Dave Sharp, a fast moving quick thinking stand off from the teaching profession – as several Argaum stand off’s had been – was captain. John Price in charge of the Wanderers, John Ellis in charge of the Drifters at the same time doubling as fixture secretary.
A season of mixed fortunes for the senior side largely of their own making by their insistence on running and passing irrespective of weather conditions or if in their own 25 or their opponents, the result exciting but frustrating, as witness Tiverton 10-34. The full season’s figures W20, L16, D2, 660-446.
In the Devon Cup they romped home in the first round at Honiton by a margin of 57-3, in the next round at home they avenged the previous years Havill Plate final, by defeating Ilfracombe 18-10 (tries by Gray 2, Critten, Baskerville plus a Marshall conversion) to be drawn away in the next round to Devonport Services where, at the Rectory, the navy side once again put paid to further progress by a Glyn Jones try – the only score – 11 minutes from the end.
In other results, a surprisingly decisive win over Truro 39-9 and a rare double over Exeter Saracens – regarded as a bogey team. On the other side of the coin, Tiverton won the return comfortably and Falmouth and Launceston also gained the double, although the latter won the return by the narrowest of margins 3-4, whilst Welsh touring side Ammanford gained a comfortable win at Bickleigh over Easter.
Once again the Wanderers results showed the benefit of having an experienced player as captain, John Price stamped his own brand of rugby on the side who responded with figures of W29, L4, 927-263, the one surprise, defeat and deservedly so by DHSOB in the Lockie Cup, with a score line of 9-19. The Drifters broke even W13, L13, D1, 473-299, whilst the Floaters who did not fulfil fixtures from March onwards W9, L8, 246-227, and the Colts W15, L14, D1, 559-263. The year saw the announcement of the death of E H (Birdie) Partridge, President for many years after the first world war who almost to his death kept himself informed of the Club’s progress.
Additional Notes (Rich Belli): In 1972-73 The Chiefs, led by Dave Sharp, had a storming start to the season but tailed off in the second half, their expansive style costing them on occasions. Good wins in the first two rounds of the Devon Cup, including revenge over Ilfracombe, saw another meeting with Devonport Services A at The Rectory. The result was even closer than 1969-70 with the home side prevailing by a single try, now worth 4 points. The Wanderers, under John Price, played a similarly adventurous game and it paid off. Only 4 defeats all season for a side that was close to topping 1000 points. The other 3 sides all had even seasons. Peter Broome was selected for Devon Colts against Royal Navy Under 19s at Yoevilton. Chairman David Dobell, ahead of his time, was calling for organised leagues to be established and even produced an unofficial Merit Table of his own. Sadly, Mr WIlliam ‘Monty’ Tregenza, responsible for much of Argaum’s press under the pseudonym ‘Tiger’ over man years, passed away at the end of the season.
