36-37

An absolute beast of a season by Truro City, in the 24 league games they played, City won 21, drew once and lost twice, scoring 83 goals along the way to lifting their one and only Plymouth & District League Division One title.

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Plymouth & District League Division One

1 – Torpoint (A) W 5-2 (Treganowan 2, Mann, Rowe, Rapsey x2) Barby debut – Hurden debut – Martin debut – J. Rowe debut Sat 29 Aug

Team – Kendall (GK), Barby, Hooper, Martin, Mainwaring, Smith, Hurden, Treganowan, Harry Rapsey, J. Rowe, Mann

Assists – Rapsey 2, Barby, Treganowan, Rowe, Mann

Truro City opened their season, on Saturday, with a convincing win at Torpoint, in a Plymouth and District League game, by five goals to two. Neither side really impressed, and there was plenty of evidence of lack of practice by wild kicking and careless passing. The game was played in broiling sunshine, and the players could hardly be blamed for taking things a little easily. Truro included in their side Barby, formerly of Torpoint, at right back, Martin (Falmouth) right half, J. Rowe (Porthleven, who last year assisted Newquay Rovers), forward, and Hurdon (St Austell) right wing, whilst Torpoint had, with the exception of Raffell (inside right), and Osborne (goal), the same team as last year. The City fully deserved their win because not only were they superior in tactics but their passing was the more accurate. Both sides were rather inclined to balloon the ball too much, and the shooting was poor. Truro started off in great style, and within two minutes had taken the lead, although it was rather questionable as to whether the scorer was offside – the Torpoint players obviously thought so. Playing down the slope, the City forwards carried everything before them, and were quickly two goals up. Torpoint were taking a little time to settle down, and many chances were missed through over-eagerness, and although they reduced the lead with a really great goal, the City soon added to their lead. After the interval Torpoint played up strongly, and the City defence was hard pressed to prevent a score. It was now that the power of the Truro defence was revealed. Each man did manfully, and not only was attack after attack repulsed, but the City went even farther ahead, despite Torpoint’s efforts to get Truro’s forwards offside. With a three-goal lead, Truro seemed content to rest on their laurels, and the standard of play deteriorated. Torpoint’s closing efforts, however, brought success, and they scored again. This was quickly followed by another goal by Truro, who ran out rather easy winners and thoroughly deserving of their success. Truro took the lead within two minutes of the start, when Hooper brought the ball up the centre of the field, passed to Rapsey, who then cleverly executed a through pass to Treganowan. The inside-right, running in, gave Osborne no chance with a great shot, although Torpoint warmly appealed for offside. Torpoint broke away and Kendall was forced to punch out a difficult shot from Westlake. The same player missed a good chance of equalising when, with only Kendall to beat, he shot over the bar. Play was now more even, although Truro were the more dangerous when on the move, Treganowan and Rapsey putting in some deft touches and clever combination. Torpoint continued to have a little more of the play, and nice combination between Westlake and Petherick, on their right wing, often spelled danger. Truro, however, were not to be denied, and soon they added to their lead when Barby, after breaking up a Torpoint attack, put the ball right across the field to the waiting Mann, who promptly closed in and netted. Truro continued to attack, and Torpoint were rarely out of their own half. Treganowan put Hurdon away, but from the resulting centre, Osborne brought off a good save. The Truro goal had a narrow escape when the ball was put through the centre by Prideaux, and Kendall was forced to fall at the feet of Pine to effect a clearance. Nice play between Pine and Chambers resulted in Torpoint reducing the lead when Westlake scored with a lovely shot. Truro were not disheartened, and almost immediately they added to the lead when Treganowan put Rowe away, and the last-named beat Osborne rather easily. The same player next tested Osborne with a nice cross-shot, but he saved in good style. Rowe had another chance of scoring from a pass from Treganowan, but he shot wide, and a few minutes later he was again at fault. Half-time came with Truro leading by three goals to one. On resuming, play was of a midfield nature, and there was nothing to enthuse about for a considerable time. Torpoint played up strongly, but the City defence was too good for them. Time and again their efforts were frustrated by the strong kicking of Barby and Mann, while Mainwaring, at centre-half, got through an immense amount of work. Truro scored their fourth goal when Rowe passed to Rapsey, and the centre-forward ran between the backs and calmly placed the ball past Osborne. Rowe, who was a trifle erratic in his shooting missed a wonderful chance of scoring when a clever piece of work by Mann presented him with an open goal – he again shot wide. Torpoint took up the running, and Chambers scored. Soon Truro scored again when Rapsey converted a centre from Mann. Westlake tried hard for Torpoint, but his shot just went over the crossbar. With a little more practice, Truro should develop into a really sound side. Kendall revealed all his old skill between the posts, and Barby should prove a real capture. His kicking was sound, and his positioning excellent. Smith and Mainwaring worked hard in the half-line, and Martin, a junior, from Falmouth, did well in his first match in senior football. The forwards were clever, and Treganowan and Rapsey showed that although they had not played together for some considerable time, they still retained their skill and understanding, and were always a source of danger to the home defence. Torpoint are only a moderate side. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

