In 1959 the Plymouth College 1st XV were the first rugby team in the school's history to boast an unbeaten season. Fifty years on and the former players have travelled from near and far to revisit the school and reminisce. Captain, Mike Friend, managed to track down eleven of the original fifteen, including David Coxwell who now lives in Queensland, Australia.
As well as a reunion dinner, tour of the school and recreation of the team photo from the 1959 school magazine, the '59ers attended a current 1st XV match where they presented the school with the '59 Cup for Outstanding Player of the Year (Mike Friend is pictured presenting the cup to Head of Rugby, Richard Edwards).
"It was quite an emotional get-together as some of us hadn't seen each other since we left school", said Mike. "Many of us have continued to be involved in rugby over the years whether it's been playing, coaching or just spectating!
"Obviously quite a lot has changed at the school and there are many more facilities than in our day but there is also a lot of very familiar sights like Main School and the Cricket Pavilion. One of the highlights was watching the current 1st XV win 29-7 against West Buckland and being able to present them with a cup that will ensure the '59 team is never forgotten."
Back row L to R: Mike Maunder, Richard Spear, David Westlake, Peter Organ
Middle L to R: David Coxwell, Charles Fox, Mike Friend, Jack Harvey, Peter Anthony
Front: Jon Gabitass
As they were in 1959
