BRIDGWATER & ALBION RFC MOURNS THE DEATH OF FORMER CAPTAIN ALAN G WOOLLAM (1971/72)
BRIDGWATER & ALBION RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB MOURNS THE DEATH OF FORMER CAPTAIN ALAN G WOOLLAM (1971/72)
Alan Woollam has recently passed away at the age of 74 after suffering ill-health over the last few years.
Alan hailed from Norfolk and attended Wymondham School before going on to Alsager Teachers Training College at Crewe in Cheshire where he qualified as a teacher. There, he met his wife Melanie and they both took up their first teaching positions in the Watchet/Minehead area with Alan at St Decumans Primary/Junior School in Watchet where he remained for the rest of his teaching career becoming Head Master after a short space of time.
Relocation meant that he joined Bridgwater & Albion at the start of the 1970/71 season and made his debut in our United XV v North Petherton on 17 September 1970 in a 24-6 win. He obviously impressed as a week later he made his 1st XV debut against Hampshire XV in a 32-15 win. That was the first of a long and consistent 1st XV career.
Alan proved to be a popular player both on and off the field and it was perhaps a surprise to him and others that be became captain of the 1st XV in just his second season in 1971/72. Albion were in transition from an experienced and strong side from the late 1960’s and the playing record of 14-2-26 reflected that position. However this season was a stepping stone for better things to come.
Alan appeared in our SCRFU Cup winning side against Old Redcliffians in 1972/73 when we won 15-9 after extra time and he was again in the side against the same opponents in 1976/77 in the final which was replayed as the sides drew 9-9 before Albion won the replay 18-9. In all, he made 327 1st XV appearances and played for Bridgwater & Albion up to the end of the 1979/80 season – a remarkably consistent run. He was belatedly capped in 2015 as the club had introduced caps for then players in 1995 and the situation of earlier qualifiers was rectified to honour a previous commitment.
Alan played on the flank and at No. 8 and occasionally second row and also as an emergency centre/wing – all of these duties being carried out with some aplomb and skills. Despite being just over 6 ft tall, he was not a great carrier of the ball but concentrated on what flankers then did – keeping the opposition half-backs quiet and to ensure that your own opposite numbers do not rule the roost. This he did with some uncanny play – even trickery and sleight of hand. Some opponents simply could not get to grips with his style or tactics and Albion took advantage of the numerous penalties which came our way without Alan being over-penalised himself.
Alan was always in the wars – more often suffering superficial cuts to his face and head – so much so that he holds the club record for visits to away A&E centres – many a time we had to call at the local hospital to pick him up after stiches or other treatment. However, he always made a remarkable recovery as his excellent record of appearances shows. This was due to him being able to maintain his form and enthusiasm for all of those years and particularly travelling from Watchet (normally in the company of Mike Rawle and Paul Lovatt) for training and playing.
Not unsurprisingly, he opted to join Minehead Barbarians for the 1980/81 season where his considerable Albion experience formed the basis of the blossoming of the local club into a useful outfit – he also captained the club and played on for several seasons and held his attachments to the club throughout.
Alan Woollam was a fine clubman and player who always gave his all – he was an excellent teammate and a true spirited rugby footballer and will be long remembered in the annals of the club.
Bridgwater & Albion RFC sends its sincere condolences to Melanie and her family and with thanks for a splendid career.
Scribe
Category: Club News
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
