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Box Rovers Football Club: The Glory Years 1949-59 Graham Cogswell, Kevin Ford, John Harris and Mike Warren March 2018 Many boys in the 1950s grew up admiring a particular sporting hero, Roy Race, skilful centre forward of Melchester Rovers, in the Tiger comic. Struggling against forthcoming disaster, fictional Roy single-handedly saw the club to annual success, winning the FA Cup, the League Championship or avoiding relegation, often coming back from a large deficit. |
The presentation of honours at the Club's annual dinner 1954,
showing Alec Cogswell (secretary), John Hall (club captain) receiving the trophy
from Mr L Sleightholme (Wilts Division II Hon Sec) and
witnessed by Bert Swan (chairman). (Photo courtesy John Harris).
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In later years Roy Race became Melchester's manager with a similar roller-coaster outcome. Many a young person re-enacted these events in their imagination in the garden or road outside their house. In Box the football dream was lived out in reality by young men returning from war service before 1945 or National Service thereafter. These men formed and ran a team under the name of Box Rovers and in so doing they helped to change the appearance of the village and its recreational facilities.
Forming the Rovers
In March 1949 the Parish Council planned to make the Recreation Field into a more accessible space for residents. The initial plan was to level the Upper Field, take out hedges, divert a footpath and make a bowling green, tennis court and a football pitch.[1] The newly-formed Box Rovers Football Club wanted to use the facilities but the field wasn't ready. So the club played in John Goulstone's field at the foot of Valens Terrace (sometimes called Horsefield). The football coach kept a 20 foot pole handy to get the ball out of the Box Brook if it went into the stream.[2]
They also asked permission to rent the room above the public conveniences (now converted into a private house, The Old Sweet Factory) as a changing room and headquarters. The Calne and Chippenham Rural District Council were pleased to agree this at a rent of 4s.6d per week in return for which they would supply a water supply and an electric light.[3]
Instrumental in the formation of the club were schoolmaster Bert Swan (chairman), C Webber (secretary) and Oswald Butt (treasurer) together with players like Alec Cogswell, Bernard Lovell and Len Weeks. The players met every fortnight and there was a selection committee which included Bill Chaffey, Alec Smith, A Boulton and Doug Phillips.
The club joined Division 2 of a new two-tier Chippenham and District League. It was very much a junior league made up of some works teams and other village teams. Some sides were unable to manage travelling over the whole district and others lacked sufficient funds. In the end, eight new clubs, including Box Rovers, were admitted into Division 2 of the league and the Hospital Cup, a charity cup.[4] To keep the league fully amateur, not more than three servicemen could be included in any match, unless qualified by residency.
There were particular problems for Box, however. When the club moved from John Goulstone's field to the pitch on the Upper Rec, the site of the current tennis courts and bowls green, they found it was steeply sloped which surprised some visiting sides and Rovers could not have a home game before mid September as the ground was leased to Box Cricket Club before then. Nor was it possible to play on Sundays at that time because the Upper Rec had to be made available to the general public.[5]
The First Season
On the pitch, the side were somewhat cavalier. They went two goals down in their first match at Bradenstoke before coming back to win 11-3 with S Pinnock scoring five and later winning 6-2 away to Dauntsey, with Jacobs scoring five.[6] But in between they lost two matches to Badminton and C Syms & Son's Welfare Club (Calne), conceding thirteen goals in their first four games.[7] The first home match was against Blackford's Welfare (Calne) in the Hospital Cup winning 9-1, Box played down the slope in the first half ... and were leading 6-0 by half time.[8] It was unfortunate for Blackford's, who Box played in their next league match scoring eleven goals.[9]
And so the season went on as a roller-coaster ride. After going behind to Derry Hill, Rovers came back with six goals, Jacobs scoring five.[10] In a game which revived memories of old village rivalries Box went two goals behind to Atworth in the second round of the Hospitals Cup before scoring four goals, down the slope but then lost 4-1 to Lyneham United in the next round, the last representative of the second division remaining.[11] The side remained within touching distance of promotion despite unluckily losing 2-1 to unbeaten league leaders Shaw and Whitley in front of 300 home supporters.[12] Shaw and Whitley were runaway leaders in the division with Rovers, Atworth and Kington Langley disputing the second promotion slot. [13] In the event Box and Atworth lost out although Box had scored an amazing 125 goals.[14] In the home match against Blackford's Welfare (Calne) Box won by a score of 14-2 despite having only 10 men for most of the match.
It was a disappointing end to the season but the foundations were there for future success. In January 1950 the club's general meeting reported a bank balance of £60, an active Supporters' Club under the control of Mrs Evans who ran regular whist drives, weekly prize draws and the club decided to self regulate rather than appoint a manager.[15] Above all, it had the support of residents including Mr James Browning for transport and Mr Arthur Adams to cut and roll the pitch.
