Our History

The Forties and Fifties

When the Second World War came, with Monmouth being a farming community, rugby was able to keep going helped along by serving personnel in the district. When the war ended, and to make things more official once again, a meeting was called in the Punch House.  

Bob Croudace was in attendance; chairman was Frank Morris, one of the 1902 invincibles; David Davey was vice-chairman; secretary, Bill Vincent; Ben Breakwell was appointed captain; the Reverend Owen Jones, a master at the School and the President and Alderman Bernard Partridge.  In the team, at lock forward was Trevor Arnott, who captained Monmouth Cricket Club.  Monmouth continued to play on the Sportsground which had become their ground in 1934.  Gilbert Meredith was instrumental in moving the grandstand from the racecourse on Vauxhall to the Sportsground and it is still there today, to shelter the loyal supporters.

Gilbert Meredith’s son, Eric, went to Beachley camp. Eric returned to captain the Monmouth team after Jim Smith, in 1949/50.  This was the beginning of a long relationship that Eric was to have with the club.  Eric captained the team for two years, whereas his wife’s brother-in-law, Bernard Davies left Monmouth and went on to captain Chepstow.  Fortunately, Bernard saw the light and was to return to Monmouth and proved to be a very popular official and member for decades to follow.

Although Monmouth was a relatively small community and often had difficulty of obtaining players, Eric led a fine side comparable to the 1935/36 side.  The 1935/36 team played 33 games, won 28, drew 4 and losing only 1.  

Players in the 1951/53 sides were E. Hoskin, A.Lamper,  D.Scott, B.Morgan, K.Morgan, T.Meredith, Eric,  G.Gleed,  F.Smith,  J.Preece,  H.Ward, John Wils, D.Jones,  N.Partridge , A.Leddington, L.Hughes, J.Cooke, T.Barter., D.Morgan and J.Lewis.  Len Hughes’  sons Dave and Chris played for Monmouth in the 70’s. John Lewis’ son Neil was to play for the youth and 1^st XV.  Chris Barter played scrum half for the youth and 1^st XV in the 70’s and early 80’s.  Alfie Leddington had the amazing record of playing for Monmouth for 19 years, from 1934 to 1953.  

Others of note during that time were Norman Fryer, who became the English reserve scrum half, and Ian Bowen who played for Cross Keys at scrum half with distinction.  Ian’s father Howard Bowen was a Mayor of Monmouth and the main gates into the Sportsground were dedicated in his honour. There were good sides in the 50’s with players who had first class experience. Tony Bamford and Jim Cotterell had played for Pontypool. Stan Barrett had captained Penarth.

Clubs depend upon organisers.  Norman Partridge took over from Bill Vincent, then Ernie Hoskins and then Ray Bobbett in 1951.  Ray who was a future deputy headteacher, had a long and distinguished connection with the club, becoming Secretary,  Chairman and then President.  Ray was held in high regard (even by those who ended up at the end of his cane!).

1953 was quite a special season; there was a very good Second XV, developed from the Youth side of 1949/50, started by Mervyn Elias and Malcolm, who was to have a long association with the club.

John Wigmore was captain 1957/8 and in 1958 Monmouth won the Lydney Sevens. The team comprised of Roger Atkins, who later went to Newbridge, Peter Chubb, Bobby Morgan, a youthful Richie Wills; John Wigmore (captain) and Ian Bowen.  They successfully entered again the following year, reinforced further by Monmouth boy, Ivor Berry. However, they were not invited again!  Several players went on to have distinguished rugby careers.