David played for Bristol in the ‘60s and ‘70s. He started off as a centre, went to winger and then played most games at full back. He also played over 50 games for Somerset as well as Western Counties – including when they beat Australia here in the Memorial Ground - and he was also an England trialist. I watched nearly every game he played. My Dad used to play and my son has played at the Memorial Ground as well; I worked here for 20 years – so I think I know a fair bit about Bristol rugby!
David was a good winger but unfortunately at the time there was Morley, Plummer and Knight, the three of them were all England players, all of them playing on the wing, so Dave fitted in whenever they weren’t fit or available; it meant Dave played at full back, centre, wing or wherever he was needed at the time. I do remember him scoring 5 tries against Plymouth Albion in a game back in the 60’s but tries were only worth 3 points then so it was slightly different wasn’t it?
The Memorial Ground was a really enjoyable and sociable place to be on match days. Before, during and after the game the whole thing was just fun. Both teams celebrated and commiserated with each other, everyone mixed in – and it was a really great time. I’m just not sure whether it’s the same now in the professional game – but it was so much fun back then.
Moya Tyler
Memory added on May 15, 2014
1 Comment
What a wonderful tribute, Moya. I had the supreme privilege of teaching Dave how to play on his first few sports afternoons at BGS. He was year younger but quickly slotted into the Osborne house team along side us in the threequarters (being a year younger!). It wasxalways such a pleasure to meet in later life from time to time. I worked for over 40 years as a dentist in Bristol and couldn't risk limbs with serious rugby!
– Adrian Reed, October 3 2016 at 11:31