2 – Plymouth & Stonehouse Gas Company (H) W 4-0 (Rapsey 20, Rowe 40, 60, Martin 75) Sat 5 Sep

Team – Kendall (GK), Barby, Griffiths, Tonkin, Mainwaring, Smith, Martin, Mann, Harry Rapsey, Rowe, Hooper

Truro City’s supporters must be pleased with the convincing start made by their team in their new campaign, which has yielded three successive victories and an abundance of goals – 17 in three games. Early impressions are apt to be confusing, but in their first home game, on Saturday, when the City were opposed to the Plymouth and Stonehouse Gas Co. they revealed themselves to be a finely-balanced side, which promises to be a big force in the P and D League and the Cornwall Senior Cup competition. The P and S Gas Co. have for several seasons been one of the premier sides in the league, but on Saturday, they were no match for the City, who won comfortably by four goals to nil. The early exchanges were brisk and fairly even, but after the City took the lead they never looked back, and the visitors never seemed happy. The home defenders held a firm grip, which their opponents failed to shake off, and rarely was the City goal in danger. A lead of two goals was established by the City before the interval, and their superiority was more pronounced in the second period, when they consolidated their position by adding two goals more without reply. It was thought that after the change of ends, when the Plymouthians had the wind in their favour, there would be a stern struggle, but this did not materialise, and the City were full value for their victory. Determined efforts were made by the Gas Co. to reduce the deficit, but their standard of play was disappointing in many phases, and they had no room to quarrel with the verdict. The City have a go-ahead forward line with considerable talent, cleverly led by Rapsey, whose return to the side is heartily welcomed. Rowe, a former Porthleven player, is a great asset, being thrustful and a powerful marksman. He was always a menace to the opposing defence, and his two goals provided evidence of his ability. Mann and Hooper were strong links, and Martin, another newcomer, showed considerable promise. The defence made no mistakes, and played a big part in holding the visiting quintette in check. Kendall was never seriously troubled in goal, and Griffiths and Barby were a tower of strength at back. The intermediate line, Tonkin, Mainwaring, and Smith, worked untiringly. Tonkin, who came in at the last moment to fill a vacancy, gave a creditable display and revealed considerable coolness. No fault could be found with the performance of the side, which will be further strengthened when Treganowan takes his place in the front rank. Both teams started off in a lively fashion, and some promising advances were made, but neither defence yielded until after twenty minutes, when a movement initiated by Martin resulted in Rapsey scoring for the City. Immediately the City again troubled the visiting defence, and Rapsey was shaping like a scorer when the movement was spoiled through an offside infringement by Hooper. Rowe was prominent for a grand effort, but his shot went just wide of the post. Soon afterwards the same player delivered a shot which lacked sting, and Stear had no difficulty in clearing. The visitors’ goal had a narrow escape when a terrific shot by Rowe was deflected to Mann, who shot wide. The visitors broke away, and a dangerous-looking movement was baulked by Barby, who cleared in the nick of time. The City were not long on the defensive, and about five minutes from the interval they struck another blow to their opponents, Rowe scoring from a nice pass by Rapsey. The City led by two goals to nil at the interval. The Plymouthians made tracks for the home goal immediately on the resumption, and Murphy sent in a good shot, which Kendall managed to deal with. They kept up pressure for a while, but the forwards were disjointed and feeble in finishing. After fifteen minutes Mann cut out a nice opening and transferred to Rowe, who scored with a strong shot, which completely beat Stear. Rapsey was well on the mark, but Stear cleared in fine style. The City kept pegging away, and after 30 minutes, Martin registered a fourth goal. There was now no doubt about the result, and in the closing stages the Gas Co. made a big bid to reduce the deficit, and they were presented with a nice opening, but Hawkey shot over the bar from close in. In the last minute Shrewbrook, a former City player, who had had little opportunity to shine, tested Kendall with a shot, but without success. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

