M. GRYLLS

The son of Mr. Henry Grylls, co-founder of the Redruth Rugby Football Club in 1875. Obtained his Colours at Sandhurst. Flatter­ing terms have been written about his per­formances, which have been described as a fast, robust and stylish forward. Capped for England against Ireland in 1905, Captain of Haileybury School for some years. He was prevented from remaining in first-class football as Military duties apparently necessitated his early retirement. Represented Cornwall three caps 1904.

BERT SOLOMAN

At the age of seventeen played for Treleigh. his remarkable progress soon attracted atten­tion. An individualist, he was a great reader of the game, an expert with the delivering of the “Dummy.” Played for Cornwall in the Championship Match v. Durham, at Redruth, in 1908. As far as lasting impressions of players went, Bert Soloman was “tabbed” as one of the greatest. His name will be handed down from generation to generation. Capped by England v. Wales in 1910, the first year Twickenham opened. Selected to play against Scotland-Ireland and France, but declined this honour. It has been quoted and printed that he refused 400 golden sovereigns to go North. Born March 8th, 1885, died on June 30th, 1961.

J.DAVEY

Probably better known as "Maffer Davey.” Played as a stand-off-half and stated to be a great attacking player. His departure to South Africa in 1902 was a great loss. Fame soon followed him there. The Mines’ team, for whom he played, became the premier side of the Transvaal, and "Maffer” had the honour of captaining the side in the Currie Cup Tournament, and was considered for a place in the Springbok side. On his return home in 1 907 he captained the Redruth side and secured international honours, played against Scotland in 1 908 and Wales in 1909. Also played in the Cornwall v. Durham in March 28th, 1 908, with Bert Soloman, in the County Championship Final.

Dr. E. K. SCOTT

Photo by T. Roskrow

Formerly of St. Mary’s Hospital and educated at Lincoln College, Oxford, won International Honours whilst at St. Mary’s. Capped five times for England and had the honour of Captaining the side. Played against Scotland 1948, Ireland 1948, Wales 1947 and 1948 and Australia 1949. On his return to Cornwall played for the Redruth Club and represented Cornwall on 19 occasions. Also represented Cornwall at Cricket.

R. A. W. SHARP

Photo by T. Roskrow

This great Rugby product, formerly of Blundells and later continued his education at Oxford University. There he obtained his Blue. He gained 14 Caps for England and toured with the British Lions in South Africa in 1962. Brilliant in attack with strong acceleration. He made a fine combination with Dicky Jeeps as his scrum-half. Played for the Barbarians- represented Cornwall on 28 occasions, from 1957/66, was a playing member of Redruth, Bristol and the Wasps. On his return from South Africa in 1962, Richard Sharp presented his collection of International Jerseys to the Redruth Club (now on display).

D. H. PROUT

Photo by T. Roskrow

Formerly of Launceston and Cornwall Tech­nical College. Played for Redruth and Northampton. A Lecturer in Physical Educa­tion, he gained 41 caps for Cornwall. Played in the England Schools’ under 19 and capped England on two occasions in 1967/68. Played for Major Stanley’s XV against Oxford Uni­versity and Steel-Bodger’s XV against Cam­bridge University, and the Barbarians. Former student at Loughborough College and played for the first XV.

ROY JENNINGS

Photo by Opie Ltd Redruth

On his return from Taunton School, played for Redruth in 1923/24 as a wing forward, and later took up the centre-threequarter position. Had an outstanding playing career. A very versatile player and prolific goal-kicker. Played for Cornwall on 61 occasions. Received International Trials in 1929/31/32. In his honoured career Roy played for Cornwall v. The All Blacks in 1924, against the Maoris in November, 1926. Played for the Cornwall and Devon team against the Waratahs (New South Wales) in Sep­tember, 192, and again for Cornwall and Devon Combined Counties against the South African "Springboks” in November, 1931, as a full-back. He went to Australia with the British Touring Team side, under F. D. Prentice, in 1 930, but the coveted International cap was denied him. This great player did much to popularise Rugby in Cornwall, and his performances for Redruth and Cornwall will long be remembered.

