1978-1979 ANECDOTES

by BRIAN JENKINS

1978-1979 ANECDOTES

MANCOM 9/8/1978

Proposed T Brinkworth, seconded N P Halse, Mr. Frank Cottle was elected Honorary Team Secretary of the Spartans XV.

 

JACK ROWELL –   A WILL TO WIN.

Jack Rowell had taken up a post in Bristol and commenced as Senior Coach to the Bath Club.

Bath soon took on a new dimension.

Training became harder; methods were revised, with meticulous attention to scrummaging and line-outs and broken play technique. As the collective forward effort improved, the backs were liberated to employ their latent talents. The players respected him and when pressed, Jack was ungrudging in his admiration for the individuals in his charge.

In sometimes abrasive ‘head to heads’ with players, he stimulated self-belief – a will to win

In the following seasons – losing was not to be contemplated.

In player briefing sessions during Cup runs, he would pounce on individuals with: “What’s Cup Rugby all about?”    Woe betide any player who did not snap back with: “It’s about winning!”

Mike Beese

Mike Beese was making his 200th appearance for the Club. He was born in Bristol on October 19th 1948 and learned his rugby at Keynsham Grammar School. He joined Bath in the 1968-69 season, with a debut against Clifton at the age of 19. He then moved away to College and joined Liverpool. During his four seasons there, one as Vice Captain, he won three England Caps in 1972. He returned to Bath in 1973, taking up an appointment as a local authority planning officer. At this time, he had scored 80 tries and dropped one goal.

 

MANCOM 11/10/1978

Peter Lloyd Williams reported well organised progress of the Mini Rugby Section. He asked for consideration of a 14 Year old’s section. He was congratulated on the smart turn-out of ball-boys for the 1st XV matches and it was agreed that the Club would provide six new track suites for them.

MANCOM 8/11/1978

Mr. Jack Rowell reported as Chairman of Selectors. M C Beese and J A Palmer were to be congratulated upon their selection for the South West XV versus the All Blacks 15th November 1978.

Somerset Disciplinary Committee imposed the following suspensions:- Simon Jones two weeks,  Radley Wheeler four weeks.

 

TOUCH JUDGE SENT OFF!

It was also reported that touch judge David Jenkins had been ordered from the field at the Harlequins v Bath match on 4th November 1978. No further action was to be taken.

LEWIS AT HIS BEST

Steve Lewis scored a remarkable solo try and landed three long distance penalties for a personal points tally of 13. His thrilling 50- yard run gained one of Bath’s four tries. The other scorers being Hopkins (2) and Harry. “Lewis, going through his full repertoire of tantalising breaks, reverse passes and neat kicks, dominated an enterprising Bath display which lacked only finishing power.”

Hopkins, as well as scoring two good tries, played his part in some purposeful back play.

 

THE BALL BROTHERS

(Match programme item)

“Old Players, members and supporters of Bath Rugby Football Club will be pleased to hear the news of the brothers Ball, Bob who skippered out United side and served in Committee for several years is now making good progress after leg amputation, elder brother Alf, who was a very able and popular baggage man for the 1st XV for many years, is waiting to enter hospital at long last for an operation on his back after an accident at work. We are sure it is the wish of everyone to convey to them our kindest regards and all good wishes.”

MANCOM 13/12/1978

LOST BALLS

There was concern at the number of balls lost in the river on match days and training nights. It was agreed to speak to the players, and it was left to the Grounds Committee to look into the problem.

Mr. Jack Rowell was pleased to report a successful start for the new Under 23 side, with a win over the Ministry of Defence.

POST EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS!

Postal workers Brian Jenkins and Gerry Parsons could not be released from duty, as they were heavily involved with the usual Christmas rush.

PROGRAMME NOTE:  OUR VISITORS’

The R.A.F. have been on our fixture list for many years now, there has always been a close link with Bath and their service units in the past. Yatesbury, Compton Bassett, Lyneham, Colerne, Netheravon, etc. recalls such names as Glyn John, David Naylor, Peter Fearis, Eric Todd, Tony Hankins, Peter Stevens, Peter Glover to name a few who have donned the Bath colours with success, not least of course Leighton Jenkins the present R.A.F. Fixture Secretary now stationed in Huntingdonshire. Leighton himself a Welsh International back row forward, who gained five caps 1954 – 56 while with Newport, played also for Leicester and Combined Services and served Bath well towards the twilight of his long playing career.                                                                                                                   JA

21st February 1979 –

News that Dave Alred had returned after spending most of the winter playing professional grid iron football in U.S.A. Bath were seeking R.F.U. advice as to whether he would be allowed to play amateur rugby again.

