The following is an extract from the 100^th Anniversary Programme of Redruth RFC. Printed in 1975.

1. The Club’s Formation

(An article by the late Mr. Henry Grylls, who helped to found the Club)

THE REDRUTH Football Club was started in 1875. It was the first to be formed in West Cornwall, and, I think, with the single exception of Bodmin, in Cornwall. There had been one game played at Penzance, in January, 1874. This was a match got up by Mr. H. W. Hockin, then in practice as a solicitor in Truro, and still living there, and his cousin, the late Mr. Tom Hockin, of Phillack. The former collected his team from in or about Truro, Redruth and Falmouth, and the latter from Penzance and neighbourhood. I was at home from school for the Christmas holidays, and was asked to play to fill a vacancy occurring at the last moment. I remember there were very few spectators, but the game was not the less enjoyed by those who took part in it. Beyond the Captain, Mr. T. Hockin, and, I think Mr. Walter Borlase, of Penzance, I do not remember who was in the western team, but ours included Mr. Henry Hockin (captain), the late Mr. Thurstan Peter, Col. G. H. Chilcott, of Truro, the late Mr. R. N. Rogers, of Falmouth, an Mr. E. W. Wright, son of the then vicar of Stithians. All these helped in the organisation of the game later on, but Redruth started first. Mr. W. M. Willimott and myself were, I believe, mainly responsible for Redruth’s start. Mr. Willimott, who had not long left Marlborough, was at the time at the West Cornwall Bank (now Barclays Bank), and I had left Clifton at Christmas, 1874, and was articled to the late Mr. S. T. G. Downing. We were fresh from our school football experience and anxious to play again. Three or four others had seen football up country,” and one or two of them had played before coming to Cornwall. The bulk of those who joined had done nothing at it, and saw a football for the first time when we purchased the one with which we began. The Redruth Brewery Co., then belonging to Messrs. Strong and Neame allowed us the use, whenever we wanted it, for practice or matches, of the field below Brewery Leats-stone post in the middle and all. It was not an ideal ground, though the path above the field afforded an admirable grandstand. This was frequently packed with an excited crowd, and it occasionally happened that ordinarily sedate and sober individuals, in their enthusiasm, lost their footing on the path and tumbled or jumped to the field below. Sometimes, I believe, differences of opinion on the path resulted in immersion in the Leat, but I cannot swear to this, as I was in the field and had a view only of the front row.

It was not an easy matter to drill a lot of beginners who had had no opportunity of seeing other people play, into a respectable team, but everybody was very keen, and knowing nothing about it themselves, they took as gospel what was told them by those of us who were “professors", and it was not very long before the hang of the thing was grasped and the rules and practice were mastered. Some of us went in for serious training, mainly by runs into the country after working hours. I remember on one occasion a squad of us started for such a run, and in Church Lane met old Mr. Freeman, the postman-I think at that time our only postman. He came back into the town and reported that he had met young Grylls and the football party running like mad in the dark with next to nothing on.

All this was fifty years ago. I can find no records beyond an old photo­graph taken sometime in 1876. If, as is certain, I have forgotten many of those who took part in our first efforts, I must be forgiven. Here are some of the earliest:

J.W. Everett, afterwards Captain of the Club.
J.W. Everett, afterwards Captain of the Club.
R. H. Heath, then organist of the Parish Church.
Thurstan Peter, and Lewis Peter, his elder brother.
Martin Edwards, still with us, and still able to play a good game of a different character and with a somewhat smaller ball.
John Penberthy, afterwards Professor Penberthy, of the Royal Veterinary College.
Taylor, at the time clerk in the Cornish Bank.
H. Meadows, clerk in Mr. Downing’s office.
D. Hall, manager of the Gas Works.
E. Bonds, rate collector for Redruth.
Alfred Williams, boot and shoe dealer in Green Lane.
Christopher Williams, commonly called Kit, who married a Miss Harry.
C. Beringer, son of the jeweller (Beringer & Schwerer).
George Peters, brother of Miss Peters, of Penventon Terrace.
Richard Tregasis, brother of the Misses Tregaskis, of Fore Street.
Alfred Thomas, son of Mr. Thomas, jeweller, of West End.
James Smith, of ,Churchtown.

