Celebrating the Centenary of the Old Patesians RFC 1912/13 – 2012/13 “100 Years of Continuous Rugby” 10 0

100Celebrating the centenary of the Old Patesians RFC 1912/13 – 2012/13 “100 years of continuous rugby” 10 0

Celebrating the centenary of the Old Patesians RFC 1912/13 – 2012/13 100 Celebrating the centenary of the Old Patesians RFC 1912/13 – 2012/13

“100 years of continuous rugby” FOREWORD

It is an honour to introduce this history. It answers the question in our school song: “Where are the men that have gone before us?” The research that has gone into this book tells you a lot about the Old Pats. The accuracy of our history is important to us, because we were taught well at the school that many of us shared and because we cherish the memories of those who are no longer with us. We truly stand on the shoulders of giants. This history is about matches, cups and promotions, and occasionally upsets. Above all, it’s about team-mates and friendships; people from all sorts of backgrounds sharing a love of rugby, to whom being a Pat means more than most things for 80 minutes each week. My playing contribution to the Old Pats was brief: summoned from the school 2nd XV by Ray Kingscott in 1976 to play for the Vipers under the leadership of Phill Bevins; the next season, playing for the 2nd XV under Roger Dagley in a side that got to the Junior Combination Cup Final; the season after that, advancing to the 1st XV under Bob Lees – another lost cup final, but, crucially, qualification for the County Cup and silverware in the Combination sevens. And then I was off to university. I grew up and played alongside people who feature prominently in this history. A coach-load of them watched me play at Twickenham in the Varsity Match in 1978. They became Light Blues for the day, tried their damnedest to get me to wave to them from the pitch and cheered my try. They still won’t let me forget dropping the ball against Longlevens the following Saturday, with the try-line begging. I feel privileged to have played a part in the Pats’ history. They taught me how to play grown-up rugby and a lot about life as a grown-up. They provided me with experiences, memories and friendships that are relevant to me every day. The Pats are more than a rugby club, they’re a community. Please read all the way to the final chapter and see how the Pats are nurturing the next generation, in the same way that Ray Kingscott took me in when I was 17. We all hope they sweep everything before them in years to come. But it won’t really matter, so long as it matters to them to be a Pat.

Dick Tyler President, Old Patesians RFC

– iv – CONTENTS

From the Chairman vi

Acknowledgements vii

Chapter one – Sowing the seeds 1

Chapter two – Love’s Labour Lost 23

Chapter three – Second World War… and peace 49

Chapter four – Cups, a new home and a jubilee… 61

Chapter five – How did we get here from there? 77

Chapter six – 21st Century rugby 93

Chapter seven – Junior rugby at the Pats – the Academy 117

– v – FROM THE CHAIRMAN

In the foreword to this outstanding record of the Old Patesians Rugby Football Club, our president Dick Tyler speaks of his honour to introduce this history. It is my honour to have the opportunity of adding my own words to our centenary book. It is an immense privilege to be chairman of the OPRFC, especially in our centenary year, and, as so adequately demonstrated in his book, it is a unique club that continues to uphold all the traditions that are good in the game and strives to serve the community as a whole. An excellent example of this is the huge number of mini and junior players that attend on a Sunday and the sheer enthusiasm and enjoyment they exude. This book has shown the dedication of so many people over the last 100 years and it is incumbent upon us all to ensure that their legacy is taken into the next century of OPRFC and built upon. I know that both Dick Tyler, myself and the current executive committee are determined to move the club forward, while retaining all that is good, and to act as prudent trustees in our stewardship of the club. This is something I would encourage you all to become involved with and to take pride in being an Old Pat. It would be very remiss of me not to thank all those that have been involved in the production of this book, particularly John Shaw and the chapter authors. There has also been a very hardworking centenary committee that has been operating for over 18 months, initially under the stewardship of the late Ray Kingscott, and then under Phill Bevins (who took up the reigns from Ray following his untimely death), and also included Keith East, Hugh Etheridge, Chris Downes, Neil Hyde, Mike Paish, Neil Spurrier and Brian Taylor. I am immensely grateful for what they have achieved and all the time given. Let us, therefore, all look forward to the next 100 years of rugby at OPRFC and to a club that, despite its modest facilities and limited finances, provides an essential centre of rugby for the community and also, at all playing levels, continues to exceed expectations. Who will ever forget the magnificent day at Twickenham when we lifted the Intermediate Cup – and there are also those wonderful days watching our under 10s, 11s, 12s etc and the incredible joy the game of rugby brings to them. Let’s be thankful for having the privilege of being part of a club such as this and let’s do all we can to improve it still further and secure the future. Michael Angell Chairman, Old Patesians RFC

– vi – ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Centenary Committee would like to thank John Shaw, Ged Lennox and Dave Kingscott, without whose highly professional print, publishing and journalistic expertise this history and its support content would not have seen the light of day. Thanks are also due to Brooke Barnett, Ian Golesworthy’s talented grand daughter, for her Centenary Logo design, which has been a central feature of all our publicity and products. A number of sources and people provided invaluable information to our authors.

Sources: Tudor Foundation by Dr Arthur Bell The Patesian magazines The Junior Rugby Clubs of Cheltenham, District and Combination by J.P. Hughes The Gloucestershire Echo The Citizen Cheltenham Chronicle & Gloucester Graphic www.Ancestry.co.uk www.militarybadges.org.uk Old Patesians 75th Anniversary Brochure Leaving All That Was Dear, Cheltenham and the Great War by J Devereux and G Sacker

Thanks also to: Richard Randall, Roger Goldby, Steve Graham, Ross Cole and Nev Burne

– vii – CHAPTER ONE

SOWING THE SEEDS by Neil Hyde

‘ HEREAS OUR BELOVED Richard Pate, Esquire, of Minsterworth, in our countyW of Gloucester, prompted by charity and aided by a divine grace, has decided to erect, create and establish anew, in perpetuity, a certain school in our vill of Cheltenham, in our said county, for the perpetual education, instruction, and teaching of the children and youth, as well of the aforesaid vill, as other vills and places contiguous and adjacent to that vill …………………………… and shall be called The Free Grammar School of Richard Pate in Cheltenham.’ This endorsement, by Queen Elizabeth I in 1574, was given to Richard Pate in recognition of his benevolent action to form a Schola Gramatica in Cheltenham. Little did he know that his name would be at the forefront of a newly-formed rugby football club more than 300 years later – nor that it would be one of the foremost old boys clubs in England at the start of the 21st century. But how did the term Old Patesians evolve? Dr Arthur Bell, in his book Tudor Foundation, wrote that from about 1880 onwards the school produced a magazine for past and present pupils called The Patesian. Over time, past pupils, commonly known as Old Grammarians or Old Boys, became Old Patesians. At that time, the school was fee-paying and needed support – but that support came at a price – free places to 25 per cent of pupils, maintaining better records and broadening the curriculum for example. Two headmasters fell foul of school inspectors. Disciplinarian John Style was sacked in 1906 after battling against some of the changes and his successor Harold Sydney Jones in 1914 for failing to run the school efficiently. However, Jones’ saving grace, as far as the Old Patesians RFC was concerned, was that he replaced

– 1 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

association football with rugby football and developed a more competitive school environment by introducing houses. These houses had unusual names, an early insight into the quirky nature still displayed at the Old Patesians RFC today. They were: • HE – Hopeful and Earnest • BNG – Not By Guile • CK – Catch and Keep • FD – Fidei Defensores (Defenders of the Faith) By 1908, the school was running a 1st XV under the tutelage of Mr Edward Frank Chaney. Their first match was on Wednesday October 6, 1908 against AVW Holohan’s XV, a team made up mainly of Old Boys and a few school reserves. The School won 18 points to 3. The following Saturday, the School played against a full Old Boys XV and won 26 points to nil. At this point, the seeds were no doubt sown for the future evolution of the Old Patesians Rugby Football Club. During Edward Chaney, teacher and the 1908-09 season, the School played other matches against rugby coach 1908-1918 St Paul’s College, the Royal Agricultural College, Gloucester Old Boys and Cheltenham A, concluding with a 3-0 win over A G Bloodworth’s XV. Alfred George Bloodworth was the father of Raymond Ward Bloodworth and Oscar James Bloodworth, both pupils of the school at that time. The name of Bloodworth was to become synonymous with the Old Patesians RFC in their first decade. Another future stalwart of the Old Patesians, George Ryland, was awarded his 1st XV colours at the end of the school’s first season.

The 1911-12 Grammar School team: standing, R H Deakin, G Deakin, G F Wheeler, W B Boone, J C Booth, ………….., …………….., H J Maybrey; sitting, …………….., H W Corke, A T L Grear, O J Bloodworth, E F Chaney, C W Morris, E A Moore; front: E.A. Barnard, …………….. The unnamed people are likely to be regulars C S Emslie, G M West, J F Ford and R T Hopkins

– 2 – SOWING THE SEEDS

In September 1911, Mr Arthur Thomas Lantsberry Grear joined the school staff and he and Mr Chaney put together the most successful School XV to date – a record slightly devalued by the fact that it was common practice for teachers to play in the school team when they were playing clubs rather than schools. They were a close-knit team, several of whom were set to become founder members of the Old Patesians RFC the following season. Several school old boys were already playing for Cheltenham Old Boys, which had been established a few years Arthur Grear, teacher and earlier as an under-18 side to accommodate youngsters who rugby coach 1911-1920 struggled playing against full-grown men. Their opponents tended to be other boys’ teams and the weaker men’s fifteens. In their teams shown below, from April 1912 and December 1912, the players highlighted in bold were school old boys who became founder members of the Old Patesians RFC.

Cheltenham Old Boys April 20, 1912: standing, J Hollands, F Hayling, T Ponting, M O James, W B Simpson, H Ponting; sitting, G H Pratley, J E Brain, H Cherrington, R G Bathe, G Thomas, A Trigg, G F Ryland, front, J Webb, T Wakefield In 1912-13, a weaker School XV lost 9-0 to the Old Boys’ on December 17, 1912 – but, as Mr Chaney reported in The Patesian (April 1913), after the match “the teams had tea together in the Library, the headmaster being in the chair. The proposal that the Old Boys should form a Football Club was brought forward, and the County Secretary (Mr Ralph A Roberts), who had kindly come over specially for the occasion, gave the proposal his blessing. Subsequently, several meetings have been held, and the Old Patesians RFC is now formed. A ground has been secured in Whaddon Lane, and several fixtures have already been obtained. On March 8, Mr W T Pearce, President of the County Union, kindly attended a general meeting: he gave the Old Boys much good advice, and afterwards

– 3 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Cheltenham Old Boys December 21 1912, standing, A W Mills, C W Bayley, A Holtam, D Dodwell, W Nelmes, C Sheen, Frank Norman, W Fletcher, E Baker, T Ponting, R G Bathe, C H Pyke; sitting, C W Morris, A Enoch, G Wilson, E A Moore, T Wakefield, A C Pyke, A E Hughes; front, H Lawrence, G Hawkins discussed all kinds of “Rugger” points with members. Mr Roberts was also present. The Old Boys owe a great debt of gratitude to these two gentlemen for the very great interest they have shown in the formation of the club.” This planning was for the 1913-14 season but three matches were played in the 1912- 13 season. The inaugural match on Saturday February 22, 1913 has an element of uncertain reporting surrounding it but the conclusion is that this was the first match played by the Old Patesians Rugby Football Club. By 1912-13, Cheltenham Old Boys also operated an open age team. Circumstances arose that initiated the Old Patesians first match, even though their existence was not formally constituted until the General Meeting on March 8 already mentioned. The Gloucestershire Echo of Friday February 21, 1913 said: “Cheltenham Old Boys were playing Gloucester Old Boys on the following day with the team as follows: Enoch, Lafford, Hughes, Enoch, Fennell, Peacey, Moore, Trigg, Tippetts, Herbert, Wilson, Sheen, Gear, Baker, Weaving. Owing to an error in arranging fixtures, the Old Boys Committee arranged two matches in one day. They have therefore to turn out two teams. The other team, due to play Gloucester South End at the Athletic Ground, was as follows: R F Boroughs, M O James, G F Ryland, J E Brain, P H Creese, E A Barnard, G M West, O J Bloodworth, A T Grear, C W Morris, H M Whitehead, C V Smith, R W Bloodworth, F F Leach and Brookenshire.” Only one of the team scheduled to play Gloucester Old Boys is recognised as a school old boy, whereas all but one of the team listed to play Gloucester South End were. On Saturday February 22, it was reported that “Cheltenham Old Boys had beaten Gloucester South End. Tries from Owen James and Mr West plus one conversion secured an 8-3 win.” From these reports, it would appear that the Old Patesians were playing under the

– 4 – SOWING THE SEEDS

FAMOUSLY, THE FIRST SHIRT… In the game played on March 29, it was reported that the Old Patesians wore their new jerseys of white and blue with deep magenta bands. Mr Ross Cole, from The Famous, suggested that the word deep, in drapery, normally referred to the width of the band and not the darkness of the colour. Photographic evidence from the outset is missing but photographs at the end of and immediately after the 1914-18 War have suggested the initial design on the right. banner of Cheltenham Old Boys. However, The Citizen reported: “Old Grammarians (Cheltenham) 1 goal, 1 try (8 points) Gloucester South End 1 try (3 points). Played on the Athletic Ground. The Old Patesians had the best of matters in the first half, when West and James each scored, the first try being converted. Towards the close of the game, the visitors attacked vigorously and were rewarded with a try which Richardson scored. The kick was a failure.” This final report removes any doubt – and the Old Patesians went on to play two more matches after their proper constitution on March 8. J P Hughes, in his book about local rugby, wrote that on Saturday March 29, the Old Patesians beat Cheltenham Old Boys 3-0 at the Athletic Ground. And on Saturday April 12, again at the Athletic Ground, the Old Patesians ran out winners 6-3. The team was: H C Lacey, J C Booth, G F Ryland, E A Barnard, W B Boone, G F Wheeler, E A Moore, E F Chaney, O J Bloodworth, W B Simpson, C W Morris, F F Leach, R W Bloodworth, H W Corke and J F Ford. The Patesian of October 1913 named the Old Patesians RFC Committee at the start of their first full season as: President, Mr E F Chaney; Captain and Team Secretary, Mr E A Moore; Vice-Captain, Mr G F Ryland; Treasurer, Mr A G Bloodworth; Hon Secretary, Mr R T Dunn. The Old Patesians started away against the Grammar School at Battledown on September 27, losing 12-3 and lost by the narrowest of margins the following week to Cheltenham Old Boys. “A deluge of rain and peals of thunder and lightning did not deter these teams from playing on the Athletic Ground. Their zeal and that of the spectators were well rewarded, for a good fast game, in which matters were fairly even, was enjoyed. J Hutchinson scoring a try for Old Patesians and W Young dropping a goal for Old Boys. The latter thus winning by 4-3.” The Old Patesians first home game, at Whaddon Lane, was played on October 11

– 5 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

THE FIRST FULL SEASON – 1913-14 PLAYING RECORD September 27 Away Cheltenham Grammar Lost 3-14 October 4 Away Cheltenham Old Boys Lost 3-4 11 Home Cheltenham Old Boys Won 6-3 18 Away Gordon League ‘A’ Lost 0-22 25 Away Training College ‘A’ Lost 0-9 November 1 Home Gloucester Old Boys ‘A’ Lost 0-9 8 Home Royal Agricultural College Won 9-3 15 Away Stratford ‘A’ Lost 3-6 22 Away Royal Agricultural College Lost 0-18 29 Away Gloucester Old Boys ‘A’ Drew 3-3 December 6 Home Training College ‘A’ Won 10-3 13 Away Cheltenham Old Boys Lost 0-14 20 Away Cheltenham Grammar Won 14-3 27 Home St Paul’s College Won 11-9 January 3 Away Naunton Park Lost 0-5 10 Away Naunton Park Lost 0-6 17 Away Gloucester Old Boys ‘A’ Won 9-0 24 Away Cheltenham Grammar Won 19-6 31 Away Cheltenham Old Boys Drew 3-3 February 14 Home Training College ‘A’ Won 30-3 21 Home Gloucester Old Boys ‘A’ Lost 0-5 28 Away Stratford ‘A’ Lost 3-6 March 7 Away Cheltenham Grammar Lost 3-5 14 Away Cheltenham Old Boys Lost 6-8 21 Away Training College ‘A’ Won 37-0 28 Away Naunton Park Lost 0-3 when they took revenge over Cheltenham Old Boys, winning 6-3. Throughout the season, they operated around a small, close-knit nucleus of about 20 players, playing predominantly away from home, and with some success. In April 1914, The Patesian summarised the season as: “The Old Patesians’ Rugby Football club has now finished its first full season which has been most successful. Out of the 26 matches which were played, 10 were won, 14 lost, and 2 drawn. Although more matches were lost than won, we scored 181 points against 159 [does not quite tally with the playing record]. For a first season, and taking into consideration the strength of the teams we met, this is very satisfactory. “J C Hutchinson must be congratulated on being top scorer with 15 tries to his credit. He is followed by G H Pratley (6), A T L Grear, P H Stock, and Owen James (4 each); E A Moore and R T Dunn (3 each) and E A Barnard (2). In goals we have not been so successful. A total of 16 goals has been kicked: H C Lacey (7), R.T. Dunn (4), E O Browning and E A Barnard (2 each) and E A Moore (1). E A Moore has proved himself a very able and popular captain, and deserves congratulations, for the way he has kept his men together.”

– 6 – SOWING THE SEEDS

PLAYER PROFILES 1912-14 The Patesian was forthright in its views of the players – criticism often being as lavishly given as praise. Here are a few examples:

BARNARD, Edward Armstrong – born May 6, 1896, son of Edward Armstrong Barnard, draper at Brussels House in the Promenade, Cheltenham. “The strongest attacking player in the side, his accurate handling and swerve have been very great factors in our scoring. Strong defensive kick. Might perhaps feed his wing more often.” BLOODWORTH, Oscar James – born January 19, 1894, son of Alfred George Bloodworth, corn merchant; lived at Hill Crest, Battledown, Cheltenham. “A good forward, especially in the loose. As captain of the team he has shewn keenness and been a great success.”

BOOTH, John Charles – born July 7, 1892, son of John William Booth, licensed victualler of the Royal Hotel, Charlton Kings. “The best of the School backs, has quite an exceptional turn of speed, splendid tackler and kicker. One or two of his dropped penalty goals have been remarkable efforts. A model of politeness; occasionally speaks kindly to his team.”

BOONE, William Brooke – born December 4, 1894, son of W T Boone, lecturer in chemistry at Cheltenham Training College; lived in Sydenham Villas, Cheltenham. “A determined runner and strong tackler. Resourceful. Has made many openings for his wing man but often at fault in giving passes.”

BRAIN, John Edward Bennett – born November 22, 1894, son of C J Brain, colliery proprietor in Ruardean; lived in Painswick Road, Cheltenham. “A useful stand off half-back, sometimes tackles weakly, good place kick. He should use more Bovril and thus get the extra beef required to put most of his shots over the bar.”

CORKE, Hubert William – born November 1, 1893, son of the Reverend Hubert A Corke, clerk in holy orders, Holy Apostles Vicarage, Charlton Kings. “Has not improved as much as expected. Quite an ordinary forward. The possessor of the Quaker Oats smile. Has been known to score. The most cheerful member of the team and useful in keeping up the spirits of the rest.”

– 7 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

DEAKIN, George – born August 8, 1896, son of William Robert Deakin of Norton Hall, Worcester, fruit grower and jam manufacturer at Toddington. “A strong runner, but too selfish; gets out of his place sometimes in defence. Has done much better on the wing. Good kick.”

DEAKIN, Robert Hartley – born January 28, 1895, also son of William Robert Deakin (see above). “A bustling forward; works hard in both the tight and loose. Follows up well, and very useful in the lineout.”

JAMES, Maurice Owen – born December 7, 1895, son of Sarah James, draper in the High Street, Cheltenham. “A good straight runner with useful speed, has been rather starved on the wing, weak kick. Is a member of Upper V. In spite of this misfortune he gets along very well.”

LACEY, Harry Cyril – born June 6, 1891, son of Joseph Henry Lacey, hairdresser in Blenheim Place, Bath Parade, Cheltenham. “A useful inside centre, good kick and generally a fair tackler. He is noted for his early arrivals. Plays centre to Booth and does his best to keep the latter cheerful.”

MOORE, Ernest Arthur – born October 6, 1896, son of Ernest W Moore, builder from Bath Parade, Cheltenham. “Strong runner and good at opening up the game. Very dangerous near the line.”

PRATLEY, George Harry – born July 2, 1894, son of G H Pratley, proprietor of the Clarence Hotel, Cheltenham. “Fast with a good swerve, very often hangs on too long, and not unfrequently bores his wing man into touch before passing. Very useful kick, but sometimes tackles weakly.”

RYLAND, George Francis – born May 27, 1894, son of Albert William Ryland, gardener from Lyefield Road, Charlton Kings. “A better inside three, makes good openings and passes well.”

– 8 – SOWING THE SEEDS

FIRST WORLD WAR During the First World War, Oscar Bloodworth, who was exempt from military service on health grounds, kept rugby ticking over. A number of Old Patesians joined the 5th Battalion of The Gloucestershire Regiment, which was a Territorial Force Battalion formed in April 1908. It had its origins in the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment. The 3rd Company was based in Cheltenham and Oscar Bloodworth was able to maintain momentum and field teams against the Grammar School under the names “Old Patesians in the 5th Gloucester Regiment (Reserve Battalion), 3/5th Gloucesters and Mr Bloodworth’s team”. Regular matches were arranged throughout the war years and it was recorded in The Patesian that “The School is very grateful to Mr O J Bloodworth for having provided fixtures when we were very short of matches.” The Old Patesians RFC, of course, are equally grateful. Women were active on behalf of the club during the war. The Patesian noted: “A series of Whist Drives has been held at the Grammar School … by the Old Patesians … and on all occasions were most enjoyable and highly successful … Owing to the War, many of the Old Boys were out of town so the Old Girls came forward with ready offers of assistance … at the second Whist Drive … 24 tables were occupied, a large number of men being in khaki. On this occasion, Mrs E A Moore presented the prizes to the winners, one of whom was Lieutenant I R Gibbs of the 10th Glo’sters.”

ROLL OF HONOUR Many members of the Old Patesians RFC volunteered to serve, many seeing action overseas. Sadly, nine players did not return. They were:

Edward Armstrong BARNARD Died September 29, 1917 aged 21 Edward served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery after gaining a commission in 1916. Previously, he saw action in Gallipoli with the Royal Naval Division. He was later transferred to Royal Flying Corps. When acting as an observer in an Armstrong-Whitworth FK8, his plane was confronted by six German aircraft. He fired over 100 rounds before he was killed by a German bullet. The pilot was also shot but survived. Edward is buried at Choques Military Cemetery.

John Charles BOOTH Died October 16, 1917 aged 25 Initially, John was refused service due to his poor eyesight. When finally accepted, he served with the 1/5th Gloucestershire Regiment as Sergeant and was later attached to the Nigerian Regiment. Charlie was shot in the arm in the Battle of Mahiwa while manning a machine gun against heavy odds, had his wound dressed and returned to battle. Under intense fire, he was shot through the head. His

– 9 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Commanding Officer wrote: “He deserved a DCM… and showed splendid spirit altogether. The native soldiers liked him and that is a very good test of a white man’s fitness with them.” He is commemorated on the British and Indian Memorial at Dar es Salaam.

John Edward Bennett BRAIN Died December 4, 1916 aged 22 John was as a Sergeant in the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars in Gallipoli and Egypt. He was one of many wounded at Qatia, in the northern Sinai Peninsula, on April 24, 1916. He was taken as a prisoner of war by the Turks and died later of wounds and privations. He is commemorated on the Angora Memorial at the Baghdad (North Gate) War Cemetery.

Edwin Ormonde BROWNING Died April 20, 1916 aged 23 Edwin enlisted with the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars but was commissioned into the 11th Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant. He saw action in Gallipoli, Egypt and Mesopotamia where he was killed in the third and final unsuccessful attempt to relieve the besieged garrison at Kut-al-Amara. He is commemorated on the Basra Memorial.

Hubert William CORKE Died April 19, 1916 aged 22 Served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 10th Gloucestershire Regiment. He was killed in France during action at Hulloch when a shell splinter went through his back, entered his lung and killed him instantly. A fellow officer said of him: “Never was an officer more willing and ready to do his duty and thus he died a glorious death – the most befitting for such a man – in execution of his duty in front of the enemy.” He is buried at the Maroc British Cemetery in Grenay, Pas de Calais.

Robert Hartley DEAKIN Died July 22, 1917 aged 22 Served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps. He was initially commissioned in the South Lancashire Regiment before transferring to the Indian Army in 1915. He volunteered for flying duties, trained in Egypt before being transferred to the Western Front. He was pilot of a Sopwith two-seater with 45 Squadron when he was shot down in aerial combat. He is commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial.

Reginald Theodore DUNN Died August 18, 1916 aged26 Served as a Sergeant in the Army Cyclist Corps attached to the Warwickshire Regiment. He was shot in the head while leading a platoon into action during the battle of Pozieres. He is commemorated on the Memorial at Thiepval.

– 10 – SOWING THE SEEDS

John Clifford HUTCHINSON Died March 22, 1918 aged 21 Known as Jack, he enlisted with 5th (Territorial) Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment and was later commissioned in the East Surrey Regiment as a Lieutenant. He was killed on the second day of the German Spring offensive during a trench mortar artillery barrage. He is commemorated at the Arras Memorial.

Harry Cyril LACEY Died April 24, 1918 aged 26 A Sergeant with the 2/5th Gloucestershire Regiment during the advance on the Hindenburg Line and at Ypres and Cambrai in 1917, he was gassed and wounded on April 18 during the Battle of Bethune. He was evacuated to a hospital at Aire-sur-Lys but died six days later. He is buried at the Aire Communal Cemetery.

THE NEXT STEP Oscar Bloodworth, acting as Secretary, posted a notice in the Gloucestershire Echo of September 2, 1919, with the view to re-forming the club. He was so pleased with the response he declared that two teams could be fielded. According to George Ryland, home matches were to be played on a field between Berkhampstead House (now Berkhampstead School) – then the home of the Cheltenham Grammar School headmaster – and the Greyhound Inn in Hewlett Road. This was The Beaufort Ground, formerly the old White Cross pitch. George Ryland recalled that the standard of play was rather better than the facilities! [Much like today – Ed]. The Old Patesians, who prided themselves on being able to put out a full XV of commissioned rank (retired), trained keenly on Tuesday nights next to – and later in – the Greyhound. Nothing much changed for nearly 70 years until the advent of leagues! The 1919-20 season started on September 20 when the 1st XV played away to Gloucester Wagon Works at Tuffley.The Echo said: “They shaped splendidly forward, but behind they were much inferior… and were beaten heavily.” The following week they did put out a 2nd XV, which travelled to Gloucester to play Wagon Works A XV. Notices for travel to matches were, to say the least, interesting: “Train leaves GWR at 2pm…” “Conveyance leaves Clarence Street at 12.30”. Their early form was less than impressive but results picked up throughout the season. Their first win, by 30 points to nil, was against the Grammar School in the Old Boys’ match. It was following this game that the first recorded reference of the Old Patesians RFC being called the Pats was made in an Echo report. Soon after, on Tuesday January 27, they played Cheltenham College at the College

– 11 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Old Patesians RFC on Saturday October 18, 1919 ready for the Old Boys match: standing, W J Harding, C W Morris, E A Moore, J J Gardner, E L Wheeler, H M Whitehead, R W Bloodworth, R S Brocklebank, O J Bloodworth, W W Yeend; sitting, H A Bendall, H W Gay, G Deakin, W G Deakin, C J Burrows; front, J F Drake, T Mills, F H Babbage

First Annual Dinner at Georges on Saturday April 17, 1920

– 12 – SOWING THE SEEDS

Ground where, according to the Chronicle, “they gave a capital display” in defeating the College 22-0. On Saturday March 20, against St Paul’s College, the Echo reported that “to the old- time enthusiast, it was good to see the old ‘Trainers’ have another ‘go’ at one of the Town’s best clubs and the contest with the Patesians was sure to create a lot of interest and a good match.” St. Paul’s took an early lead but the Pats had the best of the first half to finish 6-3 up. A vibrant Patesians raced into a second half lead of 21-3 when“Owen was rather seriously injured in tackling Deakin and he could take no further part in the game, his ribs being hurt. The Patesians now had all the game and another of the visitors had to retire with injuries. Thus handicapped, the Trainers played pluckily, and there was no more scoring.” The final game of the season was against a full Stroud 1st XV and the Old Patesians performed creditably, losing narrowly 6-0. At the club’s first dinner, Oscar Bloodworth reported that they lost handsomely in the first four fixtures but improved somewhat, losing only three matches in the second half of the season. The playing record was: played 27, won 14, drawn two, lost 11. Points for 329, points against 186. Thirty-seven players were used throughout the season, J F Drake the only person to play in all games. As to the future, they hoped to secure a new ground for the following season. This was not the case and they opened the 1920-21 season on the Beaufort Ground once more, against Gordon League. Their opponents kicked off up the hill, reminiscent of our present pitch, and after a close-fought match all was level at 6-6. George Ryland had returned to the team after several seasons lay-off with a knee injury. Earlier, the Echo said: “The Old Patesians will field about the same team as last season with one or two exceptions. The Old Pats are a good sporting side and everybody wishes them well, for there is no finer sight in football than to see old boys of any school banded together to uphold the good name of the place to which they owe so much.” Early season performances were good and in their 11-0 win against Sunningend it was reported that “the forwards played a very fine game, and if this form continues they will be second to none in the locality. One of their strongest points is dribbling…” At this stage, they lost the services of stalwart J F Drake with pneumonia and, coincidentally, their form suffered. On November 13, they visited Kingsholm for the first time and were thrashed 29-0 by Gloucester 2nds. The following week the Old Patesians supporters (growing week by week) were better pleased with their success against Stratford 2nds. Later that month, W W Yeend, G H Pratley and “Tim” Moore guested for the Town in a 12-5 defeat by Coventry. According to his grandson, David, E A Moore was often referred to as “tin”man either because of his hard, physical nature or because of his scrap metal dealings. This eventually became “Tim”, a name that stuck with him until his death in 1973. On New Year’s Day, the Old Patesians played against Cinderford for the first time and

– 13 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

lost narrowly 0-9. The match was played at the Athletic Ground because the Corporation had spoilt its own pitch in doing preliminary work for the new road cutting through from Hewlett Road to Whaddon Lane. The Old Pats were reinforced by a few students from the Grammar School and from those returning home from university for the vacation and put up a plucky performance in foul conditions where the few spectators huddled under the stand. Soon after, the Gloucestershire Echo highlighted the huge potential of young Moore, whose father Ernest had represented the Town, and suggested that he should be playing on a much bigger stage. The newspaper criticised the Old Patesians’ bar on their players from playing for anybody else unless they had no match themselves. The Echo suggested that it was right and proper for any aspiring talent to represent his town, his county and onwards and upwards. The New Year also saw some fresh faces, but results continued to fluctuate. But worse was to come. On Saturday February 12, the Echo reported: “The Old Patesians have now received a definite order that they must vacate their ground in order to allow the work of a new road to proceed. As the Corporation take possession on Monday, the match with the Training College today will be the last seen on the Hewlett Road Ground. The Honorary Secretary (Mr O J Bloodworth) has so far been unable to procure suitable accommodation but hopes to obtain a pitch on one of the Recreation Grounds.” They had a slight reprieve the following week, beating a depleted Sunningend in a very physical game at the Beaufort Ground and vowed never to play the aggressive factory team again. The local press vilified the Old Patesians for not loaning them a player to make it a more even match. All the remaining matches that season had to be played away from home.