3 – Plymouth United (H) W 6-0 (Rowe x4, Mann, Rapsey) Rapsey missed pen Sat 19 Sep

Team – Kendall (GK), Barby, Griffiths, Tonkin, Mainwaring, Smith, Penna, Mann, Harry Rapsey, Rowe, Hooper

Truro City were seen at their best against Plymouth United, at Truro, on Saturday, when they secured further Plymouth and District League points by six goals to nil. Truro were superior in all phases of the game. The United, however, were not outplayed to the extent the score suggests, bad finishing being mainly responsible for their blank score sheet. Several of their movements were cleverly initiated, but they invariably petered out in front of the Truro goal. The City, on the other hand, were always dangerous when within shooting distance – and this was quite often – and the forwards rarely hesitated when the opportunity was presented to them. With the City definitely on top, the United kicked aimlessly, and lost all method in their movements. Avery, the goalkeeper, being outstanding. Time and again he brought off saves when it looked as if he must be beaten, and not in the least could he be blamed for either of the six goals registered against him. Truro took control at the start, and the United defence underwent pressure right away. Offside against Penna spoilt a promising movement, but Smith cleverly placed a free kick in the United’s goalmouth. Avery punched clear, for Mann to fasten on to the ball, but the inside-right’s shot was badly placed. A good flank movement, in which Smith and Hooper were concerned, resulted in Rowe opening the City’s account. Stewart handled in the penalty area, but Rapsey’s shot from the “spot” was a poor one. Avery had no difficulty in dealing with it. The Truro centre-forward made amends quickly for this lapse by initiating the movement which produced the City’s second goal. Working out to the right, he shot obliquely across the goalmouth, and Hooper returned it, for Mann to score. The United had made little impression up to the present, but their forwards now got away, and Kendall had to concede a corner to save from Gaylard. A scramble ensued in the Truro penalty area before Barby was able to clear his lines. Rowe shot over with a powerful first-time effort, and Rapsey fired in a shot, for Avery to save splendidly. Gaylard came near equalising after Duke had beaten Smith, and Kendall was tested by Symonds. A “free” just outside the penalty area looked bad for Truro, but Duke missed a nice chance. Avery saved from Mann, and from a corner kick, Penna struck the far post. A really brilliant effort by Rapsey produced Truro’s third point a few minutes before the interval. Beating Tracey and Coombs, cleverly he sent the ball across to Mann, who had only Avery to pass. With a three-goal lead, Truro played confidently in the second half, and the United’s defence had a gruelling time. Rowe narrowly shot wide, and Avery saved in excellent style from Penna. Rowe struck the bar with a hard drive, which had Avery beaten, and another effort brought the goalkeeper to his knees. About a quarter of an hour from the end Rowe scored the first of the three goals for which he was responsible in the closing stages of the game. Rapsey cut out a nice position for Rowe to head the City’s fifth point, and the last he obtained with a low drive after Penna had put in a nice run on the right. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

P-3 W-3 D-0 L-0 F-15 A-2 PTS-6 POS-1st

4 – Royal Navy Barracks (A) L 1-14 (Williams) Sat 26 Sep

Team – Billing (GK), Bilsland, Lobb, Barron, Martin, Fullfit, Harfoot, Williams, Varker

5 – Oak Villa (H) W 3-2 (Treganowan x3) Sat 26 Sep

Team – Kendall (GK), Richards, Griffiths, Mann, Mainwaring, Smith, Penna, Treganowan, Harry Rapsey, Rowe, Exell