The club had made many friends in its first year both within the village and beyond. When the Sutton Benger goalkeeper, Victor Cole, died suddenly playing the previous week, the team wore black armbands and captain Alec Cogswell donated a fountain pen to R Powels, the opposition left-half, who was leaving for Leicester, in recognition of sportsmanship.[16]
In March 1949 the Parish Council planned to make the Recreation Field into a more accessible space for residents. The initial plan was to level the Upper Field, take out hedges, divert a footpath and make a bowling green, tennis court and a football pitch.[1] The newly-formed Box Rovers Football Club wanted to use the facilities but the field wasn't ready. So the club played in John Goulstone's field at the foot of Valens Terrace (sometimes called Horsefield). The football coach kept a 20 foot pole handy to get the ball out of the Box Brook if it went into the stream.[2]
They also asked permission to rent the room above the public conveniences (now converted into a private house, The Old Sweet Factory) as a changing room and headquarters. The Calne and Chippenham Rural District Council were pleased to agree this at a rent of 4s.6d per week in return for which they would supply a water supply and an electric light.[3]
Instrumental in the formation of the club were schoolmaster Bert Swan (chairman), C Webber (secretary) and Oswald Butt (treasurer) together with players like Alec Cogswell, Bernard Lovell and Len Weeks. The players met every fortnight and there was a selection committee which included Bill Chaffey, Alec Smith, A Boulton and Doug Phillips.
The club joined Division 2 of a new two-tier Chippenham and District League. It was very much a junior league made up of some works teams and other village teams. Some sides were unable to manage travelling over the whole district and others lacked sufficient funds. In the end, eight new clubs, including Box Rovers, were admitted into Division 2 of the league and the Hospital Cup, a charity cup.[4] To keep the league fully amateur, not more than three servicemen could be included in any match, unless qualified by residency.
There were particular problems for Box, however. When the club moved from John Goulstone's field to the pitch on the Upper Rec, the site of the current tennis courts and bowls green, they found it was steeply sloped which surprised some visiting sides and Rovers could not have a home game before mid September as the ground was leased to Box Cricket Club before then. Nor was it possible to play on Sundays at that time because the Upper Rec had to be made available to the general public.[5]
The First Season
On the pitch, the side were somewhat cavalier. They went two goals down in their first match at Bradenstoke before coming back to win 11-3 with S Pinnock scoring five and later winning 6-2 away to Dauntsey, with Jacobs scoring five.[6] But in between they lost two matches to Badminton and C Syms & Son's Welfare Club (Calne), conceding thirteen goals in their first four games.[7] The first home match was against Blackford's Welfare (Calne) in the Hospital Cup winning 9-1, Box played down the slope in the first half ... and were leading 6-0 by half time.[8] It was unfortunate for Blackford's, who Box played in their next league match scoring eleven goals.[9]
And so the season went on as a roller-coaster ride. After going behind to Derry Hill, Rovers came back with six goals, Jacobs scoring five.[10] In a game which revived memories of old village rivalries Box went two goals behind to Atworth in the second round of the Hospitals Cup before scoring four goals, down the slope but then lost 4-1 to Lyneham United in the next round, the last representative of the second division remaining.[11] The side remained within touching distance of promotion despite unluckily losing 2-1 to unbeaten league leaders Shaw and Whitley in front of 300 home supporters.[12] Shaw and Whitley were runaway leaders in the division with Rovers, Atworth and Kington Langley disputing the second promotion slot. [13] In the event Box and Atworth lost out although Box had scored an amazing 125 goals.[14] In the home match against Blackford's Welfare (Calne) Box won by a score of 14-2 despite having only 10 men for most of the match.
It was a disappointing end to the season but the foundations were there for future success. In January 1950 the club's general meeting reported a bank balance of £60, an active Supporters' Club under the control of Mrs Evans who ran regular whist drives, weekly prize draws and the club decided to self regulate rather than appoint a manager.[15] Above all, it had the support of residents including Mr James Browning for transport and Mr Arthur Adams to cut and roll the pitch.