Old Patesians on January 1, 1921 before their home defeat to Cinderford: standing, I C Bendall, C R Alcock, J D Lane, C W Morris, F C Ryland, E L Wheeler, O J Bloodworth; sitting: R A Pyart, G P Tate, G F Ryland, W W Yeend (captain), E A Moore, R S Brocklebank, T Mills; front, J F Drake, J M James

– 14 – SOWING THE SEEDS

The season ended with a further defeat to Cinderford and, on April 16, the Echo reported their season as follows: “The Old Pats, as they are familiarly called by their best friends, have had a very even season with 12 wins and the same number of losses, and two drawn games. In the matter of points, too, there was no great disparity (203 points for, 193 points against). The Patesians have been a very united family, and the players have got a lot of enjoyment out of the game and look forward to another good time next season.” Just over 40 players were used throughout the season but with a fairly-settled nucleus. The following season, 1921-22, was going to be difficult. A strengthened fixture list, loss of players and a new ground were challenging. The Echo said: “It is thought to be extremely likely that ‘Tim’ Moore of Old Patesians will throw his lot in with the Town, and if he does his presence will make all the difference to the rearguard, for he is a fine young player with any amount of dash.” The Old Pats also formally agreed to loan players to the Town provided they made applications by the previous Tuesday. Cheltenham gratefully accepted this offer and during the course of the season J F Drake, C W Morris, W W Yeend, R S Brocklebank and F C Ryland all played for them. The Old Pats, anticipating selection problems, agreed at its general meeting early in the season to play, from time to time, outside members at the discretion of the committee. The Patesian of April 1922 noted: “We have been successful in enrolling several very useful players in this manner” principally from Cheltenham as a reciprocal arrangement. However, this was to little avail as the Old Pats had a poor playing record that year although, according to The Patesian, “the players themselves were of the opinion that this was the most successful season so far.” They opened the season against Gordon League on the new pitch at the junction of Hewlett Road and Hales Road (this was occasionally referred to as Cemetery Road) and, once more, with the familiar Old Pats’ slope. Their first win of the season was reported on successive weekends in October, bythe Echo, when it was stated that with the Pats leading St Paul’s Old Boys 8-0 and “resenting the decisions of the referee, F Morten, the St Paul’s captain, Brooks, and Edwards unsportingly left the field and with Hopkins injured, the Old Boys continued to the end with only eleven players. The incident was not a criterion of the previous play – indeed a most keenly contested and pleasant game was witnessed.” The injured player, Hopkins, “was unfortunate enough to receive a ball, meant for touch, full in the face at three yards’ range and he took no further part in the game. Only those who have experienced a similar fate know what force a rugby ball strikes under such circumstances.” On Saturday November 12, in the return fixture with St Paul’s College, it was reported that it was a much keener contest than earlier. The Echo said: “No doubt the improved weather conditions had a lot to do with it, for players can hardly be expected to take such a keen interest in the game when it is played in a strong wind and cold rain that drenches them through.” In the same game, Cyril Statham, late of the Town and Middlesex, who had recently

– 15 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Old Pats on March 18, 1922 before their 12-8 home defeat by Gloucester Old Boys: standing, J G Loud, E J N. Webb, W L Johnstone, C R Alcock, E J P Dale, E L Wheeler, F C Ryland, J D Lane, K A Norman, W C R Wicks; sitting, C W Statham, G F Ryland, W W Yeend (captain), J F Drake, J B Tregenza; front, B E Hawkins, H Davis had a serious illness and had returned to the Town to recuperate, “played at full-back for the Old Patesians as a preliminary canter to greater things. Even this strain, however, was sufficient to upset the weakened heart and it is unlikely that he will turn out again for some time.” To make things worse, he arrived without his boots and borrowed a pair without studs and, as a consequence, fell down unceremoniously several times during the course of the game. On Christmas Eve, the Old Patesians had their first encounter with Worcester and were convincing 17-0 winners at Hewlett Road. Dare we think what might happen today? Nearly 50 players were used during the course of the season but, as in previous years, a group of 15 were the mainstay. Oscar Bloodworth wrote in The Patesian: “We had no star artiste this year, and it is difficult to individualise any special player, but it is only fair to say that the captain (W W Yeend) has played better this season than ever before, and his powers, both in attack and defence, have been a great asset to the team. Apart from this, as Captain, he has been very popular with every member, and it is partly due to this fact that the spirit of the team has been so good.”

MONTPELLIER BATHS HOST FUND-RAISING DANCES During the course of the 1921-22 season a players’ committee was established to arrange a series of dances, with the dual purpose of encouraging the social side of the club, and to raise much-needed funds. Six dances took place at Montpellier Baths between January and March, with increasing attendances. The season’s social activities were brought to a close on Friday March 24 with a fancy dress carnival dance at Montpellier Baths. The profits from the dances was the princely sum of £23.

– 16 – SOWING THE SEEDS

Six matches were won, one drawn and 17 lost and the main worry, according to Oscar Bloodworth, was that “we shall be very disappointed if the School adopts ‘Association’ next season, as this may have a detrimental effect upon our team.” New ground (well not quite, as this was where they started in 1913), new shirts (the more familiar blue, magenta and white hoops) and renewed enthusiasm ushered in the 1922-23 season. Oscar Bloodworth wrote in The Patesian that: “The prospects for Season 1922-23 are decidedly bright, for over forty players were present at the opening practice… We are fortunate in having, among others, both C J Price and W J Harding, home from India, and their inclusion will greatly strengthen the back division. Our star forward of last season, E L Wheeler, is now in business at London, and we shall miss his presence. Still, we have a good number of promising members available, and we are confident of a good season. “The new ground, in Whaddon Lane, is in excellent condition, and we are decidedly fortunate in obtaining so splendid a position. We only secured this towards the end of September, and our thanks are due to the Headmaster for allowing us the use of the school field for practice.” The Echo added: “All rugby enthusiasts will be glad to hear that the Old Patesians have at last secured a ground – one in Whaddon Lane. Far from the likelihood of the club collapsing, they are stronger than ever… Owing to revised rules of the Patesians, permitting membership of non-Grammarians, the team should be greatly strengthened, and the prospects all round are distinctly bright. Mr O J Bloodworth is as full of energy and enthusiasm as ever, and it certainly won’t be his fault if things do not hum!” The Pats opened their season with a big win against Gloucester Thursday and Sidney

Old Pats at Whaddon Lane on October 14, 1922 before a 58-0 thrashing of Ross: standing, C J Price, E J P Dale, C W Morris, C R Alcock, J D Lane, W L Johnstone, A C W Ryland, S Hyam; kneeling, A E Lee, A G Allen, E J N Webb, K A Norman; front, W J Harding, W W Yeend (captain), J F Drake

– 17 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

BURST BALL… BREAKDOWN… ALL IN A DAY’S PLAY In a year to remember, the next occurrence of note happened on Saturday November 25. The Echo reported: “Playing against RAC on Saturday, what must surely be a unique event occurred to one of the Old Patesians. He was in the act of dropping out, but while the ball – a new one – was still in his hands, it burst, much to the players surprise.” On a day of mishaps “the Old Pats motor broke down on the way back from Cirencester, and had it not been for the kindness of three passing motorists, all would have had a 5-mile walk.”

Hyam, the Cheltenham Harrier, was picked out as the fastest man on the field.The Echo reported: “The Old Pats change of quarters is a nice improvement. The turf at Whaddon Lane is better than that at Hewlett Road and with a good rolling and the levelling of one particular bump, the playing pitch would be quite good. Beside this they have the advantage of a nice little three compartment pavilion, with enough room to turn one of them into a garage for the vice-captain’s motor-bike.” On Saturday October 21, the Echo reiterated the burgeoning success and the renewed enthusiasm within the Club when it wrote: “Since the opening of their ranks to outsiders, the membership of the Old Patesians Rugby Club has increased in leaps and bounds, so much so that they were able to run three teams today, a feat no other local team can accomplish.” Another development was the introduction of meetings for all “Rugbyites” in the district on the finer points of Rugby Football. The first forum, on Monday November 6, was led by Mr G F Ryland who spoke about ‘half-back play.’ Two weeks later Mr J T Curtis, the local referee, spoke about the rules. The Echo added that: “Players are continually disputing referees’ decisions – now is the time to learn about those points about which they are in doubt.” As Christmas approached, the Pats remained undefeated and the local derby against Naunton Park was imminent. Referee for this match, Mr J T Curtis, wrote to the Echo to suggest that the Town Club be approached to use the Athletic Ground and proceeds be given to the Christmas Unemployment Fund. Cheltenham lacked any Christmas spirit and the game took place at Naunton Park. The Echo headline for that day read “PATESIANS RECORD BROKEN.” Mr Curtis delayed the start of the game due to the thick fog. When it did get under way, the Pats took an early lead with a converted try but Naunton Park hit back with a four-point drop-goal just before half-time. A second-half try pinched it for Naunton Park with a 7-5 win and the Old Pats’ unbeaten record was reportedly lost through “missed chances.” Two weeks later on Christmas Eve, the Echo headline read: “PATS HAVE THEIR REVENGE.” On a very heavy ground, there was some unnecessary rough play at the start but a few tactful words from the referee restored the good feeling and improved the game. Pats went on to take their revenge over Naunton Park, winning 5-3. During the Christmas period, the Old Pats set a new local standard when they fielded a fourth XV who were unbeaten in fixtures against Tredworth Night Schools, Ross Juniors and Crypt Grammar School.

– 18 – SOWING THE SEEDS

With only one loss before Christmas, and a very settled team, hopes were high for a sparkling second half. However, they were devastated when, as reported in the Echo on January 20, 1923: “Local football enthusiasts will have heard with much regret of the serious illness of Oscar Bloodworth, the energetic and enthusiastic Hon Secretary of the Old Patesians’ Club. It is not too much to say that he has been for quite a long time the life and soul of the OPs and it is greatly due to his efforts that the club has attained its large measure of success. Oscar’s illness, I hear, will keep him not only out of sport but also out of business for some considerable time, and I am sure I am only voicing the feelings of my readers generally when offering him sincere sympathy and hearty good wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.” Whether it was a reaction to this news, or pure coincidence, form took a dip and four of the next five matches were lost. Fortunately, on February 17 it was noted that “The Old Patesians, after having been off colour for several weeks, appear to have quite regained their old form” and the season finished on a high note. J P Hughes wrote: “It was to be the Old Pats’ best season to date, playing 25, won 16, drawn 2 and lost 7, points for 353, against 166. Sid Hyam, the Gloucestershire sprint champion, was top scorer with 17 tries and 27 goals for 109 points.” Altogether, 38 players represented the 1st XV, 15 of them playing most games. At the end-of-season dinner, Oscar Bloodworth, who had recovered sufficiently to attend, said: “I can see no reason preventing the Old Patesians from one day being the greatest Old Boys club in all England.” How right he was. The 1923-24 season started with an element of uncertainty as Oscar Bloodworth’s continued ill health restricted his involvement and communications appeared to be at a low. W W Yeend, captain for three years, had left the town and club stalwarts C W Morris and J D Lane had decided to move to the Town. They did welcome back H A Bendall and

FOUR OUT OF FIVE GEORGE! George Allen, shown in his Hopeful and Earnest House shirt, a regular this season, came from a family of rugby enthusiasts. He had four daughters who were all born either at the start or just after each Rugby season – Rosemary was born in April 1930, Heather in October 1931, Adrienne in May 1933 and Maureen in November 1934. The family tradition was that they were named according to the Five Nations rugby countries – Rosemary for England, Heather for Scotland, Adrienne for France and Maureen for Ireland but sadly, or not, not a fifth for Wales!

– 19 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

acquired the services of the promising P Roe, while J D Lane’s move was short-lived. It was written in The Patesian that “an excellent fixture list has been arranged, and if we are to live up to our reputation of last season, every member of the Club will have to play his hardest.” On October 13, the Echo said: “… against Hereford the Old Pats were unable to field a full team. The game was played in a most sporting spirit and was immensely enjoyed by all who took part. The score, however, does not give a true indication of the game, as the Old Patesians were decidedly unlucky to lose by 16 points to 6.” After an indifferent start to the season, fielding two understrength teams, which in part was due to the declining health of Oscar Bloodworth, it was reported in the Echo on October 20 that: “The Old Patesians have suffered the loss of Mr A G Bloodworth (Chairman) and Mr O J Bloodworth (Hon Secretary) who have resigned. Mr Ernest Webb has taken over the duties as Chairman, Hon Secretary being undertaken by Mr C J Stayte with Mr E J N Webb as his assistant.” The new committee set about its task vigorously and the next few weeks saw an improvement in communication, full teams and improved results. In the match against St Paul’s College, where they won 12-3, H A Bendall had “a splendid game at stand-off but accurate passing proved impossible, owing to wind!” However, a further major breakdown in communications was recorded in the Echo of December 15: “We hope the Old Pats will have fielded a full team today, but when the team secretary sends out blank cards to inform players they have been picked to play, it may happen that fifteen fellows do not turn up, at least until after the match. The Post Office, too, are complaining of unstamped postcards.” After the short Christmas break, the Old Pats were due to play newly-formed and already defunct Spa RFC. In their place, they played Mr W C Blackford’s Holiday XV. The Echo reported an entertaining game where “the Pats were not at full strength, but succeeding in winning easily. I C Bendall gave a fine display and scored no less than six tries.” The following week, the Pats completed the double over Naunton Park and “owing to the sodden state of the Whaddon Lane ground the game developed into a forward struggle. A solitary penalty by H A Bendall won the game. Still a win’s a win and the Old Pats are feeling pretty proud of themselves.” Two weeks later the Pats had an overwhelming victory against Clifton A and reportedly “were slinging the ball about and giving their threequarters plenty of work.” On February 2, they lost narrowly to Cheltenham College, 20-21, and in this game the “Patesians went ahead as a result of a sensational try by Hyam, who picked up in his own twenty-five, and ran the whole length of the field pursued by Coates. He gained distance through a judicious swerve and scored cleverly.” Sidney Hyam, above, played one further game for the Old Patesians before being enticed away by Gloucester. Later, the Echo Rugby Correspondent wrote of Hyam: “One thing is a

– 20 – SOWING THE SEEDS

certainty – if it is at all possible to make a class man of the Old Patesian, the City Club will do it, and there will be the usual wailing and gnashing of teeth in the Garden Town.” St Gregory’s completed the double over a weakened Old Pats team and “the game was played before a large crowd of spectators who were not at all shy in shouting encouragement and advice to their favourites.” Among the crowd was the ailing Oscar Bloodworth, attending an Old Patesians match for what turned out to be the last time and looking decidedly unwell in the photograph below.

Old Pats at Agg-Gardners Recreation Ground before their match against St Gregory’s on February 23, 1924: standing, W C R Wicks, H Bastin, J F Drake, J D Lane, E J N Webb, A G Allen, C J Price (captain), A G Bloodworth; sitting, W L Johnstone, A C W Ryland, H E Wilkins, R Wilson, D J Stayte, C J Stayte, R S Brocklebank, O J Bloodworth; front, A Butler, G L Howarth, T Mills

Sadly, on Saturday March 8, the Echo Rugby Reporter wrote: “I learn this morning of the death of Oscar Bloodworth, the enthusiastic Old Patesian, after a most painful illness. My deepest sympathy goes out to his father and his wife and family, and I am sure all footballers who have met the deceased will regret his passing.” He had died at his home, 1 Crescent Terrace, the previous day, leaving his wife Mabel (Betty) and son John. It was reported on the Saturday that “previous to their match with Royal Agricultural College at Whaddon Lane the Old Patesians stood in silence for a minute in respect to the memory of Mr Oscar Bloodworth, their old comrade, who passed away on Friday evening.” The events of the weekend seemed to spur them for the rest of the season, winning four out of five and the solitary loss was by a single point. In the match against Hereford at home it was reported that “the Old Patesians entertained their opposition and, in defeating this powerful side, gave their finest display of this season – probably the best ever seen on this ground.” The Echo summary of the season was: “The Old Patesians have once again had a most successful season in every respect. All the games have been enjoyable and sporting and the Old Pats have conclusively demonstrated that they can play football of the best standard.”

– 21 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

A G Allen and captain C J Price were joint top scorers with 11 tries each, closely followed by Sid Hyam and Ian Bendall with 10 tries. Thirty-five players represented the team, 20 of them regularly. They amassed 309 points with 258 points against. From the 24 matches played, they won 13, drew one and lost 10. However, the biggest loss was that of Oscar Bloodworth. Chairman Ernest Webb wrote in The Patesian in April 1924: “We shall miss our past Hon Secretary, Oscar J Bloodworth, who passed away in March, after a painful illness. His example of keenness and enthusiasm will not easily be forgotten by the Old Patesians’ Club, for which he did so much.” The magazine carried the following touching obituary:

OBITUARY O.J. Bloodworth (1894-1924) The School mourns the loss of one of its strongest supporters amongst the Old Boys. O J Bloodworth came early to the School and, passing through all its Forms, became Captain of the School. He was in the Cricket teams 1910, 1911 and 1912, finishing as Captain; and in the Rugby Football team of 1910-11, being Captain in 1911-12. As a forward he was light and acted as a winger. In Cricket he was a consistent and easy batsman, an occasional slow bowler, and a sharp fieldsman. A thorough sportsman, he inspired his teams with his keenness. After leaving School he became the energetic Secretary of the Old Patesian Cricket and Rugby Clubs, sparing no time or trouble in furthering their interests. He took no part in the War, as it was found that he was suffering from an internal malignant growth. One would have not thought from his brave bearing that he was suffering, and he continued between operations, to take part in both the games he loved so well. His funeral was conducted by his friend the Rev S S Shrubsole, who came as a Master during war-time, and was attended by Mr Oldland and the Captain of the School, A Clements Jones, in the absence of the Headmaster, who was in London. Mr. Shrubsole, in a moving address, spoke of his great services to the School and to the Old Boys, of his courage and strong character, and of the loss to the community of one who would have taken a foremost place in the town. Many Old Boys joined the funeral procession at the Cemetery. He was laid to rest in the strong sunshine of a beautiful Spring morning. The Patesian

– 22 – CHAPTER TWO

LOVE’S LABOURS LOST by Neil Hyde

EASON 1924-25 started with a General Meeting at the Grammar School on SeptemberS 2. Officers were put in place at this meeting and the Treasurer Mr J D Lane stated that “the cost of running the Club for the season would be about £45” – just about the cost of after-match meals for one team nowadays! The Gloucestershire Echo anticipated a successful season as the Old Pats were virtually unchanged from the previous year. Their mission statement read: “It is not too much to say that followers and supporters of the Old Patesians will be provided with the best football, played in the right spirit and the right ways. Rugby Football is now in the ascendancy and it should be the aim and ambition of everyone committed with it, to keep it going, and above all, keep it clean. With these ideas in mind the Old Patesians play the game for the game’s sake and the pleasure derived is shared by players and spectators.” The playing season started with an 11-3 win against Gloucester Old Boys. The Echo said: “The Old Pats were in excellent form and the smart effective play of their back division brought them a well-merited win. For the first game the Patesians gave every promise of being a fine side, well served fore and aft, and their prospects are distinctly encouraging.” Two weeks later the Echo reporter said: “What a delight it is to see a fast open game. One enjoys every minute of it! Such was the case at the Old Patesians v Swindon match.” Swindon got off to a flying start and the Pats were always playing catch-up. At one stage the tactical ploy of removing one forward and playing him as an extra back almost backfired

– 23 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

on Swindon as the Pats clawed themselves back in to the game. But it was not to be and the final score, 19-12 to Swindon, rather flattered them. The end of the month brought their first visit to Bournville. A forward battle ensued and they were unlucky to lose. However, the “visitors to Bournville were treated splendidly, with changing quarters and general arrangements being excellent”. A titanic forward battle followed on a soaked and sodden Whaddon Lane ground, ending in a fitting 0-0. AnEcho wit wrote: “If mud is really good for beauty then the members of the Old Patesians and Naunton Park Rugby Clubs should blossom out into Greek Gods for they had mud, and plenty to spare, on the Pats’ Whaddon Lane ground”. In early December, the Old Patesians sent a depleted side to Bristol University and lost narrowly by two tries scored in the last 10 minutes. The second try was reported as being “of a somewhat doubtful character, the corner flag being upset”. They went into the New Year with a well-balanced record of six wins, one draw and six losses. However, all was not rosy as H A Bendall was out injured, R S Brocklebank had moved away to Culham College as a lecturer and shortly after, captain C J Price broke his collar bone. The loss of three influential backs had a dramatic effect and losses became more frequent. They did beat Naunton Park on their own ground playing “spectacular football” but lost heavily to Cheltenham College where “speed was the deciding factor”. The Old Patesians’ mission statement took a severe blow on February 14 when it was written that: “It was rather strange that during the temporary lulls in the hubbub at the Old Patesians v Bromsgrove match at Whaddon Lane last Saturday, could be heard a player reciting scraps from Love’s Labour Lost, for the title of Shakespeare’s play fittingly describes the game from the Old Pats’ point of view. Although poems have been written on sport, it is not often that poetry and Rugby Football go hand-in-hand, as on this occasion.” The writer proposed rehearsals on the field of play and continued that “the language would certainly be superior to that in the majority of present-day matches. One great

This photograph was taken on March 7 1925 before the defeat of Bournville by 34 points to 5. Standing: W C R Wicks, A G Allen, H Millard, J J Gardner, H Vizard, C J Price (Captain), H W Constable, W H C Jackson, C R Alcock, D Ricketts, J T Curtis (Referee). Sitting: E D Ricketts, J Yeend, D J Stayte, H A Bendall, J F Drake, E J N Webb, C J Stayte, A C W Ryland, W W Yeend

– 24 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

objection to this idea would be the consequent loss of breath but this would not greatly affect the Old Patesians, who already waste the precious air in needless remarks.” Declining fortunes are often matched by declining standards. The following week, previous captain and club stalwart, W W Yeend, returned to the town and the team. Results picked up and a modicum of success was had in the final weeks of the season with wins against the Royal Agricultural College, Bournville and Hereford. The end of season summary by the Echo showed that “the past season has been another successful one for the Old Patesians. Their fixture list has been considerably stiffer than ever before. The club started the season with a very strong team, both forward and behind. Unfortunately, owing to injuries and removals, the Pats lost the services of its three best backs. However, the 2nd XV provided several promising substitutes, and thus demonstrating the usefulness of a strong 2nd XV”. The first team played 25, won 10, drew one and lost 14. They scored 211 points with 257 points against. Only 30 players represented the 1st XV that year. J F Drake was top scorer with seven tries and H A Bendall was the principal kicker. There were no ever-presents, but C J Stayte and H Millard missed only one game. The 1925-26 season started with D J Stayte having moved to the Town as they had no hooker. The chocoholic fixture secretary had obviously enjoyed his outing to Bournville last year and had added Fry & Sons to the fixtures. The tenancy of Whaddon Lane ground was not until mid-September. The trial match, Club XV v Colours XV, on September 19 was disrupted by unavailabilities as many players were involved with the Old Patesians Water Polo team. The trial was played “before the thistles and grass were cut and was more painful than useful to the participants”. The Echo season preview said: “The Patesians appear to have a team of about the same strength as last year. The backs virtually unchanged with regulars Yeend, Constable, Allen, Bendall, Price and Drake. One or two of the forwards will be missed this season, as for instance D J Stayte has been picked for the Town, E J N Webb has obtained a good position in Egypt, in the cotton growing business, A C Ryland is surveying in Ilkley, Yorks, Charlie Alcock also expects to be leaving the town. It is pleasing to know, however, that there are other good fish in the sea, and that some of the new recruits have weight if nothing else!” Consequently, their first match at home to Gloucester Old Boys was an untidy affair. It was reported that: “J F Drake is away on holidays, but an excellent substitute was available in G E Vaughan, last year’s Grammar School scrum-half, who has already proved himself in local football. From the start, he got the ball out well for the Pats and was in better condition than most members of the team.” His efforts were to little avail as the Pats went down 0-15. Later in the year, he emerged as a regular in the Town side. The Pats had to wait until the last Saturday in October for their first victory – at the Royal Agricultural College. The following week they entertained Worcester. The Echo wrote that “the visitors brought a very strong team, but, unfortunately, the Pats have suffered badly with injuries this season, and consequently they were rather weakly

– 25 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

The Old Patesians before their match at Hereford on October 10 1925. Standing: R B Till, H A Pitts, A G Allen, J D Lane, E L Wheeler, L H Keveren, H Millard, H Bastin. Sitting: W W Yeend, H W Constable, J F Drake, C J Price (Captain), A Butler, H Vizard, T G Morgan represented. No fewer than eight players are at present on the injured list”. Not surprisingly, they lost – but only by the narrowest margin, 5-6. Two wins followed against local opposition and in the win against St. Paul’s Training College, Morgan broke the deadlock “with a capital individual burst”. An early cold blast came in November and two matches were lost to the weather. At this time “a feeling of panic permeated the Old Patesians Rugby Club… when it became known that their able scrum-half and energetic team secretary, J F Drake, was to be posted to the Leamington branch of the Midlands Bank… but his friends are pleased to know that he will probably be amongst them nearly every weekend, and the Rugby Club are hoping not to lose his services”. Evesham became new opponents for the Old Patesians 1st XV, having entertained them at only 2nd XV level previously, and they were surprising and convincing winners at Whaddon Lane. Following the Christmas break, the Pats had back-to-back wins against Clifton A. In the second, “Young W Hawker, playing his 1st game, had the distinction of scoring a try in the first five minutes. The Pats set up a hot attack from the start, and after the three- quarters thrice tried to break through, the ball came back to Hawker who picked up and quickly scored”. In the same match, “on the other wing, Constable hesitates too long before going for the line. Look before you leap is a good motto, but if you intend leaping, don’t look too long!” On January 23, the big match against Cheltenham College was boosted by the return of J F Drake, who had ridden his motorbike from Leamington, I C Bendall who had driven in from Leatherhead and E L Wheeler from Leytonstone. These reinforcements proved insufficient as they lost 6-18 to a speedy and fitter College outfit.

