Jim Studds Captain, and in the usual opening match against Truro, the visitors were contained 12-18, tries by Anton Phillips and Brian Willcocks, Nick Hall converting both, with Truro clinching the result in the last 5 minutes.
Followed by a run of what can only be described as “disastrous results”, until October, when a hitherto unbeaten Penryn II were comfortably disposed of 29-3, debuts for Argaum by 17 year old Mike England and former Services Scrum Half Harry Nicholson, Nick Hall contributed 17 points. Kingsbridge were beaten at South Ham the following week 13-10 (Nick Hall 7), but Honiton gained a 4-12 victory and Newquay Hornets II – possibly now more appropriate opposition than their seniors, drew 13-13 (Hall 9!). There followed wins over Ivybridge, Totnes and Salcombe and in the mean time, the Press reported Dave Sharpe manipulating his backs in fine style in a Wanderers 7-0 defeat of Plympton.
In the new year, Devon and Cornwall Police were successful at Bickleigh Down 0-21, Honiton were defeated 15-10 and 30 points shared with Saltash. However, March/April saw some heavy defeats. The Wanderers – still without support from the Drifters – ran up a number of large scores, but their true worth was probably judged by results such as Saltash II 13-15, 4-9 against Plymouth Albion United and Bude 4-14. The 1st XV record read W9, D3, L20, 308-512 and the Wanderers – confirming their tendency for big scores – won but 4 more than last, but scored no less than 659-359. The Colts managed 5 wins, 3 draws and 20 losses.
Additional Notes (R.Belli): With Jim Studds as captain and Rip Kirby as coach, the 1982-83 season saw The Chiefs embark on a new venture in Devon Merit Table B. With a 45% playing record they finished exactly mid table in the 11-team league, which was won by Okehampton. Cullompton, only one place higher saw off The Devon Cup hopes with a 19-9 win. Nick Hall was the season’s top scorer with a haul of 137 points.
The Wanderers, under Mike Collier and Ian Ramsay had an enjoyable season, running up 654 points in their 35 fixtures. Dave Beer and Richard Staniland both scored 11 tries, the latter also breaking the century for total points. A Lockie Cup preliminary round win against Plympton was followed by a defeat against St Columba in the first round. Playing numbers were better than in previous seasons.
Sunday rugby, which has been featuring for the last few seasons with little reporting, gets a good mention in the excellent club newspaper, now reverting to ‘The Argus’. A club tour was organised to Brest, no record of any match(es) played. Swansea side Birchgrove were one of the teams entertained at Bickleigh Down.
The colts, under Dave England, coached by Geoff White, again suffered from being a very young side. England, only 17 himself featured early in the season for the 1st XV. 16 year old Geoff Bawden reached the final trial for Devon Colts whilst Steve Mole and Tim Harper both made The Plymouth Schools team.
Off the field the club continued to develop with some extensive renovations, which saw the club fireplace disappear from the scene. The committee were also investigating land behind the clubhouse for pitches, which was being looked into by Angus Colville.
Tom Hitchins made peace with The Plymouth Combination, an organisation with which he’d had a few run-ins, when he was made one of their vice presidents. At the Dinner & Dance, which advertised Bath and England player John Horton as guest speaker, A.Bennett claimed the Captains Trophy, Dave England The Effort Award and Mike Pearce Clubman of The Year.