I believe these were all original members, and there must be many more. Edward Williams, draper; W. K. Wilton, Frank Woolf (the toughest forward I every knew), Pearse, who was tutor to some of the late Mr. Pearse Jenkin’s family at Trewirgie; Henry Michell, a brother of Mr. Richard Michell, of Treleigh Luke Smith, whose sons have done as good service to the Club in their genera­tion as their father in his; Preston, Mr Downing’s managing clerk; Holloway son of Mr. R. H. Holloway, solicitor; Foster Williams, brother of Alfred Williams; Richards, son of Mr. Richards, tailor in Green Lane; and Charles Willoughby, of Churchtown. Frank Hichens, when home from school or hospital for the holidays, joined the Club a little later, and some of your readers will be able to add many more names. Several of those I have named in the above list or earlier have passed away, but some of the older members of the first team, notably Martin Edwards and W. M. Willimott, now living at Illogan, are still going strong. Mr. Willimott moved to Falmouth Bank a year or two after our start, and I was elected Captain, and continued in that office until, I believe, 1882, when I had to give up football under doctor’s orders. I have often thought that the diagnosis must have been at fault. Mr. Everett was then elected and carried on for several years. He was a very capable, if somewhat dramatic, half-back, and afforded a great deal of amusement to the crowd on the bank. I ought to explain that the half-back then was just as important a person as now, but his form and methods were different. The number of the team was 20-16 in the scrimmage, two half-backs and two whole-backs. Afterwards threequarter backs were introduced-the first step in the alteration of the game to its present form. Originally the forwards had the main part of the play. Those in the front rows stood their own height and their business was to overpower their opponents by sheer muscle and weight, keeping the ball in front of them, and hacking it through. The game was in some respects rougher than under modern rules and practice, but we rarely got any more serious damage than serrated shin bones and bruised ankles. It was not then good form to heel the ball out to those behind the scrimmage. The forward play was forward, not backward. The scrimmage broke up, of course-I have known them last ten minutes or a quarter of an hour, and steam rising on a frosty day, as from a huge cauldron of hot water-but you tried to break them on the opposing side, and take the ball through. When a half-back got the ball he ran with it, dodging and shoving off his opponents and sticking to the ball. Whoever, forward or half-back, got going with the ball, stuck to it until he “died.” No tossing it about on the chance of a better man than yourself getting hold of it. The backs’ business, when the ball reached them, which it rarely did on the winning side, was to drop-kick it into touch as far ahead as possible. The punt was not recognised as good play when there was time for the drop, and, I think, it is a pity that the drop-kick, which could be very much more accurate, and carry the ball further, has been relegated to occasional use and the punt substituted. If a player got across his opponents’ line with the ball and was seized by one or more opponents before touching it down, he could be throttled, jumped upon or put to any other torture to make him give it up. This was aptly termed a maul in goal. Marvellous, it seems, looking back, that there was so little display of temper or bad feeling in those days, and I think it says a good deal for the sporting spirit that animated us all, that we very rarely had any serious evidence of anger. We had no referees. The Captains took command, and with rare exceptions, could be depended on to keep order and discipline. The only case I remember of deadlock, in consequence of disagreement between Captains, was in a match here with Bodmin, captained by Bernard Edyvean. He and I could not agree to a touch-down in goal, and the game was blocked for a time, but we ultimately decided it by a reference to those who were somewhat nearer the spot in question than ourselves. Our matches with Bodmin were always the fiercest we played, but we won more than we lost with them.

One word about our finances. We had no rent to pay. Thanks to the generosity and sportsmanship of the partners in the Brewery Co., and our only expenditure, as a club, was for goal posts and the setting them up, the marking of the goal and touch lines, and balls. Members provided their own kit, which, as will be seen from the old photograph to which I have referred before, was various in style, Everybody paid his own expenses, except in some cases, where a player could not manage, perhaps, a railway fare, when it was pro­vided privately, by some other member of the team better able to stand the outlay. So that our balance sheet, if one was ever prepared, would show an expenditure for the year of something well within £5, and this was met by a small subscription, or if this proved insufficient, by extra contributions from two or three who could afford it. There was no gate money. I know that a gate is essential nowadays, worse luck. I am old-fashioned enough to believe that the less the money element has to do with sport, the better. The Game is the game.

There was a Committee, and a Secretary, but they had very little to do, as the Captain arranged things, selected the team, and allotted the places in it. This was all very different from present-day arrangements, and I am not out to make any odious comparisons, but anyhow, we had a successful time, and won a great many more matches than we lost.