– 26 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

In February, they defeated Bristol University comfortably but threw away many excellent opportunities. “Their close proximity to the line evidently made them over- anxious, with the result that instead of letting the ball out direct to the winger, the centres tried to break through” – an example of modern day white line fever. The following week, they lost the return with St. Paul’s Training College at The Folley. The turning point was when the Old Patesian stalwart J F Drake went offside in his own 25 yards. The resultant penalty goal was accepted and successfully kicked to allow St. Paul’s to sneak home 6-3. The Echo reported that “he did not agree but was too good a sportsman to protest”. On Friday February 19, the Old Patesians had their Annual Dance at the Town Hall finishing in the early hours of Saturday. Later that day, they entertained Bournville and it was recorded “after the annual dance at the Town Hall last night there was some excuse for the Old Patesians if they showed signs of wear in the closing stages of their game”. They managed a draw, 10-10, but hung on desperately at the end. They finished the season with a small flourish, probably due to the fact that the old faces of I C Bendall, R S Brocklebank and Tim Moore turned out for them. In the game against Hereford it was written that “some capital back play was indulged by Drake, Price, Bendall and Moore”. In the photograph from that game it is noticeable that only 14 players appear and that Tim Moore is the absentee. Perhaps he was playing without the permission of the Town side? Their final match against Dudley, their newest opposition, was played on the hard flat outfield of a county cricket ground. That, in itself, was a treat and they came home successful having won 15-11. The end of season report, headlined by “Position maintained and prospects bright”, showed that they finished with a playing record of played 22, won 8, drawn three and lost 11. They scored 170 points with 184 points against. H A Pitts was the principal kicker. Equal top try scorers were W W Yeend, J F Drake and C J Price with six each. L Keveren

The Old Patesians team on March 20 before their match against Hereford that they lost 5-9. Standing: Ernest Webb, R B Till, A V Mills, H Vizard, J D Lane, I C Bendall, W Hawker, H Bastin, T G Morgan, W W Yeend. Sitting: C J Stayt, H A Pitts, A Butler, C J Price (Captain), L H Keveren, J F Drake, H W Constable, A E Lucas

– 27 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

was the only person to have played in every game. The report reiterated that they had endless problems with injuries and removals but “the keenness of the players is well demonstrated when it is realised that many made long journeys each week, often by motor-cycle, from such widespread places as Ross-on-Wye, Pershore, Leamington, Birmingham, Campden, Toddington etc”. The Old Patesians opened their 1926-27 season at Whaddon Lane with “much of their usual team”. H A Pitts was prevented from playing early in the season due to his police duties in the Forest of Dean but J M James, who played immediately after the War, was welcomed back in his place when the banks decided not to open on Saturdays. Otherwise, little else changed. An advert in the Echo proposing an Extras XV resulted in 25 players turning up for the first practice on October 30. A month later, the Extras lost their first match to Sunningend 0-3. On that same day the senior team won a “splendid victory” at Clifton, with A W Allard scoring all three tries for the Old Patesians. On December 4, for services and loyalty to the club, J F Drake was presented with a silver cigarette box. “The presentation came as a little surprise to him, for although he had been invited as the guest of the evening (and, by the way, he insisted on being a paying guest), his friends had zealously guarded their secret and were able to enjoy Drake’s astonishment”. The New Year brought bad weather, ill-health and little luck. During an eight-week period, six matches were lost to the elements and the other two were lost without scoring a point. Following their last cancellation in mid-February, good form and fortune resumed and they were unbeaten in their remaining six matches – scoring 124 points and conceding only 12. The Echo summed up their end of season flourish as “Splendid match-winning form that!”. The Echo wrote that “the past season has proved one of the most successful on record. A good feature of the 1st XV is that the number of points scored against the Club has been reduced well below the previous lowest”. They conceded only 133 points and scored 259. Of 23 matches played, 13 were won, three drawn and seven lost. Top try scorer was the captain C J Price with 11 and B G Price was the leading kicker. There were no ever-presents, but H Bastin, J J Gardner and A H Adcock missed only one game each. It was written at the start of the 1927-28 season that “happy is the club who, like the Old Patesians, has only one worry, and that the difficulty of providing equipment for the exceptionally large number of young players who want to take part in the game”. Meanwhile, Stonewall Field in Prestbury Road was taken for the third team. Other local clubs were not so fortunate and were struggling to raise teams. However, this glut of players created other problems as witnessed at the Old Patesians AGM. Extra expenditure of about £20 was anticipated and it was the provision of these funds that provoked lengthy discussion. “Naturally there was no unrestrainable rush to increase subscriptions but at the same time there appeared to be a genuine willingness to raise the money if some not too drastic

– 28 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

means could be found, and the bright idea by Mr Whitehead, who proposed a levy of 3d per member per match, was hailed with delight and adopted. Senior wranglers assure us that 3d per match would, for a regular player, mean a greater seasonal expenditure than an extra 2s 6d on the subscriptions, but it seems that 3d does not sound so much, and that the ladies who are deluded by the illusory cheapness at the millinery sales are not the only humans who are taken in by appearance”. So, the introduction of match fees on top of an annual membership subscription can be traced to this time. J D Lane, the longstanding treasurer, said the additional 3d payments would go a long way to ease the financial anxieties and that he would “continue to guard the money bags as zealously as ever”. However, “on the score of Anno Domini”, his playing commitment would be reduced significantly. Other notable absentees for the coming season, through relocation or the advance of years, were W W Yeend, H Bastin, T G Morgan and A H Adcock. The season started with two 1st XV wins, three teams being fielded and a fourth being considered. Evesham edged out winners by 8-3 when a draw would have been more fitting but the Pats quickly bounced back in early November with a 10-try demolition of the Royal Agricultural College. This was followed by 14 tries against Naunton Park… who had started with 14 players, eventually finding a fifteenth who had to play in his civvies. By early December, the Pats had the proud record of winning 10 of 12 matches. Their strength lay in a virtually unchanged team. Bad weather prior to and during the Christmas period caused several cancellations and when they resumed in the New Year fortunes wavered a little. This was, in part, due to injuries to the captain C J Price and A E Lucas, who were both out for the remainder of the season. The relocation of W H C Jackson and the intermittent availability of H A Pitts, due

– 29 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

to police duties, added to the problem. This was further compounded in early February when it was written that “the Old Patesians unfortunately lose the valuable services of W T Tiver, who is in strict training for his game in the Olympic Water Polo trials”. However, they still managed to beat Bournville, 8-3, with seven reserves and the following week, after their late night at the Old Patesians Ninth Annual Ball, they eclipsed Culham College 22-5, again with a large number of reserves. On March 10, following their return fixture with Naunton Park, it was written that “the game, which ended in a win, 20 points to nil, in favour of the Old Patesians, was marred by the behaviour of some of the Naunton players”. J F Drake had to leave the field of play through injury after having scored a try. J P Hughes wrote that the Pats had accused Naunton Park of “only turning up for a fight”. Naunton Park RFC responded by saying that this could not have been the case as the referee had not sent anybody from the field of play and they added: “Rugby is not a kid-glove game after all, and hard knocks were taken by Nauntonians, and Mr Drake was injured quite accidentally”. They did wish him a speedy recovery. The season ended with the club’s best playing record since their formation. They played 24 matches, winning 17, drawing one and losing only six. They amassed 309 points with 167 against. J F Drake was top scorer with 17 tries, more than double the next who was J S Allen with eight. Once again, B G Price was the outstanding kicker. J F Drake, J J Gardner and H Millard did not miss a game, while J S Allen, B G Price, A Butler, R B Till and T James missed only one each.

INTERESTING ENTERTAINMENT The season’s finale took an unusual twist when they participated in “a novel and interesting entertainment” at the Athletic Ground on April 30 in the form of a series of push ball games in aid of the St John Ambulance Association. There were only two goals scored during the event, both by the Old Patesians. This one, against the Ambulance team, wasn’t enough to win the tournament, which was eventually won by the Cheltenham Swimming Club.

– 30 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

The team that played the Royal Agricultural College on March 3. The Old Patesians won comfortably by the margin of 41-3. Standing: L H Keveren (Secretary), J G Loud, J S Allen, J D Lane (came out of retirement for this match), A V Mills, H Millard, R B Till, T A J Harris, W T Tiver, Ernest Webb (Chairman), L C M Hill. Sitting: D A Sambrook, H W Constable, E H Bruton, A Butler, J J Gardner (acting Captain), J F Drake, B G Price, E K Roberts, H A Pitts The 1928-29 fixture list did not include Naunton Park – probably the outcome of the shenanigans at the end of the previous season. The season began earlier than ever and the Club suffered the consequences. Player unavailability and lack of fitness and practice meant a slow start. In addition, C J Price and J J Gardner had virtually finished their playing careers and B G Price, H A Pitts and T A J Harris had moved away.

– 31 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

However, J D Lane donned his boots once more to help out spasmodically. Following losses against Stratford, Evesham and Bournville, it was reported that “The Old Patesians have taken the Riding School, Regent Street, for practice every Thursday night, and if members of all teams make an effort to attend, it should not be long before there is an all-round improvement”. This spur produced emphatic wins against Culham College and the Royal Agricultural College, with 17 tries being scored against the unfortunate latter team. Three losses followed, all by the narrowest of margins, before they “found their proper form” against Gloucester Old Boys, winning 13-5. The next match against St Paul’s Training College “only served to show what a good fighting side the Collegians are and how moderate the home side have become. A little vim and determination would turn their losses into wins”. With two weeks to ponder these comments, the Pats got it right on their next outing, beating Swindon by 23 points to 3 points – their first win over formidable opponents. A weakened Boxing Day team lost narrowly to Gloucester Spartans – their first encounter at 1st XV level. This was followed by a string of six wins interspersed by four cancellations predominantly due to frozen pitches. Among these wins were successes against Cheltenham College and Worcester. The win against Cheltenham College, the first for several years, was quite remarkable

BENDALL ON THE ENGLAND BENCH I C Bendall, an occasional player for the Old Pats since the Great War and then playing for Rosslyn Park, was selected to play for The Rest in an England Trial at Twickenham. He did not make the full team but performed admirably enough to be selected as a reserve. The following month The Patesian noted that “about twenty-five of our members went to Twickenham to see the England v Ireland match”. No doubt they obtained their tickets through I C Bendall and they had hoped to be shouting him on.

HAVING A BALL… INDOORS The Annual Ball took on an unusual flavour when “with prospects of a good match with Fry’s, Bristol spoilt by the snow and frost, the Old Pats pitched their goal posts in the Town Hall on Friday night, hung their football from the crossbar, and, taking young ladies round the waist, whirled them off down the wings without any danger of being tackled, but with grave risk of collision. “The Annual Ball of the Old Patesians Rugby Club is looked forward to every year by boys and girls, old and young. The Old Patesians are a great band of brothers, and although many are scattered all over the globe, if ever there is a chance they attend this event to greet old pals, meet their wives and sweethearts, and perhaps drink a cup to old times”. The snow kept a few away but an attendance of 500 was quite impressive. The theme of a rugby match continued throughout the boisterous evening and “no side was called at 2’o’clock when everybody had to admit that the Committee had won by several points (someone said pints, but that’s not true)”.

– 32 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

because the captain, J F Drake, played virtually all of the game with a fractured cheekbone and “according to medical reports, it will probably be his last game”. According to The Patesian, “he had played in over two hundred matches for the Club” as well as holding nearly every office. The match against Worcester, late in February, brought to an end the city’s two-year unbeaten record. The Echo reported that “the Old Patesians achieved their best result of the season by defeating the hitherto unbeaten Worcester Club, the latter having won twenty games and scored over 400 points against 97”. The win was quite convincing, with three tries to none. The earlier string of wins was brought to a halt when Swindon took their revenge, but this was followed by the highlight of the season when, according to J Hughes, “the Old Patesians became the first junior club in the town to embark on a tour, which took place over the Easter weekend of that season”. They travelled to Bridport RFC on Good Friday, arriving in the evening. “Saturday morning was spent at West Bay where a little training was indulged in”. Against Honiton, the Devon Junior Cup holders, they were leading at the three-quarter stage but “as with most touring sides, the last twenty minutes took their toll” and they lost by 22 points to 11 points. “After being entertained to tea by the Honiton Club, the tourists returned to Bridport and attended a Rugger Dance arranged by the Bridport Club”. “Sunday was spent by the sunny sea” and, on Monday, they beat their hosts 6-0 before returning to Cheltenham “well pleased with their weekend”. The season’s record was a modest 11 wins and 11 losses. They scored 229 points with 158 against. H W Constable was top try scorer with 14, closely followed by J S Allen with 10. H W Constable, W H C Jackson and A Butler did not miss a game, while J S Allen, T James and H Surman missed only one. Although an average season by normal standards, it was a notable one for the wins against Swindon, Cheltenham College and Worcester and

The Old Patesians team beaten by Swindon, 6-0, on Saturday March 23. Standing: A J Norris, J G Loud, A V Mills, J S Allen, T James, J F Drake (Captain), R B Till, W T Tiver, H W Constable, W H C Jackson, Ernest Webb, H Millard. Sitting: A Butler, L C M. Hill, A W Harper, E C Wood, A E Lucas, H W Surman, J E Green, E K Roberts

– 33 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

the inaugural Easter Tour to Devon. Three backs, H W Constable, J F Drake and E K Roberts, were notable absentees at the start of the 1929-30 season. Several new opponents were lined up – Northfield, Redditch, Old Cryptians, Old Cothamians and Listers. On the negative side, it was decided to run just two teams as Association Football was beginning to get a stronghold in the town. Following a heavy defeat at Bournville, “the Old Patesians journeyed to Northfield” and “rain fell continuously from the time the team left Cheltenham until it got back so that both playing and travelling were rather uncomfortable affairs”. They regularly used a charabanc for travelling which was open to the elements. J E Green was the star of the match and scored the only try to grab a 3-0 win. The Royal Agricultural College succumbed easily before they had the return with Bournville. “They were the heavier team and showed superiority in passing” and despite a spirited performance, the Pats lost. Three wins against Evesham, Gloucester Old Boys and Redditch were followed by three losses, two at the hands of Spartans. Captain A E Lucas suffered a season-ending injury in one of the Spartans matches. At the start of the New Year, against Old Cryptians, “the Patesians lost their captain, Raymond Till, soon after the interval. He suffered a fracture of the bone in the ankle and, in view of the match with the College next Saturday, the loss of both Lucas and Till (captain and vice-captain) is unfortunate”. They were also without W H C Jackson, who was guesting for Gloucester, and scrum-half J E Green came off his sick bed to little avail and never put on his boots again that season. They were beaten heavily by the margin of 27-3. They picked themselves up slightly the following week against the mighty Worcester and although they were beaten by “a better class of team”, the Old Pats contested the game keenly before going down 12-20. Mid-February arrived with the usual eager anticipation of the Annual Ball, which was reported with the following intentions: • to raise money for the Club • to give pleasure to our friends • to raise more money for the Club. “The above were the avowed objectives of the 11th Annual Ball which the Old Patesians Rugby Football Club held in the Town Hall on Friday evening. With regard to the first and third objects, the amount of success registered is not yet certain, though about 500 enthusiasts were in attendance, but there can be no shadow of a doubt about the second one being fulfilled”. Decorations “included a large number of mirrors draped in club colours and adorned by remarkably clever caricatures of members of the club. They were executed by Mr W H Martyn who has gone into hiding for fear there are others interested in the art of execution”. Fortunes changed against Hereford and, despite several late changes, they beat them comfortably by the margin of 13 points to 3 points. The season rather petered out with various youngsters being tried but with little success. One notable player to emerge was that of K J Fisher, who had played briefly for the club on leaving school. He had subsequently captained the Town A team but he had

– 34 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

The much-changed team that beat Hereford on Saturday March 8. Standing: C J Price, T James, E C Wood, W T Tiver, A V Mills, H J Surman, W H C Jackson, R B Darvill, W H T Johns, H Millard, J E Green. Sitting: D K Forbes, L C M Hill, A Butler, A E Lucas, J F Drake, A W Harper, W O Hawker disappeared off the radar this season. He was to become a leading member of the Old Patesians in the 1930s. The finale was the tour to Devon, again based at Bridport. They lost on the Saturday to Honiton, Devon Junior Cup Winners for the third year in succession, 17-11. Dr E B Solomons and W H C Jackson were the stars with a try each. I C Bendall, making a rare appearance, completed the scoring with the boot. Monday’s match, on the way home, was at Bath Avon RFC, where they won 15-0 with a team comprising mainly 2nd XV players. The playing record showed that they had won 10 and lost 16, scoring 190 points with 250 against. Top scorer was H J Surman with 10 tries. Kicking duties had been shared by L C M Hill and R B Darvill. H Millard, A Butler and A V Mills never missed a game in a stuttering season. The Pats had to start the 1930-31 season proper without H J Surman, H W Clarke and

MAKING SPLASH NEWS Prior to the start of the 1930-31 season there was some frivolity at the Alstone Baths. On Friday August 15 “the funniest thing seen in aquatic sport in Cheltenham… was a freak water polo match… between Cheltenham Motor Club and Old Patesians Rugby Club”. In this comedy, “the teams were ten a side and there were absolutely no rules against fouling opponents, taking the ball under water, or receiving the ball in prohibited areas. Twenty men for 20 minutes kept the large crowd in roars of laughter.” The Motorists won 3-2, but somehow ended up with 14 players in the water.

– 35 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

J E Green, who shifted allegiance to the Town. The Pats were still playing at Whaddon Lane but the players were now using the Cotswold, in Portland Street, as their base. Kenilworth and Edison Cables were the only new additions to the fixture list. They also referred to themselves as the Patesians Club. Rugby popularity seemed to be taking a dive and only two junior clubs then existed besides the Town and St. Paul’s College. Early unavailabilities meant a poor start but they quickly produced a settled side with a host of new backs. October saw a well-contested draw at Gloucester Old Boys where they “showed a slight superiority all round” but failed to capitalise and they beat Bournville for the first time in three years. In the second game, two new wingers featured prominently. J W Pearman, on the right wing, scored “a really good try” while E F Peat, on the left wing, was involved in “a very nice movement” for J S Allen to score. Early November produced two more wins against the Royal Agricultural College and Old Cryptians. Peat scored a hat trick of tries against RAC and the veteran J F Drake dug out his boots for the Old Cryptians game and “came in once again at scrum-half and kept the Patesians threequarters well supplied with ball.” It was written at this time that “Patesians are considered to have the best team they have had for several seasons.” Sadly, injuries, unavailabilities and form dipped dramatically and they barely recovered for the remainder of the season. Losses followed at newcomers Kenilworth and at Spartans, where they started with only 12 players as some players failed to find the ground. In December, they did pick up a narrow win at home to Hereford. Unfortunately, L T Millen, a regular in the centre, made this his last game for a while to concentrate on his business. Drake and Allen, the half-back partnership, helped out the Town for a frosty pre- Christmas match against Penarth, but to no avail. Drake reappeared for the Pats only once more. A knee injury in that game and the tough encounter for the Town was probably a reality check! K J Fisher, normally a centre, took up the mantle at scrum-half but their dismal form continued. Results looked up slightly in February when, on their visit to Redditch, they outscored them by five tries to four but still managed to lose 15-18. An 8-0 win at Gloucester Old Boys was followed up by a good win over Stratford. The season petered out in March with Dr E B Solomons playing his last match before returning to his native Ireland. He had given sterling service as a 1st XV player for two years. It closed with a decidedly unlucky loss to Spartans by 3 points to 6. Spartans had won 22 out of 23 matches and this should have been their second loss as both “the Spartans tries followed knock-ons”. This proved to be their worst season since 1921-22. More than 40 players were used, with only the captain A E Lucas featuring in all matches. Dr E B Solomons, J S Allen, W H C.Jackson, A D McGill, W H T Johns and T James appeared in most of the matches. They scrambled six wins and two draws against 15 losses from a total of 23 games. They scored a modest 116 points with 236 points against. E F Peat was top try scorer with a meagre five tries – three of them in one match! The 1931-32 season was built around a nucleus of 17 players – R P Neale, J W

– 36 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

The team that narrowly lost to Spartans on Saturday March 28. Standing: C J Price (Secretary), A D McGill, T James, A H Adcock, A Butler, H Millard, W H T Johns, A R Bennett (2nd XV Captain). Sitting: Ernest Webb (Chairman), D H Wood, R P Neale, L T Millen, A E Lucas, W H C Jackson, L C M Hill, J W Pearman, J F Drake (Treasurer). In front: K J Fisher, J S Allen

Pearman, L C M. Hill, J S Allen, K J Fisher, D H Wood, C M Vasey and C Knight in the backs and T James, W T Tiver, H Millard, A Butler, A V Mills, R P Arthur, P H Trimmer, A H Adcock and A J Harrington in the forwards. A E Lucas, last year’s captain and A D McGill were no longer available. There appeared to be no migration to the Town this year, but latterly some the other way. Matches were still played at Whaddon Lane and the Clubhouse still based at the Cotswold Hotel. An inglorious start produced one draw, one win and seven losses in the first two months. Among the losses was a narrow 3-0 defeat at home to Swindon where the Pats were dominant. “Wood twice crossed the line only to have his tries disallowed for disturbing the corner flag. Vasey was over but was held up, and Mills scored, but in doing so collided with the referee and the try was disallowed! So that altogether the Pats were out of luck’s way.” Another loss was recorded at new opponents Oxford Exiles where “the Pats backs were not up to standard, the tackling being very poor.” At this stage of the season the team began to settle into a sound and effective unit and lost only one of the next 11 matches. Six were won and four drawn. This successful run started with a 12-0 win at Redditch where “the Pats ploughed their way successfully through the mud and opposition and were value for their win.” In a lively Boxing Day game against Evesham, won by one point, it was noted that “the game was played in a boisterous spirit throughout… and several jerseys were torn.” They went part of the way to reversing the earlier defeat in Oxford by securing a rarity, a muddy scrambled 0-0 draw. This was the start of a run of four draws that included R A C, Evesham and Old Cryptians. Three wins followed against Ross, Redditch and St. Paul’s College, the

– 37 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

latter being reinstated on the fixture list. It seems all the festivities below took their toll however, as form and availability dipped dramatically. One of the losses was at Spartans, who had won all their matches and conceded only 17 points. It was no surprise that the Pats lost 11-3. It was more surprising that they started with 12 players as, once again, those missing could not find the ground! The season concluded on a high note on Easter Monday at Bath Avon with a 6-3 return to winning ways. The records showed eight wins, five draws and 11 losses – an average season by normal standards but very low scoring with only 100 points amassed. D H Wood was top try scorer with seven tries. The 2nd XV had a slightly better record with 11 wins, one draw and seven losses. The 1932-33 season saw J W Pearman move to the Town to challenge for a spot on the wing. Several players now had cars and this became a more familiar means of travel on the shorter journeys. Bromyard and Cheltenham United had been added and Spartans removed from the fixture list. The first six matches were used to try out and bed in new players and cope with early unavailability. Results were poor, with four losses, one win and one draw. Following this unsatisfactory start, a settled squad of 18 players played most of the rest of the season.

PARTY, PARTY, PARTY… The Pats’ social reputation was enhanced in the 1931-2 season. As usual, players played a match the day after the annual ball – at Redditch – and stayed on to attend the Worcestershire club’s own dinner that evening. And, if that wasn’t enough, many of them reappeared at Cheltenham’s annual sportsmen’s dinner the following Wednesday.

– 38 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

Old Patesians 2nd XV. Standing: A Butler, J E Rotherham, J W Pearman, W H Martyn, H L Martyn, A J Norris, L E Walley, D Stewart. Sitting: H J Corke, E C Stewart, W J Jones, S H C Dix (captain), D K Barkas, W Willis, A W Harper. In front: J Hawker, T Pearman

Form and fortune returned in November with wins over Oxford Exiles, Old Cryptians, St. Paul’s College and Hereford. This surge was countered at home to Kenilworth, when they lost to one of the strongest on the fixture list. They lost again to Gloucester Old Boys on Christmas Eve but bounced back with two wins on Boxing Day and the day after. First they beat Bromyard 25-5 and a Cheltenham United side at the Athletic Ground. Soon after they travelled to Bromyard and “despite the mud and the water being up to their ankle” returned a 12-0 win. The New Year came and form continued on a high. Hereford, Ross and Kenilworth all bit the dust. The win at Kenilworth – the tenth from 13 games – was the highlight of the season as they were a senior side and had previously beaten many top clubs. This “splendid win” was achieved by a solitary try. “After a wild punt, Wood fielded the ball and proceeded to hand off several would-be tacklers to score the only try in the corner.” March brought three more wins – including five tries against Redditch – and a single loss at Gordon League. “They crossed the line three times to their two, but brilliant goal kicking settled the issue.” A settled side and a “determination to win” was key throughout this very successful season. They had played 25 matches, won 16, drew one and lost eight. Half the losses were right back at the beginning of the season. They amassed 247 points with 161 against. D H Wood had been in devastating form all season and recorded a record-breaking 19 tries. M G Turk and K J Fisher both scored eight tries. Fisher was the only ever-present, but skipper T James, A W Harper, A V Mills and Wood missed only two apiece.

– 39 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

K J Fisher took over the captaincy for the 1933-34 season. J M Robb was back at sea with the Navy, but more significantly, props H Millard and W T Tiver were unavailable. Millard had retired and Tiver was involved in the England water polo team. It was going to be a testing time. Naunton Park had resurfaced as an Old Boys side and, in addition, Bream and Bath Nondescripts were additions to the fixture list. The first match was lost to extremely hard underfoot conditions following a summer drought. Next week the rains had returned for Naunton Park Old Boys. As a consequence the “ball was very slippery and militated against accurate play.” Pats had all the play in the first half and “the ball was given plenty of air and play was very interesting. In the second half, play was largely confined to the forwards, who were well matched, and few passing movements were indulged in by either side.” Pats won 9-3. Two weeks later, without Millard and Tiver, it was noted that “more weight is needed” in the pack. However, they still won 8-0 in Bath. Against Old Cothamians, where they were outplayed and lost 9-21, it was written that “good passing and tackling by both sides gave the spectators plenty of thrills.” In addition, “an unusual feature of the match was the number of dropped goals. Turk’s goal apparently inspired the opposition with similar desires for they replied with two!” The next week, although Tiver was available following his aquatic exhaustions, not a single member of the three-quarters was playing and they duly lost 0-19 to Swindon. “The score flattered Swindon for three of their tries were gifts. The marking of their ground was badly done, and on three occasions their winger was allowed to go into touch to effect the score!” Further complaints arose at Ross when, although they won 15-0 with five lovely tries, “the early stages of the game were rather uninteresting, due chiefly to the strictness of the referee and the somewhat aimless play of the forwards.” In November, two injuries contributed to a 6-11 defeat at Old Cryptians and “dropped passes and interceptions” allowed Hereford to snatch a draw. In the 18-6 win against Oxford Exiles “Morgan gave a sound exhibition at centre and made several openings for his wing man which, however, were not accepted.” In early December, a cold snap erased a couple of fixtures and at the halfway stage the record was pretty even with five wins, five losses and a draw. On resumption either side of Christmas, two losses were recorded at Gloucester Old Boys and Hereford. Further narrow losses were notched up against Old Cryptians and Gordon League in early January. It was during this period that a series of injuries took their toll and several 2nd XV players were drafted in, some successfully and some not. W T Tiver was forced out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, as was hooker A W Harper. They had now lost the entire front row from the previous successful season. For the rest of the season, others joined them on a regular basis. At the end of January, they achieved a remarkable 0-0 draw at Kenilworth where they were totally outweighed in the scrum and, consequently, spent the afternoon non-stop tackling. On February 17, it was headlined that the “Patesians were Brilliant” in their eight-try rout of Ross. Injuries continued to plague the club and results were very mixed. In the win at home

– 40 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

CAPTAINS’ DAY… On February 20, under the headline “Patesians Easter Egg”, it was written that “The Patesians RFC have arranged an interesting match for Easter Monday morning. The Club XV will be opposed by a Veteran XV, got together by Mr J F Drake. The qualification for a place in the latter team is “playing membership of the Old Patesian Club prior to 1925.” A unique feature of which is the inclusion of every captain from 1913 to 1931. With last year’s captain, Tom James, and this year’s captain, Ken Fisher, within the Club XV so all captains from the Club’s inception will be on the field.” This would be a fitting finale to the season. to Swindon, forwards were playing in the centre. Losses were had at Bream and Stratford and then they thumped Clifton when “the whole of the home side were on form.” The season finished with the annual Dinner on Easter Saturday when time was taken to pay tribute to all the officials, both past and present, for helping the club reach its coming-of-age. Mr T Harry said: “The teams who derived most fun from rugby were Old Boys’ teams and in this category he placed the Patesians Club.” On Easter Monday, the Veterans took on the Club and, despite taking an early lead, their years caught up with them and the Club won 27-3 in an entertaining game. Unfortunately, one captain was missing – E A Moore from 1913 – but they did have a representative from that time in J D Lane. The injury-ravaged season had ended and, considering all, a sound record was achieved. From 25 matches, they won 10, drew two and lost 13. D H Wood was again top score with nine tries, with K J Fisher and A V Mills both scoring seven. Points for were a creditable 247 with 223 against. Probably only Ken Fisher was an ever present. Several key players were no longer available for the 1934-35 season through retirement or relocation, notably T James, W T Tiver, A W Harper, M G Turk and W H C Jackson. K J Fisher, continuing as captain, was challenged with rebuilding the side. He was

The Old Patesians Veterans who turned out to celebrate the Club’s coming-of-age on Easter Monday, April 2. Standing: I C Bendall, A W Allard, J J Gardner, C R Alcock, R B Till, W H C Jackson, D J Stayte, J D Lane, C J Price, T G Morgan, H A Bendall, C J Burrows, W L Johnstone. Sitting: T Harry, W J Harding, J F Drake, G Deakin, A E Lucas, R Wilson, W W Yeend

– 41 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

helped with the recruitment of K Bunce from the Town. New opponents this year were Old Coventrians, Pershore, Malvern and Wednesbury. The first five weeks was the usual mixture of players as they looked to find a settled team. In this time, a match was drawn against Bream, wins achieved at Pershore and Swindon and losses registered at home to Gordon League and Kenilworth. After the Pershore match it was said: “Patesians, when they get their full side out, look like being a very workmanlike combination, having an exceptionally heavy, young pack and fast outside.” At home to Gordon League, “Dix showed fine pluck in falling on the ball to stop spirited counter attacks,” and against Swindon “Fawkes tackled grandly.” During this period, Mr Tom Voyce, ex-International and President of the County, gave “them a series of lectures on the science of the game. They obviously struck a chord as the Pats went on in strength from this time and lost only one more game up to Christmas. Wins followed against Clifton and Old Cryptians and, in the latter, despite falling behind “as a result of some resolute play,” they rallied strongly to win. A tight game followed with Old Coventrians when they were unlucky to lose. Four huge wins followed with more than 30 tries scored. The Pats showed some Christmas spirit by loaning Stratford two players in their festive match, one of whom scored to help them to a draw. A Boxing Day victory followed versus local neighbours Naunton Park Old Boys and in their New Year game with Oxford Exiles they “started with a dash” and ran up another big win. H J Surman returned from the Town and raced in for a hat-trick of tries against a submissive Redditch. The return with Old Coventrians was tough and they lost by 16 points to nil. However, they were not dismayed as “a party of about 20 went to Birmingham to dinner and to a pantomime, and a very enjoyable evening was spent.” In this game, H A Pitts returned to the game after several years absence and in the next game he was “rapidly regaining his form of a few seasons ago. His return to the game is very welcome.” Two weeks’ rest followed due to heavy frosts. On resumption at Hereford, they kept the ball tight in the first half and then “with the gale in their favour, the Pats’ tactics changed. The threequarters and halves punted high into the air and followed up fast.” This resulted in six tries and it was observed that the “wind was used judiciously.” A draw with Old Cothamians and wins over Clifton and Malvern followed before they “equalled the Club record of 17 wins” in beating Naunton Park again. On March 23, they beat Old Cryptians, 16-6, to achieve two records – most wins and most points than ever before. The following week, the Pats took Gordon League’s ground record – but lost to the same team in the same place the following week. “Pats should have won, as Bunce, with a clean field, was tripped, but only a scrum was ordered.” A last gap drop goal attempt by Allen hit the post and crossbar before coming back into play and the Old Boys won 5-3. The Annual Dinner became a back-slapping event. Mr J F Drake said: “The Club has created seven new records. They had scored a record number of wins, a record number

– 42 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

The team that achieved these records on Saturday March 23 against Old Cryptians. Standing: Mr Ernest Webb, E S Jones, J R C Fawkes, P J Slatter, R C Maisey, A V Mills, K D Davies, H A Pitts, P Meadows, C J Price, J F Drake. Sitting: C E Knight, K O Bunce, R C Russell, D H Wood, K J Fisher (captain), J S Allen, D K Barkas, H J Surman, L T Millen of points, played a record number of games, scored more tries than ever before, Mr Wood had scored a record number of tries for an individual, Mr Meadows had created a club record for a forward by scoring 10 tries and, lastly, 19 players had played in 24 matches.” Mr S C Dix added gleefully that “the old School authority have at last returned to sanity and to Rugger, so that in a year or two recruits should be plentiful.” Everything was looking rosy. However, the season was not complete. A mixed team held Stratford to a draw on Easter Saturday and the season concluded with a tremendous win at home to Wednesbury, who had previously won 19 of their matches. They “found the Pats in irresistible form” as they thrashed them 23 points to 3 points. The final record stood at played 30, won 20, drawn four and lost six. They had amassed 405 points, including 110 tries, with 178 points against. D H Wood was top try scorer with 21, K O Bunce scored 12 with H J Surman and P Meadows both on 10. K O Bunce was top points scorer with 65 points. K J Fisher and D K Barkas played in all 30 games, while E S Jones, J R C Fawkes, R C Russell, D H Wood, P J Slatter, A V Mills, P Meadows, K O Bunce and R C Maisey all appeared in 25 or more matches. This shows the importance of a settled team. In the 1935-36 season, the Old Patesians reverted to using the ground that they used in 1921 at the junction of Hewlett Road and Hales Road, often referred to as the “Foot of Harp Hill.” This was probably due to the advancement of the Whaddon Estate and the fact that the council had plans to develop new sports grounds in St Marks. New teams this year included Gloster Aircraft, Banbury and Stroud Nomads. At the trial on September 14, the 1st XV were much as the previous season. The

