1980-1981 ANECDOTES

1980-1981 ANECDOTES
Bath’s new Vice Captain was England Under 23 and B International, John Palmer.

MANCOM 20/8/1980
It was announced that Dave Alred had been unsuccessful in his Appeal against the R.F.U., ruling him out of R.F.U. activities.
J Rowell advised that Charles Ralston, from Rosslyn Park, was joining the Club.
Walcot Old Boys had written to the Club complaining bitterly about Eddie Kidd, the motorbike stunt rider, using their part of the Lambridge ground and causing a certain amount of damage. It was agreed that Mr. Kidd was at fault, and the Secretary would write a suitable letter of apology to Walcot Old Boys.
Honorary Treasurer Les Newton confirmed that the Club was sailing along nicely with all bills paid.
Mr. Les Pring was concerned that players were leaving the Club early in the evenings and going to the nearby Boater Public House and not supporting the Club bar.
It was unanimously agreed that a photograph of Her Majesty the Queen should be placed in the Clubhouse.
13/9/`980
Bath Mini training commenced at Lambridge for age groups 5 to 11. “Showers, teas and passes to all senior matches on the Recreation Ground are included in the subscription of £1.50 and fixtures are arranged for several matches against other mini clubs in the district.”
Bath had 15 players in the Somerset County squad.
John Horton and John Palmer were selected for the England Final Trial on January 3rd.
Roger Spurrell was on stand by as a Final Trial Reserve.

Bath Chronicle 23rd December 1980
DOOR AJAR FOR AMATEUR LEAGUE PLAYERS
“The ban on amateur Rugby League players participating in Rugby Union will be lifted next year if a recommendation from England is accepted by the International Board in March.”
It would represent the first tentative link-up between the codes since the historic schism in 1895.

Many R.A.F. personnel have worn the Bath Blue, White and Black, including, and in no particular order, Geoff Frankcom, Glyn John, B V Robinson, J S Bartlett, Ginger Williams, Brian French, Peter Fearis, Peter Stevens, Peter Hall, A V Rogers, Roy Harris, Babs Burcombe, George Brown, Danny Evans and Leighton Jenkins and many others. News that John Horton had retained his place for England v Scotland on 21st February. Unfortunately, an injury was to follow.
MANCOM 3/3/1981
It was reported that two Bath forwards were travelling to Australia to play Rugby Football. They were Simon Jones and Michel van der Loos.
30th April 1981. The proposed Youth Tour of Ireland was cancelled in view of “increasing tension in the area.” An alternative trip to Cornwall was hastily substituted.

MANCOM 26/5/1981
Meeting was advised that P Turner had received a 30 days suspension, so could not play on the Miami Tour. It was agreed that Steve Richards should take his place as a player, and that Turner should go on tour as Baggage man at players’ rate.
The MIAMI TOUR was confirmed for August 9th 1981

MANCOM 2/6/1981
Mr. Roberts reported that the Ladies of the Club had arranged a celebration in the Clubhouse for 29th July 1981, the Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

The Sun 9/7/1981
OUR VANISHING TRICK!
News that David Trick was contemplating quitting UK rugby and starting a new life in America.
It was reported that he had signed a £25,000-a-year contract to promote sportswear in the States, South America and Africa, and was leaving for New York on the Monday.
He admitted: “I have always hated training but that had not stopped one Rugby League scout waylaying me in a car park when I was a 17 year old sixth-former and offering me £6,000:00
He had it all there in a briefcase-no questions asked.”
Since then Trick had been pestered by League clubs, including a bid of £21,000 from Oldham.
Now he says: “I would love to have won a cap- but there’s more to life than playing rugby.”
During this season Trick had represented England Under 23 and toured Argentina. He earned himself the reputation as the fastest winger in the U.K.

MANCOM 17/7/1981
Mr. George Brown to be proposed as Club President for the 1981/82 season.
Unanimously agreed to propose Mr. Norman (Curly) Halse as a vice president and Life Member.

In their Report for the Season, Committee paid tribute to Chief Physio Gareth George and the Doctors’ support team. They had been kept exceptionally busy with a heavy crop of player injuries.

IN REVIEW
Club skipper, Robbie Lye, completed a difficult season with a career tally of 419 1st XV appearances.
John Palmer received many honours, including selection as an England replacement.
It had been something of a frustrating season. Several top clubs were beaten, but significantly, these were in the first or last few weeks when Horton and Murphy were available. Without these first choice link-men, the attack had been largely stultified. David Trick’s pace had frequently been the deciding factor. Waterman,now aged 36, still had the ability of entry into sweeping three-quarter movements, but Ralston had become first choice for the full-back position. Chris Martin was an exciting prospect in the same position. In the forwards, Roger Spurrell had played some outstanding games, demonstrating much of his Cornish grit and speed to the breakdown. The former Clifton pair of Simon Luxmoore and Nick Williams had made useful contributions. Dutchman Michel van der Loos had been outstanding in lineout play. “Skipper Robbie Lye worked tirelessly, though responsibilities hung heavily on his shoulders, Gerry Parsons was seldom far from the action and several of the props, Gareth Chilcott, Richard Lee and belatedly Chris Lilley all learned more of their demanding trade and late on Tony Mason returned at hooker to explode a few myths.”