The club had made many friends in its first year both within the village and beyond. When the Sutton Benger goalkeeper, Victor Cole, died suddenly playing the previous week, the team wore black armbands and captain Alec Cogswell donated a fountain pen to R Powels, the opposition left-half, who was leaving for Leicester, in recognition of sportsmanship.[16]
Box Rovers Annual dinner at the Queen's Head Long Room in May 1950 (courtesy Ken Boulton)
Promotion Seasons 1950-51 and 1951-52
The success of the first year was encouraging. All players re-signed for Rovers and a number of new youngsters joined. The club was able to run two sides, the first team in Chippenham & District Division 2 and a Reserve side in the Bath and District Football League Division 4, taking the place of Box Hill Sports Club who had been promoted one division.[17]
There were hopes that a new ground could be found but the season started again on the Upper Rec with the first four matches being played away to accommodate cricket needs. As important was the team's new kit of white shorts and red and white shirts and stockings.[18]
The club won all seven of their opening league matches scoring 38 goals against 10 before they lost to promotion rivals Dauntsey.[19] For many months they were third in the league having several matches to catch up and then injuries caught up with them. With four first team players unavailable against Calne Community Association, they relied on the youngsters on their books and won 8-3 after being three-nil down.[20] In the end, the season became a three-way battle for supremacy between Rovers,
C Syms & Son's Welfare and Dauntsey. Rovers drew 3-3 away to Syms, beat them 4-3 at home with a magnificent display by the Box right wing pair Lovell and Bray and defeated Dauntsey 3-0 at Box.[21] Rovers needed to win their games in hand and started on a great run beating Chippenham Community Centre 8-2 when C Phillips scored a hat-trick. It came down to the final match and Box defeated Malmesbury Reserves 5-1 with Bray scoring three times with lovely headers.[22] They were crowned champions of Chippenham Second Division by one point, promoted along with Dauntsey.
The success of the first year was encouraging. All players re-signed for Rovers and a number of new youngsters joined. The club was able to run two sides, the first team in Chippenham & District Division 2 and a Reserve side in the Bath and District Football League Division 4, taking the place of Box Hill Sports Club who had been promoted one division.[17]
There were hopes that a new ground could be found but the season started again on the Upper Rec with the first four matches being played away to accommodate cricket needs. As important was the team's new kit of white shorts and red and white shirts and stockings.[18]
The club won all seven of their opening league matches scoring 38 goals against 10 before they lost to promotion rivals Dauntsey.[19] For many months they were third in the league having several matches to catch up and then injuries caught up with them. With four first team players unavailable against Calne Community Association, they relied on the youngsters on their books and won 8-3 after being three-nil down.[20] In the end, the season became a three-way battle for supremacy between Rovers,
C Syms & Son's Welfare and Dauntsey. Rovers drew 3-3 away to Syms, beat them 4-3 at home with a magnificent display by the Box right wing pair Lovell and Bray and defeated Dauntsey 3-0 at Box.[21] Rovers needed to win their games in hand and started on a great run beating Chippenham Community Centre 8-2 when C Phillips scored a hat-trick. It came down to the final match and Box defeated Malmesbury Reserves 5-1 with Bray scoring three times with lovely headers.[22] They were crowned champions of Chippenham Second Division by one point, promoted along with Dauntsey.
Chippenham League Division II winners 1950-51
Back row: C Webber (secretary), I Phillips (right back), Len Benjamin (right half), Cyril Nichols (centre half), A Hodgeman (goalkeeper), L Francis (left back),
Ken Boulton (left half), A Boulton (linesman), L Hinton (trainer). Front Row: Bernard Lovell (outside right and captain), Ron Bray (inside right),
Glyn Phillips (centre forward), Harold Hunt (inside left), Alexander Boore (outside left) (Photo courtesy Ken Boulton)
Back row: C Webber (secretary), I Phillips (right back), Len Benjamin (right half), Cyril Nichols (centre half), A Hodgeman (goalkeeper), L Francis (left back),
Ken Boulton (left half), A Boulton (linesman), L Hinton (trainer). Front Row: Bernard Lovell (outside right and captain), Ron Bray (inside right),
Glyn Phillips (centre forward), Harold Hunt (inside left), Alexander Boore (outside left) (Photo courtesy Ken Boulton)
The Festival of Britain exhibition on the South Bank of the Thames, London, was held in May 1951 to celebrate the centenary of the Great Exhibition. The event in 1951 commemorated British science and technological achievements and Britain's place in a new order after the Second World War. Box Rovers' achievement in winning promotion mirrored these feelings of being on the brink of a new age. It felt like that to Alec Cogswell who was elected as club secretary.[23]
To many people's surprise, Box not only survived in the First Division, they won promotion again as runners-up at the end of the season.[24] Some of the senior players dropped down to the Reserves including Alec Cogswell and S Pinnock, but were available for later in the season when needed.[25] Rovers won their first six games, not as free-scoring as previously but with a better defensive record, until they lost to Kington Langley in the Chippenham Benevolent Cup and the league in successive weeks.[26]
More changes arose when the Parish Council undertook work on the Lower Mead Field. The club played its first match on a temporary pitch on the Lower Rec in September 1951. The pitch was reported as in splendid condition following a week's work by supporters.[27] It was a dismal failure, uneven and sloping and Rovers lost their first match 7-1 to Bradenstoke in a replayed game in the Wiltshire Junior Cup.[28] The experiment was abandoned until more work could be done.
