Fugee’s Froback: A Look Back with David Fuge
Season 1949–50
Bedford v Plymouth Albion
Saturday 25 February 1950 – Goldington Road
Albion travelled to face Bedford, a club formed in 1886 through the amalgamation of Bedford Rovers (1876) and Bedford Swifts (1882).
This was the fifth meeting between the two clubs. Their first encounter came at Goldington Road in 1938–39, when Albion lost 9–0. Due to the war, the return fixture in Devon was delayed until 1946–47, when Albion recorded an 8–0 victory. In 1947–48, Bedford won at home 27–7, and in the previous season they defeated Albion 9–0 at Beacon Park.
Season Context
At this stage of the season, Albion had won 15 and drawn 2 of their 26 matches. Among those victories were wins over Leicester, Old Blues, and Guy’s Hospital, with Albion defeating them 5–3, 8–0, and 9–3 respectively.
The side was led by Captain Toby Irish, with Les Semmens as Vice-Captain.
Admission prices for the fixture were:
- Grandstand: 2 shillings and 6 pence (13p)
- Ground: 1 shilling (5p)
- Schoolboys: 6d (3p)
- Programme: 3d (1p)
Match Report
Albion were close to full strength, although right wing Les Turner was unable to travel and was replaced by Dave Riley.
Despite enjoying a fair share of possession from scrums and lineouts, Albion were well beaten, with Bedford scoring three goals and a drop goal to Albion’s single penalty.
The half-backs on both sides—F.M. Fletcher and R.H. Haynes for Bedford, and L. Williams and G. Robinson for Albion—produced attractive rugby, with Haynes in particular showing moments of brilliance.
The forward battle was fiercely contested. Les Semmens (hooker) and Dave Bowden (second row) worked tirelessly in the loose and secured an even share of possession. For Bedford, standout forwards included J. Bance (second row), J. Arnold (prop), and J. R. Mee (hooker).
Bedford opened the scoring when Albion full-back Toby Irish misfielded a kick ahead. Fly-half Haynes dribbled the ball forward, allowing flanker M. Hall to touch down, with Haynes converting.
Irish soon made amends by kicking a long-range penalty. However, Bedford extended their lead when Mee led a forward surge that resulted in Jenkins scoring, with Haynes again adding the conversion.
The second half belonged entirely to Bedford. Haynes added a drop goal, and later Fletcher broke through to set up left wing Ralphs for another try in the corner. Haynes’ conversion initially looked to be drifting wide, but the wind carried it over the crossbar.
Final Score
Bedford 18 – Plymouth Albion 3
Albion XV
T. E. Irish (Captain)
D. Tickell
P. Luffman
I. A. C. McLennan
L. Turner
G. Robinson
L. Williams
L. Gibbs
E. Hodge
A. Woods
R. Honeywill
D. Bowden
G. Jeffery
L. Semmens
A. Richards