I am afraid what I have written about furnishes a very rambling and imperfect account of the start of the Redruth Football Club, but if it stimulates the memories of any of my own contemporaries who may read it, as the writing of it has recalled to me my old games and fellow-players, or if it is of interest to the present generation to compare old methods with new, it will have served some purpose.

2. The Club’s Development (1890-1914)

The preceding article from the pen of our esteemed townsman, the late Mr. Henry Grylls, tells about Rugby as played locally 75 years ago. In this brief account the writer will endeavour to deal with the later history of the Club, with a few remarks concerning the men who helped to build up its reputation. Up to 1888 the honours of the game as far as the County was concerned were shared by Hayle and Redruth. The former, whosecolours were yellow, were a good side for several years, and included T. E. Hocken (the Cambridge Rowing Blue), the brothers Mudge, Eustice and several others who became County players. The closing down of the large engineering works brought to an end Rugby in that town, and left Redruth the premier side of the County. Our most prominent players of that period were Frank Woolf (whose playing career lasted 29 years), A. Suter Grylls (one of the best forwards the County has produced), Walter D. Smith, Tom Smith, Will Rowe, Charlie Pearce (a rare defender) and Willie Blewett. In 1892, J. Longdon, the famous Swansea threequarter, took up a scholastic appointment in the town, and throwing in his lot with Redruth, revolutionised the style of play then in vogue. Previously the intermediate line comprised three men, but Longdon introduced the four threequarter formation, which was invented five years earlier by F. E. Hancock (one of the famous Wiveliscombe brothers), while Captain of the Cardiff club. Longdon was a threequarter of outstanding ability, and his coaching made the Redruth side a formidable combination. He it was who developed Jack Viant, and that player in turn brought out J. H. Thomas (one of the most popular players to don a red jersey). Other notable players of the period were Willie Smith (another product of the famous family of footballers),Jack Hicks (a sound back), Harry Phillips (a robust centre), Trevenan Peters,Harry Carvolth (a speedy wing, who could do the 100 yards in even time without turning a hair) and Nick James. The latter (a big, fast, brainy forward) came into the side when he was 17, and repre­sented his County the same year, and it is safe to say that if the Rugby authorities had shown the same attention to Cornwall at that period that they did ten years later, James and Suter Grylls, too, would have won their International caps. Round about this period the Club possessed a rare good half-back in W, Paull, who had a long partnership with Jack Hodge, and was first choice for County games for over ten years. We werealso well served in threequarters. for in addition to Viant and Thomas, who were the mainstay of the side for nearly ten years, other threequarters of note were Fred Danieil, Fred Tamblyn, Arthur Teague and Sam Hosking (the noted cricketer), while we were splendidly served at back, first by Jack Eathorne and then by his younger brother, Dick. The latter was a great back-one of the best the Club has produced. Indeed, such was his excellent all-round form, that John Jackett did not come into the side until the Redruth man left for South Africa. The year 1899 was a notable one, in as much as it saw the introduction of thefirst team of those incomparable half-backs, A. Thomas and J. Davey. Their brilliant form soon caught the eye of the authorities, and they were drafted into the County side at a very tender age, and kept their places against all-comers until their departure for Africa in 1902. Their fame had preceded them on the Rand, and they soon figured in representative games. The Mines’ team for whom they played became the premier side of the Transvaal, and Davey not only had the great honour of captaining the Transvaal in the Currie Cup Tournament, but was under con­sideration for a place in the Springbok side, chosen for an English tour. His residential qualifications did not stand the test, however, and he was passed over. Returning home in 1907, he captained the Redruth side, played for the County and secured International honours. Thomas was not so fortunate, for after a season in the Transvaal he met with an injury while playing which necessitated his permanent retirement from the game. When Davey resumed his connection with local football, he found that a new star had arisen in Bert Solomon, who was already being talked about as the best centre seen out since Arthur Gould’s time. Little wonder was it that Cornwall secured the County Championship with men of the calibre of Davey, Solomon, Barrie Bennetts, John Jackett and Tommy Wedge in the side. They not only placed Cornwall on the pinnacle of fame, but they also represented their country. In 1904, the team was assisted by W. M. Grylls (son of Mr. Henry Grylls), who was Captain of Haileybury School for some years, and also obtained his colours at Sand­hurst. A big, fast, stylish forward, he was soon in demand by his County, and also obtained his International cap against Ireland. He was prevented from remaining in first-class football for any length of time in consequence of his military duties, and his removal to India brought his football career to a close. The year following Davey’s return to this country saw the introductionto the side of Frank Smith, who for several years was Cornwall’s premier back, and was regarded as a candidate for International honours, which, however, hefailed to obtain. Barney Solomon, the Brothers Rich (Harry, William and Nicholas), Howard Gray and Bernard Smith were also outstanding players. W. Rich, the best of three capable members of that family, was Cornwall’s first choice forward for several seasons and in 1912 represented the South against the North in the International trial matches. The Athletic News, in a summary of the game, predicted that Rich would obtain his cap after another season’s experience, but, alas! before another twelve months came round he met with an accident whilst at work which put him permanently out of the game. There were other notable players who represented Redruth and County for long periods preceding the war, including Tom Lidgey, Tom Roskrow, F. Trevarthen, R. Davey, Chummy Lawry, Fred Daniell, Freethy Oates and Dick Jackett. By R J. PRATER

