILLIAMS COLUMN – SUNDAY -PEOPLE 30/9/73

Extract from Club programme 26th September 1973
OURSELVES
Apart from the convincing win against Moseley, we have not enjoyed much success so far this season. Early season injuries have certainly handicapped the Coach and Selectors.
With several new players recently joining the Club however things now look much better for the future and a win this evening will of course, do a power of good.
Local boy from Stothert’s Bert Meddick has improved tremendously and despite his unfortunate injury he has been tipped for a County Cap and perhaps higher honours.
Radley Wheeler, another local player who joined from Frome has proved a very able player and a good Club man. Ken Plummer from Midsomer Norton Club has also fitted in well – he and Radley have established their second- row places.
Congratulations to young Geoff Pillinger-he had a very good first game for Somerset at Bridgwater last Monday. And welcome back to Jim Waterman who showed his best form in the Moseley match. Tony Hicks from Walcot Old Boys improves every match. He could well follow in his father’s footsteps and play for his County in the near future.
MANCOM 5/11/73
Mr Dolman reported that the Spartans team had only 12 players for their last match and their Captain and team Secretary had not attended training for some time.

TEAM BUILDING PROBLEMS
After 15 matches the only ‘ever present’ was Radley Wheeler who was on his 78th appearance since joining from local club Frome. It was indicative of Bath’s problems that they had already used 30 players – including five, newly exposed to senior rugby.

HEINDORFF CRITIQUE
Former skipper, Pete Heindorff provided pertinent comment regarding Bath’s recently poor form:
“His maxim always was ‘Crunch them in the front five and you’ll win.” Neither has his view changed since.”
“You can’t play winning rugby unless you are going forward and you won’t do that until you dominate in the front five.”
“It is the feelings many Bath fans will echo. Many have been asking in recent weeks whether the side have got their priorities right.”
“Heindorff would be the first to admit that you can’t make bricks without straw – and it is true that Bath don’t have the great power they used to have in his days in the club.
Heindorff won’t still be entirely convinced though: ‘With the players available Bath still ought to be more convincing up front.’ He retorts.”

TALENT SCOUTING
It was announced that Bath were setting up a new talent-scouting sub-committee under the Chairmanship of John Cousins.
His preliminary team was comprised of Clive Buckle, Frank Thomas, Referee Bruce Richman, Schoolmaster Ron Broackes, and David Jenkins.
The sub-committee would report to the Chairman of Selectors.

MANCOM 7/1/74
P S Jenkins resigned his captaincy of the United XV, and W Lye elected in his place.
Hon. Treasure reported that 63 players had made some contribution towards their subs.

‘THEFT’ OF ART TREASURE?
A picture had previously been reported as stolen from a pub in Esher. It was the evening that the 1st XV had called in on their way back from the Streatham & Croydon game. The Secretary was pleased to report that the missing picture had since been returned to its owner.

Old Redcliffians, Bristol, complained that another of their players had been invited to join Bath.
There was a nostalgic note to the Bath Sevens. Keynsham were in the Final, captained by former Bath and Somerset stalwart Clive Buckle. He had announced that he was hanging up his boots after the tournament.

Mrs Doris Churchouse had paid £11.75 into Club Funds, as proceeds from the Christmas Raffle. She was an ever-present at home games with her much loved clarion cry of: “Come on my Luvvers!”
Indeed, the players generally expected to hear from her at some point in the game.

Profit from the Ball held at the Guildhall yielded £380. The Joint Treasurers reported that Club finances were quite healthy at that point in time.

January 1974 – MINI RUGBY

There was an announcement that Mini Rugby, introduced by David Dolman over the Christmas period was to be repeated. A series of short courses was planned to give primary schoolboys an insight into the basics of the game. There would be a repeat during the Easter holidays.

MANCOM 18/2/74
Following the serious injury to scrum half Malcolm Lloyd, all players were urged to take out personal accident insurance, and proposal forms were made available.
A letter was received from Somerset R.F.U. appealing for donations towards their proposed tour of Canada.

MANCOM 4/3/74. Mr. George Brown advised that a silver salver was to be presented to Phil Hall at the next home match.
It was reported that former Bath player M R Hannell was to have a serious operation, which would end his playing career. Sadly the illness was to take his life.
Mark Butt selected to play for England Youth XV.
CLIVE BUCKLE
There was a nostalgic note to the Bath Sevens. Keynsham were in the Final, captained by former Bath and Somerset stalwart Clive Buckle. He had announced that he was hanging up his boots after the tournament.
MANCOM 6/5/74
Resignation of the Club Coach was confirmed. This was due to pressure of business. David Dolman had worked with tremendous enthusiasm, using his knowledge of the game for the benefit of the Club.
It was unanimously agreed to write to Mr. Tom Hudson of Bath University and ask his advice about coaching problems and invite him to meet the Committee.

Bath City (Football) written, congratulating them upon promotion to the Premier Southern League.
Agreement to proceed with ground improvements and installation of Floodlights at an estimated total cost of £18,000. Mr. T Smith, Honorary Treasurer, reminded the meeting of the financial liability incurred if the improvement work commenced.

FOR THE RECORD
The 1st XV experienced a very disappointing season and the United, Spartans and Youth XV’s could only register 21 wins between them.
Bath played a record number of 55 First XV games. This was a heavy burden on the players and 43 individuals appeared in various selections.