– 43 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

season proper started with a visit to Coventrians – and a tight 3-3 draw. The following week they trounced Naunton Park Old Boys in an eight-try romp where the “backs passed beautifully.” A win against Stratford was followed by the return with Old Coventrians and another draw “played in the spirit that Rugger should be played… the pace maintained… spoke volumes for both sets of forwards”. Two further wins followed before they encountered Swindon away, gave away too many penalties and lost 8-0. They bounced back with a “capital display”, including nine tries, to beat Gloster Aircraft at Brockworth and a win over Clifton where the “spectators were treated to an exhibition of hard rugby, played in the best of spirit.” Seasonal foul weather meant that “the playing pitch at Banbury was waterlogged, while just behind the goal line was a miniature lake.” Pats waded their way to a narrow win and the following week the conditions were no better at Bream. Unusually, both 1st and 2nd XV’s managed 0-0 draws that weekend. Thick fog, heavy frosts, snow and the death of King George V wreaked havoc with fixtures in the next two months when little rugby was played. Of the two games played, they were convincing winners against Redditch and lost only their second game in a tight tussle at Kenilworth. Having had seven games scratched, they entertained Redditch in the return match and, although the pitch was waterlogged, both clubs were anxious to play. Pats walloped them with nine tries, including five from F W Langley. At Gloucester Old Boys, “scrum followed scrum with monotonous regularity” in a 13-13 draw. The Pats then embarked on a string of six wins. D K Barkas was “on top form” with two solo efforts when they took their revenge against Swindon. They “arrived at Hereford after an exciting motor ride through deep snow.” The pitch was snow-covered, with no visible lines, but both captains agreed to play. After the Clifton game, “a most enjoyable evening was spent at the Berkeley Café and a late supper.” At Oxford Exiles, “the match was a triumph for the Pats, the members of the side combining brilliantly. The tackling and marking were particularly deadly.” The backs shone at Pershore before registering their biggest win of the season versus RAC with a 10-try scoreline of 42-0. F W Langley took his tally of tries to 20 in only 11 matches. With another record-breaking season seemingly on the horizon, two successive narrow defeats were recorded. First, 6-9 at Stratford and then 7-9 at home to Bream. Bream took their home record by taking advantage of the high wind in the first half and holding their nerve against a determined Pats in the second. They quickly resumed normal service to run down the season with five further wins. In the match against Gloucester Old Boys, F W Langley scored a brace of tries to surpass the previous record of individual tries held by D H Wood. At the annual dinner at the Plough, it was said that “they had ambitions to be on a par with the leading old boys’ clubs in the country.” It took another 70 years to achieve that! The final record stood as an impressive 20 wins, four draws and four losses from 28 matches. They had equalled the record number of wins but set a new record of fewest losses. They scored 374 points with only 111 against – a record points difference of 263

– 44 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

TOWN HALL… DECKED OUT IN CLUB COLOURS In the middle of all this success, the Annual Ball took place at the Town Hall which was draped in the club colours of magenta, blue and white. Over 500 attended once more and the best part of the evening occurred when “an imitation ball was loosed in the hall” and a “cheery and spirited scrummage ensued.”

in their favour. F W Langley had finished with 25 tries, an individual record, and he had scored a total of 115 points – yet another individual record, having beaten Sid Hyam’s record of 111 in 1922-23. D K Barkas and D H Wood both managed 13 tries. K J Fisher and E S Jones did not miss a game, while K O Bunce, H J Surman, D K Barkas, P J Slatter, K D Davies, A W Harper and D H Wood missed no more than three matches. Other mainstays included R C Maisey, F W Langley, D G John, G Excell, A V Mills and L C M Hill. Once again, a settled team had reaped the rewards. The first three months of the 1936-37 season were mixed, with unavailabilities causing problems. After an 11-11 draw with Old Cryptians and beating Redditch, following team reconstruction, it was “pleasing to find new blood doing well.” During this time, Ken Fisher missed two matches for the first time under his own captaincy. On December 5, the Pats signed off from the Harp Hill ground with a 6-0 win over a strong Kenilworth outfit. The following week they used their new pitch in Shakespeare Road, St Marks. They played in terrible conditions and did well to hold their hefty Stratford

– 45 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

SOCIAL ON SUNDAY… Results have never prevented the Old Pats enjoying the social side of life… spirits were high and “a weekly walk has been instituted for Sunday afternoons and last Sunday the players walked to Withington, via Leckhampton and Hartley Bottom, and had tea at the Mill Inn.” opponents to a pointless draw. The game was “marred by an unfortunate accident to D Barkas… who, in the early stages, broke his leg.” Old Patesians did the double over Hereford either side of Christmas Day and in the return fixture “the crowd voted it one of the best games seen at Hereford for many a long year.” Into the New Year, the “Patesians’ excellent form was maintained” with wins against Swindon and new fixture Morris Motors. Following the Morris Motors match, the 18th Annual Ball was held at the Town Hall when more than 400 attended. This year even the band “donned jerseys” and “staged a game of Rugby on the dance floor with an oversize ball.” Form continued to fluctuate – they won a “stirring game with Gordon League” 7-6 but lost the return 6-0 in wretched weather conditions, when the forwards “did not adapt” to the conditions. At Coventrians, the “Patesians forwards were badly outweighted and could not get the ball to any extent.” They lost by four tries in the second half as they faded under the pressure. Wins followed against Redditch and Old Cothamians but lost to vigorous new opponents Wagon Works, after a delayed start, “owing to the Wagon Works kit bag going astray.” At the Annual Dinner, at the Plough, on April 10, Ken Fisher announced his retirement from 1st XV captaincy. The season had not matched his previous impressively high standards, the club had struggled for players, he had missed a few games through injury and he could no longer give the commitment. Jack Drake also retired from a lengthy commitment to the club as player, secretary and treasurer. On a lighter note, one speaker, Mr Leuchars, said “in an eloquent and humerous manner” that “he complimented the Club on its record, and said that it kept the Rugby flag flying on the field – even if it was only a rough, corporation pitch!” The season then petered out over the next fortnight with a stand-in captain, sub- standard teams, uncertain results and with a sketchy record to boot. There were at least 11 wins and two draws and probably an equal numbers of losses. P Todd was almost certainly the top try scorer as he had bagged two hat tricks and a four-try haul during the course of the season. The Cotswold Hotel and Shakespeare Road, St Marks remained as clubhouse and ground for the 1937-38 season. New teams welcomed were Combe Down, RAF South Cerney and Old Bristolians. Doug Barkas, the new captain, was challenged with resurrecting a team in slight decline. What was more worrying was the lack of backs, in particular, the pace of H J Surman, D H Wood, P Todd and F W Langley. Others who had stopped playing included A W Harper, L C M Hill, A V Mills and K D Davies. They started with an 8-0 win at Pershore but results were mixed after that – not helped by having seven away games in the first eight. I am sure the fixture secretary got a

– 46 – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST

rollicking! In their home draw with Swindon it was reiterated that they were “badly missing the speed on the wings which so pronounced last season!” It was much the same on the following weekend when they lost narrowly to Coventrians by 8-13. They picked up on October 30 when they beat Gloucester Old Boys away. This was the first defeat of the Old Boys for several years. A W Smith was inspired and “seeing he could not run straight through, suddenly swerved to his left, ran right through the Old Boys’ forwards, who were too surprised to tackle him, and scored a brilliant try in the corner with four of the Old Boys on top of him.” This upbeat mood was quickly lost when they succumbed heavily at Kenilworth and lost narrowly at Stow when the opponents “played like tigers, throwing all their resources into a series of raids, against which the Patesians survived, sometimes by inches.” Throughout this period, the shortage of backs was a recurring theme and forwards were regularly used to fill these roles. G Excell converted to scrum-half for a large part of the season and E A Taylor, M A Dimmer, R C Maisey, T Ashley and P J Slatter all had their moments, usually playing on the wing, and often for extended periods. Consequently, back play was limited and, by default, 10-man rugby became the norm. During November, December and January, when the grounds were heavy, it paid dividends and they had a purple patch with eight wins and a draw. They beat Redditch convincingly and, in a game that fluctuated, they won 6-3 against Old Cothamians. By December 4, they had “now settled into a useful side” and their forward dominance gave them an 8-0 win over Morris Motors. Then “sound defensive work was too much for Hereford” and they beat them 6-3. On New Year’s Day, “Pats were in fine form” again, defeating Clifton by 17 points to 12. Visiting RAF South Cerney for the first time, the “result was in doubt until the final minutes when Meadows saved the day.” They won 6-3 on a wet and muddy pitch. The shortage of backs persisted when “three of the regular forwards had to be made into three-quarters at very short notice, making the threes rather slow” in their return match with Hereford, when they still managed a draw. Dai John, the one bright light in the backs, at fly-half, “played better than he has ever played before” in helping his team to beat Pershore 13-3. In March, they lost the services of their captain D K Barkas, B E Meadows, T Ashley and EA Taylor for the rest of the season. A lot of youth was drafted in, along with several 2nd XV players. This had an uncertain effect as records started to become very patchy. Losses were known to have been registered against Old Cothamians and Gordon League (twice). Final records are not known but they had at least 10 wins and two draws. Five losses were recorded but, no doubt, there were more. Prominent in playing a large number of matches were B E Meadows, D G John, D K Barkas and G Excell in the backs and R C Maisey, E S Jones, H L Martyn, T Ashley, K J Fisher, M A Dimmer, J Till, A W Smith and P J Slatter in the forwards. The 1938-39 season kicked of with the Annual General Meeting on September 5 at the Cotswold Hotel. Ernest Webb and Jack Drake missed their first meeting since 1919. Jack had been the main custodian of records up to 1936, but with his diminishing involvement,

– 47 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

these records had been less than comprehensive in the following years. Mr G L Heawood, the Head of the Grammar School, was voted in as President, K J Fisher as Chairman and E S Jones as 1st XV captain. The ground was still in St Marks and was occasionally referred to as Brooklyn Road. At the first trial, and in the early matches, it was evident that a lot of seasoned regulars were missing but this was compensated for by a swathe of young, new recruits. On October 1, they were due to play RAF South Cerney, but because of the international situation, it was scratched and they were fortunate to pick up St. Paul’s College at short notice. They may have regretted this because they went on to lose 31-0. It was noted that “no fewer than eight 1st XV players have not commenced playing.” Little was to change throughout the season ahead. The following week at Stroud they held them to 0-0 at half time. “On resumption, Stroud forwards came away with a rush, and although several of the Pats’ players endeavoured to fall on the greasy ball it evaded them, and a strong Stroud forward followed up, gathered and fell over for a try.” They went on to lose 6-0. It was also written “there is room for improvement and understanding in the team.” At Stratford, the “Patesians opened with a strong sun in their faces”and conceded three tries following “repeated high kicks” which they fumbled. It was more even in the second half and they lost only 9-0. The return with Stroud was won when D G John “brilliantly cut through the whole of the Stroud team, passing to Dimmer, running strongly, who managed to ground the ball as he was tackled.” More success was had against Morris Motors with “two brilliant tries from D John.” He had a field day. “His positioning, fielding and kicking are a joy to watch” and the team had him “to thank in no small measure for the victory.” Although they were struggling with new faces and indifferent form, the strength of the club was improving. In mid-November, they started to put out a 3rd XV and Ken Fisher took over as 2nd XV captain to accommodate this. During this month, “a rousing forward struggle” was had in the 0-0 draw with St Gregory’s. Their “defensive qualities were good”, but insufficient to hold out against Gloucester Old Boys. At this stage, match reports became scarce and, although teams were still posted, the outcomes were therefore unknown. They did have a good win at Old Cryptians in December and in February, after a few weeks lay-off for frost, they completed the double over Morris Motors. It was written that “the result augurs well for the future as… the Patesians have several young players capable of delightful football.” The season closed at Stow where “there was no end-of-season torpor, but rather wholehearted Rugby throughout, with the forward play particularly rousing.” This wasn’t enough as the Pats went down 6-14. It is difficult to guess what sort of season they had but I would suggest that they probably lost more than they won. From the previous season the few regulars who remained were D G John, H L Martyn, E S Jones, M A Dimmer, T Ashley and J Till. The number of new players was extensive, but of those, E G Nethercott, T Twyning, V T Pates, M Playdon, W T Pool, W Hitch, F Smith, R Sharpe and E Keene played a substantial number of times.

– 48 – CHAPTER THREE

SECOND WORLD WAR… AND PEACE by Keith East

HE 1939 SEASON started well under new captain E S Jones with a 6-3 win againstT the school but war started in September, causing much disruption with few victories being recorded during this season. During the 1940/41 season, only five games were played and these against sides such as St Paul’s College, Dowty Equipment and the NZ Forestry Company, which had a division based in the county. The 1941/42 season saw the Pats, captained by L Fennel, play at a newly-available playing field off Brooklyn Road and backing on to the old grammar school sports fields. Again, only a handful of games were played and these in the main against military sides. In 1942/43, many more matches were played, 21 in all, despite players being continually lost to the war effort. The side was bolstered by school leavers and games were against works sides such as Dowty, Rotol, Smiths and military sides such as RAF Hereford, RAF Rissington, the Bomb Disposal Unit and the NZ Foresters. The season’s results were: played 21, won nine, lost 10, drew two. The following season saw rugby for the Pats almost come to a standstill, with just four games played. One of them was a charity match against Gordon League at the Athletic Ground (then the former Cheltenham RFC ground) in aid of the war effort. The Pats lost 9-3. One must remember in these days both a try and a penalty scored three points. Season 1944/45 was little better, with only a handful of games being played against Rotol, St Paul’s College, the North Gloucestershire Technical College and the school.

– 49 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

This was probably taken in the 1941/42 season at Brooklyn Road sports field. Note the mixture of shirts with a few original Old Pats jerseys. A few faces are recognisable – third from left, front row, is a very young Frank Jones, next to him is Ken Cross, third from the end Phill Westlake and on the end front Len Pickles.

Also 1940, a more matching set of shirts but probably Grammar school version. Taken October 41 at Brooklyn Road Sports Field at a game versus RAF South Cerney: standing, B Farrer, Henry Wells, Jack Jones, E Pates (captain) N Stephens, A Holden, Bob Neemes, R Turner; seated, a very young George Hastings, Bob Pumfrey, Len Pickles, J Elsley, V Brett, Ken Hale, I D Hamling.

– 50 – SECOND WORLD WAR… AND PEACE

THE POST WAR YEARS The war had finished by the start of the 1945/46 season but life was to get back to normal only very slowly. The elected captain for the season was T G J Elsley but most young men were engaged in national service and scattered around the globe. The club had a shortage of jerseys, 15 in total, but not a matching set and on only one occasion during the season did the side turn out in a matching kit. Efforts were made to raise funds but clothing coupons were also required. The GRFC offered to help by donating 12 coupons – but 200 were needed, together with the necessary cash to purchase a new set. (During and after the war coupons were offered by the government to each household and these were required when purchasing most food items and clothing, sweets and sugar were still on ration in the early Fifties.) Results for the 1945/46 season: played 22, won nine, lost 12 and drew one. By the 1946/47 season, rugby was back in full swing and Elsey was retained as captain. Each player was asked to buy a jersey from The Famous gentlemen’s outfitters, subs were 10 shillings and sixpence – about 55p in today’s money – and match fees one shilling and sixpence. The HQ, it is reported, was the Bell Inn in Bath Road. John Gregory was captain for the 1947/48 season and it was generally agreed that the Pats’ fixture list was the strongest of the “junior” clubs in the town. Cheltenham RFC was seen as a “first class club”, having fixtures against all the leading English and Welsh club first fifteens. The Pats ran two sides and went for the first time on an Easter tour, participating in a rugby festival in Bournemouth. Fortunes changed in 1947, with the opening in December of the The Old Patesians Club at a newly-purchased premises, a sumptuous villa just off Bath Road called Fairholme. The premises afforded the rugby section changing, shower and bar facilities – a sharp contrast to a wooden hut on the Brooklyn Road playing fields with no running water!

The 1947/48 first team in their newly-acquired shirts. Recognisable is captain John Gregory with the ball, Phill Westlake, front far right, with a very young Nigel Nash, Geoff Gorton and Den Denley standing.

– 51 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

The new club was fitted out with a men only bar (open to ladies only on Boxing Day lunchtime), a mixed cocktail bar and lounge, a billiard room with full size table, changing rooms and showers.

– 52 – SECOND WORLD WAR… AND PEACE

On the upper level of the club was a committee room, a steward’s flat and two flats which were let. In the Fifties, a Nissen hut was added in the garden, being used for skittles, table tennis and functions. The cricket section also had a net in the garden. These were truly first class facilities in the town centre but, as the more senior readers will remember, the building was sadly sold in the late Sixties to make way for the Eagle Star building which stands on the site today.

The first Club rules

– 53 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

In 1948/49, the club, again with John Gregory as captain, were building on the playing strength and, as well as fielding two senior sides, ran a colts fifteen for the first time. The first team playing record for the season was: played 28, won 19, lost eight, drew one.

THE FIFTIES Cheltenham were without a doubt the senior side in the town but the Pats considered themselves to be the best junior club in the area. This view, however, was much disputed as – apart from St Paul’s College – no other town side was included in the first team fixture list. Cheltenham North appeared for the first time in 1955 when they played a Pats’ second side, winning three points to nil. The two clubs did not meet at first team level until 1960. Geoff Gorton was elected as captain for the 1949/50 season and matches continued to be played at Brooklyn Road. The first team had a good season, winning 16 of 28 games played. An Easter rugby festival was held on the school sports ground, which also provided changing facilities. Despite very unfavourable weather conditions, teams competing included the 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, Oxford Exiles, the South East Essex Technical College, a W Warner’s XV, Cheltenham Wanderers and Pats’ President W W Yeend’s XV. The season’s results were: • 1st XV played 28, won 16, lost seven and drew five. • Extra 1st XV played 21, won four, lost 14 and drew three. • 2nd XV played 23, won 12 and lost 11. • Colts XV played 18, won five and lost 13. In the 50/51 season, the club was again captained by Geoff Gorton and was reported to have a strong pack and quick backs. Wins were recorded against Evesham 31-11, Old Cryptians 5-0, Combe Down 14-10 and Old Centralians 6-3. The following season, the club played no town sides, preferring to travel to away games mainly in Bristol, Bath, Birmingham, Oxford and Coventry. Solicitor Phill Davey was captain. He later went on to captain Cirencester RFC. Den Denley began a two-season spell as captain in 1952/53, during which time town sides were back on the fixture list with the Civil Service being played for the first time at first team level. The Pats scraped a win – thanks only to a fine successful late kick by Nev Burne. Several good wins were recorded during the season, notably 16-0 over Swindon, with centre Dennis O’Brien scoring a brilliant try. Dennis was one of a few non ex-school players co-opted to play, the legendary Ian Golesworthy being another. Ian, of course, would go on to become club chairman and president. The season ended with a seven-a-side tournament held at the school field with Cheltenham United beating the Pats 3-0 in the final. Max (W) A’Bear took over as captain

– 54 – SECOND WORLD WAR… AND PEACE

for the 1954/55 season and more local sides were back on the fixture list. Dowty were by now top junior side in the town and beat the Pats 3-0 in a tight game. GCHQ were also fielding strong fifteens and also recorded a first win over the club in another close game by 9-8. The Pats though enjoyed a reasonably successful season recording, among others, wins against the “old foe” Swindon by 8-3, Old Colstonians 3-0 and Kenilworth 8-3. Mike Iles was very reliable at outside half with consistency from Ralph Jones, Roy John, Andy Lodge and number eight Max A’Bear. Mike Iles was captain for the next two seasons. The 1955/56 season saw the first fixture at any level to be played between the club and Cheltenham North. The Pats 2nd XV lost 0-3 to the North first team. The 1st XV enjoyed a good season, with wins against Earlsdon, Oxford Exiles, Cirencester, Whitecroft and Old Centralians 5-0 and 8-6, the second win being more remarkable as the club were required to supply the referee (the appointed ref failing to turn up) and thus played the whole game with only 14 players. There are few statistics available for the 1956/57 season but it was reported that the battle between the “big two” – Pats and Dowty – resulted in another narrow 3-0 win for Dowty. The 1958/59 season, with Bill (WG) Watson as captain, saw the Pats enjoy great success. They were unbeaten at home, a record which stretched back to November 1957. A strong pack was the main reason for the continued success – it included Jack Jones, a former county player and England water polo captain, together with a fast, hard-tackling back row including Len Waterer and Oscar (DJ) Moss. In the backs, captain Watson and centre Andy Lodge showed good form and many good wins were recorded, including over Tredworth, Berry Hill, Kingswood and Earlsdon. Cheltenham North were on the 1st XV fixture list for the first time but the scheduled match was cancelled due to bad weather. The end-of-season annual dinner was held at the newly-opened Carlton Hotel – now Hotel du Vin – and it is reported “there has not been an equal before or since”. The hotel was owned by the then club chairman John Gregory and club member Bill Creed. At the start of the 1959/60 season, George Hastings – Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England and Barbarians – retired from first class rugby and returned to the Pats under the captaincy of Jack Jones. Together they formed the basis for a very strong pack which proved more than a match for most opposition. Tony Osman, an extremely fast and prolific try scorer was on the wing – he notched up five tries against Cirencester when the Pats won by 39-0. Seasoned campaigners such as Nev Burne, Len Waterer and Rex Woodhouse were also in the side and with this playing strength the club enjoyed another very successful season. The second team, led by Keith East, went 18 matches undefeated. The team benefited very much on being able to draw on late fill-ins by players doing National Service and home on weekend leave.

– 55 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

JACK (JS) JONES Jack, who captained the Pats in 1959/60, was one of three brothers born to a local coal merchant based in Maud’s Elm, Swindon Village. All three played water polo for Cheltenham. Jack captained not only Cheltenham but also England and the Great Britain team at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics. He was also a fine rugby player, a second row who played for the Pats, Cheltenham when they were still a first class club and at County level. Jack was a local solicitor practising in the company Davey Son and Jones (Davey being Phill Davey who captained the Pats in the 1951/52 season). The company is now incorporated into Willans Solicitors.

GEORGE HASTINGS G W Hastings was born in Dursley in 1924. He attended Cheltenham Grammar School in the Thirties – and despite going on to an illustrious international career, it is reported that he failed to make the 1st XV squad at school. George played for the Pats on leaving school, joining Gloucester in the 1947/48 season. He was a regular member of the side before retiring in 1959 and returning to the club for a season, playing in a very successful side under the captaincy of Jack Jones. He played first for England in Wales in the 1954/55 season but in 1955/56, despite playing in three trials, was not selected. George, however, returned to the England side the next season to play in a Grand Slam winning team. He played in all four internationals. He again played for England in 1957/58 when England retained the title. George missed out on the Lions tours of 1954 and 1959 but played 20 times for the Barbarians, touring in both South Africa and Canada. He was a regular member of the Gloucestershire side and also played for the Western Counties against the All Blacks. The Times said in 1960: “C R Jacobs and G W Hastings helped to form the best front row that England have had since the war.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SOCIAL SIDE Before moving on to the Sixties, it is worth mentioning the then very important social aspect of rugby, which was a totally amateur sport even at international level. Away fixtures in places such as Bristol, Bath, Birmingham and Coventry meant the 1st and 2nd XVs travelling together by coach to take on the opposition at both levels. It was considered then that £1 would cover the cost of the day and be enough to pay

– 56 – SECOND WORLD WAR… AND PEACE

the match fee, for copious quantities of beer and a Chinese meal at the end of the evening. Beer in the Fifties cost a shilling a pint – 20 pints to the pound! – with a Chinese meal coming in at about five shillings or 25p in today’s money. Wives, partners and girlfriends were abandoned in the main on a Saturday during the rugby season – coaches usually didn’t leave until about midnight, meaning players arrived at their homes about 2am on Sunday morning. Quite a few clubs held dances at their premises on a Saturday evening, including the Pats. With splendid premises on offer, dances were organised at Fairholme on a fairly regular basis, there being a good supply of young girls available from the nurses’ home attached to the hospital just around the corner. Unfortunately for the lads, the nurses’ home ran a strict curfew and the girls had to be back and “locked up” by eleven. There were many larger-than-life characters drinking on a regular basis at Fairholme.

NO TV… JUST DARTS, CRIB, SNOOKER AND CARDS Younger readers may be interested to learn that there was no TV in the club or, in fact, in most homes. Most players didn’t drive cars and most homes still didn’t have a telephone, making it almost impossible to let loved ones know where you were on a Saturday night. There were no mobile phones, computers or laptops, so notification of selection was by post or a selected team list appearing in the Echo. Time at the club, and that was most evenings, was spent playing darts, crib, snooker, cards and chatting over a pint or two.

One such was a chap called Danny Wood (now deceased). Danny was the champion Christmas draw ticket seller of his time (then the club’s largest fund raiser), beer draw supporter and attendee at all rugby section social events. He never played rugby but managed to break two limbs at social functions, firstly an arm when he fell off the stage at an end-of-season dinner at the Star Hotel and secondly a leg while watching a Boxing morning Club v Exiles fixture. There was always a large crowd to watch on a Boxing Day as we retired afterwards to the club for drinks and carol singing in the club lounge. The crowd packed the touch line (no barriers in those days) and a player speeding down the touch line was heavily tackled into the crowd resulting in Danny’s broken leg. He was banned by his wife Val from all future social Annual dinner 1955… courtesy of John Hare, second right functions.

– 57 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

THE SIXTIES The 1960/61 captain was Neville Burne and the club enjoyed a very successful season remaining unbeaten against local opposition. As mentioned earlier, this was the first time that the Pats played Cheltenham North at 1st team level with the club coming out winners 11pts to nil. The game was played on a wet and windy day at Agg Gardner’s recreation ground, with the Pats coming out on top by 11 points to nil. Three-point tries were scored by captain Nev Burne, Tony Osman – who went on to play for Gloucester RFC on the wing – and Keith East. Len Waterer kicked a conversion. Mike Roberts was elected captain for the 1961/62 season and games were played on the school field where sides found the Pats difficult to beat with Len (the Boot) Waterer once again sending many a side to their doom with his accurate goal kicking. The club beat at home, among others, Dowty 6-0, Coney Hill 5-0, Oxford Marathon 6-0 and Kingswood Old Boys 9-0. The club was now playing home games at Naunton Park and enjoyed a fair amount of success in the first half of the 1962/63 season. There were notable performances from Nigel Newcombe making his debut, Mike Becket hooker, scrum-half Graham Walters and centre Brian Atkins. The “Big Freeze” came at Christmas. After a cold snap through December, it started to snow on Boxing Day and through to the new year, after which we had sub-zero temperatures until mid-March meaning frozen grounds and no rugby. When the thaw eventually came we had a bunch of unfit players with little enthusiasm for playing the last few fixtures of the season. The 1963/64 season, again under captain Keith East, was a struggle. The club, unlike some of our local opposition running three sides, was now fielding only two senior sides and struggling for players. We were still a closed club, being a section of the Patesians Club which, apart from a very few co-opted members, was closed to all except former pupils of the Grammar School. An ever-increasing number of school leavers were going on to further education thus reducing the potential pool of players. Nevertheless, the club recorded some good wins, with Carl Quinn playing at either centre or full back being always an inspiration.

PATS WIN RFU PRESIDENT’S PRAISE The Pats celebrated 50 years of rugby in 1962/63 and were captained by Keith East. A celebration dinner was held at the start of the season at the Star Hotel with guest of honour being the RFU President Cyril H Gadney. In his speech, he said: “The strength of the RFU rests very much with the small clubs and the Old Patesians Club is a joy to us all.”

– 58 – SECOND WORLD WAR… AND PEACE

THE SCHOOL V OLD GRAMMARIANS For more than three decades covering the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies, the highlight of the season for the School 1st XV was the annual game against the Old Boys. It was usually played in December. The game was midweek and the senior school was given the afternoon off to watch the game – so the ground, usually the Cheltenham RFC Athletic Ground which was then situated in the town centre, was full. It was the Pats’ captain’s task to select an Old Grammarians fifteen and this was usually “star-studded”, including internationals, county and first class club players. Though the Old Boys side was, on paper, very strong and inevitably won, the result was always close as the game was refereed by the school sports master Illtyd Pearce. After the game, the school team was invited back to Fairholme for their first taste of what the social side of rugby was all about and to sample beer in large quantities. Illtyd always attended just to make sure that things didn’t get too far out of hand. Sadly, the professional game and RFU rules killed this most enjoyable fixture.

The Old Grammarians team that beat the School 18-3 on December 11, 1963 at the Athletic Ground: back row, Iltydd Pearce (referee), Tony Osman, George Hastings, Mike Siford, Jack Jones, Mike Paish, Roger Dagley, Dave Brooks, Len Waterer, Tim Powis (linesman). Seated: Jim Ruxton, Dave Protherough, Keith East (captain), Alan Johnson, Pete Wheatley. In front, Mick Wilkes and Buster Jones.

