Our History

The Seventies (part 2)

The seventies were a mixed period for the Monmouth club. In the first half of the decade the senior teams did not enjoy a great deal of success on the field, however, the club enjoyed a vibrant social scene. There was a very active Ladies Committee led by Pat Groves who not only fed the players after matches, but contributed to many social events. Many will remember the roast dinners and the Sunday brunches in the close season. Pat’s contribution was immense and it was sad to hear of her passing in January.  In 1975  the Monmouth club captained by Phil Brunt played hosts to Carbonne and won the match 3 nil. The French contingent stayed in the homes of players and friends.  This was the platform to a long relationship as Monmouth was to be ‘twinned’ with Carbonne. In 1976 a weakened Monmouth played in Carbonne and lost by 30 points. It was a long coach journey and when they arrived they were  lavishly wined by the French. The next day they played Carbonne and were astonished to see a far different group of players who had not wined and dined the previous evening!! Norman Deakin came out of retirement to play. Norman organised the setting up of training lights on Chippy which remained till the present century. 

Looking back to the 1970’s reveals  the remarkable changes  in Welsh Rugby. The 70’s was to see  the flourishing of Youth Rugby and the Monmouth Youth of the 70’s deserve to be mentioned at length.  In 1974/75 Derek Tansill was captain of Monmouth Youth. Sadly,  the Monmouth club does not  field a Youth team in its 150th Anniversary Year. Unfortunately, Monmouth are not unique in this respect. In 1974/75  the Youth played: Newport Saracens, Caldicot, Lydney Colts, Oldfield O.B. (Bath), Merthyr, Dinas Powis, Hereford Colts, Cinderford, Girlings, Abergavenny, Penarth, Pontypool, Glanhowy, Chepstow, Blaenavon Forge Side and Newbridge.   In 1975/76 Chris Barter, a very accomplished scrum half who played for the1st xv for numerous seasons, was captain with Harri Pritchard as Youth Secretary. Added to the full fixture list were Old Illtydians and Rumney.  In 1976 , John Williams was captain.  John, sadly, passed away during the pandemic. John was a gentleman and very fine prop and was held in high regard by his teammates  and opponents. John  was highly regarded at Pontypool, but his first class career was curtailed by a back  injury. Mike Brown was youth secretary. Added to the fixture list were Cwmcarn, Tylerstown, Clifton, Risca, St Albans, Trevethin, Crumlin  and Croesyceiliog. In 1979/80 the youth were captained by Andrew Griffiths with Reg Stafford secretary for a second season. Among the new fixtures were Trinant, Blaenavon, Gwernyfed, Cardiff HSOB, Pontypool Utd and a tour to Cotham Park.  Andrew went on to play for the senior side for many years and continued to contribute to the club as committee man and Chairman after hanging up his boots.1975/76 was a good season for the Youth side. They played 28 games, won 17, lost 9 and drew 2. The best win 12 points to 10, was when they travelled to Barry only to find that they were playing the district team! Dave Fryer was top scorer with 126 points. Nigel Morris amassed 81 points and Chris Barter scored 13 tries. The pinnacle of this season was when the Youth represented the club in the Tiverton  Sevens . The Monmouth team consisted of Dave Fryer, Charlie Herriots, Russell Pritchard, Andy Tansill, Martin Were, Tony Wootton and Nigel Morris. A dropped goal by Russell gave Monmouth a quarter final win against Cleve.  In the semi final, Monmouth came up against a Cardiff Seven which had in its ranks, Terry Holmes and Rob Lakin (both went on to play for Cardiff with distinction with Holmes captaining Wales as well as being a Lion.  Monmouth won 12 to 10. In the  final, Monmouth came up against Bristol who included John Doubleday and Nigel Pomphrey (later both had impressive senior careers)  Monmouth won 25- 10 and Dave Fryer was named Player 0f the Tournament.

To be continued…