Having two engagements in the P and D League, Truro City fielded their premier side at home against Oak Villa and sent their second string to do duty against the Royal Navy Barracks at Devonport. The outcome was that the City conceded their first brace of points in the league, the Barracks trouncing a depleted side by 14 goals to one – the heaviest defeat ever suffered by Truro. The game with Oak Villa was an unimpressive affair, and the City emerged victorious by the narrow margin of three goals to two. The City monopolised the opening exchanges, but the Villa offered a stubborn resistance. After ten minutes a sudden breakaway by the Villa surprised the City, and Isaac gave the visitors the lead. The City soon got on level terms, a nice centre by Exell being converted by Treganowan. Again the Villa attacked, and Wright tested Kendall with a cross-shot. Rapsey cut out an opening and centred, for Treganowan to score. Later Treganowan registered a third goal, to complete the “hat-trick.” Early in the second half the visitors were on the offensive, and Wales scored from a centre by Wright. The City did the bulk of the attacking in the closing stages, but the forwards were not convincing and a number of chances were frittered away. Result – Truro City, three goals; Oak Villa, two goals. The prospects of one of the most spectacular games in the Plymouth and District League programme, between the hitherto undefeated Truro City and last year’s leaders, the RN Barracks, were completely marred at Devonport by the former being only able to field nine players throughout the game, and losing by 14 goals to one. The game opened disastrously for Truro, Sparkes scoring in the first minute. About midway in the first half, the City fully held their own in midfield exchanges and the equaliser appeared when the ball was cleverly worked down on the right wing and Williams defeated Griffiths with a ground shot, the ball rebounding off the opposite upright into the net. This subsequently proved the solitary Cornish success, and the naval stock was again in the ascendant when two further goals were scored by Sparkes. The relentless Barracks attack showed no signs of easing off to the interval, and the overworked defence was penetrated prior to the change over by O’Donnell (2) and Jones. At the interval the Barracks led by six goals to one. Restarting, the depleted visiting side, fighting hard against heavy arrears displayed a stout resistance, which temporarily kept the naval sharpshooters at bay. Eventually, however, Sparkes was again in the picture with a brace of goals, being followed by the left winger, Cudd, after a brilliant run along the touch-line. The City forwards then took a fresh lease of life, and Griffiths experienced several anxious moments in dealing with attempts from Harfoot and Varker. Regaining the offensive, the service team confined play to their opponents’ goal area, and the closing stages were productive of a spectacular display of the shooting powers of the home centre-forward, Jones, who added to the City’s plight by scoring five goals in succession in the last fifteen minutes of the game. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

P-5 W-4 D-0 L-1 F-19 A-18 PTS-8 POS-2nd

6 – Civil Service (A) W 5-4 (Penna x2, Hooper, Rowe x2) Sat 10 Oct

By winning in Plymouth on Saturday by five goals to four against the Civil Service, Truro City regained the leadership of the Plymouth and District League. Except for the last quarter of an hour, in which the Service made a strong bid for a draw, and succeeded in scoring two goals, Truro were the better of the two sides, and were fully deserving of their victory. For the first ten minutes the exchanges favoured the Service, but Truro gradually settled down, and a goal quickly resulted, Penna scoring with a hard drive. This reverse stimulated the Service, and after Lampin had shot wide, Shepherd was unlucky with a long shot, the ball striking the crossbar and rebounding into play. Truro came away again, and Hooper put a cross an admirable centre for Penna to put the City two up. Shepherd reduced the lead, but before the interval Hooper added another for the City, and Martin scored for the Service. The Civil Service attacked strongly on the resumption, but the City defence held out under pressure. Griffiths and Lobb being prominent. Truro added a further point when Rowe broke away in midfield, and he scored a further goal following a combined movement in which all of the forwards took part. The Service then had an inspired spell, and for the last quarter of an hour the ball was continually in the City penalty area. Wood and Vosper obtained goals, and the Service went all out for an equaliser. The Truro defence, however, held out. St Austell Gazette & Cornwall County News

