Fugee’s Froback: A Look Back with David Fuge
Season 1959–60 – On and Off the Pitch
The 1959–60 season offers a fascinating snapshot of life at Plymouth Albion, both on and off the field, from matchday performances to the running of the club behind the scenes.
Club and Membership
Players’ membership was set at 7/6d (seven shillings and sixpence), equivalent to 37p today, while under-18s paid 2/6d (13p).
The club leadership for the season was:
- Chairman: George Lowe Wakeham
- Vice-Chairman: Wilf Nash
- Club Captain: Ray Ellis
- Vice-Captain: Eric Hopton
- United XV Captain: Vernon Pinches
Albion had 151 vice-presidents and 18 life members, while a matchday programme cost 3d (1p).
Season Opening
The first match of the season took place on 5 September 1959 against Bridgwater & Albion, a club formed in 1918. The previous season had seen Albion win 21–6 at home and lose 8–0 away. On this occasion, Albion ran out 16–3 winners.
Programme notes thanked supporters for their backing but highlighted disappointing gate numbers, encouraging supporters to bring a friend. They also announced updated clubhouse opening hours:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7pm to 10pm
- Saturdays: 4.30pm to 10pm
On the same day, the United XV defeated Okehampton 49–0, while the Juniors beat Okehampton Colts 51–3.
Early Season Challenges
On 19 September, Albion travelled to Leicester, losing 25–11. The match was made more difficult as Albion played 55 minutes with only 13 players following injuries to scrum-half Brian Hay and prop Roger Smerdon.
On 3 October, Albion hosted Pontypool. With captain Ray Ellis unavailable due to flu, Ray Parsons stepped in. Bill Glastonbury opened the scoring with a penalty and added a drop goal, while Ed Southern and Eddie Hall both scored tries in a 12–6 victory.
Mid-Season Notes
On 24 October, Bath visited Beacon Park for the first time in six seasons, with Albion narrowly losing 10–8. Programme notes also advertised tickets for the Winter Dance at the Glenholt Country Club on 17 November.
By 31 October, Albion had played eight matches, winning four and losing four, with 81 points scored and 73 conceded. A total of 27 players had featured in the 1st XV. Bill Glastonbury led the scoring charts with 35 points, followed by Eddie Hall (15) and Clive Cross (12).
Strong Run of Form
On 21 November, Albion hosted Devonport Services and welcomed Plymouth Lord Mayor Councillor P. N. Washbourne. The programme notes highlighted that over the previous 11 seasons, each club had won 10 matches, with two drawn. Albion secured a 14–11 victory.
On 30 January, Albion defeated Esher 11–6, extending a strong run of form. Recent encounters between the sides had all been closely contested, and this result marked Albion’s eighth consecutive win.
End of the Run and Season Highlights
Albion’s winning streak eventually reached 10 matches before ending in a 3–3 draw with Redruth at Beacon Park on 20 February. Programme notes also announced a screening of the official Rugby Union film “The Lion v The Kiwi”, covering the 1959 British & Irish Tour of New Zealand, to be shown at the clubhouse on 1 March at 8.15pm.
On Wednesday 6 April, Albion defeated R.N.E. College 18–3, equalling their best post-war season with a 22nd victory. In that match, Bill Glastonbury surpassed 100 points for the eighth time, finishing on 106.
End of Season Records
1st XV
Played 39
Won 25
Lost 10
Drawn 4
United XV
Played 34
Won 26
Lost 7
Drawn 1
Juniors XV
Played 30
Won 28
Lost 1
Drawn 1
