Geoff Baskerville back in command, the record improving to the extent of 14 wins, a draw and 17 defeats, 328-424, the Colts W11, L15, 328-277, and the Wanderers, who had difficulty in raising a full side at times, W7, D1, L12, 206-486. Injuries in the early part of the season had some affect on the record, after Christmas when these problems had pretty well resolved themselves the, 1st XV lost but 3 games in the latter part of the season.
There was a modest run in the Devon Cup 19-6 v South Molton and 9-6 v Plymouth Civil Service, until almost inevitably Devonport Services, only this time 0-34 after a half time score of 0-3. Against the Cornish quartet of Truro, Newquay Hornets, St Austell and Launceston the 1st XV went down once again, although not by catastrophic margins. There was an encouraging 16-9 win over Plymouth Albion Extras (tries Lavis, Rothey and Baskerville plus 2 conversions from his boot), unfortunately the following week the result was reversed 6-24, largely due to the boot of one Paul Zynda’s 18 points, who in the past had worn the Argaum shirt.
Easter tourists Blaina (S Wales) proved 48-0 victims, but Cwmgrach, also from the Principality, were sterner opposition, tries from Mike Borrowdale and Peter Campion to nil providing the difference. Alex Martin of the Colts played for Devon Colts and also scored for the 1st XV in a narrow win over Tavistock. Early in the season injuries side lined Fred Rogers, Ceri Critten, Howell Phillips, Chris Gray, Kim Jarvis and Steve Leeson for several weeks, Peter Green always prepared to put on the shirt for any team that required his services, although he was barred by the Colts – made himself responsible, doubtless in his spare time, if any, for preparing and serving no less than 680 meals to visiting sides.
Additional Notes (R.Belli): With Geoff Baskerville in for his second stint as skipper, The Chiefs performed well and had a fairly even return in the 1977-78 season. A mini Devon Cup run saw wins over South Molton and Civil Service before Devonport Services (once again) finished it at the quarter final stage. The Wanderers under Phil Sprague, occasionally struggled for numbers but progressed in the Lockie Cup first round against St Columba only for Civil Service to avenge the county cup reverse. There were a number of Easter tourists; Blaenau, Cwmgrach, Met Police C Divison and Farnham with all being beaten by the hosts. Mike Borrowdale, in his final season for the club, scored a hat trick against the police team. The seniors won the Plymouth Combination Sevens Preliminary tournament at Beacon Down with wins over Rank radio, Prince Rock, Civil Service, Old Techs and DHSOB. The colts, under captain Clive Collier, were once again called upon to supplement the injury-ravaged senior ranks but still returned a decent set of results. Winger Alex Martin represented the county colts and also scored a try on his 1st XV debut against Tavistock. With club finances stretched in recent seasons, welcome income came from two sponsored matches (Sperry Gyroscope and Ranco Controls). At the AGM, tributes were paid to ex-chairman Bob Stone who had died in a recent motoring accident and The Ladies Committee was wound up having provided sterling service to the club for many years. (Unfortunately no fixture card for this season is available)