 

02 03 1979

PUNCH UP

Cross Keys ended two men short – but not through injury!

This was a niggling, thoroughly unpleasant affair, where all out warfare, was never far from the surface. Centre Lyn Jones (punch), and flanker Peter Sparkes (alleged kick), were both ushered to the

 

MANCOM 12/3/1979

It was reported that Mr. Dave Alred had been suspended by the R.F.U., because he had received payment for playing Grid Iron Football in America. He would now have to apply for reinstatement.

Mr. Ted Morris to be proposed as a Life member in appreciation of 50 years loyal service to the Club.

MANCOM 10/5/1979

FOR THE RECORD

Bath came second to Bridgend in the Daily Mail Anglo-Welsh Pennant.

 

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING re

NAME OF THE CLUB

Major Chiverell asked if the club could be called the Bath Rugby Football Club instead of  Bath Football Club. In reply, Mr. H J Simpkins, Secretary, said that the Club was privileged as were some eight or nine other rugby football clubs in the country, to call themselves football clubs and  it was an old tradition of the Club. Rugby football was started before the game which is now called soccer and the Club were privileged that they were still allowed to use their original name of Bath Football Club and put the letters (R.F.U.) after it.

 

1978-1979 ANECDOTES

MANCOM 9/8/1978

Proposed T Brinkworth, seconded N P Halse, Mr. Frank Cottle was elected Honorary Team Secretary of the Spartans XV.

 

JACK ROWELL –   A WILL TO WIN.

Jack Rowell had taken up a post in Bristol and commenced as Senior Coach to the Bath Club.

Bath soon took on a new dimension.

Training became harder; methods were revised, with meticulous attention to scrummaging and line-outs and broken play technique. As the collective forward effort improved, the backs were liberated to employ their latent talents. The players respected him and when pressed, Jack was ungrudging in his admiration for the individuals in his charge.

In sometimes abrasive ‘head to heads’ with players, he stimulated self-belief – a will to win

In the following seasons – losing was not to be contemplated.

In player briefing sessions during Cup runs, he would pounce on individuals with: “What’s Cup Rugby all about?”    Woe betide any player who did not snap back with: “It’s about winning!”

Mike Beese

Mike Beese was making his 200th appearance for the Club. He was born in Bristol on October 19th 1948 and learned his rugby at Keynsham Grammar School. He joined Bath in the 1968-69 season, with a debut against Clifton at the age of 19. He then moved away to College and joined Liverpool. During his four seasons there, one as Vice Captain, he won three England Caps in 1972. He returned to Bath in 1973, taking up an appointment as a local authority planning officer. At this time, he had scored 80 tries and dropped one goal.

 

MANCOM 11/10/1978

Peter Lloyd Williams reported well organised progress of the Mini Rugby Section. He asked for consideration of a 14 Year old’s section. He was congratulated on the smart turn-out of ball-boys for the 1st XV matches and it was agreed that the Club would provide six new track suites for them.

MANCOM 8/11/1978

Mr. Jack Rowell reported as Chai

1978-1979 ANECDOTES
MANCOM 9/8/1978
Proposed T Brinkworth, seconded N P Halse, Mr. Frank Cottle was elected Honorary Team Secretary of the Spartans XV.

JACK ROWELL – A WILL TO WIN.
Jack Rowell had taken up a post in Bristol and commenced as Senior Coach to the Bath Club.
Bath soon took on a new dimension.
Training became harder; methods were revised, with meticulous attention to scrummaging and line-outs and broken play technique. As the collective forward effort improved, the backs were liberated to employ their latent talents. The players respected him and when pressed, Jack was ungrudging in his admiration for the individuals in his charge.
In sometimes abrasive ‘head to heads’ with players, he stimulated self-belief – a will to win
In the following seasons – losing was not to be contemplated.
In player briefing sessions during Cup runs, he would pounce on individuals with: “What’s Cup Rugby all about?” Woe betide any player who did not snap back with: “It’s about winning!”
Mike Beese
Mike Beese was making his 200th appearance for the Club. He was born in Bristol on October 19th 1948 and learned his rugby at Keynsham Grammar School. He joined Bath in the 1968-69 season, with a debut against Clifton at the age of 19. He then moved away to College and joined Liverpool. During his four seasons there, one as Vice Captain, he won three England Caps in 1972. He returned to Bath in 1973, taking up an appointment as a local authority planning officer. At this time, he had scored 80 tries and dropped one goal.

