Howell Phillips – several seasons in the 1st XV pack, was captain, Kim Jarvis leading the Wanderers. The arrival at the Club of John Hunt, a scrum half with Albion experience, solved a position that had long created problems, whilst the old firm in the back row of Rogers, Baskerville and Lavis still operated on most occasions.
South Molton were narrowly beaten 6-3 in the opening round of the Devon cup, the Argaum team: Borrowdale, Willcocks, Sharpe, Gamblen, Skerton, Worth, Hunt, Mannell B, Phillips, Crowther, Walker, Rogers, Pascoe and Lavis. Unfortunately, Howell Phillips was injured in this match which side-lined him for some weeks, Peter Gamblen taking over the captaincy. Dartmouth were comfortably disposed of 30-4 in the next round tries by Dave Sharpe, Terry Pascoe, Fred Rogers (2) and Kevin Skerton, with 2 Geoff Baskerville penalties and 2 conversions by full back Geoff Geary.
St Austell inflicted a crushing 0-53 defeat in October, reversed early in December at Bickleigh Down, 16-7, the press remarking that since their defeat by Argaum, St Austell had lost their last four games – thereafter increased to five! The next round saw the defeat of the College of St Mark and St John; scorers Brian Willcocks, Fred Rogers and John Hunt, plus a Geoff Baskerville penalty and a conversion. The report speaks of “the steadying influence of a very experienced back row”. This left the field open for Exeter University in the next round, but unhappily, there is neither a report nor result available, but as there is no further mention of cup rugby for the Club, the conclusion is inevitable!
Defeats at the hands of OPMs, Truro, Launceston (twice), Exmouth (twice) and Newquay Hornets (twice), however, Plymouth Albion Extras were contained 12-10 due largely to John Hunt’s brilliant line kicking, coupled by a Kim Jarvis try, plus 8 points from Geoff Baskerville’s boot to a try and two penalties. The season ended on a saddish note, Newquay Hornets and Launceston between them scoring 85 points.
The colts, under the tutelage of former captain Tony Blonden, excelled themselves, by reaching the final of the Devon Colts Cup, disposing of Plymouth Albion Juniors en route, to face a very experienced Barnstaple Colts side, in their first ever final. In the event, they went down 0-10. “Before probably the largest crowd ever seen at Bickleigh Down, the Plymouth side was subjected to tremendous pressure most of the game, but defended valiantly, particularly through the captain Jerry Woolerton and flanker Mark Hopper. The final quarter saw the home backs come into the game, when at last the pack was able to provide them with some possession, but they were unable to break through.
Additional Notes (R.Belli): Howell Phillips was The Chiefs skipper during 1978-79 which proved to be an eventful season for the club. Peter Green had volunteered to become the club’s coach. Another decent run in The Devon Cup with wins over South Molton, Dartmouth and Marjons before a quarter final defeat at the hands of Exeter University. Aside frm the cup there were many notable victories, particularly at home against the likes of Barnstaple and Torquay’s second strings. The Wanderers, under the leadership of Kim Jarvis were eliminated from the Lockie Cup by Prince Rock. The seniors did claim some silverware however when they won the Alex Dow Plate for Combination Sevens first round losers beating Old Techs in the semi final and Plymouth Polytechnic in the final. There were a number of touring teams at Bickleigh Down during the Easter period, including Betws, Horfield (Bristol), Droitwich and Machen. Pride of place must go the Colts team which reached the final of Howell Phillips was The Chiefs skipper during 1978-79 which proved to be an eventful season for the club. Peter Green had volunteered to become the club’s coach. Another decent run in The Devon Cup with wins over South Molton, Dartmouth and Marjons before a quarter final defeat at the hands of Exeter University. Aside from the cup there were many notable victories, particularly at home against the likes of Barnstaple and Torquay’s second strings. The Wanderers, under the leadership of Kim Jarvis were eliminated from the Lockie Cup by Prince Rock. The seniors did claim some silverware however when they won the Alex Dow Plate for Combination Sevens first round losers beating Old Techs in the semi final and Plymouth Polytechnic in the final. There were a number of touring teams at Bickleigh Down during the Easter period, including Betws, Horfield (Bristol), Droitwich and Machen. Pride of place must go the Colts team, coached by Tony Blonden, which reached the final of The Devon Cup after beating Newton Abbot, Plymouth Albion and Crediton along the way. It set up a final against Barnstaple in front of a large crowd at Bickleigh Down. Skippered by Jerry Woolerton and With the talented Leonard brothers at half back, Argaum’s strength lay in playing an expansive game, but they were unable to break down the physically stronger visting side who hadnt conceded a point all tournament. The final score 0-10. Off the field improvements and repairs were made to the clubhouse and pitchside lighting and Sperry Gyroscope were once again match sponsors. A football team were sharing the facilities and the clubhouse was being utilised on Sunday evenings to bring in additional revenue (most of the cup matches, seniors and colts, were played on a Sunday). An Argaum blazer was recieved from the widow of Reg Gurling who had done much work with the building of the clubhouse. A plan for a Devon Merit Table along the lines of Cornwall’s was proposed by Brixham, and the club were considering. Thanks to the Hon Secretary, Mrs Joyce Thomas, there is a full set of typed committee meeting minutes for the whole season, but curiously there are no final playing records for individual teams. At the AGM Mrs Thomas was elected to become the clubs first lady Chairman, taking over from T.Mabon. The inaugural winner of the Bob Stone Memorial Trophy – Clubman of The Year – was Peter Green.
