Frank Lavis returned to the helm as captain, Barry Rees retired from the playing arena, to take over as coach. Terry Williams led the Wanderers and John Ellis and Tony Weller in charge of the Drifters and Floaters respectfully.
The Devon Cup did not interest the Club for long this season, Kingsbridge being its downfall, at Kingsbridge, by a margin of 7-10; trailing 0-10 at half time. This defeat, however, gave the Club automatic entry to the Havill Plate which was for clubs knocked out in the first round of the Devon Cup. In this competition Salcombe were convincingly disposed of at Salcombe 38-15 Peter Marshall at full back contributing 14 points; in the next round at Cullompton further success 17-3; on to the semi final against Paignton at Paignton success again 16-9 bringing the club to the final against Ilfracombe where they failed by a margin of 6-12 Guy Pessell kicking two penalties to a goal, a drop goal and a penalty. It is perhaps worthy of note that in all their Plate games, the Club was drawn away and received no monetary reward whatsoever for their travels. The season’s results were, once again, a matter for satisfaction W29, L8, 739-319, including the double over Okehampton, South Molton, Services A and Old Heleans, a very tight 7-6 victory over Exeter A and 2 wins and a defeat against Brixham 1st XV and a touch and go 19-21 v Truro 1st XV.
The Wanderers, restored to the bosom of the Plymouth and District Rugby Combination, reached the final of the Lockie Cup 16-6 v OPOs and 16-10 v Launceston A, to crash in the final against Plymouth Albion United in late April 0-27. In most of their matches, they indulged in some heavy scoring on their own account, as witness their final figures W26, L6, D2, 791-252. The Drifters, with John Ellis still enjoying his Indian summer, ran in 538-265 winning 19, losing 10, whilst the Floaters enjoyed an upsurge W17, L10, 521-305. The Colts, a shade disappointing, but still achieving a points surplus W12, L14, D3, 374-291.
In the meantime, Tom Hitchins had proclaimed there should be an extension to the changing accommodation and under his inspiration and drive, work proceeded steadily.
Additional Notes (R.Belli): The 1971-72 was another very successful season but the club missed out on chances to pick up silverware. With Barry Rees now in a coaching role and Frank Lavis back at skipper, The Chiefs beat Salcombe, Cullompton and Paignton on the road before narrowly succumbing to Ilfracombe in The Havill Plate Final in North Devon. The Wanderers lost only 6 of their 34 matches and after re-entering The Plymouth combination fold were pipped by Plymouth Albion United in The Lockie Cup final. On the sevens front, Argaum got to the semi-final stage of the Devon tournament whilst also hosting their own 11-team tournament at the end of the season. Geoff Geary played for the Devon Youth and Colts sides whilst D.Bickham also made the county squad.