MANCOM 11/10/1978
Peter Lloyd Williams reported well organised progress of the Mini Rugby Section. He asked for consideration of a 14 Year old’s section. He was congratulated on the smart turn-out of ball-boys for the 1st XV matches and it was agreed that the Club would provide six new track suites for them.
MANCOM 8/11/1978
Mr. Jack Rowell reported as Chairman of Selectors. M C Beese and J A Palmer were to be congratulated upon their selection for the South West XV versus the All Blacks 15th November 1978.
Somerset Disciplinary Committee imposed the following suspensions:- Simon Jones two weeks, Radley Wheeler four weeks.

TOUCH JUDGE SENT OFF!
It was also reported that touch judge David Jenkins had been ordered from the field at the Harlequins v Bath match on 4th November 1978. No further action was to be taken.
LEWIS AT HIS BEST
Steve Lewis scored a remarkable solo try and landed three long distance penalties for a personal points tally of 13. His thrilling 50- yard run gained one of Bath’s four tries. The other scorers being Hopkins (2) and Harry. “Lewis, going through his full repertoire of tantalising breaks, reverse passes and neat kicks, dominated an enterprising Bath display which lacked only finishing power.”
Hopkins, as well as scoring two good tries, played his part in some purposeful back play.

THE BALL BROTHERS
(Match programme item)
“Old Players, members and supporters of Bath Rugby Football Club will be pleased to hear the news of the brothers Ball, Bob who skippered out United side and served in Committee for several years is now making good progress after leg amputation, elder brother Alf, who was a very able and popular baggage man for the 1st XV for many years, is waiting to enter hospital at long last for an operation on his back after an accident at work. We are sure it is the wish of everyone to convey to them our kindest regards and all good wishes.”
MANCOM 13/12/1978
LOST BALLS
There was concern at the number of balls lost in the river on match days and training nights. It was agreed to speak to the players, and it was left to the Grounds Committee to look into the problem.
Mr. Jack Rowell was pleased to report a successful start for the new Under 23 side, with a win over the Ministry of Defence.
POST EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS!
Postal workers Brian Jenkins and Gerry Parsons could not be released from duty, as they were heavily involved with the usual Christmas rush.
PROGRAMME NOTE: OUR VISITORS’
The R.A.F. have been on our fixture list for many years now, there has always been a close link with Bath and their service units in the past. Yatesbury, Compton Bassett, Lyneham, Colerne, Netheravon, etc. recalls such names as Glyn John, David Naylor, Peter Fearis, Eric Todd, Tony Hankins, Peter Stevens, Peter Glover to name a few who have donned the Bath colours with success, not least of course Leighton Jenkins the present R.A.F. Fixture Secretary now stationed in Huntingdonshire. Leighton himself a Welsh International back row forward, who gained five caps 1954 – 56 while with Newport, played also for Leicester and Combined Services and served Bath well towards the twilight of his long playing career. JA
21st February 1979 –
News that Dave Alred had returned after spending most of the winter playing professional grid iron football in U.S.A. Bath were seeking R.F.U. advice as to whether he would be allowed to play amateur rugby again.

02 03 1979
PUNCH UP
Cross Keys ended two men short – but not through injury!
This was a niggling, thoroughly unpleasant affair, where all out warfare, was never far from the surface. Centre Lyn Jones (punch), and flanker Peter Sparkes (alleged kick), were both ushered to the

MANCOM 12/3/1979
It was reported that Mr. Dave Alred had been suspended by the R.F.U., because he had received payment for playing Grid Iron Football in America. He would now have to apply for reinstatement.
Mr. Ted Morris to be proposed as a Life member in appreciation of 50 years loyal service to the Club.
MANCOM 10/5/1979
FOR THE RECORD
Bath came second to Bridgend in the Daily Mail Anglo-Welsh Pennant.

