Donnelly Bill

William Donnelly

Position: Wing

Born: Scotland

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Debut game: 6th November 1948 v United Services Portsmouth

Final game: 27th October 1951 v Exeter

Number of Appearances: 50

Career details:

Grew up in Scotland and was very proud of his roots.

Following his term of National Service he moved to Bath as a physiotherapist

He joined the Bath Club and for 3 years was a regular choice on the wing. Bill was slight in build, quick and very brave. After tackling an opponent more robust than himself he more often than not was found lying unconscious. On came the cold, wet sponge liberally applied by baggage man George Donaldson and then with a brief nod from Dr Scott Reid it was on with the game.

Bill was both an accomplished artist and pianist and at after match gatherings , resplendent in his kilt, he would sit at the piano and be the life and soul of the party. His particular favourite was “cigarettes and whisky”

In 1952 Bill moved on to play for Bristol and played in the local derby on 1^st March at the Rec which Bath won 6 – 3.

In his later years Bill suffered from poor health but with his wife’s help managed to attend John Roberts and Alec Lewis’ 50^th Re-Union and the Old Players Association Re-Union in April 1999, sporting his tartan trews of course.

A great character, a super sportsman, a great guy.