1977-1978 ANECDOTES

1977-1978 ANECDOTES

MANCOM 20/6/1977
HARRY FIDDES
Resolved that Mr. H (Harry) F Fiddes name to go forward as a Life Member, to be proposed at the AGM. He was relinquishing his association with the Youth section of the Club. He had served loyally, in various capacities for over 30 years. He had given long and meritorious service to the former Ex-Schools Union. Tragically, the Club was to mourn his death at the 22nd August meeting.

It was agreed to arrange a fixture – Glyn Maddocks Youth XV versus the Rumanian Touring Team on the Recreation Ground.
Agreed to congratulate Leslie Matthews upon his award of the Silver Jubilee Medal.

MANCOM 22/8/1977
It was agreed that the Team Secretary should be in charge of the 1st XV away journeys, and the appointed Committeeman at United and Spartans XV matches.
John Cousins to act as Youth XV Secretary.

SPONSORED KIT
6/9/1977 brought the announcement that the Club had completed a £3000, three- year, kit sponsorship deal with Adidas.

MANCOM 20/9/1977
It was agreed that the Club Coach D G Robson should be responsible for approaching local Clubs in connection with using their players.

BRAMALL DEATH
A few moments silence was observed to commemorate the untimely death of Jonathan Bramall, aged just 22. The ex Downside lad, was widely known as an all round athlete; a talented rugby player – he carried high hopes of further success in rugby circles, but he had been tragically killed in a car accident.

MANCOM 10/1/1978
Following injury, Philip Hall resigned his Captaincy of the United XV. Radley Wheeler was elected to fill the vacancy.
Meeting discussed the continuing difficulty in recruiting players for the Youth XV.
Reported that Brian Jenkins had been sent off on December 17th 1977. (He was subsequently suspended for four weeks)

DOUBLE SELECTION!
Mention of back-row forward John Hickey, brings to mind this unique situation, where the serviceman was actually selected for Bath and the R.A.F. and the match programme records his name in both sides!!

TRAINING OBLIGATORY
Something of a ‘three-line whip’ was issued to all players, calling for their attendance at training. Jack Rowell advised that attendance at training would be taken into account when future sides were selected.

MANCOM 27/2/1978
IT’S A KNOCK OUT!
BBC’s “It’s a Knock Out” to be staged on the Rec. on Sunday April 9th. It was agreed that the Club co-operate and if possible make a profit from the bar and supply of food.
Mr Norman (Curly) Halse reported that he had been elected to fill the vacancy as Chairman of Selectors as the Club Captain J S Waterman had resigned from the Office.
Congratulations extended to John Horton, upon his selection for England.
L Harter reported on great difficulty in raising a Youth side. The Combination Clubs had agreed to support 20 (mid week) Youth games. A Youth fixture with Garryowen Youth was arranged for March 15th.

.PALMER AT HIS BEST
A feature of this game, was a magnificent solo scoring effort from John Palmer, playing at outside-half. He set off on a beautiful diagonal run, which left the Cornishmen flat-footed. He then swerved his way through to crash over the try line. Later, he intercepted and ran the length of the field, for Bath’s fifth try. This England Under 23 player produced a ‘vintage’ performance, of which the absent John Horton would have been proud.
Bath secured a place in next season’s John Player Cup with this Merit Table victory. They were only seven points up at the interval, but the second half brought a magnificent display of running and handling. The Bath pack took a tighter grip on affairs and as a result, the whole team grew in confidence. Murphy combined well with Davies, Beese and Bird for some fine moves. Lye ranged all over the field in a superb loose forward display. The final score count was:- Davies 2 conversions and a penalty, tries by Beese, Bird, Palmer (2), Pillinger and Lye (2).

MANCOM 3/4/1978
Resolved that Senior Officials of the Club, meet with the Mini Rugby Committee in an effort to sort out the differences.

John Davies – A REMARKABLE PLAYER RECORD
John Davies had amassed 1111 points in 150 games, made up of 48 tries, 158 conversions, 192 penalties and 9 drop goals.

Programme Item:-

“This afternoon we shall see the BATH-IT’S A KNOCKOUT CHEERLEADING GIRLS, led by Pat Hughes. We hope you will give them a cheer. They are:
ANDREA HUGHES, BRIDGET O’MEARA, HILARY CONROY, LESLEY KERNAGHEN,
LiN PICKFORD, LINDSAY COOKE, JACKIE BARNES, MICHELLE NORTON,
NICKY JENNINGS, SHARON EVANS, SUE DAVIS AND TINA SMALLEY