– 59 –

CHAPTER FOUR

CUPS, A NEW HOME AND A JUBILEE… Hugh Etheridge

HE MID-SIXTIES saw the Pats at its lowest in respect of playing strength and results.T After the superb teams of the post-war period and the Fifties, where the club was THE place to play rugby in Cheltenham, the start of the Sixties saw the loss of many excellent players to retirement and one or two moving onto other clubs. Running just two sides through the early part of the decade was sometimes a struggle but what was still present was a strong social ethic and a firm quest for enjoyment. Successive captaincies of Nick Flook and Mike Paish through 1965/66/67 saw the 1st XV winning just a handful of games each season but a number of youngsters were joining the club from the school and the area as the social element was starting to pay dividends. A playing highlight of the 1966/67 season was the 9-6 defeat of Cheltenham United but the Nick Flook real high point was the starting of a fledgling 3rd Mike Paish XV, named the Vandals. The club’s first weekend tour of this era was undertaken with a trip to Woody Bay, North Devon in early May 1967. No fixture could be arranged for the Saturday, so it was

– 61 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

spent in the hotel watching Keith Jarrett of Wales kicking five conversions, two penalties and scoring a try to help Wales defeat England 34-21. A match was played on the Sunday against South Molton, the tourists losing more through the effects of two long nights socialising than the quality of the rugby. In those years, most away games were reached by the use of cars but a couple of times a year matches against the likes of Combe Down, Bristol Saracens or Kingswood saw a coach used to take both first and second teams on a night out in the big city. A different coach company seemed to be used each year as the drivers got fed up with leaving long after the appointed hour. One memory of those times saw a 1st XV captain supported in the doorway of the coach as the driver refused to stop to allow him to be ill. Around the corner we went and the captain was sick. Unfortunately a cyclist was close by… the coach left the scene quickly! As previously mentioned, players used their cars for the majority of away games and were paid petrol money. On one occasion a car was involved in a crash, no other vehicle was involved, on the return from Stow-on-the-Wold RFC (a notorious night out). Fortunately, no serious injuries were sustained and the driver of the car requested his petrol money on the next occasion of playing. He was given just half the amount and when asking why, was told he had not completed the return journey. This was the source of great amusement. Phil Roberts, one of the newer, younger players took on the captaincy for season 1967/68 and the club playing strength improved as the Vandals had a full fixture list. One match, which became a social highlight for many years, was a match against the Anti-Vandals. Organised by photographer Dick Randall, the Anti-Vandals comprised a mix of older retired players, players from away and anyone else required to make a team. An invite to play became a prized possession. Phil Roberts A season-end tour to North Devon saw matches against Barnstaple – a heavy defeat and South Molton – a narrow defeat. A hotel in Woolacombe was used and the inauguration of the Aquanaut of the Year Award occurred when Nick Flook gloriously failed to cross a patch of water on Woolacombe beach while remaining dry. The award was made at the end-of-season dinner in May. The following two seasons saw pugnacious skipper Jim Ruxton in control and the playing strength and the social side continued to improve despite the club moving headquarters twice in that period. Due to the sale of Fairholme, Montpellier Drive to Eagle Star for a car park, the club spent a season and a half in King Street, off Lower High Street. Then, in December 1969, a move to the current HQ in Everest Road took place. The nomadic pitch existence using Naunton Park and Burroughs Field was to continue for several more seasons yet. Jim Ruxton Fund-raising discos, with our own DJ Emperor Goldberg, otherwise known as Roger Goldby, seemed to take place virtually

– 62 – CUPS, A NEW HOME AND A JUBILEE…

Anti-vandals 1967…standing, from left, Gerry Rutland, Dennis O’Brian, Den Denley, Keith “Fats” Harris, Gerry Lamming, Peter Walker, Frank Jones, Roger Hayes. Kneeling, Alan Johnson, Geoff Shaw, Brian Shurmer, Dick Randall, Pete Stallard, Neville Burne, Granville “Granny” Burne

every week. The team spirit saw the 1st XV reach the final of the Combination Cup for the first time in April 1970, beating Whitefriars Old Boys and Stow on the way, before losing 11-3 to Cheltenham North. The end of season tour in April 1970 was to Bigbury-on-Sea, staying on Burgh Island. Illicit use of the kitchens at 2am caused a bit of fuss. Why? In December 1969, the Boxing Day games saw two matches Roger Goldby versus the Exiles – 60 players plus officials turning out. Boat Races, Matches and Liar Dice were regular events in the bar as well as the game of Buzz. All these games involved large amounts of beer, some drunk, some thrown but all games had numerous onlookers. The club boasted a foreign international coach at this time. Gough Robinson, a former Grammar School player and an Old Pat, had returned from Canada, where he played hooker for the international side. Stalwart Alan Ursell, age undetermined, took over as skipper from Jim Ruxton for the 1970/71 Gough Robinson season, with second-row farmer John Harvey as chairman. A regular voice around was that of Ian Golesworthy. Not renowned for his rugby playing prowess, Ian’s support, advice, work and enthusiasm helped numerous captains through their period of office and Ian’s baby, the Christmas Draw, with donated prizes, raised thousands of pounds for the club over the years. Alan Ursell

– 63 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

In fact, it was THE major fund raiser for many years. It was not unusual for there to be 50 plus prizes – ranging from a sack of coal to a bottle of port to a weekend in Spain for two. The evening of the draw, just before Christmas, was a long, boozy event, with thousands of tickets having been sold by all and sundry. The delivery of the prizes was a military-like operation in order to get the prizes delivered before Christmas. Ian was a major influence within the club and held just about every position over the years. More importantly, he chatted with people from wherever and became a well-known and well-respected figure within rugby throughout the county. The 1971/72 season saw Ray Kingscott installed as captain. A protege of Ian Golesworthy, Ray went on to be chairman of the rugby club as well as chairman of the Old Patesians Association. After a dreadful start to the season, the Pats went 13 games undefeated to end the season winning 22 out of 37. They also progressed to the final of the Combination Cup final beating Stow and Tewkesbury on the way. Due to injuries and unavailabilities, the Pats gave a debut to a promising 3rd XV centre against the old foe Ray Kingscott Cheltenham North. The new centre, by the name of W P C Davies, ex- Harlequins, England and British Lions, dropped a goal for the first time in his illustrious career and lock John Harvey crashed over to score his first try for the club. The Pats won 16-9.

Pick of the crop… farmer John Harvey, who scored his first Old Pats’ try to help to win the club’s first Senior Combination Cup. Behind him are Bob Griffin, Ray Kingscott and Jim Ruxton

– 64 – CUPS, A NEW HOME AND A JUBILEE…

1972 Combination Cup final winners…back row, from left, Martin Penny, Phil Davies, Barrie Oliver, David Owen, John Harvey, Ray Lynch, Tim Greenwood, Roger Goldby. Seated, Bob Griffin, Phil Newport-Black, Ray Kingscott, Pete Shaw, Chris Elliott. Front, Chris Harper, Keith Remnant There were several other “firsts” that season: • the club won the Combination seven-aside tournament for the first time, beating Colts Old Boys in the final • a foreign trip was undertaken for the first time when the club travelled to Pentyrch in Wales to play a normal Saturday match • the annual tour, this time to Dartmouth, created another first as the club actually won a game by beating the hosts 28-7 • a 4th XV was started, the Vipers, as the number of players looking for a game increased.

The 1972/73 season was the 60th Anniversary and new skipper Chris Elliott was in charge of a blossoming club both on and off the field. Most Saturdays saw four senior sides playing and, under the auspices of Ray Kingscott, a junior rugby set-up was initiated. As well as the annual stag dinner, a dinner/dance was held at the Carlton Hotel, costing £2 per person! An Invitation XV was arranged by W P C Davies and the match Chris Elliott played at the Athletic Ground, raised £120 for charity. No charity on the pitch however, as Pats lost 19-31. The Pats also played the Combination XV as part of the celebrations, winning 10-6. An indication of the spirit of rugby of those times was in evidence at Stow. The referee

– 65 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

W P C Davies Invitation XV who beat the Pats 31-19 in a 60th Anniversary charity game at the Athletic Ground… standing from left Ken Hutton (referee), Alan Ashcroft, Jim Jarrett, Roger Hosen, Peter Ford, Gary White, Tony Davies, Peter Woodruff, Dave Cook. Sitting, David Marques, Jeff Butterfield, Phil Davies (captain), Ron Jacobs, Ricky Bartlett. Front, John Berry, Micky Booth

The Old Patesians XV who took on Phil Davies’ stars… standing from left, Alan Johnson (touch judge), Martin Penny, Ray Kingscott, Barrie Oliver, John Harvey, Pete Shaw, Bob Griffin, Hugh Etheridge (touch judge), Ken Hutton (referee). Sitting, David Owen, Phil Newport-Black, Chris Elliott (captain), Phil Farmer, Roger Gilchrist. Front, Nigel Newcombe, Alan Ursell, Keith Remnant, Tim Greenwood did not turn up but both sides agreed to provide a referee for a half. The team with 14 men playing down the slope, Pats running out 23-6 winners. The increasing strength of the 1st XV was being echoed in the other sides and in the 1973/74 season the 2nds won 31 out of 34, not losing until January when Matson won 6-3

– 66 – CUPS, A NEW HOME AND A JUBILEE…

and the 1st XV, under David “Garry” Owen had yet another successful season. With four regular sides and a good off-field atmosphere serious fund raising for a foreign tour was commenced and an end of season tour to Horncastle was arranged to visit one of the Old Pats’ most famous sons, George Hastings. The majority of the shirts displayed at the club are George’s. The fund raising continued during the 1974/75 season, with David “Garry” Owen skipper Chris Elliott allowing barbecues to be held on ground at the back of his house. All the money raised went towards the trip to Etaples-sur-Mer, near Boulogne in France. Matches were played against Boulogne and District on Saturday and Etaples on Sunday. The second game was televised on local TV and was held in the Municipal Stadium. The Mayor and other local dignitaries were present and hosted a civic reception after the match. Old Pats were in good spirits as they had won both games, the first 16-9 and the second 18-14 and were now in proud possession of the Marcel Beraud Trophy, presented after their defeat of Etaples. An impromptu session of imitation bagpipe playing using the chairs was received somewhat quizzically by the French dignitaries. The season prior to the tour had been a good one playing wise, the club reaching the semi-final of the County Cup before losing 21-6 to Lydney and winning the Combination Cup, beating Stow and Colts Old Boys on the way to the final.

Allez les Pats… Colin Kingscott, Brian Stack and Taff Powell at Etaples-sur-Mer

– 67 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Comeback kings… the 1974/75 Senior Cup team came back from 11 points down to win 13-11 The final against the North was a game of two halves, Pats being 11-0 down at half time but coming back to win 13-11. The inaugural 2nd XV Combination Cup saw Pats lose in a replayed final against the North 13-3 after the first game was a 12-12 draw. The season also saw the first few games of the 5th XV, the Vikings. A Sunday team named the Llamedos appeared playing under the tutelage of Brian Stack and played such famous sides as the Estate Agents, Star Inn, Overbury and Cheltenham Schoolmasters. While fiercely contested on the pitch, the real focus was off the pitch, with the post-match activities being very enjoyable. The Junior Section was flourishing and the under 15s won through to the County Cup final only to lose to Gordon League. The 1975/76 season highlight was the opening of the pitches at Everest Road – for the first time in their 60-plus year history the old Pats could run out from the changing room onto their own pitches. The opening was celebrated with a game against a Past and Present Cheltenham XV, which included internationals Roger Hosen and Bernard Capaldi. Northumberland’s John Hall, later of Gullivers Sports Travel, also played in the match which resulted in a 15-14 win for the Pats. A return visit to Etaples finished the season, with Pats retaining the Marcel Beraud Cup. Pats also romped home in the Combination Sevens, scoring more than 100 points and conceding just six. A men versus women match was played for charity, together with a game against the Schoolmaster XV, again for good causes. Bob Lees continued the captaincy the following season but David “Taff” Powell took on the chair. The summer of 1976 was one of the hottest in a long while and rugby

– 68 – CUPS, A NEW HOME AND A JUBILEE…

The past and present Cheltenham XV who played the Pats in the first match at Everest Road… Standing, from left, Bob Redwood, Andy Hamill, Roger Hosen, John Williams, Adrian Drake, John Hall, Phil Newport-Black, Bernard Capaldi, Phil Davies. Kneeling, Alan Bunstan, Dave Cook, Mike Hyde (captain), Harry Trumble, Pete Tapsell, John Berry

The Old Patesians Everest Road pioneers… standing, from left, Bill Leech (referee), Ray Kingscott, Bob Taylor, Pete Shaw, John Shaw, Bob Yemm, Eddie Washbourne, Chris Harper, Tom Bellis. Kneeling, Paul Millington (touch judge), Dick Lewis, Chris Elliott, John Bennett, Roger Goldby, Rennie Mulholland, Gordon Parr, Ian Golesworthy (touch judge) recommenced in September with hard pitches. The winter that followed made up for the lack of rain and the drainage under the new pitches proved inadequate. However, the Pats had a good season, retaining the sevens title and the under-15s

– 69 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

shared the County Cup with Lydney after a 6-6 draw. The next season continued with the same leadership. The Pats’ season was clouded by the death of charismatic scrum-half Ron Johnson in a road accident just before Christmas. A memorial game was played early in 1978 with Russ Hillier, now an RFU council member, Francis Lee, Man City and England footballer, John Pullin England hooker, Dave Watt, England second row, and Mike Burton, Gloucester and England all playing. The game was kicked off by Ron’s great friend Rod Thomas, a Swindon, Derby County and Wales footballer. The club also had two junior players in the South West Schools XV playing Australia Schools – Dick Tyler, currently President of the Club, and Rich Osborn. Both grammar school boys had to contend with the Ella brothers in the Aussie squad. American tourists Minneapolis were entertained and beat the home team 11-0, not missing a tackle all night. Renny Mulholland took the reins for the 1978/79 season, which saw the Pats win the Combination Cup, beating Civil Service 12-3 with Chris Elliot repeating his 1972 success. For the third year running, Pats won the Sad loss… Ron Johnson sevens tournament.

1978-79 Ist XV Combination Senior Cup winners… standing, from left, John Woodward, Roger Dagley, Rick Carter, David Owen, Paul Huyton, John Shaw, Chris Dutton, John Newell, Brett Tomlinson, David Powell, Dave Protherough (coach). Kneeling, from left, Mike Hansen, Chris Elliott, Alan Sandell, Renny Mulholland (captain), Paul Keegan, John Little, Bob Lees, Andy Craddock

– 70 – CUPS, A NEW HOME AND A JUBILEE…

Amoco, Chicago were visitors in April 1979, but this time Pats were successful 30-0, with the American 90-minute warm-up and abstention from alcohol proving their undoing. Ian Bennett, graduating from the Colts XV, won honours for Gloucestershire against Devon Colts as well as guesting for Cheltenham on occasion. Renny Mulholland continued the captaincy for 1979/80, with Dave Pannett as chairman. Rich Osborn Following two American touring sides visiting, thoughts turned to a possible visit to America. Fund raising began in earnest. On the playing front, the 1st XV had a run of 11 games without defeat through part of the season and had several youngsters like Ian Bennett, Dave Harper, Larry Cummins and Pat Poulton making debuts. The 2nd XV won a rugged Junior Combination Dick Tyler Cup Final against Cheltenham North and the club Ian Bennett won the combination sevens cup for the fourth time running. The Colts represented Cheltenham on a twinning sports visit to Annecy and had fared very well. The Junior section also had a fund raiser “rolling the barrel” from the club to the brewery of that time, Ind Coope in Burton on Trent.

Burton Barrel rolling 1979-80

– 71 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

The 1980/81 season was a season of firsts: • it was the first of several years of captaincy for Dave Harper • the club flew to Chicago for an 11-day tour. Matches were played against Amoco, Pats winning 10-3, Milwaukee, Pats losing heavily 44-3 and Fox Valley, Pats losing 8-3. Two games were also played by a Vets team but the overwhelming hospitality led to a deterioration in the playing capability. • the normal season was tremendous with the Pats winning all three Combination Cups for the first time. The Pats met their old adversaries the North in the Senior Combination Cup final having beaten Stow 48-3 in the semi-final. The final was the last to be played at the Athletic Ground, Albion Street, Cheltenham and the Pats dispatched the North 6-0, with penalties from Pat Poulton and Bob Lees. The junior cup win saw Civil Service 29-3 defeated in a one-sided final.

1980-81 1st XV Combination senior Cup winners… standing, from left, Garth Cromwell (referee), John Woodward, Renny Mulholland, Paul Huyton, Pat Poulton, Larry Cummins, Mike Hansen, Pete Waite, John Shaw, Phil Dix, David Pannett, Nigel Newcombe and the touch judge. Kneeling, from left, Pete Hargreaves, Pete Novak, Paul Cook, Dave Harper, Bob Lees, Paul Keegan, Chris Dutton

1980-81 2nd XV Junior Combination Cup winners… standing, from left, Pete McMurray, Bob Scammell, Steve Hill, John Newell, Richard Handley, Eamon Atkins, Phil Dix, Eamon Lodge, Dave Bucher, Steve Webley. Kneeling, from left, Mike Togher, Pete Hargreaves, Harry Champion, Mark Paddison (captain), Alex Campbell, Martin Rafferty, Dave White, Kim White

– 72 – CUPS, A NEW HOME AND A JUBILEE…

The sevens triumph – for the fifth year running for another first – saw the Pats beat Civil Service 14-4. Dave Harper continued as captain for the 1981/82 season, but despite losing three players to Cheltenham, with more youngsters coming through, the Pats had strength in depth. Four senior sides, plus five age group junior sides, were being run and the U17s won the County Cup, beating Cotham Park 34-0. The young Pats teams were unable to hang on to any of the Combination Cups, losing in the semi-finals of all three. A season-end club tour to Southport was enjoyed by some 40 members. The 1982/83 season saw more young players making their debuts and it took a while for the team to gel that season. However, a 48-0 thrashing of American tourists Rockford Ravens suggested better things to come and the season was crowned with a 9-0 Combination Cup win against the North on their ground as the Prince of Wales Stadium was unfit to play. A young scrum-half called Paul Morris kicked three penalties that evening and he was to feature at the club for the next 20 years or so. The Pats second team won the Junior Cup, beating Tewkesbury 9-3 in the final. The Pats had reverted back to their original colours of magenta, navy and white hoops that season for the first time since the late Sixties. The 1983/84 was Dave Harper’s last as skipper and was not as successful as previous seasons. However, the young players were gaining experience and the club regained the Combination Sevens Cup.

Beginning of a era… Paul Morris made his first team debut in season 19881/82. Eventually, he played 454 first team games – and, in all, was with the club for 28 years

– 73 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Scrum-half Paul Morris took the reins for the 1984/85 season and enjoyed a successful season, winning the Old Richians sevens tournament. The under-17s won the County Cup 9-7 against Longlevens. Two players in that side, Chris Raymond and Bruce Fenley, both went on to play professional rugby for Gloucester. Pats 2nd XV were successful in the Combination final, defeating Civil Service 15-9 and the club retained the sevens title. The club entertained Chicago Blaze, in late September 1984, the visitors being an amalgamation of Amoca and Windy City Nomads. Paul Morris continued for a second year in 1985/86 season and enjoyed a fine season. Concluding with a return tour to Etaples for a 15th Anniversary tournament, Pats beat West Mercia Police in the final having beaten the hosts in the first round… all this despite atrocious weather for the whole tour. The Pats won the U17 County Cup again, beating Cleve in the final 36-0. Oh, and we won the sevens again. Prop Paul Huyton took over as skipper for the 1986/87 season and the club continued its successful way. However, the combination sevens was the only trophy to be won. It was Dave Kingscott at the helm the following season as the club Paul Huyton started its league history in Gloucestershire 1. The club also celebrated

Muddy triumph… the U17s win the County Cup against Cothem Park

– 74 – CUPS, A NEW HOME AND A JUBILEE…

75 years of continuous rugby by entertaining Long Island, New York. Ex-Pats player Martin Cooper was working in New York as a missionary introducing rugby to the masses in that area and a tour back home seemed a good idea. The Pats hosted their own sevens tournament, beating Stroud 32- 18 in the final. A Presidents XV was also played, including several ex-internationals, and the Pats lost 4-30. Pats finished fifth in the league, whereas local rivals the North Dave Kingscott were relegated. The league game against their local rivals was a rugged affair with the Pats winning 10-0. Pats won the combination sevens yet again but lost in both other finals to the North. The jubilee dinner was held at the Carlton Hotel with John Fidler, Gloucester, England and D W C Smith, Past President Scottish RFU, the guest speakers. A dinner/dance was held at the Queen’s Hotel to celebrate the 75th Jubilee and to look forward to many more years to come. In November 1987, Ian Golesworthy, an ever-present stalwart of the club, was awarded the Torch Trophy in recognition of his outstanding work for the Old Patesians RFC. The award ceremony took place at Simpsons, Piccadilly, London and Ian received his trophy from Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. There is no truth in the rumour that Ian requested the Duke to “entertain”. The 1988/89 season saw Paul Morris return as skipper but vice captain Paul Kingscott stood in while Morris served a ban for misdemeanours on the pitch. Pats finished eighth in the league but the feeling was that they should be better. During the season, Pats 2nd XV defeated Stroud 2nd XV 32-9 and the highlight of that game was the Paul Kingscott introduction of 59-year-old Ray Kingscott onto the pitch to play alongside his two sons David and Paul. Pats won the junior combination cup 9-6 against the North and the sevens cup. For the 89/90 season, Paul Keegan, back at the club after a spell at Cheltenham, took over as skipper. The club struggled in the league, looking like relegation candidates and the season finished with a tour to Edinburgh, beating Murrayfield 27-0. The tourists stopped off at Chester on the way home to defeat the home club 24-0. However, moves were afoot to find a coach to improve the club’s league results.

Paul Keegan

– 75 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

IAN GOLESWORTHY: THE MYTH BEHIND THE MAN… As his son, I knew Ian as a (mainly absentee) father. Yes, I got regularly roped in to various activities associated with the Pats but nevertheless, that was a separate part of his life. It wasn’t until after his death in 1997 that various club members shared their own memories of Ian with me. It was only then that I realised what a rich life the old man had had. In this short piece, I aim to explode some of the myths around the old man… and maybe generate some more. Ian Golesworthy? Definitely not: the old man was christened John Ian Golesworthy, spending Entertaining moment… Ian Golesworthy receives his most of his childhood in Hay-on- trophy from the Duke of Edinburgh Wye, where he was frequently joined by his cousin John Peacock. To avoid confusion, JP was addressed as John and the old man was relegated to his middle name Ian. This stuck for many people; mum always called him Ian whereas his mother Doris, reverted to calling him John in her later years. The old man was 6’ 10”. Actually no. The old man was measured at 6’7”3/4 to win the “Tallest man in Town” contest in the mid-1960s, appearing in the Echo c/w the rest of us. He definitely shrank in later years, partly as a result of stooping to get under all those low lintels in Golden Oak House (quite a few of us have hit our heads on those). The old man went to Cheltenham Grammar school. Well, of course he did: he was an Old Grammarian after all! Wrong again: the old man was born in Cheltenham, lived in Hay-on-Wye but attended Brecon Grammar school – though there are those who remember him at Cheltenham Grammar! I think I can safely say that the old man certainly was a real socialist in the sense that he believed in putting back into society, especially in respect of helping the youngsters along. He nurtured many of the younger recruits to OPRFC and helped out Sam Peebles at Dowty Rotol with the apprentices. Apart from this, and despite very poor eyesight, the old man was a professional aeronautical engineer, having graduated from Loughborough College, he was a great artist and sculptor and arguably the exemplar of a club man. As the Mythos expands so the logos recedes! Taliesin John Golesworthy (1956 - ) on John Ian Golesworthy (1927-1997)

– 76 – CHAPTER FIVE

HOW DID WE GET HERE FROM THERE? THE MAGIC DECADE (1991-2001) by Phill Bevins

ERE’S HOW one of Cheltenham’s junior clubs – one of the better ones, but by Hno means always the best – rose from the typical local round of friendly rivalries and, frankly, virtual anonymity outside Gloucestershire, to national recognition. In one year, the club won a cup final at Twickenham and promotion to National League rugby where we would play (and beat) such historic and illustrious clubs as Rosslyn Park and Blackheath, as well as senior, and until now, vastly superior clubs such as Penzance-Newlyn and Clifton. Usually, such a story is the result of a “sugar daddy” putting in a shedload of money to buy coaches and players. Unless the benefactor’s pocket is bottomless, this approach rarely lasts long. Think of Mounts Bay and Manchester, if you can remember those one- time success stories. Look at Bridgwater and Newbury Blues, who dropped like a stone when the money ran out. And we can all speculate on the future of other clubs that have rocketed upwards through the leagues. The Pats, however, have done it the hard and honest way. No wandering Antipodeans, South Sea Islanders or other mercenaries. Players are not paid to play – appearing in magenta, blue and white costs them money as well as blood and sweat. We do pay our coaches. Our first paid coach, Bob Redwood, obviously felt he couldn’t refuse the fantastic sum of £25 a week!

– 77 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Sadly, I was unable to interview two of the most influential and inspiring figures of the miracle decade – Carl Quinn and Bob Redwood. Their input was vital and had a crucial bearing on the Pats’ success. Their premature deaths were a tragedy for their families and the club. Along with one other name, this memoir is dedicated to them. Faint echoes of “Entertain, Pats, Entertain” may still be heard in Bob Redwood Everest Road, especially on that Saturday in the year, always a key event, when we gather to celebrate the memory of one of the club’s literal and figurative giants (although surely no day passes when someone, somewhere, isn’t recalling with a chuckle some aspect of the legend’s persona.) What a shame he couldn’t be at Twickenham to see us in April 2001! So, along with the shades of Carl and Bob stands the substantial ghost of Ian Golesworthy. Cheers, lads! And thanks. Any club needs funds. At the Pats, fund raising in the Eighties, Nineties and early Noughties meant, along with Taff Powell’s 100 Club Carl Quinn and behind the scenes sponsorship, the Norman Wisdom lookalike Dennis Ripley. Dennis, a soccer devotee who’d come to the club to support his son Graham, became for many years the indefatigable beer draw organiser, all-round good bloke and cheerful face of the club. Sadly, he is no longer with us. Nor is Dave Harper, a stalwart and talented prop who captained the side in his time. They relished the success we saw and were part of it. This tale is not meant to be a source for statisticians. You will find few lists of who played when, points scored or conceded, or accounts Dennis Ripley of fixtures won and lost (except for season 2000-01). Instead, I have tried to find the reasons for, and the people behind, the astonishing and (so far!) permanent transformation of the club into the leading rugby club in Cheltenham. Inevitably, I will get some facts wrong and I am only too aware that I have not spoken to or even mentioned all who contributed to our success. To them, and all who have not been properly acknowledged, I offer humble apologies and an admission of guilt. At the same time, I am extremely grateful to everyone I have spoken to and who have willingly given their time to help me. It is dazzlingly clear that there are countless people who have done, are doing and will do all they can to ensure that the club succeeds. League rugby had come to the county in 1987 and the Pats had been placed in Gloucestershire 1. We made no instant impact. Our fixture list looked pretty similar to previous years and our playing results showed little evidence of ambition. What changed? No single factor can ever be said to be the only cause, but perhaps the “end of the beginning” might have come in 1990, when chairman Carl Quinn and skipper Paul Morris ended in-house coaching and brought in Bob Redwood, a local teacher and ex-Gloucester fly-half (he was still a Gloucester selector) as our first paid coach. Both

– 78 – HOW DID WE GET HERE FROM THERE?

Quinn and Morris felt that there was much more to rugby life than contentment with the status quo. Season 1990-91 didn’t start well – we lost our first four games. But a win against Widden Old Boys brought confidence and more wins. Only a last game loss to Cheltenham North denied us promotion in 1991. Summer 1991 saw a crucial influx of new players, Nige White, Steve Davies, Chris Long, Dave Billingham and Cyril Kelly among them. All were talented players and improved the mix, but everybody I have spoken to in researching this essay singles out Cyril Kelly as the catalyst. He had decided to join the club from Cheltenham, factors being a shoulder injury he felt would be helped by playing at a lower level Cyril Kelly (!) and friendship with Pats’ players John Little and Paul Keegan. He told me he felt immediately at home in a friendly and welcoming club and later came to appreciate that people in the club were good at skirting round personality clashes and resolving issues in the interests of the club rather than their own agenda. Kelly felt that the main reason for the Pats’ advance in the Nineties was a fortunate combination of committee, coach, captain and players, all with a passion for improvement for themselves and the club. For him, a key factor was a new hardness and skill level in the pack. The Pats had always had a good reputation for their backs, but Kelly felt that just a few new additions brought confidence to long-standing forwards like Dave Harper and enabled them to realise just how good they really were. Teams like Longlevens, Tredworth and Spartans were now met with the vital ingredient of pack power and skill and we were coming away from these previously barren fields with victories. Certainly Kelly rates the back row of himself, Mark Stradling and Clive Organ as “the best I ever played in” and for spectators at the time it was clear that this breakaway trio were far and away better than any others encountered in the next few years. Kelly says he merely stood by while Organ and Stradling smashed the opposition. Few will agree that his contribution was quite so modest. It is absolutely clear that Kelly’s exceptional rugby brain and organising skills both in training and in matches made the difference between “good” and “outstanding” at the Pats. Fortunately, this back row were complemented by other talented and committed players such as Sean Bailey, Lars Singh and Ian Badrock, who lost little in comparison to this trio during those years and were vital components in the pack’s success through the decade. Mark Bartlett (the first man to appear in every league we played in) was skipper this year and, with a much improved pack and a speedy and skilful set of backs, the Pats succeeded in what many say was the most difficult promotion of all – out of a very high quality Gloucestershire 1. That season opened with a 25-14 win against Longlevens and by March the excitement was intense, with a last match but one 23-20 win against Frampton Cotterell leaving

– 79 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Gloucestershire League Division 1 champions 1991-92…Back row, from left, Carl Quinn (chairman), Simon Capie, Mark Stradling, Pat Poulton, Cyril Kelly, Steve Davies, Jim Conway, David Powell (president). Middle row, Ted Critchley (physio), Dave Harper, Andy Day, Jason Hyde, Dean Haynes, Kevin Day, Shaun Bailey, Clive Organ, Bob Redwood (coach). Kneeling, Paul Morris, Greg Newcombe, John Little, Paul Keegan, Mark Bartlett (captain), Dave Billingham, Simon Cook, Rob Nock, Nick Papacosta. Not present: Chris Long, David Park, Vernon White, Paul Whiston, Steve Ford, Tom Morse, Dave Montague, Doug Green promotion still possible for five clubs. Our last match against Cheltenham North away saw Simon Capie (try), John Little (con) and Paul Keegan (drop goal) give us a 9-6 win which reversed the previous season’s result. What a memorable game for Jason Hyde to make his debut! Results elsewhere left the Pats at the top of the pile, gaining promotion to Gloucester/Somerset and setting us on the way up the leagues. In 1992/93, Dave Billingham, an experienced and tough Scottish prop, was captain and the pack continued to come off best in most encounters. Paul Morris at scrum-half had an outstanding set of backs to set in motion, with Paul Keegan, Mark Bartlett, Simon Cook and Simon Capie to the fore. Both Kelly and Morris told me that this league was of a higher skill standard than Gloucestershire 1, but was not as physical. So, with a muscular presence to match our undoubted skill levels, the Pats came out best in this league and won promotion at first go to Western Counties. Our first match that season was a 23-13 victory over Old Redcliffians, followed by wins over Oldfield Old Boys and Whitehall by 21-3 and 34-5 respectively. We were well set on our way. The crunch match that term was probably at home to Keynsham on March 27, 1993. They came to us full of confidence, only one point behind and with a game in hand. They went home on the wrong end of an 11-0 score. We still had to wait until our last match against Frome to clinch the title, but a convincing 35-5 win, featuring two Steve Davies drop goals sealed it. An interesting non-league result that season was a 22-9 victory over Worcester, and we rounded the season off nicely by beating Stow 16-0 for the Combination Cup. It must be remembered that Western Counties at that time were not split “West” and “North”, so in 1993/94 we found ourselves playing Cornish and Devon “town” clubs with

– 80 – HOW DID WE GET HERE FROM THERE?

