1984-1985 ANECDOTES

1984-1985 ANECDOTES
CANADIAN TOUR 16-30 AUGUST 1984 – 5 matches.
The playing party of 27 included:- R Spurrell, J Palmer, N Redman, N Maslen, J P Hall, N Gaymond, C Lilley, P Turner, R Hakin, J Horton, C Martin, C Stanley, G Chilcott, I Davies, S Jones, R Hill, D Sole, R Cunningham, K Prosser, A Rees, D Trick, A Gunner, A C Thomas, K Adams, J Morrison, P Drewitt, and G Bess. Jack Rowell (Coach), Gareth George (Physio)
Whilst the majority of the tourists would be looking forward to a relaxing, jolly time, there were one or two others, anxious to make their mark and achieve serious consideration for a regular place in the Senior XV. One of these was Ian ‘Taff’ Davies, but he would face tough opposition with the news that David Sole was expected to be regularly available.
EXTRACT FROM MANAGEMENT MINUTES FOLLOWING THE TOUR
“A letter had been received from the President of Vancouver Island R.F.U., complaining about the standard of rugby and poor behaviour by the Bath Club.”
The Tour Manager gave his report from the Tour party’s viewpoint.
It was considered that no further action be taken and the matter was concluded.

On the 25th August the Rec was the scene for an exhibition of American (Grid Iron) football.
The Taunton Wyverns faced off against the Torbay Trojans. The Taunton Wyverns had spent a year raising £4500, to buy the kit for their 30 strong playing strength. A few hundred mildly curious spectators turned up to watch.

Dave Robson was the new Chairman of Selectors. He expressed some concern that the majority of the players would be arriving home on the Thursday, and would possibly be jet-lagged in advance of the season’s opener against Plymouth. Tom Hudson of Bath University would be responsible for implementing fitness and match conditioning programs.
‘JAKiE’
Wednesday 12/9/1984, A special game, organised by Corsham R.F.C. in memory of the late Tony Jacobs. The former second row stalwart had played 154 First XV games for Bath, but was tragically killed in a motor accident.
MANCOM 6/11/1984

STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION OF RUGBY IN ENGLAND
“
The meeting felt that a Divisional Championship could improve the standard of rugby football, but that the County Championship did not.After hearing the views of D Robson and T Hudson (the latter deputising for J Rowell) it was reported that: “A meeting of the South and South West Divisional Counties had voted against Divisional Leagues and were in favour of a return to a Divisional County Championship.”
“T Hudson put forward his views on the future direction of the Club both in respect of its administration and playing.”

Under ‘Other topics discussed’ : “that publication of the History of the Club be proceeded with.”

There had been an inquiry for a long- term Clubhouse hiring by “Tumbletots.”
TRICK GOES AIRCRAFT SPOTTING
This was Bath’s 13th victory in 17 games, and the visitor’s to HQ were somewhat unlucky that their stout forward effort, was not complemented by constructive back play. Their enthusiasm for the game seemed to be dissipated by the cavernous near empty Twickenham stands. Wingers Trevaskis and Trick were left out in the cold. The good-natured Trick, characteristically, with hands in his pockets, occupied his time watching the Heathrow approaches. In the second half, when the ball did come the wingers’ way, they both fluffed their chances – probably out of astonishment!
The triangle of Rees, Halliday and Palmer were frequently guilty of over-elaborating in mid-field. Conditions were slippery, and Richard Hill had a rare off-day. The whole of the Bath eight played well, and notably, Gaymond crashed over for two tries. Martin and Simpson scored the others, with Palmer converting one and adding a penalty.

John Horton had announced his intention to retire at the end of the season. However, he was actually not selected for this game, Palmer slotting into the fly-half position and the aspiring Halliday partnering Rees in the centre. Horton was reportedly, unhappy at this decision and took a weekend off to consider his position. Jack Rowell suggested that it was something of a misunderstanding, and a rota system was immediately introduced. However, Horton was restored to the premier side for the Pontypool game.

BARNES IN – HORTON OUT
29/4/1985 Chris Ducker of the Bristol Evening Post carried the sensational news that Stuart Barnes was joining Bath.
This was bad news for Horton, who had originally spoken of retiring, then warming to Bath’s success, had been enjoying his rugby and was reportedly, looking forward to another season.
Not happy to contemplate some 2nd XV rugby, the ‘problem’ was resolved in the close season, when Horton swapped over to Bristol. Horton had been a loyal servant for twelve years, since his first appearance against Terenure on 29th September 1973. He played in 380 games, scored 90 tries, 12 conversions, 125 drop goals and 8 penalties, with a total points score of 908. He partnered some 15 scrum halves in an outstanding career, which brought him 13 England caps.
Horton made two guest appearances on 23/4/1988 and 12/10/1988
At roughly the same time, Alun Rees took a job move to Gloucester, which further consolidated Halliday’s position at centre.

MANCOM 4/6/1985
BOSTON TOUR
The Tour Manager reported that six matches had been played and all won with twenty four tries being scored by the Club and three against.
In his report he considered that behaviour off the field was not up to standard following which a general discussion took place on the overall conduct of the tour. With hindsight, there may have been faults on both sides.