1983-1984 ANECDOTES

1983-1984 ANECDOTES
CANADIAN TOUR 16th-30th AUGUST 1984 – 5 matches.
The playing party of :- R Spurrell 27 was, 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 plus Jack Rowell (Coach) and 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 £4500:00 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 with 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.

1985-1986 ANECDOTES
PROFESSIONAL RUGBY
At an International Board meeting on 23rd April 1986, South Africa’s Danie Craven was convinced that professional rugby was a probability. His statement, and threat to resign, came against a background of the unofficial New Zealand tour in South Africa, organised by Transvaal R.F.C. Fearful of a Transvaal break-away, he said: “The message is loud and clear for all to hear. I would rather resign and get out than be part of all that. If I go home and call off the tour, I might as well commit suicide now.”
14 09 1985 LEICESTER V BATH
John Stevens (Bath Chronicle) wrote:
“It was one of the most devastating performances I have ever seen Bath give on a major opponent’s ground in 30 years of rugby reporting, even allowing for some of last season’s efforts, including the win at Llanelli.”

Bath forwards were unstoppable: “They out scrummaged Leicester, outjumped them in he line-out where Nigel Redman and Jon Morrison with ample help from David Egerton and John Hall at the back were supreme and produced a display of driving in the loose which was very reminiscent of All Blacks at their best” Hare’s three penalties kept the score level until half time, then Hill and Barnes sowed the seeds for Leicester’s eventual annihilation. From a quick penalty tap, Redman powered over after a long kick and run from Trick.
“With the wind at their backs, Bath’s pack pummelled fading, dispirited Leicester into submission, exerting such pressure, that tries were inevitable.” Paul Simpson and David Sole were devastating in the loose and tries came thick and fast as: Barry Trevaskis, looking sharp and alert on the left wing, touched down twice. Trick used his pace to get another, Hill finished off a power shove by his pack and full-back *Chris Martin, butt of the abuse of the 10,000 crowd, had the last laugh with a fine piece of acceleration before touching down.” Barnes kicked another penalty, and converted all but the last try, with a polished and cool display. (Quotes from Bath Chronicle)
*Chris Martin had a poor game against Ireland, in Dublin the previous season, where he had fluffed two high kicks. Thankfully for Bath, he had the character to shrug off this memory, and continue at his impressive best for Bath.

Kevin Coughlan (Bristol Evening Post 16th September (Extracts)
“This was supposed to have been a nostalgic farewell for Leicester’s England and Lions centre Clive Woodward.
But ruthless Bath wrecked the party and left Woodward’s team-mates wishing they could join him on the plane to Australia after a record defeat.”
“Such was the dominance of the forwards that Paul Simpson could afford to stand out of the rucks and mauls, setting up one attack after another.”
(Editor’s Note:- Shades of revolutionary changes in play, to follow some ten years hence)
14/9/1985 This was the Saturday of Bristol versus Newport, when referee, Met Police Superintendent, George Crawford had had enough of player brawling, and simply quit the field. A local referee took over, and both clubs were later censured by their respective Unions.

TOO MANY GAMES
There was growing concern at the demands of a crowded fixture list. Bath’s front line players had already opted out of the County set-up, but there was an on-coming obligation to the Divisional Championship and nine players were involved with England Squad sessions.
The R.F.U. ruling was that England selection would be confined to participants in the Divisionals.

“I’ve never played with or against a better organised club than Bath. That is not being disparaging to Bristol or anybody else, it’s simply a fact.” Barnes to Peter Godsiff EVENING POST 24th September 1985
MANCOM 1/10/1985
The George Roberts Memorial clock, with a suitable inscription, was installed above the dressing room entrance.
A possible link with Bath University, through Tom Hudson, for training facilities was reported.
Retiring, Dennis Hall was thanked for all his hard work on behalf of the Spartans over six seasons.

Kevin Coughlan (Bristol Evening Post) – reflections on Bath v Cardiff.
“NO-ONE has seen a crowd quite like it at the Rec. in recent memory. They were hanging out of the trees, off buildings – any vantage point to witness the Anglo-Welsh clash of the decade.
For once, a game more than lived up to its billing. Cardiff brought a star-studded line-up including Adrian Hadley, Terry Holmes, Alan Phillips, Bob Norster and John Scott while Bath were virtually at full-strength too.
From the very first minute, it throbbed with drama, passion and skill at an intensity which makes it, for me, the most memorable club match I’ve seen on the ground.”
Wins against Bristol and then Cardiff were outstanding achievements in any season. Jack Rowell’s squad then included 10 internationals, three B Internationals and 9 members of England’s last training party.” Bath’s will to win was unanswerable.” (Kevin Coughlan)

Extract Daily Express 25th October 1985 (By Tony Bodley)
Quoting John Palmer under headline: WHY BATH ARE STILL ON THE BOIL
“ I am convinced we can win the Cup for a third successive time and the same holds true for the two seasons after that.
We still have the same squad and there is no team in England to touch us. There’s no real magic.
It’s the result of a lot of hard work on and off the field”.
Chief influence off the field is coach Jack Rowell. His giant frame makes every room shrink in size. A high- powered businessman, he proved his quality by guiding Gosforth to successive John Player Cup victories in 1976 and 1977.
He is helped by physical fitness expert Tom Hudson of Bath University. He deals also with the psychological build-up.”