7 – Dartmouth United (H) W 7-3 (Mainwaring x2, Smith, Rapsey x3, Rowe) Rowe missed pen Sun 26 Dec

Truro entertained Dartmouth United in a game marked by heavy scoring, the City winning by 7-3, and one remarkable for two “hat-tricks” performed by Rapsey, of the home side, and Hemingway for the visitors. The City deserved to win on the run of the play, being quicker on the ball and better marksmen. Hemingway opened the scoring for the Devonians, and then Mainwaring equalised, and Smith headed into the net from a corner taken by Hooper, while Rowe missed a penalty. After the interval Rapsey netted twice for the home team, and Hemingway reduced the lead, only, however, for Rapsey to register his third successive goal. Hemingway also scored a third goal for his side, but before the end Mainwaring and Rowe added to Truro’s total. Western Morning News

8 – Oak Villa (A) W 2-0 (Mainwaring, M. Griffiths) Sat 30 Jan

Team – Billing (GK), Barby, Tom Griffiths, Lobb, Mainwaring, Smith, Williams, McGuigan, Mervyn Griffiths, Harry Rapsey, Hooper

Assist – Smith

Truro City resuming their Plymouth District League fixtures after a lengthy absence, captured the points from Oak Villa at Camel’s Head by 2 goals to nil. In view of abnormal conditions, with portions of the ground under water, play was surprisingly good and keenly contested throughout. Truro were the first to adapt themselves to the heavy going, and shots from Rapsey and Griffiths were capably dealt with by the home defence. Following a spirited Villa attack, in which the visitors’ goal had two narrow escapes, the City regained the ascendancy, and secured the lead prior to changing over, when Mainwaring defeated Flynn in the home goal. The City reopened strongly, but the Villa rearguard dealt successfully with a strong attack. Eventually, Truro forged further ahead by Griffiths from a pass by Smith. The closing stages were chiefly confined to the Villa end. Western Morning News

P-8 W-7 D-0 L-1 F-33 A-25 PTS-14 POS-5th

9 – Royal Marines (H) W 5-2 (Rapsey x2, Williams, Rowe x2) Sat 6 Feb

Team – Billing (GK), Hooper, Griffiths, Lobb, Mainwaring, Smith, Williams, McGuigan, Harry Rapsey, Rowe, Richards

Truro City’s chances of securing the championship of Plymouth and District League were made considerably brighter by their victory over the Royal Marines at Truro by five goals to two. The City have lost only two points in nine matches. In the absence of Mervyn Griffiths, the Welsh amateur international, and Barby, the City included in their team Richards and McGuigan, late of Newquay Rovers, and Richards was easily the best of the forward line. T. Griffiths excelled in defence. The Marines best players were Kinchin (goal-keeper), Strother (centre-half), and Sweeting (wing-forward). The Marines showed brilliant form in the early stages, but eventually a goal by Rapsey for the City seemed to have a demoralising effect on them. Williams scored the City’s second goal, and just before the interval Sweeting reduced the lead. In the second half the Marines drew level through Sweeting. The City replied with heavy pressure, and added goals through Rowe (2) and Rapsey. Western Morning News

P-9 W-8 D-0 L-1 F-38 A-27 PTS-16 POS-3rd

10 – Dartmouth United (A) W 6-0 (McGuigan, Rapsey x4, Rowe) Sat 13 Feb

Team – R. Billing (GK), W. R. Hooper, Tom Griffiths, F. J. Lobb, R. W. Mainwaring, N. J. Smith, R. Williams, W. McGuigan, Harry Rapsey, J. Rowe, A. Richards

Dartmouth United were completely outclassed by Truro City. The Cornishmen took charge of the game at the outset and remained superior to the end. Truro played with splendid combination and understanding and deserved their victory of six goals to nil. A movement by the Truro left wing enabled McGuigan to open the score with a neat header into the net, and then Rapsey scored twice. Truro having a lead of three goals at half-time. In the second half Rapsey scored a further two goals and Rowe one. Dartmouth were always held in check, and failed to reply. It was Truro City’s day out, and they took full advantage of their opportunities. Western Morning News