C. R. JOHNS

Better known as “Bonzo” to his Rugby followers and one of our greatest prop forwards, holds the record of individual appear­ances for Cornwall, having collected 88 caps for the period of 1954/69. Played in the Redruth pack as a second row forward, but later his 15 stone 10 lbs. was earmarked to play as a prop. His ability was soon recognised by the County, where he performed to near international class. He was, however, selected to play in his first International Trial in 1954, and further honours were bestowed upon him when he played in the total of nine International Trials, being reserve for England v. Wales and England v Ireland from 1954/63. Played in the County Championship Final against Warwickshire in 1958, selected for the Combined Counties against the Fourth Wallabies in 1958. In 1960 appeared against the Fifth “Springboks” and against the All Blacks in 1963. Other notable matches were the Western Counties against Sables and the Canadians. His last appearance for the County was in the Lancashire Final inMarch of 1969, at Redruth, which merited his 88th cap. Played for the Barbarians on a South Wales Easter Tour, but the just reward for an International Cap eluded this great sportsman, who maintained the highest possible standards on the field of play. Now a member of the Club’s Selection Committee and still occasionally plays for the Extra “A” XV.

W. A. PHILLIPS

In the Club’s 100 years of existence, clearly some great personalities would emerge, but it is doubtful if Redruth produced a greater character than the late Bill Phillips. It was unfortunate that the last War came just at a time when this very fine forward should be reaching the zenith of his career, and this was one reason which prevented him from playing many more than 24 times for Cornwall. It would probably be true to say that this big and wonderfully good humoured forward, who commenced his career in the very fine Redruth side of the 1930’s, when only in his late teens, was at his best in the immediate post-war years. Indeed, it was after playing for a combined Cornwall and Devon XV against the New Zealand Kiwis, at Torquay in 1946, that a leading Rugby critic of that time described him as one of the best forwards not to play for England. Bill Phillips was a great Redruth player and club member. Eventually he became a member and later Chairman of the Club’s General Committee. His sudden death early in this summer of 1974 came as a shock and is a loss to Rugby football generally.

LESLIE SEMMENS

Photo by Opie Ltd, Redruth

Enjoyed a remarkable career, a product from the Redruth Albany Club, selected to play for Redruth as a hooker, and was one of the players in the great 1935/36 team. lie never looked back and has been quoted as the” Prince of Hookers “ obtained 51 caps for Cornwall and captained the Combined Cornwall and Devon Counties v. Australia in 1947. Obtained an International Trial and was honoured by the Barbarians. Played for the Plymouth Albion side for a number of years and retired at the age of 41.

HAROLD STEVENS

Photo by Harvey, Redruth

An outstanding versatile centre-threequarter, he joined the Redruth Club in 1949/50, Formerly from St. Ives, he appeared equally at home playing as a full-back or centre-threequarter. A great tactician and a prolific goal kicker. Harold captained Cornwall in 1957/58 season, when Cornwall played Warwickshire, at Coventry, in the County Championship Final. Selected on 60 occasions for Cornwall. He played as a full-back for the combined Cornwall/Devon side v The Springboks in 1961, gained an International Trial and was later selected for the Barbarians.

PADDY McGOVAN

Photo by Harvey, Redruth

Played as a wing forward and extremely fast Always hungry for the ball. A player who always kept himself extremely fit. Obtained 30 caps for Cornwall in 1957/65. Joined the Metropolitan Police and played regularly for the 1st XV. Played for the Combined Counties against South Africa in 1961 and whilst in the R.A.F. was selected to play against the Army. Also obtaining the honour of playing for the Combined Services at Twickenham v. The French and received an International Trial whilst playing for Redruth. Club Captain in 1 961/62.

KEN ABRAHAMS

Photo by Harvey, Redruth

Ken Abrahams played as hooker, occupying this position on the departure of Bill Bishop at an early age. Ken’s ability was soon recognised by the County Selectors and he wascapped in 1957. He made 39 appearances for Cornwall. Played in the County Championship Final at Coventry v. Warwickshire in 1958. Played in an International Trial and was reserve for England. Selected for the Bar­barians for an Easter Tour of South Wales. Retired from the game at an early age to operate his own business. Was one of Cornwall’s first choice forwards, and in 1912 represented the South v. East in an International Trial match. It was predicted that Rich would have obtained his Inter­national cap, but met with a severe accident at his work and was permanently out of the game. Obtained 14 caps for Cornwall from 1911/13. Was Club Captain 1911/12 and 1913/14, and played against the second “Springboks” on October 10th, 191 2, at Redruth. He was Club Chairman in the 1948/49 season.

H. FAVIELL

Came to Cornwall from London and became a playing member of the Redruth Club in 1935, and played with that great clubman Roy Jennings. He obtained a club record by scoring 58 tries in one season. The combination of Jennings and Faviell was always a treat to watch. He played for the Eastern Counties, was a playing member of the Harlequins and represented Cornwall on five occasions from 1937/38. Played for the Barbarians in 1934/35 and obtained two International Trials in the Probables v. Possibles in 1934 and 1935.