The Plymouth Albion family has lost a few good men over the past few weeks and we will be holding a minute’s silence before the game with Cinderford this week in memorial of our teammates.
Dr Brian Gurry
Brian passed away over the Christmas Period. Born on the 28th of February 1939, he was selected as a 15- year- old for Brixham RFC 1st XV, as a Hooker, before going to Barts Hospital to train to become a Doctor. While there he represented Eastern Counties and played for Southend on Sea and Woodford RFC. After qualifying as a doctor, he joined a Practice in Plympton and on September 4th, 1968, played Hooker for Devon Presidents XV, against Albion at Beacon Park. On September 9th, 1968, he played his first game for Albion against Capt. Crawshays XV. He went on to play for Albion up to 1975 and was appointed Vice-Captain. In Season 1972/73. During this Season he was at last selected by Devon RFU.
Peter Treadwell
Peter passed away on the 1st January 2023. Born in Peterborough on the 20 September 1951, his first love of sport was the “round ball game”, and represented England Schools Under 15’s, in season 1964/65. Peter was sought after by various Clubs, such as Arsenal, Leicester, Watford and Peterborough. But all that changed when he attended Deacon’s Grammar School, which was a Rugby Playing School. He either played Full Back or on the Wing, normally left wing. Upon leaving School he went to Loughborough University where he gained a B.Ed. Degree, and while there played in two University Athletic Union Finals , winning both. At this time, he joined Leicester Tigers RFC and gained his first County Cap for Leicestershire. Upon taking up a Teaching Appointment at Kelly College, Tavistock he joined Plymouth Albion in Season 1976/77, first appearing in an Albion Shirt on 18th September 1976 for the Extra’s XV away fixture with Hayle (Albion won 12pts to 3). Then on 25th September 1976, he made his First Team Debut at Beacon Park against Cheltenham, scoring a try in the 30pts to nil victory. Peter went on to play many 1st XV Fixtures including playing in Albion’s famous Centenary Season Devon Cup Final against Exeter at Beacon Park on the 27th of April 1977, Albion winning the cup 10 pts to nil. Peter was Capped by Devon in Season 1978 and was due to play his last game for Albion on 17th January 1979, against Harlequins at the Stoop Memorial Ground in the John Player Cup 1st Round, unfortunately, the Match was Postponed half an hour before kick-off . Peter’s attention turned to Coaching and in March 1979 was Appointed Albion’s Head Coach a Position he held until October 1979.
Peter leaves his wife Jan and their family.
John Souness
John passed away on 17/12/22. He played Flanker in the 1960’s, and later became a V.P
A memorial service will be held at St Dominick Church at 12 PM on Jan 11th and afterwards at Mount Pleasant
Gorden Gosswell
Gordon played in the early 1960’s, and was as a Plymouth Lad. Captain Devonport High School 1st XV, He went to St Luke’s Teacher Training College Exeter, and in the 1957/58 season played for St Luke’s against Albion on 9th October 1957, playing in the Centre, the Match was drawn 11pts each.
He later joined Albion making his 1st XV Debut on 1st October 1958 against Plymouth Combination 1st XV, Albion won 19pts to 3. By the end of the Season, he had established himself as 1st choice Fly-Half , and continued into the early 1960’s.
He passed away on 16/12/22, aged 87.
His funeral is on 10/1/23 at Efford Crematorium at 10.45am.
Brian McGrath
Brian played for the club in the late 50’s and early 60’s.
He passed away on 20/12/22, aged 84.
We offer our deepest condolences to your families and your friends.