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING re
NAME OF THE CLUB
Major Chiverell asked if the club could be called the Bath Rugby Football Club instead of Bath Football Club. In reply, Mr. H J Simpkins, Secretary, said that the Club was privileged as were some eight or nine other rugby football clubs in the country, to call themselves football clubs and it was an old tradition of the Club. Rugby football was started before the game which is now called soccer and the Club were privileged that they were still allowed to use their original name of Bath Football Club and put the letters (R.F.U.) after it.

rman of Selectors. M C Beese and J A Palmer were to be congratulated upon their selection for the South West XV versus the All Blacks 15th November 1978.

Somerset Disciplinary Committee imposed the following suspensions:- Simon Jones two weeks,  Radley Wheeler four weeks.

 

TOUCH JUDGE SENT OFF!

It was also reported that touch judge David Jenkins had been ordered from the field at the Harlequins v Bath match on 4th November 1978. No further action was to be taken.

LEWIS AT HIS BEST

Steve Lewis scored a remarkable solo try and landed three long distance penalties for a personal points tally of 13. His thrilling 50- yard run gained one of Bath’s four tries. The other scorers being Hopkins (2) and Harry. “Lewis, going through his full repertoire of tantalising breaks, reverse passes and neat kicks, dominated an enterprising Bath display which lacked only finishing power.”

Hopkins, as well as scoring two good tries, played his part in some purposeful back play.

 

THE BALL BROTHERS

(Match programme item)

“Old Players, members and supporters of Bath Rugby Football Club will be pleased to hear the news of the brothers Ball, Bob who skippered out United side and served in Committee for several years is now making good progress after leg amputation, elder brother Alf, who was a very able and popular baggage man for the 1st XV for many years, is waiting to enter hospital at long last for an operation on his back after an accident at work. We are sure it is the wish of everyone to convey to them our kindest regards and all good wishes.”

MANCOM 13/12/1978

LOST BALLS

There was concern at the number of balls lost in the river on match days and training nights. It was agreed to speak to the players, and it was left to the Grounds Committee to look into the problem.

Mr. Jack Rowell was pleased to report a successful start for the new Under 23 side, with a win over the Ministry of Defence.

POST EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS!

Postal workers Brian Jenkins and Gerry Parsons could not be released from duty, as they were heavily involved with the usual Christmas rush.

PROGRAMME NOTE:  OUR VISITORS’

The R.A.F. have been on our fixture list for many years now, there has always been a close link with Bath and their service units in the past. Yatesbury, Compton Bassett, Lyneham, Colerne, Netheravon, etc. recalls such names as Glyn John, David Naylor, Peter Fearis, Eric Todd, Tony Hankins, Peter Stevens, Peter Glover to name a few who have donned the Bath colours with success, not least of course Leighton Jenkins the present R.A.F. Fixture Secretary now stationed in Huntingdonshire. Leighton himself a Welsh International back row forward, who gained five caps 1954 – 56 while with Newport, played also for Leicester and Combined Services and served Bath well towards the twilight of his long playing career.                                                                                                                   JA

21st February 1979 –

News that Dave Alred had returned after spending most of the winter playing professional grid iron football in U.S.A. Bath were seeking R.F.U. advice as to whether he would be allowed to play amateur rugby again.

 

02 03 1979

PUNCH UP

Cross Keys ended two men short – but not through injury!

This was a niggling, thoroughly unpleasant affair, where all out warfare, was never far from the surface. Centre Lyn Jones (punch), and flanker Peter Sparkes (alleged kick), were both ushered to the

 

MANCOM 12/3/1979

It was reported that Mr. Dave Alred had been suspended by the R.F.U., because he had received payment for playing Grid Iron Football in America. He would now have to apply for reinstatement.

Mr. Ted Morris to be proposed as a Life member in appreciation of 50 years loyal service to the Club.

MANCOM 10/5/1979

FOR THE RECORD

Bath came second to Bridgend in the Daily Mail Anglo-Welsh Pennant.

 

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING re

NAME OF THE CLUB

Major Chiverell asked if the club could be called the Bath Rugby Football Club instead of  Bath Football Club. In reply, Mr. H J Simpkins, Secretary, said that the Club was privileged as were some eight or nine other rugby football clubs in the country, to call themselves football clubs and  it was an old tradition of the Club. Rugby football was started before the game which is now called soccer and the Club were privileged that they were still allowed to use their original name of Bath Football Club and put the letters (R.F.U.) after it.

 

 

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