P-10 W-9 D-0 L-1 F-44 A-27 PTS-18 POS-3rd

11 – Plymouth & Stonehouse Gas Company (A) W 2-0 (Rapsey, Rowe) Sat 20 Feb

Team – Billing (GK), Tom Griffiths, Hooper, Smith, Mainwaring, Lobb, Richards, Rowe, Harry Rapsey, Williams, Mervyn Griffiths

Possessing a sound defence and a virile attack, Truro City defeated Plymouth and Stonehouse Gas Company at Longbridge by two goals to nil. Scoring was confined to the opening half. Mervyn Griffiths, on the right, swung across a centre to the opposite wing, thence via Williams, the ball travelled to Rapsey, who netted from close range. Immediately after Griffiths initiated a similar movement, and the home goal-keeper was easily defeated by Rowe. Truro reopened convincingly, but later were forced to adopt defensive methods against enterprising forward play. Exchanges eventually levelled up, the closing stages being confined to midfield. Western Morning News

P-11 W-10 D-0 L-1 F-46 A-27 PTS-20 POS-2nd

12 – Torpedo Depot (A) W 4-2 (Rapsey x3, Williams) Sat 27 Feb

Team – Billing (GK), Tom Griffiths, Hooper, Smith, Mainwaring, Lobb, Richards, Rowe, Harry Rapsey, McGuigan, Williams

By a splendid 4-2 victory over Torpedo Depot at Central Park, Plymouth, on Saturday, Truro City gained the leadership of the Plymouth and District League, and now with two games in hand are a point ahead of the P and S Gas Co. A high wind and heavy showers did not provide the best of conditions, and after the interval there was a slight fall of snow. Truro opened strongly, and Rowe and Rapsey tested Halliday. The City halves dealt capably with a Depot raid, and Williams went away on the right, Rapsey gaining the lead from the resulting centre. A minute later Richards was put into possession, and working into shooting position, beat Halliday with an angled drive. The Depot made a splendid effort to regain lost ground, and Bennett obtained a good goal. Just before the interval England equalised. Playing with confidence and determination, Truro opened well in the second half, and in a few minutes Rapsey restored the lead by heading past Halliday. The Depot were finishing badly, and to all intents and purposes Truro had the game safe. The issue was put beyond doubt when Rapsey completed the scoring after running clear of the Depot defence. Close to the end the Depot failed to score from a penalty kick. St Austell Gazette & Cornwall County News

P-12 W-11 D-0 L-1 F-50 A-29 PTS-22 POS-1st

13 – Royal Navy Barracks (H) L 0-3 Sat 6 Mar

Team – Billing (GK), Hooper, Tom Griffiths, Lobb, Mainwaring, Smith, Mervyn Griffiths, McGuigan, Harry Rapsey, Rowe, Richards

Truro City entertained RN Barracks, and a close struggle was anticipated, as both were at the head of Plymouth and District League table with the City one point in advance, but the visitors gained a fairly easy victory by three goals to nil. The game opened in heavy rain and wind, which the Barracks had at their backs. Conditions moderated subsequently. The naval men fully deserved their win. They played with more understanding than Truro, their football was more constructive, and they exercised better ball control. The City were much below their usual form and their display was of a ragged description and disappointing to the small crowd of their supporters who braved the elements. Truro opened promisingly, and Rapsey and McGuigan early narrowly missed, but afterwards they were rarely dangerous, and the Barracks put on three goals through Jones (2) and Taylor before the interval. Later, though playing against the wind, the visitors had a good share of the game. Truro did some pressing, but they were ineffective in front of goal. MacSwinney, in goal, brought off some good saves, and at the other end the home custodian had a good deal of work, performing excellently. In the last quarter of an hour the Sailors were distinctly on top. Western Morning News

14 – Plymouth Argyle ‘A’ (H) W 3-0 (Rapsey 50, Mainwaring, Hooper) Sat 13 Mar

Team – Billing (GK), Barby, Griffiths, Lobb, Mainwaring, Smith, Williams, Hooper, Harry Rapsey, Rowe, Richards