Gloucester/Somerset champions 1992-93… back row, from left,John Warwicker, Phil Davies, Ted Critchley (physio),Clive Organ, Mark Stradling, Simon Capie, Rich Smith, Steve Davies, Cyril Kelly, Andy Day, Sean Bailey, David Powell (president), Bob Redwood (coach),Colin Smith (chairman). Middle row: Simon Cook, Dave Harper, John Little, Mark Bartlett, Jason Hyde, Dean Haynes, Kevin Day, Sean Bailey. Front row, Paul Morris, Greg Newcombe, Rob Nock, Paul Keegan, Dave Billingham (captain), Ian Northcott, Jamie Cook, Mark Goldsmith unfamiliar things like stands, good pitches, luxurious clubhouses and lots of supporters. Two of the clubs encountered in this season were Launceston and Penzance-Newlyn, then just beginning their heavily-financed rise to the Championship. Neither could prevent our successful campaign to gain a third successive promotion. Paul Morris was captain again and Bob Redwood still head coach, although Kelly was now the official as well as de facto forwards’ coach. Once again, the Pats won much more often than not, and while promotion was not, yet again, sealed until the last game of the season, we won our third consecutive promotion. A notable victory this season was in taking away Devonport Services’ long-standing home unbeaten run in a tight 12-11 win. The vital last game was away at Crediton and, following a nailbiting week’s postponement, we went there needing one point. Rob Nock

At the double…Rob Nock scores one of his two tries in the title-clinching game at Crediton

– 81 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

scored both our tries in a 15-3 promotion clincher. This was celebrated in the Tiverton clubhouse – our first port of call on the way home. Tiverton, it must be said, made us very welcome indeed, especially as they themselves had been strong title contenders. Supporters bought Bob Redwood a giant bottle of whisky, which he greatly appreciated for the thought but not the content – he confided afterwards that he was more of a gin man. The 1994/95 season found us in South West 2, a league of a much higher class and there was no question, this time, of instant success. Our first visit to Bridgwater and Albion, for instance, showed us a club not only with an excellent history but also one which had sold its ground to Tesco for £3 million! The set-up and facilities were intimidating, at least to supporters, and we were duly beaten, although we gave an excellent account of ourselves. With Greg Newcombe, a ferocious scavenger and hooker, as skipper we acquitted ourselves well in this exalted company but were not yet fully equipped for further progress. The season ended with a 17-0 Combination Cup win over Stow, which was, sadly for us, Cyril Kelly’s last game for the Pats. He left quite a hole. Personally, I clearly remember feeling that at this stage we had gone as far as we could, and foresaw a losing struggle to keep at this level. Fortunately, players, coaches and committee did not share this pessimistic mindset and although it took a few seasons of consolidation and improvement, the Pats were not finished yet! A major reason for our progress thus far had taken place off the pitch. In 1992, Colin Smith was elected chairman. As he himself says, he was new to the area, had no understanding of the history of the club, wasn’t a “socialiser” and had, to say the least, no deep rugby knowledge. Not, you might say, ideal material to make an impact. However, he was a good businessman, was prepared to work very hard indeed and his detached stance enabled him to make changes without having to carry any burden of previous history. He Colin Smith told me that he was humbled by the commitment of all at the club but felt that there was a certain unwieldiness in the size of the committee and the organisation of responsibilities. So Colin set about providing a coherent plan, a strategy for the future and a firm line of management and responsibilities. He stood well back from the coaching, selection and playing side but worked tremendously hard to improve the “back office” and the finances. Rugby club income was transformed in Smith’s time. We never became rich, but at least there was substantial sponsorship, perimeter advertising, increased income from Vice Presidents and a general improvement in “professionalism” in the organisation of club affairs. On the field, Colin was very proud to see us sometimes putting out six Saturday sides, keeping firmly to our tradition of providing the best rugby and fun to all levels of ability. It was great to see, for example, British Lions, England and Gloucester star Steve Boyle turning out one week for the fourths and another for the firsts. At the same time, Brian Stack was heavily involved in getting the club better organised

– 82 – HOW DID WE GET HERE FROM THERE?

and our stewards, Terry and Pauline ensured that the bar was a welcoming and friendly place to be on a Saturday night and through the week. Our President, the genial David “Taff” Powell, cast a benevolent glow over proceedings. Visiting club officials were always charmed and, in turn, he was an outstanding ambassador for the Pats. In addition, Taff’s 100 Club was usually fully subscribed – few could resist his blandishments, including Bournside schoolboy Jon Taff Powell Steckbeck, who was lured to the club by Taff and of whom more later. Back on the pitch, in 1995/96 Simon Cook became captain and steered his side through another more than respectable season which saw Bob Redwood leave and be replaced by Pete Curtis as coach. Cyril Kelly had left the district and was much missed. Curtis joined from Cheltenham and several others, including Rich Harvey and Scott Miller came with him. Curtis told me he appreciated Simon Cook’s discipline and communication skills, which helped him settle into his new club. Cook told me that this was a difficult season, with the loss of influential midfielders like Bartlett, (broken leg), Rob Hall (knee), Steve Davies (retired) and also the Simon Cook retirement of stalwart prop Dave Harper, who called it a day after many years of coal face service. Bright spots this season were debuts for Dave Taylor and the first appearance of Steckbeck at fly-half away at Penryn. Cook’s own take on “reasons for our success” included the great nucleus of talented juniors from the late 1980s/early 1990s tutored by Dick Lewis, and also the bonding and emergence of players on the 1993 New Orleans tour. The following season, 1996/97, Paul Sargison joined Curtis on the coaching staff and also was no mean performer on the pitch. He Dick Lewis marked his debut against Coombe Down with two tries and followed that with twice as many in a 63-0 thrashing of Devonport Services. Mark Bartlett shared the captaincy with Paul Morris, who played his 400th game for the club during the season and also kicked the late conversion which gave the Pats a stunning 27-25 victory over Penzance-Newlyn, who had had several seasons’ worth of big money thrown at them and were awash with well-paid top quality players. Victory was very sweet. For 1997/98, Colin Smith stepped down as chairman to be replaced by John Newell. Jason Hyde, a formidable hooker who Pete Jason Hyde Curtis rated highly for his leadership and ability to learn lessons and

– 83 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

apply them, was skipper. Jason was another product of the Pats’ juniors and later became another member of the “played in every league” club. He cited Bartlett, Morris, Clive Organ and Dave Kingscott as big influences and pinpointed Mark Stradling as an “unsung hero” of the Pats’ success. Everything came together this season – excellent coaching, talented and responsive players and a tangible team ethos. We began the season with an away win 27-12 at Penryn, an Mark Stradling Intermediate Cup victory over Dings and a 31-20 defeat of Tiverton. Our first loss did not come until March, when we lost twice running to St Mary’s Old Boys and Brixham. We got back on track with wins over Tiverton, Spartans and Penryn, before losing a tight game to our closest rivals Keynsham, leaving us still in the driving seat but, with only one game left to Keynsham’s three. We needed a point from our last game of the season against Dings Crusaders to be sure. As Pat Burford said afterwards, Dings really should have won, going 10-0 up, leading 13-8 at half time and 25-21 with less than 10 minutes to go. They had been on top for most Pat Burford of the game but the extraordinary spirit of the Pats never let them get away and with five minutes left Burford’s second try gave the win and promotion to the Pats. Once again, victory in the Combination Cup – this time 34-8 against surprise finalists Smiths, who gave a very good account of themselves – rounded off a fabulous season. Our first season in SW1 in 1998/99 could never be more than a “feet finder.” Survival was the immediate aim and, still under Jason Hyde’s captaincy and Hugh Etheridge as chairman, this was duly achieved. There were, frankly, few highlights, although many would say that staying alive in this company was a tremendous result. We ended with yet another Combination Cup win over Stow 10-3. We also ended with a solid determination to do better next time. Colin Smith returned for one more year as chairman the following season and we did do rather better in 1999/2000, under coaches Redwood and Sargison and Will Morgan as skipper, with an early league win over Gloucester Old Boys 14-10, courtesy of a Capie try and three penalties from Andy Hamilton. A 10-53 walloping at Cinderford was not very enjoyable, but we finished the season with a 15-15 draw with Matson and a respectable total of eight wins. The Matson draw should have been a win but 10 minutes from time and leading 15-3, skipper and scrum half Will Morgan chose to encourage us to keep on and send these Gloucester ******s down. Who were inspired? Matson of course, and they tore in to us to the extent of two tries and 12 points. A victory over Launceston was the highlight of the season – both Jason Hyde and Jon Steckbeck said that apart from Twickenham, this was the best moment of their Pats’ careers. Then came 2000-2001. Ray Kingscott was chairman and his nephew by marriage

– 84 – HOW DID WE GET HERE FROM THERE?

Celebrating… the 2000/01 league winners. Standing, from left, Clive Organ, Pat Poulton (manager), Dave Taylor, Pat Burford, Toby Robinson, Matt Dawson, Mark Bartlett, Chris Penhale, Jon Steckbeck, Rich Harvey, Jason Hyde, Dave Parry, Pete Mitchell. Kneeling, Paul Morris (coach), Chris Raymond (player/coach), Chris Long, Ralph Tucker, A. Armstrong, Will Morgan. Lying down, Ben Parker

Chris Raymond, a product of our junior sides who had gone on to great things with Gloucester and Worcester, rejoined as player/coach. A few words about the extended Kingscott family will follow in the next essay. Jason Hyde told me that from the first, Raymond made a big impact on fitness, skills and attitude in the team and was a major influence on the season’s success. Pete Mitchell, a very solid citizen who had propped for Moseley, also joined and helped with coaching the pack. Paul Morris completed the coaching team. Toby Robinson, a flyer who could play fullback, wing or centre, was a recruit of the highest quality. Back-rower Matt Dawson added talent and graft and, like lock Ben Wilsdon, was an outstanding new face and a terrific club asset in the next few seasons. Our first scheduled game was at home to Torquay, but they failed to arrive. This was to have significant repercussions at season’s end. We eventually started by thumping Bridgwater & Albion 29-0, and then just kept on winning. Maidenhead went down 46-5. We put six tries on Keynsham (37-5) who told us in the clubhouse that they could barely believe the change in our abilities. Truro fared worse, conceding seven tries in a 41-6 rout. Berry Hill were next, beaten away in a dour encounter 27-11. Dorchester (34-11), Swanage (40-5) were swept aside and in the Intermediate Cup Cleve (41-12) and High Wycombe (a startling 96-12) were early victims. The inevitable first defeat came, infuriatingly, in the first of four games with Cinderford, where we lost 10-15. Paul Morris was not very gruntled. A win over Bridgwater (24-19) gave us something to keep Christmas happy. The New Year showed our immense depth of talent, when we had to play Intermediate and County Cup ties on the same weekend. We saw off Woodford first, winning 39-16. The

– 85 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

next day a much changed side beat Coney Hill 18-0 to progress further in the County Cup. League matters continued with a another defeat of Berry Hill (23-10) and a 24-16 win at Truro, who became the first club to score three tries against us this term. Only an injury time try by Barrie Davies made the game safe. Then came a tremendous 16-6 win over Cinderford in the Intermediate Cup, the only try coming from Toby Robinson. We followed this with away wins at Torquay (41-23) and Maidenhead (21-3), but then there was a bitter pill to swallow – defeat by Cinderford in the County Cup final. An injury time try by Dave Parry, converted by Toby Robinson, sent the Pats wild with delight at the 13-11 scoreline. We’d won! But Cinderford secured the ball from a lineout at the restart and made just enough ground for a Wilkinson-style drop goal to break our hearts. Consolation came with a semi-final Intermediate Cup victory over a Cleckheaton side led by England and Lions star John Bentley. In mud worthy of WW1 trenches, we prevailed 34-7. Bentley was a true gentleman in defeat and a season or two later was a welcome, wise and witty guest speaker at our annual dinner. Further, and perhaps even better consolation, came with a 16-10 defeat of Cinderford in the league. If anything, the score flattered the Foresters, who fell to a close-range Organ try, followed immediately by some brilliant wizardry from the backs for winger Paul Bright to scorch into the corner from 40 yards. If not dead, Cinderford were certainly buried. Now, coming up to the end of the season, it looked as if points difference might be the deciding factor. Our 34-12 win over Keynsham was trumped by Cinderford’s 67-7 canter the same day, leaving them with a small advantage. Over the Easter weekend, we restored our points lead with 40-5 and 45-7 away wins at Swanage and Dorchester. Then league business was interrupted by the little matter of a visit to Twickenham for the Intermediate Cup Final against Blaydon. Here is a good time to reflect on another major contributor to this astounding decade. As Simon Cook and Dave Kingscott both emphasised to me, the palpable solidity of the Pats’ never-say-die team spirit owed almost everything to the fact that the core of this team throughout had come up together through the Pats junior sides, largely tutored by Dick Lewis. At the same time, this group of players never became a clique – all who joined them for this adventure were quickly enfolded into the group and the fierce camaraderie of the Pats. So it was that 10 of the match day squad had “product of Old Pats juniors” beside their name in the programme notes and both coach Paul Morris and team manager Pat Poulton could say the same. For an hour, the Pats dominated. England star Mickey Skinner, in the crowd as a former Blaydon player, said it was the best 60 minutes he’d ever seen from a club at this level. Apart from a couple of breakouts and an early penalty goal, Blaydon were on the back foot, with the Pats’ pack exerting relentless pressure. Blaydon had managed to repel thrusts from Chris Long, Dave Parry, Chris Raymond

– 86 – HOW DID WE GET HERE FROM THERE?

Old Pats Twickenham heroes…back row, from left, Neil Hyde, Taff Powell (president), Pat Poulton (team manager), Pat Burford, Toby Robinson, Scott Miller, Chris Raymond, Dave Kingscott, Rich Harvey, Chris Penhale, Clive Organ, Ray Kingscott (chairman), Ben Wilsdon, John Parker. Middle row, from left, Tim Field (physio), Paul Sargison (coach), Mark Peacey, Paul Bright, Dave Taylor, Will Morgan, Mark Bartlett, Pete Mitchell, Paul Morris (coach), Mark Brooks, Dick Lewis, Ross Bissett. Front row, from left, Marcus Twinning, Jason Hyde, Barry Davies, Dave Parry, Ralph Tucker (captain), Chris Long, Ben Parker, Jon Steckbeck, Matt Dawson. Seated front, mascots Rob Kingscott and Sam Organ

On the charge…Flanker Clive Organ pierces the Blaydon defence. At 37, he scored two tries in the Twickenham final after a lay-off of several years with a serious neck injury. In support behind him are Mark Bartlett, Dave Kingscott and Chris Long

– 87 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Rampant… Chris Raymond, who had made a big impact on fitness, skills and attitude in his first season as player/coach, puts the pressure on Blaydon, who spent 60 minutes of the Twickenham final on the back foot. That’s Jason Hyde in support. and Matt Dawson, but finally yielded to a close range strike from 37-year-old flanker Clive Organ, who had this season restarted his playing career after a serious neck injury had kept him out for four years. He had clearly found some magic potion, because he put the Pats further ahead with a second try. Toby Robinson hit both conversions and added a penalty to lead 17-3 and, just before half time, scrum- half Will Morgan dummied in for another try – 22-3. No problems, then, for the second half, an impression heightened by an early drop goal stroked over from 30 Young Pats’ players turned out in force to support the metres by fly-half Jon Steckbeck. (What a Ist XV at rugby union HQ tale to tell your grandchildren as they sit on your knee looking into your rheumy old eyes!). But then it was the Pats’ turn under the cosh. On the hour, a Blaydon centre sliced open the tiring Pats’ defence for a try and conversion under the posts – 25-10. We kept them out until a few minutes from time but then another fine try and conversion made it 25-17.

– 88 – HOW DID WE GET HERE FROM THERE?

Almost immediately, a searing break down the right and an inside pass meant another converted try –25-24! A few more minutes of injury time, then another long break down the right looked set to bring the victory try for Blaydon – could Toby Robinson, covering across from his own right wing, make the crucial tackle? Of course he could – a sort of all-enveloping spider’s web kind of tackle which dislodged the ball forward for Morgan to kick clear and the final whistle to blow. It was surprising not to see a fleet of ambulances ferrying elderly Cheltenham gents to nearby cardiac wards.

Just the ticket… hundreds of Old Pats supporters turned up to see the club’s one-point triumph

Skipper Ralph Tucker, not content with one trophy, proposed to his girlfriend on the pitch after the victory lap. Fortunately, she was used to sweaty embraces and put the icing on his cake with a “Yes”. Ralph Tucker’s recollections, as skipper of this (nearly) all-conquering side were that their whole was so much greater than the sum of their parts – “a camaraderie and collective will to win” that made this team, “not the biggest, fastest or even most skilful” into a side that took the field in every match convinced they would win. Oh boys…Sam Organ and Robert Kingscott This was plain to see from the touchline – the get their hands on the Intermediate Cup aggressive defence which produced so much

– 89 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Magic moment… captain Ralph Tucker raises the cup and the Pats’ fans go wild

Celebration time… the Pats’ celebrate, surrounded by supporters

– 90 – HOW DID WE GET HERE FROM THERE?

Over to you… Ralph Tucker receives the cup from Kingscott treble… Chairman Ray on the Twickenham RFU President turf with son Dave and grandson Robert turnover ball, the willingness to take punishment and the sheer full-on effort apparent from every player in every game. Speaking to Jon Steckbeck, I refrained from asking the daft reporter’s question – “How did you feel?” – he obviously felt moderately cheerful. All the scores were vital, of course, but a smoothly-taken drop goal for our last points, which provided just enough leeway to resist Blaydon’s charge, was a bit special. He was rewarded with the captaincy in our early League 3 (South) years from 2001-2003. The club achieved an unusual cup double within days of the Twickenham triumph – the under 17s beat Cleve to win the County Cup.

U17 County Cup winners 2001… back row, from left, Michael Scudamore, Mark Peacey (assistant coach), Mark Brookes, Jordan Haines, Duncan Henderson, Chris Johnson, Pat Cooper, Andy Macdonald, Joe Beal, Mat Berry, Rhys Burton, Nick Fitrzyk, Stuart Mole, Dave Billingham (coach), Middle row, from left, John Alder, Ali Holmes, Rich White, Tom Willgoss, Mike De Mel, Yazdi Batki, Henry Scott-Simmonds. Front row, from left, Paul Morris (coach), Oscar Greensted, Phil Jackson, Matt Dean, David Johns (captain), Chris Dean, Jamie Stewart, Paul Dean, John Jeffreys

– 91 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Then it was back to league business. After all the recent excitement, it seemed a little low key but we still needed to beat Barnstaple away, and with the league’s leading scorer in their ranks it was not cut and dried. Indeed, it was tough, but we prevailed 30-24 and then the curious business of the missing fixtures began. Cinderford had also won their last game and it was now up to the league to rule on the unfulfilled fixtures of Gloucester Old Boys and Torquay. Gloucester Old Boys had cried off both their games with us, and also once with Cinderford. In all cases, they had cited the lack of a front row. In addition, Torquay had capped a season of petulance in relation to the Pats by refusing to travel to Cheltenham to play the game they had not turned up for on the first Saturday of the season. In the event, the matches and the points were awarded to us and so we went up as champions. Cinderford were not, in fact, left behind as they won the play-off to join us in National League 3 (South). Sadly, Cheltenham passed us going the other way, after a dreadful season, and while we were naturally sorry not to have the opportunity to meet them in the league, we were, of course, delighted to become Cheltenham’s highest-ranked rugby club. In fact, with Cinderford and Lydney also in League 3 (South), we could boast that apart from Gloucester, nobody in the county was higher than us. What a journey it had been! Looking back, it was clearly a combination of circumstances that had led us to this astonishing eminence. Ambition, organisation, luck and, above all, people all played their part. The decade had begun with a feeling that unless we tried to progress, we would inevitably drop back. Paul Morris and Carl Quinn made the first steps. The backroom organisation was hugely improved. Chairmen Quinn, Smith, Newell, Etheridge and Kingscott were wholehearted and supportive. The coaches were fantastic. Experienced and talented players like John Little, Paul Keegan, Dave Harper and Morris himself were reinforced with new recruits to provide all-round strength. We were amazingly lucky to have an outstanding set of younger players whose talent could begin to flower in the company of older and wiser heads and it was really the closeness generated by these lads that drew in the rest to form a thrilling blend of tight-knit brilliance. Those young players of the early part of the decade became the nucleus of experience that would take us into the 21st Century… and old farts like me could hardly wait.

– 92 – CHAPTER SIX

21ST CENTURY RUGBY by Phill Bevins

N THE LAST SECTION, I was more concerned with the overall picture of theI decade and its people – players, coaches and club officials and their role in our success. But a more detailed look at our achievement is called for to record our new status and our period in National League 3 (South). Heaven knows, a mid-table spot in Gloucestershire 3 may be our future if we let arrogance and complacency take over our club, but a proper pride may be taken in our startling ascent and our staying power so far. So, after our “annus mirabilis” 2000–2001 season, we were rubbing shoulders with clubs of illustrious history and prestige like Blackheath and Rosslyn Park, together with long-established senior clubs like Lydney, Clifton and Penzance who would have been beyond our fixture secretary’s wildest dreams only a decade before. How would we do in this company, with the captaincy shared by Ralph Tucker and Jon Steckbeck and with Ray Kingscott as chairman? On the evidence of the first game, with a 19- 15 win over Clifton, not too badly. The score

– 93 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

flattered the Bristol side and tries from Barry Davies and Toby Robinson were well deserved. Next week brought us back to earth, losing 11–30 at Barking’s scenic ground. We didn’t much enjoy being sent there again the following week in the Senior Cup, this time going down 16-36. Everest Road lived up to its “fortress” tag the following week, with Tabard given a 38-24 spanking. Tries from Matthews (2), Bunn, Pollok and Taylor, with Russell Nunn doing the kicking, kept the Barry Davies scoreboard ticking. The Echo photo of this game told the story, picturing Pete Mitchell on the charge with four other Old Pats in close attendance and only one Tabard shirt nearby. Lydney unlocked the fortress door the next week, winning 21-15 and getting the better of our pack. This was followed by a 10-73 thrashing at Penzance, who featured several good old Cornish names such as Saumi, Olonga and Waqanivere, together with the less exotic but rather good international lock Martin Haag. Amazingly, our pack more than held its own in the tight, but brilliance in the home backs undid us. Another strong Cornish side, Launceston, beat us 34-22 at home the following week. A 23-15 away win at Old Colfeians in London got us back on track and Camberley were our next home victims with a narrow 28-25 win. However, Cinderford got the better of us 3-13 at Dockham Road the following week. We made up for this at home to respected Cornish side Redruth who were dispatched 59-35 in a (cliché alert!) “feast of running rugby” according to the Echo. Centre Billy Burley got a hat trick. Then we went to Clifton and achieved our first National League double, two Will Morgan tries taking us to an 18-15 victory. An outstanding performance at home saw us put five tries past North Walsham in a 38-12 rout, but a pre-Christmas visit to “The Club” – Blackheath, the oldest open rugby club in the world – did not go so well. Santa sent us home empty handed with a 14-46 walloping. After the Christmas/New Year break, we went to Hellfire Corner in Redruth, where up to this day they still talk about Scott Pollok’s injury time conversion attempt which all (including us) thought had drifted wide. The touch judges disagreed, put up their flags, and gave us a 29-28 win for another league double. Then we had a surprisingly one-sided canter at home to Cinderford, where total forward dominance from Mitchell, Raymond and Dawson gave the backs plenty of time and space to put six tries past the Foresters in a 34-5 Scott Pollok win. Penzance were next, this time at home, and whilst losing 20-26, we gave a terrific account of ourselves, with two pushover tries from Will Morgan behind a dominant pack and another forwards’ try from Chris Raymond. It wasn’t quite enough to defeat the professional Pirates, but they were shaken by our performance. County Cup defeat by Lydney, 14-16 was next, but we turned the tables the week after in the league, beating them 15-11 in an icy blizzard down at Regentsholme. Tries from

– 94 – 21ST CENTURY RUGBY

Pollok and Chris Penhale, with the other points from Russell Nunn’s boot, warmed us up very satisfactorily. Old Colfeians at home were next, and another dominant performance saw us run in tries galore in a 51-31 win. However, then Pats lost a little unluckily at Tabard, going down 13-22. At home to Barking, the Pats sprang a fortieth birthday surprise on coach Paul Morris, forcing him on to the pitch for the first 20 minutes or so. While Mark Bartlett had been first to join the “played Chris Penhale in every league” club, Morris’s unexpected turn gave him the distinction of “first to score in every league” as he slotted a penalty goal. The final score of 28-12 reflected Old Pats’ superiority in an ill- tempered game It’s worth a pause here to reflect on Paul Morris’s quite outstanding contribution to Old Patesians rugby. As player, captain and coach, surely nobody did more over a longer period to keep the Pats driving forward. His efforts were immense, and despite a subsequent parting, I’m positive his blood is still magenta, navy and white. Paul Morris We fell swiftly to earth at Launceston, succumbing 3-54 to the All Blacks (Cornish version). More disappointingly, we then went down 15-45 at Westcombe Park, not posing much threat to the Kentish men. Consolation came at home the week after, beating Blackheath 23-21 in a pulsating encounter to keep us in touch with the league leaders. However, our hopes of finishing a fantastic fourth were dashed by North Walsham, who won a close final game 37-21 to leave us in fifth place at the end of a magnificent first season of national league rugby. We had certainly made a good impression and we rounded off the season with a comfortable Combination Cup win over Painswick, running in 12 tries in a 74-6 victory, Nunn getting four of them. Season 2002/03 saw Bruce Fenley come in as joint head coach with Chris Raymond. Like Chris, Bruce was another former Old Pats junior, and he too, after captaining an England Schools side featuring one or two fairly useful players like Martin Johnson and Tony Underwood, had gone on to professional rugby at Gloucester and Worcester. Jon Steckbeck continued as skipper. However, our stellar coaching duo couldn’t keep us from losing our first game of the season to Havant, but turned things around in Bruce Fenley our first home game against Basingstoke, a 34-13 scoreline fairly reflecting play. Our coaches didn’t quite set the example they would have wished, both being yellow carded. A one-point loss (26-27) at Tabard was disappointing and then with the fixture computer obviously getting stuck in allotting first round Senior Cup ties, we were drawn again at Barking and duly lost 24-15.

– 95 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Away form returned at Westcombe Park with a very welcome 35-7 win featuring stylish centre Ed Crampton, who had joined us from Stroud, and tries from Newcombe, Nunn, Parker, Pollok and Parry. This was followed by a 34-10 win over Old Colfeians and the corner seemed to have been well and truly turned, with an emphatic 37-12 away win at Redruth to take us to third in the table. Barking were our next visitors and despite not having won a league game, they nearly repeated their cup victory, only going down 0-10 in a Ed Crampton close game. Camberley away was much easier, with a 40-5 victory, our fifth in succession, taking us to giddy heights of second in the table. Then came one of those weekends where the incredible strength and spirit of the Old Pats squad was tested to its utmost. Saturday’s league encounter against Redruth resulted in a one point win (16-15) when Russell Nunn kicked a very late penalty to bring us home, and Sunday’s County Cup tie against Lydney, with almost a completely different starting XV, was once again decided by a very late penalty, this time from Rob Nock, to bring an identical 16-15 final score. We could hardly have had a tougher examination and we passed both papers. Perhaps it was sheer exhaustion, but our seven-match winning streak came to an end the next game, away to Old Colfeians 14-18. We were back to form at home to Westcombe Park, strolling to a 46-5 win in a storming display. Yet another one point margin, this time 29-28 away to Tabard kept us flying high, but a seriously lacklustre display at Basingstoke, where we finished a distant second 8-49, reminded us that we didn’t have a divine right to win. At home to Havant the following week, we managed – just – to avenge our first match defeat, edging home 23-14, but a scratchy December finished on a low note with a deserved 3-24 loss at Lydney. After Christmas, we visited Rosslyn Park, where the clubhouse walls are lined with pictures of past internationals, Andy Ripley prominent among them. A warm welcome from club officials was not repeated on the pitch, where we were put in our place 49-13 by the table toppers. We weren’t disgraced, but there was a clear distinction in class. A consecutive trip to an illustrious London club, this time Blackheath, was much closer, with the pack achieving parity. The Club’s superior backs brought them a 27-15 victory. While these losses might have been expected, our dismal run continued, losing 27-41 at home to Weston-super-Mare, throwing away a 27-10 half time lead and allowing Weston to score 31 unanswered points in the second period. More misery followed as we lost 3-31 at North Walsham. December and January had brought us just three wins out of 10. An end to this run was essential, and a home game against winless Camberley seemed just what was needed. Even here, a hesitant first half saw us fall behind, but better things came in the second half and Pats drew away from a petulant and ill-disciplined side to win 60-14. This was another League/County Cup weekend and we beat Brockworth 35-0 on Sunday.

