Since the first colts side was established in the late 1950s, Plymouth Argaum have had many good teams and a reputation for bringing players through into senior rugby. This of course is as true with the present day squad as it was then.

From the earliest days the section proved so popular that from 1961-62, the club's 75th anniversary, two colts sides ('A' and 'B') were fielded. So by 1964-65, under the tutelage of club stalwart Bill Farren, the colts were well established and were about to embark on a remarkable season. The facts and figures for the A side read as follows:

Played 31 Won 28 Lost 3 Points For 945 Points Against 98

One has to remember that these were the days of 3 points for a try so at a conservative estimate this would be over 1300 points in today's value. The side proved so strong that as the season progressed they played some matches against senior (adult) opposition, hard to imagine happening these days.

One of the few defeats was at the hands of an adult Combination side, Old Suttonians. The press report reads "Old Suttonians were surprised to find themselves facing the A Colts side instead of the Extra A, but they never had a chance to judge the difference because they were hurried from pillar to post by the younger lighter team. Heavily outweighed and manoeuvred in the pack, the Colts took every advantage in the line out and went into the lead when Burgom crossed - much to the delight of their supporters. Oliver, who with Lavis, was outstanding in the pack, scored a brilliant try to give the visitors a 6 point lead at the interval. The Old Boys came crashing back in the second half, tries by Crowden and Burns levelling and David Johns conversion winning this very exciting game."

There was much disappointment at the club when having sent 8 players to the Devon county trial, none progressed further than that stage. Writing in that season's report to the AGM, David Dobell, reported that two props that attended the trial were actually played in the second row. Other players were openly told by selectors that they wouldn't have a chance of selection whilst playing for an 'unfashionable' club like Argaum!

Nevertheless the club was to benefit hugely as the colts progressed through to the senior team during one of the most successful periods that the club had experienced. As David Dobell says in the Centenary History; 'It is perhaps worth recording the names of the lads who participated in this remarkable record, the majority of whom continued with the Club after reaching 18. J Perring, P Picken, M Allen, P Sargeant, J Oliver, C Pascoe, B Hambly, D Martin, F Rogers, P Burgom, C Cooms, P Clarke, E Hill, R Bowden, F Lavis (Capt.), C Tucker, I Kirkpatrick and K Renshaw.'

Fifty years on, it seems appropriate to pay tribute to that team. A number of the squad attended last year's PAPPA reunion and it is hoped to see them again later this month for PAPPA 2.

Find out more about the club's history at http://www.argaum125.argaum.org.uk/