By the end of January 1952 Rovers had dropped down to third place in the league and a mid-table finish seemed likely.[29] The first team responded by playing in a Reserve match in February 1952 to address the decline, which cost them a fine of £3.[30]
It worked and they recorded some fine wins including victory over Shaw & Whitley 7-1 in April. In the end Box could have been champions but a 4-1 victory over Kington Langley, who had gone 17 games without defeat, ensured promotion in successive seasons as Division 1 runners-up.[31]
Wiltshire County League Division 2, 1952-53
It was a huge step up to go from a local district competition to competing against sides throughout the county. The new pitch on the Lower Rec was a good start but improving the team and funding the extra travel were major issues. Throughout, the publicity which the team obtained from local newspapers ensured that the whole village bought into their side.
Progress was slow partly because rubble from the demolished pre-fabricated bungalows at Rudloe and Ashley was used to level the Lower Rec ground. The contractors were blamed for being evasive and the first three home games had to be played on the Upper Rec.[32] When the ground was levelled the pitch moved to its current position. The club had a small tea hut on the Lower Rec, serving refreshments to supporters and a collection box to pay for watching!
To many people's surprise, Box not only survived in the First Division, they won promotion again as runners-up at the end of the season.[24] Some of the senior players dropped down to the Reserves including Alec Cogswell and S Pinnock, but were available for later in the season when needed.[25] Rovers won their first six games, not as free-scoring as previously but with a better defensive record, until they lost to Kington Langley in the Chippenham Benevolent Cup and the league in successive weeks.[26]
More changes arose when the Parish Council undertook work on the Lower Mead Field. The club played its first match on a temporary pitch on the Lower Rec in September 1951. The pitch was reported as in splendid condition following a week's work by supporters.[27] It was a dismal failure, uneven and sloping and Rovers lost their first match 7-1 to Bradenstoke in a replayed game in the Wiltshire Junior Cup.[28] The experiment was abandoned until more work could be done.
By the end of January 1952 Rovers had dropped down to third place in the league and a mid-table finish seemed likely.[29] The first team responded by playing in a Reserve match in February 1952 to address the decline, which cost them a fine of £3.[30]
It worked and they recorded some fine wins including victory over Shaw & Whitley 7-1 in April. In the end Box could have been champions but a 4-1 victory over Kington Langley, who had gone 17 games without defeat, ensured promotion in successive seasons as Division 1 runners-up.[31]
Wiltshire County League Division 2, 1952-53
It was a huge step up to go from a local district competition to competing against sides throughout the county. The new pitch on the Lower Rec was a good start but improving the team and funding the extra travel were major issues. Throughout, the publicity which the team obtained from local newspapers ensured that the whole village bought into their side.
Progress was slow partly because rubble from the demolished pre-fabricated bungalows at Rudloe and Ashley was used to level the Lower Rec ground. The contractors were blamed for being evasive and the first three home games had to be played on the Upper Rec.[32] When the ground was levelled the pitch moved to its current position. The club had a small tea hut on the Lower Rec, serving refreshments to supporters and a collection box to pay for watching!
Wiltshire Junior Cup winners 1953
Back row: Les Hinton (trainer), F Heywood (trainer), Len Benjamin (right half), Brian Fuller (right back), Reg Bray (goalkeeper), Ken Bouton (left half),
A Barnett (left back), Alec Cogswell (secretary). Front row: B Weeks (outside right), Cyril Nichols (centre half), Ron Bray (inside right),
Bernard Lovell (centre forward), John Hall (inside left), Alexander Boore (outside left)(courtesy Ken Boulton)
Back row: Les Hinton (trainer), F Heywood (trainer), Len Benjamin (right half), Brian Fuller (right back), Reg Bray (goalkeeper), Ken Bouton (left half),
A Barnett (left back), Alec Cogswell (secretary). Front row: B Weeks (outside right), Cyril Nichols (centre half), Ron Bray (inside right),
Bernard Lovell (centre forward), John Hall (inside left), Alexander Boore (outside left)(courtesy Ken Boulton)
Honours 1952-53 and 1953-54
The ability of the Rovers players was recognised at County level and Len Benjamin and Ken Boulton both appeared for Wiltshire against Somerset in January 1953 and later against Devon.[33] Bernard Lovell was also called up to represent Wiltshire. Reinforcements were urgently needed. Cyril Greenland who had previously played for Western League sides Trowbridge Town and Chippenham United transferred from Box Hill to Rovers in August 1953 and John Hall transferred from Corsham to Box and soon established himself as captain.[34] But with so many county call-ups Rovers were reliant on many of their reserve side. The Reserves suffered accordingly but just managed to hold onto their Chippenham & District Division 1 status.
