Steve Body was captain, with Fred Rogers as Secretary. There was an early defeat 4-18 at the hands of Plymouth Albion Extras, the Argaum forwards battling well, but generally the Club failed to make the most of its chances.
In the Devon Cup Old Technicians knocked out the Club in the first round at Bickleigh Down 11-11, the visitors going through as the away side, the Old Technicians equalising try coming in the closing moments, Argaum scorers, tries Baskerville and Willcocks plus a Geoff Geary penalty. A 62-0 win over Old Heleans indicated the old boys were but shadows of their former selves, of 14 tries scored but 3 were converted – possibly as well in view of the score.
Predictable defeats by St Austell and Newquay Hornets and then Tavistock administered the “chop” in the Havill Plate, a Tavistock try to Argaum’s penalty. Draws with Kingsbridge 9-9 – coming back from a 0-9 deficit and a high scoring draw with Totnes 20-20, tries Borrowdale (2) and Gamblen plus 2 penalties and a Baskerville conversion. Launceston were given a shock at Bickleigh Down just before Christmas 3-4 and St Austell were beaten in the return 12-6 whilst Newquay Hornets were (almost) held 6-8, but just when results were less depressing, disaster at Launceston ended the season 10-16. Argaum scores; tries Lavis and Willcocks, Eastley a conversion.
The 1st XV record W8, D6, L17, 345-444, and whilst the Wanderers won more than 8 games, their points record was a deplorable 180-501. In the meantime, the Drifters had ceased to operate which threw a great strain on the Wanderers. The season’s press review suggested the Club’s lack of success was due – in part at any rate – to the pressure put on some of the senior players in having to undertake so many administrative duties. Indeed, it was a fact that the three musketeers of the back row, Fred Rogers, Geoff Baskerville and Frank Lavis, held more official posts between them than even Pooh Bah of the Mikado!!
Additional Notes (R.Belli): Steve Body, ex St Lukes, was 1st XV Captain in a challenging season for the club in terms of availability and with several key players occupying committee roles. This meant that the 3rd XV ceased to operate for the first time in over 25 years. To illustrate changing fortunes of local clubs, Old Techs secured a last-minute draw at Bickleigh Down in the Devon Cup and went through as the away team, whilst ever-improving Tavistock knocked The Chiefs out of The Havill Plate. Despite this there were good home performances against the likes of St Austell, Newquay and Launceston. OPMs prevailed against The Wanderers, skippered by Chris Millar. in their Lockie Cup tie. Visiting tourists included Welsh side IPC Plastics and Bath based Oldfield Old Boys. Tony Blonden was now running the Colts, who were occasionally called upon to supplement The Wanderers. After the previous dalliance with purchasing the ground, the AGM notes record that a ‘Peppercorn rent’ had been arranged for 99 years. Tom Hitchins was now Chairman and Bill Farren, player and prominent club member for many years was made Life Member.
