Fugee’s Froback: A Look Back with David Fuge
Season 1950–51
Plymouth Albion v Devonport Services
Saturday 16 December 1950 – Kick-off 3.00pm
In memory of former Albion player Geoff Martin (Geoffrey Harold Martin), who passed away on Monday 20 April, aged 95.
This afternoon we welcomed Devonport Services to Beacon Park. Services were enjoying a fairly successful season, while Albion had not been doing as well as hoped. There was, however, good news for the home side with the return of captain Gerry Robinson, who was back after six weeks out through injury.
Considering the conditions, with players wallowing ankle-deep in mud and slush and the ball extremely slippery, both sides produced a commendable performance. Albion eventually snatched victory in the closing minutes and deservedly won by a goal and a penalty goal to a penalty goal.
Both defences performed admirably given the difficult conditions and the hard work required simply to keep control of the ball. Albion dominated the set scrums thanks to the excellent hooking of Les Semmens, who secured six balls against the head.
The Albion half-backs, Les Williams and Gerry Robinson, combined well, but the Services forwards tackled swiftly and prevented the Albion three-quarters from making much progress, although centres Peter Luffman and Geoff Martin were prominent with several strong runs.
Full-back Toby Irish put in an immense amount of work, while Albion’s pack proved superior overall, with Doug Bowden, Bill Tantrum, and John Gribbell all outstanding.
Both sides kicked an early penalty goal within the opening five minutes, with Irish converting for Albion and Services centre Glastonbury replying in kind. Play then swung from end to end until the closing stages, when Albion’s relentless pressure pinned Services deep in their own half.
In the final minute, Robinson broke through, evaded several tackles, and passed to wing-forward Bill Tantrum, who crossed for the decisive try. Irish added the conversion to secure an 8–3 victory for Albion.
Albion XV
(Number 1 was Full-Back and Number 15 was Wing-Forward/Flanker)
- T. Irish
- R. H. B. Edwards
- G. Martin
- P. Luffman
- N. Parker
- G. Robinson
- L. Williams
- G. Jeffery
- L. Semmens
- A. Richards
- D. Bowden
- J. Gribbell
- W. Tantrum
- L. Gibbs
- D. Riley