In March 1953 the local newspaper reported, Box Rovers made history when they brought the Wiltshire Junior Cup to the village for the first time.[35] The club was always well supported, both home and away, and six coach loads of supporters travelled to Devizes to see them beat Winterbourne Sports, Salisbury, 3-2 with goals from Lovell, Boore and Weeks.[36] Boore went off injured reducing Rovers to ten men and then Ron Bray limped through the last period of the match. But Rovers, with Reg Bray outstanding in goal, held on for victory.
Typical of the club's team spirit, Cyril Nichols, long time servant, was made captain for the day in honour of his forthcoming retirement. To celebrate the successful season the club decorated the Bingham Hall with footballs, jerseys and, of course, the cup at the annual general meeting in May 1953.[37] They had won the cup and finished second in the league. What more could be in store?
Champions Wiltshire Division 2, 1953-54
The answer came in the next season when the club finished top of the division in what was undoubtedly their finest year. Results started badly when, in the second game, Len Benjamin was taken to hospital for a head injury and the team suffered a 4-2 defeat to Frogmore before substitutes were allowed.[38] By the end of October Rovers had beaten Rowde 6-0 for the second time within weeks but old issues were causing problems. The pitch on the Lower Rec which had been reseeded during the summer at a cost of £250 was still not suitable for the rigours of a football match.[39] In March the side were knocked out of the Wilts Junior Cup semi final.[40]
Then, after Easter, the club's fortunes improved. The Parish Council bought a reconditioned tractor and a set of gang mowers to cut the pitch on the Lower Rec and allowed its use to the club.[41] Rovers climbed up to second in the table behind Bemerton in a strange season when four other clubs had two points deducted for fielding an ineligible player. Rovers beat Atworth 9-0 despite a car accident to Ron Bray for whom Cyril Greenland deputised at centre forward.[42] By the start of May they were Champions, losing only four matches, and winning twenty-four.
In his chairman's speech at the annual dinner, Bert Swan attributed the success to the players, particularly the Reserves who had filled in for injuries and County call-ups, especially in the strenuous end-of-season games.[43] A below strength side had beaten Shrewton 5-0 and a tired Rovers team defeated Upavon 5-0, both matches relying on a number of reserve players. Len Benjamin had received his County cap after six call-ups (five consecutively) and had trials with Swansea Town. The club prided itself as a true village side, looking to residents for players and showing the sportsmanship and energy of their captain Mr John Hall. Bernard Lovell said that no other club had a more loyal or enthusiastic Supporters' Club.
The regular side in the season 1953-54 featured many of the well-known Box football names, as seen in the photograph below taken before the match with Box Hill Sports (courtesy John Harris):
The ability of the Rovers players was recognised at County level and Len Benjamin and Ken Boulton both appeared for Wiltshire against Somerset in January 1953 and later against Devon.[33] Bernard Lovell was also called up to represent Wiltshire. Reinforcements were urgently needed. Cyril Greenland who had previously played for Western League sides Trowbridge Town and Chippenham United transferred from Box Hill to Rovers in August 1953 and John Hall transferred from Corsham to Box and soon established himself as captain.[34] But with so many county call-ups Rovers were reliant on many of their reserve side. The Reserves suffered accordingly but just managed to hold onto their Chippenham & District Division 1 status.
In March 1953 the local newspaper reported, Box Rovers made history when they brought the Wiltshire Junior Cup to the village for the first time.[35] The club was always well supported, both home and away, and six coach loads of supporters travelled to Devizes to see them beat Winterbourne Sports, Salisbury, 3-2 with goals from Lovell, Boore and Weeks.[36] Boore went off injured reducing Rovers to ten men and then Ron Bray limped through the last period of the match. But Rovers, with Reg Bray outstanding in goal, held on for victory.
Typical of the club's team spirit, Cyril Nichols, long time servant, was made captain for the day in honour of his forthcoming retirement. To celebrate the successful season the club decorated the Bingham Hall with footballs, jerseys and, of course, the cup at the annual general meeting in May 1953.[37] They had won the cup and finished second in the league. What more could be in store?
