Like all newly formed sides it found the opposition of well established midweek sides, mainly service, somewhat heavy going. The opening game against HMS Lion was a discouraging 0-35, nevertheless with Ken Pooley giving them every encouragement they completed 22 fixtures in their inaugural season, wining but 3, losing 18 and drawing one, 99-347.

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On the Saturday front, experienced prop Roy Friend – who had some seasons earlier saved the day for Salcombe with his try against Argaum – became captain, stand off Tony “Rip” Kirby his deputy. Opening with a win over Plymouth Police, they travelled to Hayle, losing 12-28. Argaum’s 4 tries all being scored by Ricky Marshall, a fast moving elusive wing three quarter whose previous experience had been with the A Colts.

Thereafter followed a series of disasters, 6-30 v Exeter Saracens, Plymouth Albion United 0-36, Kingsbridge 0-18 and St Lukes Exiles 10-11. October 6th v Devonport HSOB, 10-9 brought temporary relief and the remainder of the year showed some improvement but no real consistency. Just before Christmas a big freeze set in resulting in 8 consecutive cancellations. Whether the 1st team were in need of the rest or not must be a matter of speculation, but it is a fact that of the remaining 13 fixtures, 10 were won and 1 drawn. The two defeats, Exeter Saracens 0-8 and C Division 3-9, one double over RNE College II and wins over Salcombe and Services A.

John Richards, stand off and captain of the “A” side, kept them on a pretty even keel, with 12 wins, 13 losses and 2 draws, 260-259. The Extra A had a credit balance in the points column at long last, W11, L10, D1, 197-178, whilst the A Colts had precisely the same figures save points, 182-163. Finally, the “B” Colts progressed to 7 wins and 11 defeats, 177-259.

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One result of the big freeze was extensive damage to the boiler that heated the bath water, but fortunately Tom Hitchins rose to the occasion with a series of pipes and string that would have been a credit to cartoonist Heath Robinson – but it worked. Repairs were eventually effected courtesy of the insurers.

The post The 1962-63 Season first appeared on PLYMOUTH ARGAUM RFC.