It was probably always going to be case of “After The Lord Mayor’s Show” following the busy Centenary Season but events transpired to make 1988-89 one of the most difficult in the club’s history.
In July, Peter Green, after a short illness, died suddenly at the age of 49. It was a shock to all but the committee quickly set about arranging a memorial event fitting for someone who had been at the club almost 30 years, serving the club in numerous capacities. Three memorial matches were arranged for Sunday 20th November with fixtures for an Argaum Select XV, Argaum XV and Argaum Over 30s against a Plymouth District XV, Victoria XV and an Adrian Frost XV respectively. In what was a successful day over £250 was made in aid of The Plymouth Neurological Unit.
Pre-season had started with optimism and attempting to build on the events of the previous term an Armada 400 Sevens Tournament was held with over 20 teams in attendance. The clubhouse was getting good use; as well as hosting OPMs the Plymouth Police fixtures were also being held at Bickleigh Down.
Plans for the season were then in turmoil when the elected Club Captain left the club for a local team in controversial circumstances. Last year’s skipper Brian Willcocks stepped up to the plate in a season where the Chiefs eventually finished 4th from bottom in Devon League 1. However, for organisational reasons linked with events higher up the league structure in the Bristol area, Argaum were to be relegated. The club appealed but were unsuccessful and therefore, going in to the closed season were preparing for life in Devon League 2.
As if to illustrate the off-field distractions The Chiefs entering The Lockie Cup for the first time in many years were knocked out buy OPOs, normally opposition for the second XV. The Wanderers persevered under Tommy Cooper but the club’s playing resources were too stretched to run The Drifters. Argaum were looking for a regular coach but county coach Roy Marles ran some popular training sessions during the season.
On the junior front an Under 15 side was now being run by Roger Arthur and the County Sevens tournament for that age group was held at the club in April. To reflect the change in age group a decision was made to rename the Colts as Juniors for the time being.
Unfortunately there is no record of club awards for this season.