Champions Wiltshire Division 2, 1953-54
The answer came in the next season when the club finished top of the division in what was undoubtedly their finest year. Results started badly when, in the second game, Len Benjamin was taken to hospital for a head injury and the team suffered a 4-2 defeat to Frogmore before substitutes were allowed.[38] By the end of October Rovers had beaten Rowde 6-0 for the second time within weeks but old issues were causing problems. The pitch on the Lower Rec which had been reseeded during the summer at a cost of £250 was still not suitable for the rigours of a football match.[39] In March the side were knocked out of the Wilts Junior Cup semi final.[40]
Then, after Easter, the club's fortunes improved. The Parish Council bought a reconditioned tractor and a set of gang mowers to cut the pitch on the Lower Rec and allowed its use to the club.[41] Rovers climbed up to second in the table behind Bemerton in a strange season when four other clubs had two points deducted for fielding an ineligible player. Rovers beat Atworth 9-0 despite a car accident to Ron Bray for whom Cyril Greenland deputised at centre forward.[42] By the start of May they were Champions, losing only four matches, and winning twenty-four.
In his chairman's speech at the annual dinner, Bert Swan attributed the success to the players, particularly the Reserves who had filled in for injuries and County call-ups, especially in the strenuous end-of-season games.[43] A below strength side had beaten Shrewton 5-0 and a tired Rovers team defeated Upavon 5-0, both matches relying on a number of reserve players. Len Benjamin had received his County cap after six call-ups (five consecutively) and had trials with Swansea Town. The club prided itself as a true village side, looking to residents for players and showing the sportsmanship and energy of their captain Mr John Hall. Bernard Lovell said that no other club had a more loyal or enthusiastic Supporters' Club.
The regular side in the season 1953-54 featured many of the well-known Box football names, as seen in the photograph below taken before the match with Box Hill Sports (courtesy John Harris):
Wiltshire League Division II winners 1953-54
Back Row: Len Weeks (linesman), Cyril Nicholls (injured), Len Benjamin (right half), Brian Fuller (right back), John Harris (centre half), Reg Bray (goalkeeper), John Hall (left back and captain), Ken Boulton (left half), Cyril Greenland (injured), F Heywood (trainer) Front Row: Alec Cogswell (hon secretary), Bernard Lovell, W Hall, E Watkins, G Phillips, B Weeks, W Dermott (selector) (courtesy Ken Boulton)
Back Row: Len Weeks (linesman), Cyril Nicholls (injured), Len Benjamin (right half), Brian Fuller (right back), John Harris (centre half), Reg Bray (goalkeeper), John Hall (left back and captain), Ken Boulton (left half), Cyril Greenland (injured), F Heywood (trainer) Front Row: Alec Cogswell (hon secretary), Bernard Lovell, W Hall, E Watkins, G Phillips, B Weeks, W Dermott (selector) (courtesy Ken Boulton)
After 1954
The 1953-54 season was probably the highlight of Box Rovers' success. The Wiltshire League proposed various changes of format, including three divisions, and, without automatic promotion, Rovers' application to the senior league was refused.[44]
So the club found itself in the third division of the Wiltshire League, called by its old name Wiltshire Division 2, behind the Senior League and the Reserve Section with the Reserves in the Junior Section.[45]
The 1953-54 season was probably the highlight of Box Rovers' success. The Wiltshire League proposed various changes of format, including three divisions, and, without automatic promotion, Rovers' application to the senior league was refused.[44]
So the club found itself in the third division of the Wiltshire League, called by its old name Wiltshire Division 2, behind the Senior League and the Reserve Section with the Reserves in the Junior Section.[45]
Team from mid-1950s courtesy Mike Warren
There was a disappointing mid-table position for the senior side in the 1954-55 season and worse for the Reserves who were relegated into Chippenham Division 2.[46] The seniors won the Wiltshire Division 2 in May 1956 but the core of the side was ageing and the team-spirit gave way to the pressures of family life and employment duties in the late 1950s.[47] The Supporters' Club lapsed and had to be reformed in July 1956.[48] Results became variable depending on who was able to play, beating Sherston 9-0 but then defeated 7-1 to Frogwell in the 1956-57 season.[49]
The club underwent continuing changes. Further work was needed on the bank between the Upper and Lower Rec which was to be stabilised with a clinker-filled ditch.[50] Alec Cogswell retired as secretary in June 1956 leaving a gap which proved difficult to fill.[51] For a number of years Alec was only distantly involved with the club but its attraction was too much for him to ignore forever. The local leagues were changing greatly with teams like Trowbridge Town of the Western League retaining 18 professionals for the 1956-57 season and the Wiltshire Senior League allowing them with permits.[52]
Rovers Players in the Early Years
Alec Cogswell often recalled many of the characters who had played for Box over the years. Bernard Lovell could play centre forward or winger. He was a lovely chap. He and Alec played together for many years and continued their involvement in running the club for many years after. They played on opposite wings and called one another "Puskas" after the famous Hungarian footballer of that time.