– 96 – 21ST CENTURY RUGBY

County Cup finalists… back row, from left, Paul Morris (coach), Pat Poulton (manager), Pete Mitchell, Greg Newcombe, Ben Matthews, John Parker, Chris Penhale, Chris Raymond, James Stickland, Rob Keir, Scott Miller, Pat Burford, Ray Kingscott (chairman), Taff Powell (president), Marcus Twyning. Front row, from left, Mark Peacey, Bruce Fenley, Teddy Saunders, Will Morgan, Ed Crampton, Ben Parker, Jon Steckbeck (captain), Dave Parry, Barrie Davies, Russell Nunn, Simon Farley, Neil Ainscow North Walsham were our next callers and, as usual in our encounters with them, home advantage told. Tries from Saunders, a stalwart prop, fly-half Steckbeck and speedy fullback Pollok took us home 22-8. Home form once again dictated the result as we departed winless from Barking, on the wrong end of a close 8-13 scoreline. A hard fought semi-final win (24-13) the week after set us up for our second County Cup final, this time against Stroud. Our second visit to Kingsholm saw us go into the match as hot favourites against a side two leagues below us… but a fiery, hungry and committed Stroud gained an easier victory against an out-of-sorts Old Pats than the 18-19 score suggests. The cup final was sandwiched by much more cheering games, first against Blackheath at home. This was a peculiar encounter, with The Club mainly engaged in giving us a sound thrashing, leading 32-8 but imploding spectacularly in the second half and allowing us to score 28 unanswered points to lead 36-32 with 10 minutes left. Normal service was then resumed, with Blackheath pressing constantly but kept out by heroic tackling, until injury time, when left wing Abban, who had already scored twice, was left with acres of space to canter over the line for a match-winning try. His triumphant Chris Ashton style showboat dive, however, only led to him spilling the ball and the Pats were left laughing and victorious. No such luck was needed against our next distinguished London visitors. Rosslyn Park, needing just one point to win the league, were given a lesson in commitment and skill from a very young Pats side who came out on top 39-14 to give all the club’s old farts, enjoying the annual Golesworthy Day, a truly memorable outing which no-one would have appreciated more than Ian himself. A narrow last game loss to Lydney (25-28) left us, once again, in fifth spot. We felt we had perhaps not had quite the reward our effort, skill and spirit had deserved, but we had certainly achieved some amazing victories and clearly were well worth our status as the town’s leading club.

– 97 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Under 19s Cup-winning team… from left, Duncan Henderson, Chris Dean, Tom Willgoss, Alex Godfrey, Alistair Holmes, Chris Johnson, Jordan Haines, Andy Macdonald, Mat Berry, Oscar Greensted, Mike DeMel, Mark Brooks, Mike Howells, Mark Peacey (manager), Paul Morris (coach). Front row, from left, Dan Peacey (assistant manager), Dewi Scourfield, Phil Jackson, Rhys Burton, Ryan O’Kelly, Matt Dean, Dave Johns (captain), Paul Scott, Marcus Twinning, Richard White, Matt Teague This was demonstrated to great effect in a season ending Combination Cup final win over Cheltenham, a comfortable 27-7 result, and to show the class of our younger players, a stylish and very convincing Under 19 County Cup final win 38-7 over St Mary’s Old Boys. Our form was recognised by County selection for lock James Stickland, wing Ben Matthews and centre Ed Crampton. Unfortunately, they failed to overcome Lancashire in the final at Twickenham, but the 18-24 scoreline reflected a close encounter and a welcome opportunity for players at this level to appear at HQ. Between seasons, an organisational revamp left Paul Morris stranded without an acceptable role, and we parted company, rightly or wrongly, with one of the Old Pats’ finest and most effective servants. For many, this was a sad day, even though the changes had been made with the best of motives. For the 2003/04 season, James Stickland was appointed captain and Mark Knight became chairman. The season opened with yet another visit to Barking in the Powergen Cup and an ill- disciplined and, frankly, unacceptable display from the Pats, which saw us receive five yellows and a red, led to a thoroughly deserved 13-24 James Stickland Mark Knight beating. Southend, also from Essex, came to us the next week. We performed rather more like a proper rugby side, but still lost 37-44. A 23-38 defeat at Old Colfeians followed and a third straight league loss 11-27 at home to Tabard left us pointless at the bottom of the table. A 16-8 win at Weston raised hopes, but an 8-50 thumping at home to Blackheath was

– 98 – 21ST CENTURY RUGBY

followed by a loss to bottom club Haywards Heath by a 43-16 margin to leave us downhearted and depressed. Things got no better with yet more losses to North Walsham (27-40), Barking (26-31), Redruth (7-19), although some improvement in performance was evident. At last, a win came against Westcombe Park, who were defeated 35-17 and we followed up by beating Basingstoke 27-10 away. Powerful, promotion chasing Launceston were then too strong for us, winning 24-12, but a sterling performance away at Dings, with two Steckbeck tries, gave us a close 12-8 victory and a welcome Christmas boost. The New Year saw us double Basingstoke 42-21 and four wins out of five had at last pushed us up the table. The run continued with a powerful 22-3 defeat of Westcombe Park in Kent, and a home game against Redruth gave us a fourth win in a row, if only by a slender 13-10. A trip to the picturesque and cosy Barking patch was next, and hopes were not high – we had never won there. However, a tremendous display of forward power and hard tackling from 1 to 15 led to a well-deserved 28-18 win. A sixth successive victory came with a straightforward romp featuring two Darren Moore tries in a 29-6 win at home to Haywards Heath, but the run ended with an emphatic 15-62 loss at Blackheath. A close but unsuccessful game at North Walsham ended in 21-26 defeat. Happier times came again when we did the double 29-12 over Weston and a return to form was emphasised with a 17-15 win over Tabard. An astonishing feat was registered in the next fixture, at home to Darren Moore Old Colfeians. To be fair, the London side were severely weakened, as this was a rearranged game on an otherwise blank league Saturday, and 13 of their regular side were missing. The Pats had an easy ride and the chief beneficiary was speedy winger James O’Brien, who scored a league record-breaking seven tries in a one sided 67-8 victory. Reality returned the next week as Southend, always tough nuts to crack, particularly at their Essex home, gained a somewhat flattering 42-22 win. A high-scoring home game saw us prevail 35-22 over Dings but Launceston overran us in Cornwall, ending up 55-17 winners in the last league game of the season. Our dreadful first three months had cost us many points, but a spirited turnaround from December on gave us seventh place. A Combination Cup Final 25-12 victory over Cheltenham was a cheerful end to the season. Our fourth season in League 3 (South) opened with a visit from Dings. We had confirmed their relegation from this league at the end of last season by beating them 35- 22, but withdrawals and rearrangements in the interim had seen them reinstated. They gained their revenge by outplaying us and ran out comfortable winners 29-6. The next game, while seeing an improvement in form, still resulted in an 11-17 loss to Tabard. The first round of the Powergen Cup brought a welcome 41-30 victory over Havant, despite losing influential lock Ben Wilsdon to a red card. Our first League win came

– 99 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

On target… reliable Russell Nunn

– 100 – 21ST CENTURY RUGBY

courtesy of Weston, who succumbed 16-31. Highly-rated RFU referee Steve Lander was in charge of this one and he awarded us a penalty try when Weston could not legally stop a dynamic driving maul. Two tries from centre Carwyn Thomas and one from his partner Chris Wilkes ensured the win. The second round of the Powergen Cup gave us Launceston, who came to Everest Road and needed extra time to beat us 22-12. A second League win, 14-12 away to Haywards Heath once again featured a penalty try for the Pats resulting from relentless forward power. Defeat at home to Lydney, by 8-23 in a bad-tempered game and horrible weather made for a miserable weekend, but the following Saturday was happier, with League leaders Barking edged out by one point 14-13, again in unpleasant weather. Full back Russell Nunn’s composure under the high ball, his three penalties and a pacey incursion into the line to set up a try for Hector Cobbe, were key factors. This proved to be Barking’s only loss in a promotion season for them. A visit to newly-promoted Hertford the following week saw the Pats lose out 6-21 – inconsistency was a feature all season of the Pats’ form. A disappointing home loss to Southend by 12-17 was next, and Westcombe Park made it three out of three, taking advantage of James Pettigrew’s last quarter yellow card to stretch away 23-8. The sequence was broken against Havant, 12 points from a returning Rob Nock making a big contribution in a tight game won 27-20. However, losses to Redruth (6-22) and North Walsham (a 17-47 spanking) once again raised the relegation spectre. A win in the last game before Christmas was vital, and our trip to Alistair McHarg coached Reading was rewarded with an excellent win. Storming back row tries from Pettigrew and Sean Wiltshire set the tone and despite a sterling effort from Reading, who were always in the game, further tries from Fenley, debutant wing James Spackman and

2004/5 1st XV squad…back row, from left, Mark Peacey, Dave Parry, Scott Miller, James Stickland, Chris Raymond, Gethin Evans, Chris Penhale, Jon Steckbeck, Dave Foxwell, Pete Mitchell, Paul Cashmore, Paul Sargison (coach). Front row, from left, Jon Parker, Sean Wilshere, Greg Herdman, Bruce Fenley, Russell Nunn, David Potter, Matt Norman, James King, Chris Wilkes, Simon Daws

– 101 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Muddy marvels… the 1st XV notch up another Combination Cup victory ever reliable centre Ben Parker saw us home 33-19. New Year 2005 brought a reverse fixture at Redruth, but there was no result reversal – we went down 13-21, although Redruth were a little lucky. A dismal second half against Havant in the next game led to a 10-41 defeat and once again the Pats were staring down the relegation barrel. Pressure was eased slightly with an emphatic 38-8 win over Westcombe Park. Second team skipper Giles Potter, normally a flanker, filled in at hooker and performed heroically, scoring two tries. The win was even more remarkable as prop James King had been red carded fairly early. An unlucky loss 19-20 to a last-minute Southend penalty was our fate in the next game, but we came back from 23-3 down at home to Hertford to earn a 23-23 draw. County Cup duties called the next week, but there was no good news – Coney Hill put us out with a 13-20 defeat. Returning to the league, things got no better in Essex, where leaders Barking won 32-19. The high points for us were a penalty try won by our battling pack and two tries for flanker Simon Daws, one of our outstanding players for several seasons. (He is not to be confused with another rugby-playing Old Pat named Simon Daws, whose excellent beer and cuisine at The Royal Oak in Prestbury win more plaudits than his rugby.) A 22-30 loss at Lydney continued our poor run, but better times came again in March, beginning with a 51-13 demolition of Haywards Heath, with a hat-trick from Number 8 James Pettigrew doing what he does best – sending opponents flying in all directions when he gets up steam. Pettigrew was equally effective in the next game against Weston, claiming two tries in

– 102 – 21ST CENTURY RUGBY

an encouraging team performance in an entertaining game won 44-28. Tabard were our victims the following week, the back row of Daws, Parry and Pettigrew once again deeply influential. Another double added to Pettigrew’s mounting try tally. The Pats’ fine run had finally ensured sufficient points to avoid relegation, which was fortunate, because defeats to Dings (13-33), Reading (21-34) and North Walsham (18- 26) left us only just above the doom positions at the end of a long, hard season. In our four-year tenure, the league seemed to have changed in character, with larger and larger amounts of money finding its way to almost all the clubs we were meeting, bringing in more and more bigger, stronger and faster players for our amateurs to face. Life was getting seriously tough – it seemed that if the trend continued, commitment and an outstanding team ethic might no longer be sufficient at this level. The season did end on a positive note in the Combination Cup, where Stow, despite a spirited performance, were unable to stop us scoring four tries in a tough 27-11 final victory, giving us three consecutive triumphs. With Colin Smith returning for yet another stint as chairman, and James Pettigrew as skipper, our fifth season (2005-06) got off to a very encouraging start when we entertained Rosslyn Park. Their history now held no terrors for us and although we needed two injury- time tries from winger Chris Mellon, whose pace and elusiveness were always a feature in his time with us, we were deserved winners 24-15. However, our next game saw us slip back. We had only very rarely marked “win” in our battles against Southend and they weren’t in the mood to change the script this time. They sent us home 10-30 losers. Opponents closer to home proved no easier and Cinderford, with an injury-time try, pipped us 13-16 at Everest Road. A 12-31 Powergen Cup defeat to London One Canterbury followed. A look at their team sheet showed that money was being heavily spent on imports and indeed they won promotion at the end of the season. Another last-gasp defeat, 12-18 at Westcombe Park, made our season opener seem a long time ago, and this was followed by another loss to South Sea Islanders, this time in Bridgwater shirts, 24-37. Relief came the next game with a nailbiting 23-21 win at Bracknell and we managed to get the better of Dings 13-12 in another edge-of-the-seat (if we had any seats) affair. The recovery didn’t last, with a defeat to Havant 28-42 followed by a fog-bound 14-21 loss at home to Hertford. Lydney made it three in a row, winning 34-10. North Walsham beat us 27-17 and then we got a real thrashing from big spenders Cambridge, rumoured to have a playing budget of £300,000. They put nine tries past us in a 57-12 win. More misery was heaped upon us by Reading in a one sided 3-32 loss. Won three, lost 10 was not good to see in the league table. A 34-8 win at Drybrook in the County Cup was a very little Christmas present and the New Year brought us only a 16-17 loss at home to Southend, who were very happy with their double. At last, our long losing streak came to an end away to Cinderford, where we revenged our previous injury-time loss in appropriate fashion with a Russell Nunn penalty

– 103 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

and a converted try for winger James Copsey, all scored deep in added time. Depression returned immediately, Westcombe Park cantering home 29-0 with embarrassing ease and Bridgwater overturning a half time lead to win 31-20. For the second year running Coney Hill halted our County Cup progress 19-22. It was hard to read, on the same page of the Echo, a report on Old Pats Old Boys (aka Cheltenham North) winning a quarter-final Intermediate Cup match. Long, Pollok, Steckbeck, Bunn and Herdman were prominent. A vital win was gained against Bracknell 27-13, but we were still struggling in the relegation dead zone and things quickly got worse when Dings beat us 25-16. A 23-22 scrambling win over Havant gave us some hope, although Hertford, our next opponents, expertly marshalled by ex-Gloucester and England star Mark Mapletoft, dealt out an 8-29 defeat. The only thing we got from Lydney was a four-try bonus point in a 31-43 loss and things got even gloomier with a narrow 25-33 loss in distant North Walsham. A 13-41 defeat from Cambridge, which was at least closer than our previous contest with them, was still no fun. The last two games of the season were therefore life and death, and the Pats chose life. With an ease belying their previous form, Old Pats dazzled and pounded fellow drop candidates Reading into submission, scoring nine tries, including a hat-trick from No. 8 Chris Patterson, in a bonus point 53-19 victory. The last game took us to Rosslyn Park and once again they proved to be our bunnies as we swept to another bonus point win 34-14. We were safe – just, and a 42-0 deconstruction of Cheltenham in the Combination Cup final was the cherry on the cake. The opening game of season 2006/07 illustrated the changing game very well. We were away to Hertford – a nice welcoming club not so different to us – except for the fact that their players were on £250 a game, in stark contrast to our own players’ rewards of precisely nothing. They could afford two Tongan internationals. While we played well, with forward parity, lots of effort and a close 19-21 result, the fact remained that all we got was one point. Many of us (including me) prefer our own attitude to the game, but it makes

2006 – a rare win…

– 104 – 21ST CENTURY RUGBY

life very tough indeed for the players. Next up were Lydney and they ran out comfortable 44-20 winners. Rosslyn Park then came to Everest Road and once again lost as we scored four tries. I am a little unkind to the visitors as, in fact, they led for much of the match and two of our tries came in the last 10 minutes. A bonus point 29-20 victory was very welcome, but a visit to newly-promoted and big-spending Canterbury resulted in a 10-33 beating and no points. However, we did manage a rare win against so far unbeaten Southend, with ferocious tackling unsettling a much bigger side and a confident performance from the pack. A 23- 15 result even denied the Essex boys a bonus point. A close but unsuccessful game lost 17-22 at Bridgwater did get us a point. Then came a really outstanding game against Clifton. Utter dominance at scrum and lineout gave the backs all the time and space they could wish for, resulting in eight tries, all but one from the backs, with Nunn improving seven of them. A very disappointing game at Chinnor followed. We could and should have beaten them, but aggression and conviction

2006 – Chris Downes ready to rumble seemed lacking and we lost 19-20. Old rivals Cinderford were beaten 29-16 in a first round EDF Energy Trophy game, but they got instant revenge the following week, beating us 22-16 in the league. It would have been much better the other way round. A visit to Dings was made much harder without the injured Pettigrew and Daws and we lost 8-24. The next cup round was an eight-try romp against Worthing 52-3, putting us in the third round for the first time. How nice not to be sent to Barking! League action brought only an 11-22 defeat at home to North Walsham. Despite a more than usually encouraging first couple of months, we were now struggling. It was

– 105 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

close, but no cigar (except for a bonus point) in a 17-18 loss at Westcombe Park. Our reward for a third round national trophy tie was a visit to Regentsholme – thanks a lot – and victory for Lydney 27-10. As usual when you are losing, bad luck denied us a win against Havant, a stray kick gifting them what turned out be a match-winning try in a 21-25 loss, and Rosslyn Park managed a rare and somewhat fortuitous 13-12 win when we visited them. Losing bonuses are better than nothing, but they don’t do much unless you win a few as well. We did achieve this in our next game, at home to Chinnor, scoring four tries to earn the fifth point at 32-10, but a sustained run of good results was much needed. Alas, no such run was forthcoming; indeed it was the other way round, and Chinnor proved to be our last win of the season. The screw was turned successively by Cinderford (17-32), Dings (12-22), North Walsham (5-12), Westcombe Park (17-48), Havant (29- 58), with the final nail in the coffin coming in a 22-39 loss to Hertford. After six years, we were out of National League 3 (South). For six years, we had fulfilled that long ago prediction that one day the Old Patesians would be the best old boys club in the land. Of course, we hadn’t been just the old boys of Cheltenham Grammar School for 50 years or more, but that’s where our roots lie, and roots are as vital as new growth. What new growth it had been, what heights had been reached and what a thrilling achievement. But realities catch up, and the new reality was money. Almost every week for the past two or three years, fifteen bigger, stronger, faster (and paid) men had been trotting out to face our amateurs. As often as not, for much of the time, the Old Pats’ spirit, skill and herculean effort had saved us and brought many victories, but in the end, good big ‘uns prevailed over good little ‘uns too many times to keep us up. I don’t think there was ever any question of this setback being the start of a drop back through the leagues. Because what we had hadn’t been bought, players did not leave as soon as their pay packets were threatened – our men played for nothing at Everest Road because they liked the club, their mates and a standard of rugby which remained very high. More than a few were offered a paying move to other clubs. By and large, most stayed and recruits still came, attracted by our reputation. So we were not going to suffer the fate of other clubs whose money had run out and whose players deserted the sinking ship. Ambition still burned, and players, coaches and officials were all intent on a swift return to higher levels. Disappointingly, our first season back in SW1 did not result in an immediate bounce back. Chris Raymond and Bruce Fenley, having contributed mightily, both as players and coaches, felt the time was right to step down from the coaching side. They were replaced by Chris Fortey and Dave Pointon, a talented duo with fresh ideas and good connections. Michael Angell came in as chairman. An opening 24-24 draw at Oxford Harlequins, featuring Adam Seager’s debut, was followed by a 54-0 hammering of St Ives and a victory at Coney Hill, but our form throughout the season was not quite consistent enough and our top half finish was less than we expected. An interesting encounter was seen in the EDF Energy Cup. Our 2001 Twickenham

– 106 – 21ST CENTURY RUGBY

Kicking for position… Adam Seager

The 2007/08 1st XV squad… back row, from left, Dave Pointon (coach), Michael Angell (chairman), Ollie Smith, Matt Norman, Chris Howell, James Stickland, James Pettigrew (captain), Gethin Evans, Matt Shayle, Adam Seager, Chris Downes, John Smith (team manager). Front row, from left, Zoe Evans (physio), Giles Potter, Ben Spry, James King, Darren Moore, Ben Parker, Matt Hurdle, Ross Bissett, Chris Walton, Joe Pointon

– 107 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Flying high… lineout specialist Ben Wilsden

– 108 – 21ST CENTURY RUGBY

opponents Blaydon, who had subsequently more than matched our league achievements and were now in League 2, came to call and avenged their final defeat by winning a close game 15-6. However, a 33-12 victory over Widden Old Boys in the County Cup Plate Final did provide a happy end-of-season note. The 2008/2009 season again saw Oxford Harlequins as our first opponents, and this time a convincing 44-25 win was recorded. However, once again our form lacked consistency, and apart from the odd highlight like a 28-0 win over Bracknell with a hat- trick of tries from our new very quick and elusive 19-year-old winger Henry Bird, too many dropped points meant another mid-table finish. A completely unprecedented withdrawal from the Combination Cup Final against Cheltenham upset and indeed angered many supporters, who felt that despite real problems in raising a front row, a side could and should have been fielded, no matter what the likely result. It was a humiliating event which, it is hoped, will never be repeated. Our opener in season 2009/10 involved a trip to Coney Hill, now coached by Paul Morris. They did not lack motivation and indeed started faster. However, the Pats held the initial assault and ran out good value 22-13 winners. Adam Seager was our new captain. Unlike the previous couple of seasons, our early success was steadily maintained, with some excellent players such as Barney Pascall, James Baker and Nellie (short for Nelson) Webber adding strength. Indeed, Webber was remarkably versatile, showing few weaknesses at either half back position or later on the wing. He could also kick goals, and was a loss to us when he returned to his native Barnstaple a season or two later. He would add spice to our subsequent encounters with “Barum”. Wins against Weston (48-12), Maidenhead (55-15), Oxford Harlequins (29-14), Cleve (14-3, enlivened by a literally “length of the field” try from Giles Potter) and then a 76-7 tanking over Chippenham with a hat-trick for debut winger James Hayden, kept us unbeaten and sharing top spot with similarly undefeated Taunton, who were said to be spending quite heavily. But then we lost one to fall a little behind, and in December came the crunch, when Taunton came to Everest Road and departed 14-0 victors. It was very close and a titanic struggle, but we had lost vital ground. By Christmas, Taunton had a nine-point advantage and we were 13 ahead of third-placed Oxford Harlequins, so it was pretty much a two- horse race. Taunton kept their lead to season’s end, but our results kept us firmly in the play-off spot, and second place was confirmed with a 22-12 win over Redingensians. The last league game of the season was at Taunton, and although nothing hinged on the result, we did our morale a power of good by ending Taunton’s 42-game unbeaten run with an 8-7 triumph. Pettigrew and Potter stamped their authority in tight and loose play, Seager slotted a penalty and fly-half Mike Wilcox delivered a pin-point crossfield kick for winger Webber to gather and score. Unwavering defence did enough to keep Taunton behind, so we went into the play-off in good heart. By virtue of our slightly inferior playing record, we were the away side in the play-off

– 109 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

and went to Old Albanians in St Albans. There, at London Saracens’ training ground, we found a superb clubhouse and stand overlooking a huge, manicured pitch, a crowd of well over a thousand, a warm and sunny day and a well-paid team. We seemed a little overawed and made some uncharacteristic errors, but in truth there was only ever going to be one result, and it wasn’t an Old Pats’ win. We were stuffed in the tight and lineout, had very little ball until late in the game and were restricted to constant defence in the backs, but nobody shirked and we missed very few tackles. It was quite an achievement to restrict such a talented side to only two tries, and they certainly had to work hard, but it was the London 1 side which won promotion on merit. Might it have been different if they’d had to contend with our slope and the close proximity and verbal advice of us rural Old Pats yokels? Maybe, maybe not. Still, next season would bring the intriguing prospect of our first league contest with Cheltenham, who were champions of South West One East, and a first meeting with Hartpury College, who had had startling and unbroken success since starting in the lowest Gloucester League. Apropos of nothing whatsoever to do with this history, I would like to ask if we count Hartpury as a “real” club. Respecting their remarkable achievements as I do, I suggest that this is not a club in the accepted sense. Be that as it may, no one can deny their quality and exceptional progress. The 2010-2011 fixture computer gave us possibly our tastiest ever opener – at home to Cheltenham. As might be expected, this was a torrid, brutal encounter with a rash of yellow cards marring the game, which was played on a delightful warm and sunny day in front of a large crowd. But having weathered early Cheltenham enthusiasm, the Pats imposed their markedly superior class and drew away for an emphatic 54-20 victory. Chinnor beat us 20-8 in the next game, despite our first half dominance, but another victorious local derby followed, with a 34-0 canter over Coney Hill. A 41-16 win over Exmouth was another early season triumph, and we were obviously going to be, once again, well in the promotion mix. Another outstanding result came with a visit to Hartpury College. Promotion in every season since starting in Gloucester 3 had been won by this vibrant college side, and once again they were sweeping all before them in their latest campaign. Having lost only two league games in their earlier years, they were at last halted by a Pats’ performance of exceptional commitment as good as any in the previous decade. Although outscored three tries to one, and benefiting from uncharacteristically dismal place kicking from the college fly-half, our reckless courage, tackling and sheer spirit saw us squeak in 16-15 with a Craig Ballinger try, converted by Adam Seager, whose brilliant kicking also provided three penalties. Newton Abbot (15-10), Weston (43-35) and revenge against Chinnor (25-10) were other pre-Christmas wins, although a number of matches had to be postponed in this extremely snowy winter. Then, unfortunately, the wheels started to come off. We already had a fairly long injury

– 110 – 21ST CENTURY RUGBY

On the injury list… talismanic No 8 James Pettigrew list, including the talismanic No 8 James Pettigrew and our first game of 2011 saw a weak performance against Coney Hill which ended with a dreadful fractured leg for our flanker Craig Ballinger – recruited this season from, of all clubs, Coney Hill and one of our stand- out performers so far. The 10-10 result was bad for us, but to be deprived of two thirds of a terrific back row was worse. So the second half of the season was stuttering – still manufacturing some wins but losing to the stronger clubs, typified by a 15-56 walloping from Redingensians. Somewhat fortuitous wins over Barnstaple (28-27) and Cleve (29-24) kept us in contention, but now we were relying on high-flying Bournemouth to slip up, and they showed us they weren’t going to oblige by overcoming a superb defensive performance, led by Pettigrew returning after five months out, to beat us 31-17. To underline the point, facing Hartpury with a

– 111 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

shadow of our earlier victorious side, we were swatted away 20-53. To be fair, most clubs at our level would struggle against the Hartpury hybrid of talented students, Gloucester Academy starlets and a couple of Welsh internationals. Once again, instant promotion was their reward. The season ended more happily with a sunny performance matching the weather in trouncing Bridgwater 63-29 and another half century plus against Cheltenham in the last game, particularly Matt Mudway enjoyed by scrum-half Matt Mudway. This was also flanker Giles Potter’s last game for us – he had been a real asset in his time at the Pats and we were very sorry to lose him. Our 99th season, 2011-2012, opened with high hopes from coach Dan Eddie, whose pre-season comments indicated better fitness levels and emphasis on injury prevention. Our squad had been strengthened with the arrival of, among others, Marcus Brown, Danny Davis and George Hughes, and the return of Craig Ballinger from his horrific broken leg the previous season promised much for our back row. James King also returned from injury to bring his accustomed power to the coal face. The injury prevention bit didn’t seem to work – the desperately unlucky Ballinger’s season ended in the very first game with a nasty shoulder injury as we dominated at Newton Abbot but still lost 5-15, failing to put away our chances. Other long-term injuries, particularly to skipper Adam Seager, continued to plague us throughout the season and it was soon apparent that early season hopes of promotion were not realistic. Despite thrashing a weakened Chippenham (54-27) in our second game, our third League game against Redingensians showed just who were the likely promotion contenders – Reds ran out convincing 45-15 winners. An easy home win against Bridgwater and Albion, who had been relegated from League 2 (South), was next, with 10 tries in a 66-30 victory. However, a pattern which seemed to dog the Pats throughout the season was all too evident – a half-hour period of complacency and lack of concentration let Bridgwater, who most spectators agreed were the worst side seen at Everest Road for years, score five tries of their own. Chinnor spanked us 45-25 and then a visit to newly-promoted Old Redcliffians highlighted all our difficulties. Despite being weakened by injuries, we still seemed to be the better side, but a lackadaisical approach and inability to adjust our game to the referee’s requirements saw us go down 29-40. Weston-super-Mare, who had not beaten us for several seasons, came to Everest Road and were delighted to go away 32-15 winners, but this was followed by an away win 31-13 at Oxford Harlequins. Yet again, the Quins’ points were largely down to our errors rather than their efforts. The bonus in this game was the discovery of debutant Leo Fielding’s kicking abilities – an astonishing touchline conversion into the wind being the highlight of an excellent display, and the precursor to many other fine kicking performances during the season. A thrilling home game against Exmouth followed. A storming first half gave us a

– 112 – 21ST CENTURY RUGBY

The 2011/12 1st XV squad… back row, from left, Dan Eddie (coach), John Smith (manager), Bryce White, Stuart Taylor, Nathan Riley, Rob Fidler, James Pettigrew, Henry Tapsell, Matt Dean, James Aherne, Connor Thompson, Chris Downes, Michael Angell (chairman), Dick Tyler (president). Kneeling, from left, Leo Fielding, Rob White, Darren Moore, James Butler, James King, Danny Davis, George Hughes, Ben Walsh, Lotti Molitika

The 2011/13 2nd XV squad… Mark Peacey, Rob Nock, Aaron Ryan, James Tito, Ben Tupper, Gethin Evans, Josh Stevens, Henry Tapsell, Dom Redbourne, Ben Spry, James Englby, Chris Downes. Kneeling, from left, Ben Parker, Tom Amos, Duncan Spurrier, Chris Dean, Darren Moore, James Butler, Joe Ballinger, Jack Petelo, Chris Jones

– 113 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

comfortable 36-5 half-time lead, but a converted try at the beginning of the second half was our last score, as Exmouth fought back and clocked up regular points to leave us relieved with a 43-38 scoreline. A first game away to newly-promoted Amersham and Chiltern was next and they belied their lowly position with an outstanding defensive performance as we scraped home 16-15. The winning sequence continued when Barnstaple visited. Perhaps we were trying to impress the visitors’ scrum half Nelly Webber, who had been a star player for us in his student days in Cheltenham, but this was undoubtedly the Pats’ best show of the season. A belting display from the pack, urged on by scrum-half Darren Moore at his considerable best, gave the backs time and space to demonstrate their skills and the execution was pin sharp. The 35-7 result was no more than we deserved – if only we had been able to play to this level all season! Our visit to table toppers Bournemouth would probably not have yielded a win even on our Barnstaple form, and we still played very well, even without a couple of first choice players. Nevertheless, Bournemouth were the undoubted strongmen this season and were well worth their 41-14 win. We were not aided by three yellow cards. By contrast, our next opponents were bottom-of-the-table Newbury Blues – a salutary tale of what happens when success is bought and the money runs out. After reaching The Championship, this club is now in freefall and will be plying their trade in South West 1 (East) in 2012-2013. Even so, they put in a very spirited first half before fading and finishing on the wrong end of a 47-0 score. A dismal display at Chippenham – not one of the League’s strongest clubs – brought us a 20-41 defeat, and 2012’s first fixture saw Redingensians , chasing a play-off spot, beat us 32-12 in a game ended prematurely by a serious injury to a Reds’ player. Fortunately, the result was allowed to stand and we did not have to suffer again. Bridgwater succumbed to a double, this time much closer at 22-15 and then Chinnor in turn doubled us, sailing home 44-10. The possibility of losing twice to Old Redcliffians was averted, fairly closely at 29-22 and another double went in our favour as we beat Oxford Harlequins 38-15. Exmouth away brought no reward as we lost 17-42 but Amersham and Chiltern drew cold comfort from their first visit to Everest Road as we won convincingly 45-12. A postponed visit to Weston resulted in an uninspiring 13-13 draw, but despite losing a close game 13-15 away at Barnstaple, we were encouraged by an improved display. However, at home to Bournemouth the following week, they demonstrated just why they would finish the season as league champions by outclassing us to run out 48-8 victors. Congratulations to a club we have enjoyed meeting over the seasons and good luck in League 2 (South). The end-of-season rundown was enlivened by our third County Cup final. In a sadly emasculated competition neither finalist had needed to play an eliminator, but no Pats- Cinderford encounter lacks resonance, despite the Forest club’s current league eminence, which enabled them to field a less than full-strength side and still finish deserved but by no means easy winners at 22-13.