3. From end of First World War to Golden Jubilee of Club (1919 - 1925)

The history of the Redruth Club during the post-war period did not prove so illustrious as that before that time. For this there were several reasons. The period of war took a big slice out of the playing life of a Rugby footballer, with the result that most of the old playing members of the Club in 1914 had gone into retirement when the war was over. And then the Redruth Club had its share of casualties with the result that some of our most promising youngsters were laid low. Amongst those players who gave their all for their country, one cannot forget James Solomon and Percy Lidgey, two very promising threequarters, and Joe Trethowan, who was developing into a fine scrum worker. All this had its effect on the playing strength of the Club when it was resuscitated in 1919. During the latter part of the war the Rugby flag was kept flying in the town by the East Pool Club, who used the Recreation Ground and fielded a team from the mines. By this means they sustained the interest of the public in the game, and the thanks of the Redruth Rugby Club were due to the East Pool officials, as when the next playing season started their team formed the nucleus upon which the Redruth team was built.

Among the old players who again donned the jersey under the captaincy of Tom Roskrow were S. J. Thomas, Bernard Smith, Harry Ham, W. Beard and Jack Richards. A very enthusiastic band of youngsters joined with the above members and the season 1919-20 brought out some very good players. Amongst the most prominent of these were Fred Pappin, threequarter, and Tommy Harris, forward. The former, however, soon left for America and so did not get a chance to obtain the honours for which he was undoubtedly destined. Tommy Harris, after a very successful time as an amateur, during which he obtained County honours, was eventually lured to the Northern Union by the Rochdale Club. With them he proved a model forward and has done mag­nificently, obtaining his International cap. He is still going strong and bids fair to add more caps to his already long list. Amongst other lads of more than average ability, who were produced during the post war period, were Jim West, a grand forward, who came to the forefront in season 1 920-21, but after a short stay migrated to South Africa, where he is now showing splendid form for the Wanderers Team in the Trans­vaal. Edward Jon. Kistle was another lad who showed great promise as scrum­half, but left the country before his abilities were fully developed. Although all these good players left the Club after rather short playing periods, owing to the great wave of unemployment which swept over Redruth, there were several others who did their best to keep the good name of Redruth to the fore through these years.

Since the war, Redruth have always been able to field a good pack of forwards, but the backs have not been up to the same standard, and it has been an uphill struggle to endeavour to provide open and attractive football. How­ever, it looks as if the efforts of the Club in this direction are to be rewarded, as today we have certainly an exceedingly good back division which always does its best to provide good entertainment with bright bits of clever Rugby.

(Written in 1925 by J. F. Richards)

4. The Club reaches its Zenith (1925-1939)

Following the celebration of the 50th Jubilee of the Club’s formation, the Redruth Club quickly regained its former prestige.

For this there were several reasons.. The local Junior Clubs, Redruth Highway, Lanner and North Country, had supplied some excellent young foot­ballers, notably Harold Curnow, Jack Pappin, Tom Semmens, Wilfred Johns and Percy Rogers, to the Redruth Club, and as these players matured they rendered yeoman and talented service to the Redruth Club. Then, too, Roy Jennings, who had been to Taunton School, where he had learned his Rugby, returned home and he soon showed that he was a player of out-of-the-ordinary ability. Starting to play for Redruth as a wing forward at about eighteen, he soon took over the centre-threequarter position, and for the next fifteen years he was one of the finest and about the best-known player in the West of England. He and Harold Curnow proved themselves most powerful centres, strong in attack and defence.

