Hooker Wiggy Bennett Captain. In a not particularly successful playing season, the industry of the Hon. Sec. Revealed that Centre Ian Collier collected 99 points (2 tries) Brian Willcocks 8 tries, Nick Hall 7 tries plus a conversion and Tim Rapier 6 tries.
The season’s record 10 wins and 23 defeats, of which perhaps the most evenly contested was a 20-22 defeat versus Honiton – which Timothy Denne dropped three goals, kicked a penalty and converted one of two tries; Argaum replying with 4 tries and 2 conversions. For the Wanderers, captain and stand off Paddy Gillespie collected 98 points – all from the boot, the team winning 15 and losing 11 in 28 games. The Drifters managed 22 fixtures and the Sunday XV 10.
The Colts won 14 and lost 14, Heale picking up 98 points and Evans 68. In the Colts cup competition, they were a little unfortunate to go out to Paignton Colts 6-6, who went through on the Away team basis. As a result of the inauguration by Devon RFU, Argaum had for several seasons appeared in the Devon “B” Merit table , where with remarkable consistency, they managed to finish in 6th or 7th place in a field of 10. A happy re-recruitment was the reappearance of Dave Sharpe, having presumably instilled the elements of successful goal kicking down under. To emphasise the playing strength, the Drifters, in their game against Victoria, sportingly loaned Victoria 4 players, but despite a second half recovery in which Dave Sharpe converted a try and put over a penalty, their generosity was ill rewarded, 9-16.
An interesting fixture had been inaugurated by the Club – Over 30’s v Under 30’s and it is suspected, several of the senior players were happy to appear under the anonymity of “Over 30”. The Over 30’s included Brian Willcocks, Dave Sharpe, Mike Worth, Peter (Ever) Green and Geoff Baskerville to mention a few of those to mention a few of those who continued to serve the Club loyally and successfully. An interesting acquisition for the Drifters against Newport High School Old Boys, was the Chairman of the Selection Committee Bill Hitchins, who subsequently admitted to having last appeared for the Colts against Devon Colts in the 75th anniversary but modestly refrained from claiming a place in the over 30’s side. Incidentally, the Drifters won a pleasant game 14-8.
Sadly, the death of George Wakeham occurred in December. He played for the Club in the 1920s and from there re-formed the OPMs side. He went on to become President of Plymouth Albion, President of the Devon RFU and Divisional England Selector.
Additional Notes (R.Belli): Hooker ‘Wiggy’ Bennett was captain for the 1984-85 season which once again saw three senior sides fielded. The Chiefs managed 10 wins from their 33 outings, Ian Collier top scorer with 99 points. The Devon Cup adventure ended in east Devon at the hands of Honiton and then near-neighbours Sidmouth in The Havill Plate. Final Merit Table position is unknown but certainly was lower than the previous season.
The Wanderers under Paddy Gillespie were defeated in only 11 of their 28 fixtures, the skipper with a haul of 98 points. The Drifters also had a decent return, winning 9 and drawing one of their 22 fixtures. The Sunday XV (now Floaters), not usually as well documented, won 6 and drew 1 of their 10 matches, restricting their opponents to an average if less than 9 points per match.
A tour to London was arranged to coincide with the England v Australia match at Twickenham. Discipline for the seniors seems to have been a problem at some point as no less than 3 players were summoned to the Devon Disciplinary on April 1st.
The colts had an even record winning 14 and losing 14 of their 30 fixtures. Peter Heal was top scorer with 94 points.
Off the field there was a successful It’s a Knockout Club Fete pre-season which raised £450. Social events such as stage and hen dos continued to bring in the income. This was necessary as the club now focused on the electrics, the club pursuing a grant from the City Council. The committee were also mindful of the fact that Plymouth Albion were rumoured to be moving to Roborough.
Charitable causes were to the fore as a Plymouth Combination v South Hams fixture was hosted at Bickleigh Down in March, whilst a 24 hour pool marathon was held in the clubhouse.
At the club dinner Dave England picked up The Captains Trophy, Brian Willcocks Player’s Player, Wiggy Bennett The Effort Award and The Bawden Family received The Clubman Trophy.