– 114 – 21ST CENTURY RUGBY

Our penultimate league game saw Newbury Blues well beaten 39-15 and our last game, a not very friendly home match against Newton Abbot, resulted in a 22-20 victory – as so often over the season a half-hour collective switch-off making the result much closer than it should have been. We finished the season in sixth place and must hope that next term injuries do not affect us quite so much. Opportunities arose for others, and many performed amazingly well. Our younger players will clearly be outstanding assets, but the older and wiser heads were too few in number to provide the necessary framework for the new kids to blossom as they should – the mix was off balance. The 2011/12 second XV deserve a mention too… they won 24 of their 27 matches and scored 157 points in three rounds of the Combination Senior Cup, beating old rivals Cheltenham North in the final. This was the third year in a row that the Pats had secured the Senior Cup. So we enter our centenary year still in good heart and with high hopes for the future. Our players and coaches continue to give their best and to contend with deeper purses. Loyalty and commitment to each other are still part of the Old Pats ethos. Our thriving juniors are a reservoir of hope and talent for the coming years. Let’s hope that it stays that way for another century! Looking back over the 20 years covered in these two essays, I hope I am allowed to make an emphatically personal choice of players who have stuck in my mind and improved my spectating enjoyment. These include (and I emphasise “include”, as the list is not exhaustive): Paul Morris, Paul Keegan, Mark Bartlett, that peerless back row of Cyril Kelly, Mark Stradling and Clive Organ, Jason Hyde, Pete Mitchell, Rich Harvey, Dave Kingscott, Matt Dawson, Will Morgan, Toby Robinson, Dave Taylor, Pat Burford, Scott Miller, Dave Parry, Chris Raymond, Bruce Fenley, Scott Pollok, Russell Nunn, James Stickland, Gethin Evans, Chris Downes, James Pettigrew, Rob Fidler, James King, Adam Seager, Barney Pascall, Nellie Webber. You can make two tremendous teams from this 30, (a bit short in the front row, though) with many more names jostling for inclusion, not least the provider of my own nomination for “magic moment” of the two decades – Jon Steckbeck’s superb Twickenham drop goal! Everyone will have their own choice and I apologise to all I have not mentioned, but it’s just my own list of those that have lodged in my memory.

– 115 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

THE KINGSCOTT CLAN I would also not like to finish without a tribute to the Kingscott family. Every club has at least one long-serving individual “legend”. Old Patesians RFC has not only Oscar Bloodworth early on, Ian Golesworthy later, but also the even more remarkable clan headed by Ray and Di Kingscott. Ray was an inspirational lock forward and first team skipper in the late Sixties/early Seventies, his brother Colin was a solid prop and his offspring Paul and Dave went on to play for us. Dave, in particular, was a steely “enforcer” throughout the Nineties (he was rumoured to be the source of significant profits for bandage and knee support manufacturers) and appeared at lock in the Twickenham final. Di Kingscott, well known for her gentle encouragement and fair mindedness on the touchline, has probably done more catering and back-room support than anybody. Brother-in-law Dick Lewis brought Welsh flair to the centre in his playing days and has subsequently been a major influence in coaching and mentoring our age group players and colts. Many of his charges went on to perform magnificently for the club. Ray’s nephew Chris Raymond features heavily in our tale of achievement, both as player and coach. There are doubtless more Kingscotts awaiting their turn. Ray’s post-playing career saw him become an outstanding committee man and Chairman. The club owes much to the Kingscott family and it was Ray who had the foresight to see that our centenary wouldn’t just happen by itself and got together a committee to set and see through a suitable programme. Sadly, serious illness struck Ray, forcing him to stand down. After a long battle, even his doggedness was not enough. He died in March aged 73, just months from seeing in the Pats’ second century. How fitting that we will from now on celebrate his name and that of his old friend Ian Golesworthy on the same day every year – starting, fittingly, in our 100th season. They were clubmen of the highest quality… and, in the true spirit of the Old Pats, knew how to celebrate that fact.

– 116 – CHAPTER SEVEN

JUNIOR RUGBY AT THE PATS – THE ACADEMY by Neil Spurrier

O MY KNOWLEDGE, there have been four junior sections at the Pats, providing rugbyT for U19 players. The first three both faded away into the annals of history as the volunteers needed to run and coach the age groups diminished. The current incarnation, the Old Patesians Academy, started life in January 2004 to ensure that children, who had enjoyed themselves at Chris Raymond’s Tag Rugby Academy, were not lost either to the game or, more particularly, to the Pats. One Sunday morning that January about 25 children representing three different age groups assembled for the first coaching session. Even by that Easter the number had grown. The highlights of that first half-season were two training games against a selection of Cheltenham College boarders, who were mixed and matched to provide appropriate and safe opposition. That initial link with the College, courtesy of Dick Lewis, continues to this day, albeit as a more formal arrangement. This embryo of what is now the Academy began to develop in its first full season in 2004/05, when two proper squads started to play fixtures at under 12 and under 13 level, although much of the early training was conducted as one group. New players were always welcomed with open arms; the occasional recruit was tempted with the prospect that they could be the first choice (and only!) tight head prop. Neil Spurrier and Dick Lewis took on the under 12 squad, with suitable parents “volunteering” to join the coaching team for their under 13 season. The initial under 13

– 117 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

squad did not gain a regular manager/coach until their under 14 season, when Ryan Farrell, a product of the previous defunct junior section, took charge and secured the future of that squad by starting the process of building a strong link with local schools, especially Bournside. From then on, the number of junior squads expanded each year until the current position was reached. This growth in Academy player numbers was matched by an increase in the number of coaches to meet the demand. There is now a thriving Mini section under the supervision of Chris Raymond, starting with four to five-year-olds and continuing until they are ready to transfer to the first rung of the ladder within the Academy as under nines. Those children who are less confident stay in the mini section and transfer later as under 10s. Thereafter, we run teams at every age group up to Colts with an inclusive, family ethos underpinning the Academy. All players are given equal opportunity and teams are selected with this in mind. The presence of a Colts squad is regarded as vital to our club’s future and is particularly encouraging as many local teams have struggled to field teams at Colts level. The squad is coached by players with recent first team experience such as Rob Nock, Mark Peacey, Darren Moore and Ben Spry. The coaching is deliberately structured to ease the transition into the club’s senior teams so that Colts may be carefully introduced into the club’s senior teams as part of the individual player’s development. In the 2010-11 season, the Colts entered the National Colts Cup for the first time, losing in the fourth round away at Redruth by a single point. This was a memorable day for all the players, who experienced Redruth’s infamous Hellfire Corner and a crowd in excess of 200, as they were challenged to perform outside their comfort zone. The Colts also contested the County Cup Final in the same season, losing to a good Cirencester side. All our other teams acquitted themselves well in the County Cup competitions in the 2010-11 season, with two sides reaching their Plate finals. Additionally, a couple of the younger sides won the Fair Play awards within their age groups, which is an important fit with the Academy’s ethos. The Academy draws players from all over Cheltenham and the local area, including pupils from all the main schools, such as Balcarras, Bournside, Pate’s Grammar, St Edward’s and Cheltenham College and, as our reputation has grown, from Gloucester schools too! Everyone involved with the Academy is particularly grateful for the continued support provided by Cheltenham College. Allowing the Club to use the College pitches and facilities has been a key factor in delivering the benefits of rugby to the local community. This is a two-way relationship, as the club provides both coaching and refereeing expertise to help the College’s own rugby programme. And what of the future? As long as the volunteers are there to run the Academy and the various age squads, then there will be more of the same, both on and off the pitch. That means three things:

– 118 – JUNIOR RUGBY AT THE PATS – THE ACADEMY

• more children and families experiencing and supporting the Old Pats • more players being developed for county squads at their age group • more graduates of the Academy playing regular senior rugby at the Pats, and in particular breaking into our 1st XV. Bryce White, Dan Burrows, Josh Stevens, James Aherne and Leo Fielding should be just the first from the Old Pats Academy to go all the way!

Old Patesians Colts 2011/12… County Cup Runners-up 2001-12

Under 16s 2011/12… back row, from left, Norman Bell, Gethin Evans (coaches), Zach Robb, Andrew Cox, Sam Colbert-Smith, Matt Andrew, Jack Bell, Lee Hathaway, Hugh Howes, Will Safe, Jordon Leonard, Olly Brown, Tom Briscombe, Luke Pearson, David Carrie (coach). Front row: Jamie Leich, Jonny White, Tom Head, George Davis, Elliot Corran, George Carrie (captain), Jamie Delgado-Morgan, Nick Chittock, Isac Derbyshire , Seb Jackson

– 119 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Under 15s 2011/12…left to right: Andy Day (coach), George Britton, Henry Griffin, Alex West, Lorenzo Tiraboschi, Sam Peach, Joel Stevens, Alesandro Tiraboschi, Sam Cook, Jordan Smith, Jack Bryant, James Kingscott, Cameron Greig, Aiden Evans, Piers Harris, Marcus Raymond, Red Blaylock, Harry Schofield, Jack Bamforth, Ben Limbrick, Steven Whitford, Chris Raymond (coach)

Under 14s 2011/12… back row, left to right, Pete Carter, George Jewell, Gregor Moore, Peter Cartlidge, Robert McLaughlin, Henry Davies, Lucas Hair, Bradley Jacques, Alex Price, Ben Wilson, Tom Wellington, Dan Atkins, Sam Rideout, Les Atkins (coach). Middle row: Freddie Clay, Will Powell, Matt Bower, George Cook, Harvey Collins, Benny Ellis, Jacob Hughes, Jamie Ricote. Front row: Paul Beynon (coach), Livvy Beynon (mascot)

– 120 – JUNIOR RUGBY AT THE PATS – THE ACADEMY

Under 13s 2011/12… back row, left to right,Cameron Cox, Paddy Avery, Alex Colwell, Jack Halliwell, Joe Hathaway, Sam Watts, David Ponton(coach), Jamie Hatwell, Ed Dyer, Joel Hutchins, George Heap, Dom Maddocks. Middle row, Joe Harrison, Matt Dowler, Ben White, Harry Cook, Henry Sims, Jordan Pemberton, Tom Dagnell, Charlie Hayhurst-Ding, Matt Witcomb, Elliot Gale. Front row, Laurence Slim, Dan Lakenbrink, Josh Deverson, Nathan Puerta-Terron, Charlie Beard, Jack Bassett, Ben Jones, Joe Nicholson-Turnbull, Peter Kenmir, Hamish Ponton

Under 12s 2011/12… coaches, left to right, Steve Mustoe, Kevin Aherne, Garry and Bruce Fenley. Players, back row, Jake Coyne, Spike Mutteen, Tom Williams, Harry Mattock, Lewis Carter, Roger Mortimore, Jed Robinson-Wall, Joe Park, Josh Pimlott, Ed Harvey, Dominic Biss, Ewan Fenley, Dan Carpenter. Middle row, Mikey Whittemore, Andrew Whitmore, Nat Colonna, Oliver Hazard, Dan Parsons, Jacob Williams, Nick Frewin, Kieran Macey. Front row, Charlie Hazelwood, Sam Mooney, Ben Wellington, Will Fenley, Max Huysinga, Oliver Aherne, Jake Morris, Tom Jones, Sam Cook, Will Mustoe, Billy Teasdale, Matt Basnett, Mikey Land, Charlie Pearce

– 121 – THE OLD PATS 1912/13 – 2012/13

Under 11s 2011/12… back row, left to right, Elliott Ackroyd, Hugo Carroll, Sam Scrivens, Oliver Parmar, Bailey Clemmens, Joe Lindsay, Will Sanderson, Ethan Long, Ethan Wright, Benedict Young, Elliott Robson, Jonah Leftley, Ben Fidler, James Dickson, Tom Creed. Front row, Oliver Haddrell, Harry Trotman, Stan Cape, Alex Line, Caleb Trotman, Sam Clifford, Harrison Hall, Oscar Newcombe, Louis Vintcent, Elliott Dobson

Under 10s 2011/12… back row, left to right, coaches Simon Daws, Stuart Bird, Mark Evans, Chris Woodward, James Luxton, Stuart Calvert, Paul Jones, Andy Hamilton. Standing, Edward Harvey, Jack Hamilton, George Warley, Louis MacDonald, Jacob Paulus, Josh Long, Matthew Luxton, Josh Brooks, Felix McDermot-Krasker, Barnaby Wilderspin, Henry Harvey. Seated, Ben McKinstry, Fraser Watt, Nathan Williams, Sam DeBurg-Thomas, Daniel Marshall, Miles Calvert, Johnny Daws, Nils Pihilp-Sorensem, Tom Bird, Amal Patel, Dominik Galea, Will Evans. Sitting, Tom French, Harrison Farnworth, Mario Dalby, Ben Woodward, Ben Friel, Warren Jones, Sam Freeland, Henry Phelps, Oliver Mitchell

– 122 – JUNIOR RUGBY AT THE PATS – THE ACADEMY

Under 9s 2011/12… back row, left to right, Archie Andrews, Harry Hope, Alex Edwards, Gus Bygrave, Will Evans, Harry Houlston. Third row, Zac Vincent, Edward Gardener, Lorcan Mooney, Joe Efthymiou, Jack Park, Max Herbert, Guy Mitchell, Guy LeRoux, Jack Shepherd, Phin Hansen, Evie Raymond. Second row, Luca Gray, Eliot Carter, Matteo Dunkley, Benjamin Limbrick, Jamie Parmar, Joel Birchmore, Ann Other, Edward Tidman, Laurie Ewles, Angus Hall, Sam Sealey, George Davis, Jack Wilkins. Front row, George Clark, Tobias Wheeler, Jack Terry, Matvei Sinden, Jack Jamieson, Louis Dessalles, Thomas Bennett, Sam Cox, Jack Webb, Sam Cripps.

– 123 –

Mudway Workman provides marquee hire for functions of almost every size. We offer friendly helpful advice on the best marquee and features for YOU

Contact us by telephone: 01242 680204 fax: 01242 681006 email: [email protected] online: www.mudwayworkman.co.uk post: Manor Farm, Stoke Orchard, Cheltenham GL52 4RY

TREATING YOU BETTER Muscle in on the next century Pats…

Cheltenham Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic 24 Bath Parade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7HN Tel: 01242 239 078 Fax: 01242 239 778 Email: [email protected] Officially voted the best indian restaurant in the cotswolds 2012 Indian Brasserie

With room for 120 covers, the Indian Brasserie provides guests with a chance to enjoy superb-quality Indian cuisine in a thoroughly relaxed atmosphere, at a pace that suits them. With a stylish new refurbishment, the Brasserie is chic and luxurious, complemented by contemporary decor, wooden flooring and leather seating.

The menu offers a wonderfully wide selection of dishes, and the staff are only too delighted to make suggestions should the decision be too much. Jali kebab, the exquisite salmon machli and jhinga til tinka are just some of the starter dishes on offer. The chatga jhinga was recommended as a main being 'a fabulous choice, colourful, aromatic and bursting with authentic flavours'. With an onus on client service, you come to the Indian Brasserie as our guests, not our customers.

146 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7NG (01242) 231350 www.IndianBrasserie.com Follow us:

R.N.Peace and Co. R.N.Peace and Co. 103 High Street R.N.Peace anEsdtaCoblished. on the High Street in Witney for over 60 years. 103 High Street Witney Established on the High Street inOfWiferingtneyFifoner oveQurality 60 yearBeds.Linen • Duvets • Blankets • Towels • Pillows • Wi10Ma3ttresstney High ProtStectreetors OfEsfetaringblishedFineonQuthealityHiBeghdStLirenenet in• •WiHous Dutneyveehotsfo •ldr Blankove Linensr 60ets •year •SpTos.ecialwels •SizePillowsBed linen• Mattress • Tabl Pre Liotnenectors • Table Protector OX28 6HZ OX28Witney 6HZ •OfHousR.feringN.ehoFineldPeQu Linensalityac •BeeSpd ecialLiannen Si•d •zeVi DunylCoBevedTats linenbl. •e BlankCl •otTahsetbls cute •LiTotonenwesizels • •Ta•Pibl Readyllowse ProtMa •ectMadeorttressCurta Prinsotectors 01993 702434 • HousVinyl ehoTabllde Cl Linensoths cut• Sptoecialsize Si•zeMa ReadyBededtoMa linenMedeasure •CurTatabl Curinse Litanenins • andTablNeet Pr Curotecttainsor OX28103 High 6HZStreet Es•• Matabldeishedto Meonasurethe Hi CurghtaStinsreet andin WiNetneyt Curfotarinsove • r 60 years. 01993 702434 • ServingVinyl Ta blGloucesteshiree Cloths cut to andsize Oxfordshire• Ready Ma de MadeCurFrtaieins tond measurely Ser Rollervice, BlindsGr Romaneat Va Blindslue, Huge Ch01Wi993oitneyce 702434 www.witneyblankets.co.uk Of• (FreeMaferingde fittingtoFineMeQu asureandalityFr quotes)ie CurBenddtainsLilynen and Ser •Ne Duvice,tve Curtsta •ins BlankGreatets •VaTowelulse, •HuPillowsge •ChMaoittressce Protectors www.witneyblankets.co.uk • Household Linens • Special Size Be15d% linen off •allTa nonble Li offernen •goTaodsble Pr withotect thisor advert valid until 30thOX28September 6HZ 2011 15% discount on all non offer goods to holders of the Centenary Book www.witneyblankets.co.uk • Vinyl15Ta%bl offe Cl allotFrhs nonie cutnd offerto lysizego Ser•ods Readyvice, withMade thisGrCureat adverttainsVavalulide, untilHuge 30thChSeoiptceember 2011 until 31 Dec 2013 • Made15%to Me offasure all non Cur offertains andgoodsNet Cur withtains this advert valid until 30th September 2011 01993 702434 Friendly Service, Great Value, Huge Choice www.witneyblankets.co.uk 15% off all non offer goods with this advert valid until 30th September 2011 R.N.Peace and Co. R.10N.3 HighPeacStreete and Co. 103 High Street Established on the High Street in Witney for over 60 years. EstablWiishedtneyon the High Street in Witney for over 60 years. Witney Offering Fine Quality Bed Linen • Duvets • Blankets • Towels • Pillows • Mattress Protectors Offering Fine Quality Bed Linen • Duvets • Blankets • Towels • Pillows • Mattress Protectors • Household Linens • Special Size Bed linen • Table Linen • Table Protector • HousOX28ehold Li6HZnens • Special Size Bed linen • Table Linen • Table Protector OX28 6HZ • Vinyl Table Cloths cut to size • Ready Made Curtains • Vinyl Table Cloths cut to size • Ready Made Curtains 01993 702434 • Made to Measure Curtains and Net Curtains • Ma01de993to Me 702434asure Curtains and Net Curtains Friendly Service, Great Value, Huge Choice www.witneyblankets.co.uk Friendly Service, Great Value, Huge Choice www.witneyblankets.co.uk 15% off all non offer goods with this advert valid until 30th September 2011 15% off all non offer goods with this advert valid until 30th September 2011

LOCAL

Keeping you on the ball with local sport

ONLY WITH YOUR

www.morgan-associates.co.uk Morgan Associates Tel 01242514285-Email [email protected] Cheltenham Exchange, Montpellier Buildings, Rotunda @morganassocs ~ Largest choice ofquality properties in the area ~ ~ or looking for somewhere to let, If you are renting your property Selection ofcompetitively priced landlord services ~ Corporate & Professional Lettings ~ ~ Over 45years letting experience ~ ~ Professional, Honest & Reliable ~ ~ Constantly updated website ~ website updated ~ Constantly look no further... /morganassociates ~ Working together

Crowe Clark Whitehill’s Private Clients team works to build deep and long-lasting relationships with our private clients and aspires to be trusted advisers to them and their families in relation to their financial affairs.

To find out more, please contact Martyn Thomas T: 01242 234421 E: [email protected]

Find out more about us at www.croweclarkwhitehill.co.uk

Defence, Attack, Teamwork Always on your side!

Proud to sponsor Old Patesians RFC

 No hidden costs  Same day response  Direct lawyer contact  First consultation free

Cheltenham Office Tewkesbury Office Pershore Office 9 Imperial Square 27 Church Street 37 High Street Cheltenham Tewkesbury Pershore Gloucestershire Gloucestershire Worcestershire GL50 1QB GL20 5RH WR10 1AH 01242 235250 01684 299633 01386 562000

www.qualitysolicitors.com/tblaw [email protected]

Osman Glass

Found in nature...... Formed by Science Finished by hand

Congratulations Osman Glass would like on your to congratulate the Old Patesians R.F.C on centenary it’s rst 100 years!

28 St. Luke’s Place Cheltenham GL53 7HP Te l 01242 523585 Fax 01242 582454 Tel. 01242 571680 email [email protected] Email. [email protected] online www.moore1868.com We all have our inspirations for wanting a hot tub - relieving aches and pains, entertaining friends and family or catching a quiet moment with our partner at the end of the day - but my hot tub desires can’t be nailed down - I need my hot tub for all these things!

What about you?

To request a brochure or for more information call us on 01242 520337 or email [email protected] quoting ‘Marquis Old Pats’ to receive details of our exclusive special offer.

Unit 1a Leckhampton Industrial Estate | 205 Leckhampton Road Leckhampton | Cheltenham | Gloucestershire | GL53 OAL Phone: 01242 520337 Email: [email protected] Web: www.thespa-klingpoolcompany.co.uk

Spa-Kling 117 x 199mm Advert - March 2012.indd 1 20/03/2012 15:51:41 SURTEC Academy Local Quality Sports The Old Pats’ exclusive playing kit supplier Academy Sports, WINDOWS, in association with SURRIDGE, are delighted to congratulate the club on DOORS & their 100th anniversary. Well done! CONSERVATORIES • open six days a week • conveniently located off Churchill Road, just opposite Naunton Park School 1 Moorend Road • we carry a full range of playing and Leckhampton, Cheltenham training kit, including ancillary equipment Gloucestershire GL53 0EP • all sales benefit the Old Pats directly Tel: 01242 584333 CALL IN AT: Fax: 01242 236292 Unit M, Churchill Industrial Estate, Churchill Road, Cheltenham GL53 7EG tel: 01242 579330 FENSA www.academysports.org.uk Registered Company Roger Ford Congratulations on your centenary Old Pats Surveyors & Planning Consultants Ltd 41 Bath Road • Cheltenham GL53 7HQ

t: 01242 226140 m: 07885 303438 email: [email protected] Henry Hodgkins of The County Partnership Independent personal and corporate financial planner Congratulates the Old Patesians on their centenary For professional guidance on: • retirement planning • investments and estate planning • helping to protect your family The County Partnership, 17 Rodney Road Cheltenham GL50 1HX Contact Henry Hodgkins email: [email protected] tel: 01242 253136 fax: 01242 253025

The County Partnership is the trading name of The County Partnership Ltd. Registered in England – No 6133695 Registered office: 17 Rodney Road, Cheltenham GL50 1HX Directors: Mark Helmke, Henry Hodgkins, Andrew Thatcher Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE OLD PATS

Cheers to a great season ahead Fine food, Ales, Wine & function rooms, Live Footy & Rugger on SkySports & ESPN

THE BROWN JUG BATH RD LECKHAMPTON Cheltenham GL537NB 01242521736 www.brownjug-cheltenham.com Congratulations to the Old Pats on 100 years of continuous rugby Idris Davies Limited, the largest residential landlord in Cheltenham, prides itself on offering a personal, responsive service to our tenants

IDRIS DAVIES LIMITED Cheltenham • Glos Tel: 01242 226026 email: [email protected] online: www.idrisdavies.co.uk

Congratulations to the Old Pats on their first 100 years! AT HOME IN EUROPE

At CMS, we have 2,800 legal and tax advisers in 52 offi ces. We have the most extensive footprint in Europe of any law fi rm. This is one of the reasons clients choose CMS. Other reasons include our cross-border sector and practice expertise and our outstanding reputation in key markets. www.cms-cmck.com Why not visit our showroom or take advantage of our shop at home service?

TONY MUSTOE’S CARPETS A family firm established more than 30 years • carpets, vinlys and laminates • natural floor coverings CONGRATULATIONS TO • seagrass, sisal etc OPRFC • comprehensive supply and fit ON 100 YEARS • uplifting and emovalr of old floor coverings ACCOUNTANCY & TAXATION • insurance quotes for new and existing businesses • very competitive prices Telephone: 01242 244856 • free quotations Email: [email protected]

6 Manor Park Business Centre, tel: 01242 503222 Mackenzie Way, www.tonymustoecarpets.co.uk Cheltenham, Glos GL51 9TX 44 High Street Cheltenham GL50 1EE

PH. FRANCO PAGETTI WWW.FOPE.COM FOLLOW US ON Tel: 01242 522 821 01242 Tel: 19 The Promenade www.martin-and-co.com Cheltenham, Glos, GL50 1LP Glos, Cheltenham, AGCO Finance for flexible, competitive finance packages... Written details on request

Your partner for finance solutions. BOB YEMM 07860 355709 Or call the national sales desk on 02476 851831 or visit www.agcofinance.com Customer Services, AGCO Finance, PO Box 4525, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kennilworth CV8 9AX AGCO Finance is a joint venture between AGCO Corporation and De Lage Landen, a subsidiary of Rabobank

Mainpoint Fire Protection Ltd congratulates the Old Pats on their centenary Customer Services Team Unit 1A AVM Business Centre Lansdown Industrial Estate Gloucester Road Cheltenham, GL51 8PL www.mainpoint.co.uk tel: 01242 584490 fax: 01242 701635 email: [email protected] Philip Pugh and Partners are independent property sales specialists and the town’s only members of the Guild of Professional Estate Agents. The Guild’s London Park Lane office can display their Cheltenham properties at no extra cost to sellers! HAND-PAINTED Philip and his Manager Sacha are both members COTTAGE GARDEN WOODEN of the National Association of Estate Agents. WENDY HOUSES, DESIGNED The team has more than 60 years’ combined experience selling Cheltenham’s residential AND MADE TO ORDER properties and will be very pleased to arrange a Kate East free valuation should you be contemplating a sale, or to be of assistance if you are seeking to 01494 724728 purchase a property. [email protected] Contact us on 01242 261222 cowparsleydesigns.com or visit us at www.philip-pugh.co.uk

FUNERAL DIRECTORS W S Trenhaile Independent family business established 1933 Serving Cheltenham for over 77 years • Pre-paid funeral plans available 24-hour care and personal attention • Home visits welcome 01242 224897 www.wstrenhaile.co.uk Apostle House, 175 London Road, Cheltenham, GL52 6HN MWE FURNISHINGS LTD We are proud to sponsor Old Patesians R.F.C. and wish the club every success in its centenary season

YOUR LOCAL UPHOLSTERERS • Sofas and chairs made to measure • • Footstools • Window seats • • Antique and modern re-upholstery • • Headboards • Loose covers • ~ FREE ESTIMATES ~ Telephone 01242 285685 BUILDING A BUSINESS ON REPUTATION Come and see us at ... 4 ULLENWOOD COURT, ULLENWOOD CHELTENHAM GL53 9QS

p­agescredesign • publishingatıve • new media

Want to score with your audience?

We’re your crowd-pleasing home team for standout design and editorial for all print and digital media

We can tackle anything… (including centenary rugby books!)

www.pagescreative.co.uk l [email protected] l 01242 260046 This book has been a delight to edit. The authors – all amateurs CELEBRATING THE CENTENARY OF THE OLD PATESIANS RFC 1912/13 – 2012/13 like our players – have produced memorable stuff.

Neil Hyde, delving dedicatedly into the very early history, managed to compile enough detail to fill the book himself. He had to be reined back a bit – but I promise one day all his words will be online.

Keith East took us smoothly through the pre and post 1939-45 war periods and into the Sixties. He has included some interesting stats – 20 pints for a pound and a Chinese meal for five shillings in the Fifties!

Hugh Etheridge – a great club servant too modest to talk about his own efforts on field and off – covered 1965-1990, a period of important development for the club. It was at a low ebb in the mid-Sixties but pulled itself out of the mire, regained its earlier status as the best club in Cheltenham and started a league career that promised much.

Phill Bevins chronicles two decades and more of the rise and rise of Old Pats’ rugby, taking us all the way to Twickenham and into the rarified national leagues. We’re now bang up to date… ready for the next 100 years of adventure.

Well done all… and to graphic designer Ged Lennox, a true pro who has designed and produced this book for the equivalent of an honorarium. He could be an Old Pat with that kind of selfless spirit.

John Shaw Old Pats member for 45 years (a sprog compared to some)

£10.00 100Celebrating the centenary of the Old Patesians RFC 1912/13 – 2012/13 “100 years of continuous rugby”