Assist – Rowe 50

Truro City at home gained a well-merited victory over Plymouth Argyle “A” by 3 goals to nil. The first half was evenly contested, but after the interval Truro had the better of matters, and beat their opponents in pace. In the early part of the game Argyle displayed some nice passing and combination, but they were unable to score. Truro were not too good in front of goal, and several opportunities were missed. Wright played well in the Argyle goal, and had more to do than Billing. In the second half Wright was kept very busy, and he brought off some splendid saves. Truro did practically all the pressing in this half, and it was only occasionally the visitors visited their quarters, and then the attacks were fairly easily frustrated. The City took the lead five minutes after the interval, when Rapsey netted from a nice pass by Rowe, and later the latter scored and Hooper added a third goal with a long drive. Western Morning News

P-14 W-12 D-0 L-2 F-53 A-32 PTS-24 POS-1st

15 & 16 – Paignton Town (H) W 6-0 (OG, Williams, Rowe x4) Fri 26 Mar

Truro City consolidated their position as leaders of the P and D League, on Friday, when they gained a decisive victory, at home, over Paignton, by six goals to nil. Owing to the City’s away match having been postponed on the previous Saturday on account of the state of the ground, both clubs agreed, subject to confirmation by the P and D League, to play this match at Truro for four points. Rapsey, the City centre-forward, was an absentee, and Rowe returned to that position, and had the distinction of registering four goals, including the “hat-trick”. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

17 – Civil Service (H) W 2-0 (Rowe 30, Rapsey 82 pen) Sat 27 Mar

Assist – Hooper 30

Truro City, Plymouth and District League leaders, strengthened their position when at home they defeated Civil Service by two goals to nil. Truro deserved their win, though it was a stern struggle, and for long periods the game was very closely contested. Civil Service enjoyed a good share of the play, but they were not so effective in front of goal. On the other hand, Billing, the City goalkeeper, brought off some smart clearances. In the early part of the match the Plymouthians pressed heavily, but the home defence proved sound. Gradually Truro asserted themselves, and after half an hour Rowe scored with a swift drive from a centre by Hooper. Civil Service also did well for some time after the interval. Then Truro took up the running and were aggressive, and when Hooper was unfairly brought down in the penalty area Rapsey scored the second goal from the penalty kick eight minutes from time. Western Morning News

18 – Torpoint (H) W 2-0 (Williams 40, Varker 47) Sat 3 Apr

Team – Billing (GK), Barby, Griffiths, Lobb, Mainwaring, Smith, Varker, Williams, Rowe, Hooper, Richards

Assist – Richards 40

Truro City, at home, against Torpoint, strengthened their position as leaders in the Plymouth and District League with a victory by two goals to nil. Torpoint’s goal was heavily bombarded at the outset, but good work by Macey, Keenan, and Allen kept it intact until five minutes from the interval, when Williams headed in from a delightful centre by Richards. Within two minutes of the second half Varker made a sparkling run and nipped between the backs to increase the City’s lead. Billing, the City’s goalkeeper, had a very quiet match with the exception of the last few minutes, but then he was not to be beaten, once going full length to save a shot from Petherick. Cornish Guardian

19 – Plymouth Argyle ‘A’ (A) W 1-0 (Rowe) Sat 10 Apr

Team – Billing (GK), Griffiths, Barby, Smith, Mainwaring, Lobb, Richards, Rowe, Harry Rapsey, Williams, Hooper

Any lingering doubt as to Truro City being the first Cornish side to capture the league leadership since Looe possessed the distinction in 1929-30, was finally shattered on Saturday, when a strongly-represented “A” team were defeated at the Stadium Field, Central Park, Plymouth, by the City, by one goal to nil. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

P-19 W-17 D-0 L-2 F-64 A-32 PTS-34 POS-1st

Position – CHAMPIONS!!!