Redruth were also fortunate in having a young wing, Len Roberts, who, with a good turn of speed and wonderful swerve, soon proved himself one of the finest wings in the West Country. He also represented his County on many occasions and took part in one International Trial. Jack Andrew also proved himself a most capable scrum-half.

About 1925 the local Elementary Schools began to play Rugby and some talented youngsters were produced, many of whom later gained high honours and who, year by year, provided replacements to the Town Club.

Six local boys obtained Schoolboy International honours-Fred Bone, D. Scoble, B. Wood, Frank Roberts, Douglas Roberts and Jack Hick-and of these Fred Bone, andFrank Roberts in particular, have had most distinguished careers. Fred proved himself a most capable scrum-half, who played several seasons for Redruth, represented his County, played for Cornwall and Devon against the New Zealanders, but then went North to join the Halifax Northern Union Club. Frank Roberts played over a dozen times for Cornwall, and is the proud possessor of a Civil Service International Blazer and had the honour of captaining the side.

Douglas Roberts played for Redruth, has had a County game, and is at present Captain of the Falmouth Club. Jack Hick, the youngest of four brothers (Raymond, Dennis, Preston and Jack, all of whom played for Redruth), was one of the youngest players ever to don a County jersey. His removal to the Dutch West Indies cut short his football career.

But some other young footballers who did not gain Schoolboy Inter­national honours did remarkably well as seniors, notably Fred Rule, who proved himself the best fly-half Redruth had produced since J. Davey, and who, when everything seemed set for International honours, joined Halifax N.U. Club, where Fred Bone joined him later.

Gordon Robins, surely one of the finest wing forwards of his generation, and especially good as an attacking player in clever handling movements in conjunction with his scrum and fly halves.

Frank Partridge, who as wing and later as full-back, has rendered and is still rendering distinguished service to the Club and to Cornwall. He has delighted spectators with his sure handling, elusive side-step and fine kicking.

W.A. Phillips, who quickly developed into a first-rate forward, and has since rendered such magnificent service to his Club and County. The Second World War came, and the lapse of six years spoilt his chance of gaining an International cap.

During this period, too, some other fine players joined the Club, notably Gerald Moorhead, a most brilliant scrum-half, who struck up a brilliant partner­ship with Fred Rule reminiscent of the Thomas and Davey partnership in earlier days. Harry Faviell came to Cornwall from London, joined the Redruth Club, and with his great speed proved a prolific try scorer, and the Jennings and Faviell wing was a great scoring combination. Jennings, in particular, year after year score over 1 00 points a season (in one season over 200), and Faviell has the wonderful Club record of 63 tries for Redruth in one season. H. L. Williams and Dai Jones, from Wales, came to the Redruth Grammar School and rendered fine service to the Club and both represented Cornwall. It was during this decade that Fred Pappin returned from America and again donned the red jersey as a full-back, and gained County honours. Some fine footballers joined Redruth from the Albany Club, notably Les Semmens, who soon became the County hooker, and he has never since been dropped, and he has also had the honour of representing the Barbarians and had an International Trial.

Is it little wonder, therefore, with this wealth of talent, the “ Reds “ went from strength to strength, and season after season the Club records compared favourably with that of England’s best clubs.

As for example

In inter-Cornish Club games in 1935-36, Redruth’s record was Played 17, Won 17, Points For 447, Against 27. And the talent available was such that Redruth had seventeen players who represented Cornwall available for their side-G. Robbins, H. L. Williams, H. L. Faviell, D. E. Smith, H. Curnow, Frank Rule, W. A. Phillips, F. Gregory, F. Hichens, P. Rogers, Len Roberts, Roy Jennings, Les Semmens, Ken Williams, Frank Roberts and D. T. Jones. During this period, too, Redruth made history by being the first Cornish side to visit London, when on November 21st, 1931, the “ Reds” played St. Bart’s Hospital, Winchmore Hill, losing by 18 points to 19 points after a brilliant game.

From 1930 onwards, well-known English and Welsh sides started visiting Cornwall, and in addition to London Hospital sides, Cardiff, Coventry, Bristol, Bath, Swansea, LIanelly and Neath have all visited Redruth, and on March 23rd, 1934, Oxford University paid a visit to Redruth and in a most thrilling game ended in a one point win for the” Reds.” In the late thirties, Cliff Howard rendered fine service as a centre and F. S. Thompson proved himself an outstanding wing. Then came the War and the cessation of the Club’s activities.