Rip Kirby started out as vice captain, but soon moved to Plymouth Albion. John was supported by Stuart Morrow, scrum half Colin Lavers and the mercurial fast breaking Bill Ryan at stand off, Geoff Johnstone, Peter Green, Ian Cooper and Nigel Haddon in the pack supported by several of the previous Colts side, who had now attained their rugby “majority” viz. Frank Lavis, Fred Rogers and Mike Oliver in the pack and outside Dave Martin, a side that gave the fast moving John Ellis a chance to display his attacking talents on the wing.

The team record lived up to John’s example, W30, L8, D2, 444 – 194. The greatest margin of defeat was 12-17 against Plymouth Albion United (10-11 the return) Salcombe – for once – were disposed of 11-6 and 23-6, both at Salcombe; Launceston 14-0 and 8-8. Whilst good wins were recorded over St Brendains Old Boys 3-0, Brixham 1st XV 3-0, touring sides Windsor 11-3 and St Marys Old Boys 17-6 a pointless draw with Tiverton but, “C” Division 6-8.

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It was decided to re-name the adult sides – other than the 1st XV, the A side becoming Plymouth Argaum Wanderers, the Extra A XV the Drifters and with a steady influx of playing members, another (over 18) side was formed rejoicing in the title of the Floaters. The Colts – conservatively – retained their original titles. Roy Friend captained the Wanderers in a highly successful season, winning 26 losing 4, 415-129 and it is briefer to pick out the 4 defeats, Wadebridge Camels 15-17, Devonport Services B 3-10 (22-0 in the return) Plymouth Albion Nomads 3-8 (return 6-5) and Launceston A 6-8 (19-9). Included were wins over tourists Worcester College Oxford 9-3 and Gloucester Civil Service 5-0. The Drifters W16, L9, 338-145 and the Floaters, as with most newly formed sides, won but 5, lost 12 and drew 1, 105 – 201.

The A Colts deprived of most of their stars through antiquity, had the respectable figures of 20W, 6L, 1D, 385-186. With a nail biting finish against Tiverton Colts 16-18 and doubles over Launceston Colts, Sutton Exiles and Devonport High School, only Hayle Colts 3-21 made a dent in the record. The B Colts won 7, lost 9, but managed a points surplus 214 – 178. The Wednesday Barbarians stuttered somewhat W3, L11, D1, 102-221. However, 7 sides – 6 on Saturdays, were fielded on a regular basis.

Tom Hitchins, a non runner himself, had the happy thought of introducing a Club’s captain board, the work of one of the club members Dave Blackney. Of 19 former Club captains known to be living no less than 14 attended the unveiling ceremony, performed by the doyen of them all, Vic Brooks (1925-6). To record the names of the other captains present – many of whom had travelled considerable distances to be present. Bill Westlake 1929-30, Eric Hannah 1936-7, Tony Birnage 1937-9, Leslie Neale 1946-7, Bill Farren 1950-3, Jack Douglas 1953-5, John Frankham 1955-6 and 1957-9, Chris Magner 1956-7, Harold Brickwood 1959-60, John Keating 1960-2, Roy Friend 1962-3, Tony Kirby 1963-4, Ian Cooper 1964-5 and – although at that stage – hardly a past captain John Price 1965-6.

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