20 – Torpedo Depot (H) D 2-2 (Rapsey 10 pen, Rowe 85) Sat 17 Apr

Team – Billing (GK), Barby, Griffiths, Lobb, Mainwaring, Smith, Varker, Williams, Harry Rapsey, Rowe, Hooper

Truro City, who are assured of the leadership of the Plymouth and District League, did not reveal anything like championship form, on Saturday, when they were at home to the Torpedo Depot. The result was a draw of two goals each, although the City were in danger of losing until five minutes from the end, when they snatched an equalising goal. West Briton & Cornwall Advertiser

P-20 W-17 D-1 L-2 F-66 A-34 PTS-35 POS-1st

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Truro City, leaders of the P and D League, playing at home against a side representing the Rest of the Plymouth and District League, were beaten by three goals to two. Play was fast and interesting, both sides showing good form, and on the balance of play Truro were unlucky to lose. The League were on top in the first half, when they scored three goals through Woolway, Parsons, and Smith, the City replying with one by Rowe. In the second half the League defenders had a busy time, but they succeeded in thwarting the City’s efforts until about five minutes from the end, when Rowe obtained his second goal. Previously the City had been awarded a penalty, but Brown stopped Rapsey’s shot. An uncommon incident occurred in the closing minutes, when the League broke away, and Smith caused Billing, the City custodian, to go down for a shot which the goalkeeper succeeded in keeping out, but the referee awarded a goal, thinking that the ball had gone over the line before the goalkeeper got hold of it. A League player declared to the referee that the ball had not passed over the line, and the official, after consulting a linesman, reversed his decision.

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?? – Royal Marines (A) W 6-1 (Treganowan x3, Rapsey x2, Rowe) Mon 26 Apr

Truro City, the league leaders, defeated the Royal Marines at Longroom, Plymouth by 6 goals to 1, after the Marines had led at the interval 1-0. Play in the first half was even, each side attacking strongly, although Truro’s shooting was weak. The Marines took the lead after about 20 minutes, when Sweeting scored, following good play by Callen. Shortly after the opening of the second half, the Marines lost the services of their left-half, Edmunds who was taken off injured. Truro after this soon equalised through Treganowan, who almost immediately gave them the lead. Truro then took command of the game, and goals were added by Rapsey (2), Rowe and Treganowan, in spite of good goolkeeping by Kinchen. Western Morning News

Congratulations to Truro City, who have accomplished a splendid performance in winning the First Division championship of Plymouth and District League. Truro are the first Cornish club to achieve the distinction since Looe finished at the head of the table in 1930. Truro City finish the season with a game at home, St Budeaux being the visitors, and the Cornishmen should wind up with a further win. Western Morning News

23 & 24 – St Budeaux (H) W 6-1 (Rowe, Richards, Rapsey pen, pen, Williams, Treganowan) Sat 1 May

Team – Atkinson (GK), Barby, Griffiths, Hooper, Mainwaring, Smith, Williams, Treganowan, Rowe, Harry Rapsey, Richards

Truro City made sure of the championship of the Plymouth and District League when they met St Budeaux at Truro for four points and won easily by six goals to one. Cornish Guardian

Position – CHAMPIONS!!!

1936/1937 P&D League Division One Squad – Barby, Barron, Billing (GK), Blisland, Exell, Fullfit, Mervyn Griffiths, Tom Griffiths, Harfoot, Hooper, Hurden, Kendall (GK), Lobb, Mainwaring, Mann, Martin, McGuigan, Penna, Harry Rapsey, Richards, Rowe, Smith, Tonkin, Treganowan, Varker, Williams

Plymouth & District League Division One Appearances & Goals

Barby – 0 goals

Barron – 0 goals

Billing – 0 goals (8 clean sheets)

Blisland – 0 goals

Exell – 0 goals

Fullfit – 0 goals

Mervyn Griffiths – 1 goal

Tom Griffiths – 0 goals

Harfoot – 0 goals

Hooper – 2 goals

Hurden – 0 goals

Kendall – 0 goals (2 clean sheets)

Lobb – 0 goals

Mainwaring – 4 goals

Mann – 2 goals

Martin – 1 goal

McGuigan – 1 goal

Penna – 2 goals

Harry Rapsey – 24 goals

Richards – 1 goal

Rowe – 23 goals

Smith – 1 goal

Tonkin – 0 goals

Treganowan – 8 goals

Varker – 1 goal

Williams – 6 goals

Own Goal – 1 goal

(5 goals missing)

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