In the early days there was Ron Bray, a prolific goal scorer at inside right, who was renowned for his heading ability, John Hall was inside left and Sid Pinnock was a free-scoring outside right. The defence comprised Brian Fuller right back, Cyril Nicholls centre half and Ken Boulton strong, defensive left half, who represented the county at football and led the Box Cricket batting averages in 1953.[53] Reg Bray was goalkeeper. Alan Peacock regular centre half.[54] Ron Bull was a very fast winger who lived in Colerne and Jock Welman attended Corsham School.[55]
Cyril Greenland was a local man whose parents lived in 2 Mill Lane. They are remembered as charming people, quiet and sensible. Cyril played for Box Hill in 1938 and later with Trowbridge Town and Chippenham United. He transferred to Box Rovers in 1953. Cyril had a garage further down Mill Lane, opposite the WOMAD building near Box Mill.[56]
Codger Smith played wearing his cap and took it off in order to score a headed goal. Codger apparently had a trial for a big team (possibly Charlton Athletic), but celebrated so much the night before that he missed the train the following day and the opportunity never happened again. He was employed by the Parish Council for many years in old age as the village road cleaner.
The club underwent continuing changes. Further work was needed on the bank between the Upper and Lower Rec which was to be stabilised with a clinker-filled ditch.[50] Alec Cogswell retired as secretary in June 1956 leaving a gap which proved difficult to fill.[51] For a number of years Alec was only distantly involved with the club but its attraction was too much for him to ignore forever. The local leagues were changing greatly with teams like Trowbridge Town of the Western League retaining 18 professionals for the 1956-57 season and the Wiltshire Senior League allowing them with permits.[52]
Rovers Players in the Early Years
Alec Cogswell often recalled many of the characters who had played for Box over the years. Bernard Lovell could play centre forward or winger. He was a lovely chap. He and Alec played together for many years and continued their involvement in running the club for many years after. They played on opposite wings and called one another "Puskas" after the famous Hungarian footballer of that time.
In the early days there was Ron Bray, a prolific goal scorer at inside right, who was renowned for his heading ability, John Hall was inside left and Sid Pinnock was a free-scoring outside right. The defence comprised Brian Fuller right back, Cyril Nicholls centre half and Ken Boulton strong, defensive left half, who represented the county at football and led the Box Cricket batting averages in 1953.[53] Reg Bray was goalkeeper. Alan Peacock regular centre half.[54] Ron Bull was a very fast winger who lived in Colerne and Jock Welman attended Corsham School.[55]
Cyril Greenland was a local man whose parents lived in 2 Mill Lane. They are remembered as charming people, quiet and sensible. Cyril played for Box Hill in 1938 and later with Trowbridge Town and Chippenham United. He transferred to Box Rovers in 1953. Cyril had a garage further down Mill Lane, opposite the WOMAD building near Box Mill.[56]
Codger Smith played wearing his cap and took it off in order to score a headed goal. Codger apparently had a trial for a big team (possibly Charlton Athletic), but celebrated so much the night before that he missed the train the following day and the opportunity never happened again. He was employed by the Parish Council for many years in old age as the village road cleaner.
References
[1] The Wiltshire Times, 19 March 1949
[2] Courtesy John Harris
[3] The Wiltshire Times, 21 May 1949
[4] The Wiltshire Times, 25 June 1949
[5] The Wiltshire Times, 22 October 1949
[6] The Wiltshire Times, 3 September 1949
[7] The Wiltshire Times, 10, 17 and 24 September 1949
[8] The Wiltshire Times, 24 September 1949 and 1 October 1949
[9] The Wiltshire Times, 8 October 1949
[10] The Wiltshire Times, 15 October 1949
[11] The Wiltshire Times, 29 October 1949 and 10 December 1949
[12] The Wiltshire Times, 19 November 1949
[13] The Wiltshire Times, 6 May 1950
[14] The Wiltshire Times, 13 May 1950
[15] The Wiltshire Times, 21 January 1950
