The Clubs History

The inaugural meeting of DHSOBRFC took place on Tuesday 17th September 1929 at the Plymouth YMCA. C.F. (Tex) Austin had introduced Rugby at Devonport High School the year before and school leavers formed the nucleus of the Old Boys Rugger Club.

Mr. Austin presided over 12 enthusiasts, four of whom, however, could only play on Wednesdays. Despite this shortfall in numbers it was decided to press ahead with the formation of the Club. Officers elected were: President: Headmaster; Captain: H.G.H. (Bill) Warwick; Vice-Captain: H.P. John; Hon. Secretary: L.H.T. (Les) Warren; Hon. Treasurer: L.E. (Len) Rickard plus G. Rooke and G. Plucknett to complete the Committee. The Old Boys’ Association officially recognised the Rugby Club on July 10th. 1930.

During the ten years preceding the Second World War 82 Old Boys played for the Club and Christmas and Easter games regularly catered for any “exiles”. Matches against the School also featured in a progressively stronger fixture list. Opponents included the Royal Marines, Royal Naval Engineering College, Prince of Wales Volunteer Regiment, Royal Naval Hospital, H.M.S. Drake, Salcombe, Kingsbridge and Bere Alston. In later years Old Suttonians, O.P.M.’s and St. Columba were added to the list. The Old Boys, almost invariably out weighted, nevertheless played attractive rugby and repeatedly won the R.N.E.C. Cup, contested on a league basis.

Finances in the early years were helped by Ewart Brimacombe whose Valletort Press printed the fixture cards (and for many years the school magazine) as well as draw books, club stationery, Christmas cards and tickets for the numerous dances which were held at the Britannia, Milehouse and the Mutley Assembly Rooms to raise much needed funds.

Bill Warwick and Les Warren remained in office until 1946 when Gilbert Polkinghorne and Pat Wingett, both loyal players of many years standing, took over as captain and secretary respectively. The Club resumed playing with a nucleus of pre-war players including Ed Whitaker, Charles Evans and Reg Lyon. These were joined by younger recruits such as Frank Squires, Jeff Lakeman, Maurice Brereton and Tony Curtice and the Club took its place again in junior rugby circles. Through its officers DHSOB were instrumental in the reformation of the Plymouth & District Rugby Combination so that the provision of pitches and referees and the organization of cup competitions were administered effectively. Les Warren was the first post war secretary followed by Pat Wingett who combined it with his duties as Club secretary. Playing results were mixed but healthy recreation was provided for a great number of Old Boys. From time to time guest players appeared in the Club’s colours. One occasion was when the Royal Navy full back Tim Healey helped to defeat Kingsbridge, a result which led to rather too convivial a celebration dinner in a local hotel and a request for the team to leave early.

An association with Plymouth Argaum, through their great stalwart Tom Hitchens, led to DHSOB sharing their pitches at Estover and later Roborough where the Old Boys assisted in the building of the changing rooms. A rather too keenly contested traditional Boxing Day match between the two Clubs brought this arrangement to an end in the late 1960’s when DHSOB reverted to using Council pitches. Dave Ferguson became Club secretary in 1964 after Maurice Brereton and John Southern had held the office. During the next 15 years he worked with three treasurers – Tony Curtice, Alan Fray and Tom Knowles. Fixtures were developed by Dave Bennett and, when Dave moved to Helston, by Geoff Simpson. The Club appeared in four Lockie Cup finals between 1969 and 1980, unfortunately losing them all.