Geoff Baskerville, back row forward, who had been kicking goals for Argaum for some seasons – (and indeed continues to do so, albeit now for the Wanders), became captain, he was a member of a long standing and successful back row of Rogers, Lavis and Baskerville.
The season opened with a good 6-0 win at Truro the team G Gray, B Willcocks, R Dougall, A Blonden, S Leeson, C Muir, C Critten, C Gray, L Marshall, S Body, J Morgan, S Eslick, F Rogers, G Baskerville, C Lewis, followed a pointless draw with Okehampton and wins over Plymouth Combination 12-4, despite losing Ceri Critten in the first half, and Okehampton in the return – 18-4.
South Molton were disposed of in the first round of the Devon Cup and by mid December the club was unbeaten in its last ten games. However, on December 13th they came up against a much improved – and improving – Launceston side, to crash 6-33, after keeping the half time score to 6-11. Crediton – for a change – snuffed out further cup interest to the tune of 0-12, largely due to their ability to kick goals, other results 12-22 against a strong Brixham side and 6-19 (0-0) half time against that other rising Cornish side, Newquay Hornets. Nevertheless the 1st XV record was an encouraging W22, L9, D2, 472-340, but the record of the other sides makes dismal reading.
Additional Notes (R.Belli): Club stalwart Barry Rees left the area due to work and therefore the Seniors were without a recognised coach for much of the 1975-76 season. Despite this, and under the leadership of Geoff Baskerville, the Chiefs had a creditable season with only 9 defeats from their 33 matches. In the Devon Cup, victory over South Molton was followed by a 3rd round exit at the hands of Crediton. Launceston once again prevented The Wanderers from progressing in the Lockie Cup. Colts Steve Barnes, Stephen Canby and Paul Northmore were selected for an England ATC trial in Shrewsbury, with Canby making the full side, the other two travelling reserves. Following on from the succesful tours in the preceding two years, an itinerary was put together for a tour to France, once again taking in a Five Nations match. It appears however that this didn’t come to pass and it was a few years later when a tour to France eventually took place. After a couple of seasons as club secretary, Norman Joyce stood down to pass the role on to Fred Rogers.