[16] The Wiltshire Times, 18 February 1950
[17] The Wiltshire Times, 26 August 1950 and Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald 10 June 1950
[18] The Wiltshire Times, 2 September 1950
[19] The Wiltshire Times, 4 November 1950
[20] The Wiltshire Times, 13 January 1951
[21] The Wiltshire Times, 17 February 1951
[22] The Wiltshire Times, 5 May 1951
[23] The Wiltshire Times, 23 June 1951
[24] The Wiltshire Times, 3 May 1952
[25] The Wiltshire Times, 8 September 1951
[26] The Wiltshire Times, 3 November 1951
[27] The Wiltshire Times, 29 September 1951
[28] The Wiltshire Times, 8 December 1951
[29] The Wiltshire Times, 26 January 1952
[30] The Wiltshire Times, 2 February 1952 and 23 February 1952
[31] The Wiltshire Times, 3 May 1952
[32] The Wiltshire Times, 21 March 1953
[33] The Wiltshire Times, 24 January 1953 and 21 March 1953
[34] The Wiltshire Times, 24 January 1953 and 29 August 1953
[35] The Wiltshire Times, 28 March 1953
[36] The Wiltshire Times, 28 March 1953
[37] The Wiltshire Times, 16 May 1953
[38] The Wiltshire Times, 12 September 1953
[39] The Wiltshire Times, 23 January 1954
[40] The Wiltshire Times, 20 March 1954
[41] The Wiltshire Times, 17 April 1954
[42] The Wiltshire Times, 10 April 1954
[43] The Wiltshire Times, 22 May 1954
[44] Wiltshire Times and Trowbridge Advertiser, 19 June 1954
[45] The Wiltshire Times, 21 April 1956
[46] The Wiltshire Times, 7 May 1955
[47] The Wiltshire Times, 12 May 1956
[48] The Wiltshire Times, 7 July 1956
[49] The Wiltshire Times, 16 June 1956, 6 and 20 October 1956
[50] The Wiltshire Times, 19 June 1954
[51] The Wiltshire Times, 2 June 1956
[52] The Wiltshire Times, 5 May 1956 and 18 June 1955
[53] The Wiltshire Times, 23 January 1954
[54] Parish Magazine, May 1960
[55] Courtesy John Harris
[56] Courtesy Eileen Bradbury
[1] The Wiltshire Times, 19 March 1949
[2] Courtesy John Harris
[3] The Wiltshire Times, 21 May 1949
[4] The Wiltshire Times, 25 June 1949
[5] The Wiltshire Times, 22 October 1949
[6] The Wiltshire Times, 3 September 1949
[7] The Wiltshire Times, 10, 17 and 24 September 1949
[8] The Wiltshire Times, 24 September 1949 and 1 October 1949
[9] The Wiltshire Times, 8 October 1949
[10] The Wiltshire Times, 15 October 1949
[11] The Wiltshire Times, 29 October 1949 and 10 December 1949
[12] The Wiltshire Times, 19 November 1949
[13] The Wiltshire Times, 6 May 1950
[14] The Wiltshire Times, 13 May 1950
[15] The Wiltshire Times, 21 January 1950
[16] The Wiltshire Times, 18 February 1950
[17] The Wiltshire Times, 26 August 1950 and Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald 10 June 1950
[18] The Wiltshire Times, 2 September 1950
[19] The Wiltshire Times, 4 November 1950
[20] The Wiltshire Times, 13 January 1951
[21] The Wiltshire Times, 17 February 1951
[22] The Wiltshire Times, 5 May 1951
[23] The Wiltshire Times, 23 June 1951
[24] The Wiltshire Times, 3 May 1952
[25] The Wiltshire Times, 8 September 1951
[26] The Wiltshire Times, 3 November 1951
[27] The Wiltshire Times, 29 September 1951
[28] The Wiltshire Times, 8 December 1951
[29] The Wiltshire Times, 26 January 1952
[30] The Wiltshire Times, 2 February 1952 and 23 February 1952
[31] The Wiltshire Times, 3 May 1952
[32] The Wiltshire Times, 21 March 1953
[33] The Wiltshire Times, 24 January 1953 and 21 March 1953
[34] The Wiltshire Times, 24 January 1953 and 29 August 1953
[35] The Wiltshire Times, 28 March 1953
[36] The Wiltshire Times, 28 March 1953
[37] The Wiltshire Times, 16 May 1953
[38] The Wiltshire Times, 12 September 1953
[39] The Wiltshire Times, 23 January 1954
[40] The Wiltshire Times, 20 March 1954
[41] The Wiltshire Times, 17 April 1954
[42] The Wiltshire Times, 10 April 1954
[43] The Wiltshire Times, 22 May 1954
[44] Wiltshire Times and Trowbridge Advertiser, 19 June 1954
[45] The Wiltshire Times, 21 April 1956
[46] The Wiltshire Times, 7 May 1955
[47] The Wiltshire Times, 12 May 1956
[48] The Wiltshire Times, 7 July 1956
[49] The Wiltshire Times, 16 June 1956, 6 and 20 October 1956
[50] The Wiltshire Times, 19 June 1954
[51] The Wiltshire Times, 2 June 1956
[52] The Wiltshire Times, 5 May 1956 and 18 June 1955
[53] The Wiltshire Times, 23 January 1954
[54] Parish Magazine, May 1960
[55] Courtesy John Harris
[56] Courtesy Eileen Bradbury