Club History - Players - Alvin Williams

Alvin Williams

Alvin’s sporting allegiance changed from soccer to rugby on the 5th. April, 1948, an occasion when the Pirates played Cardiff.

He had learned at school that Jim Matthews (our schoolboy international) was to kick off the match, so with this in mind, and with no money in his pocket, the crafty monkey clambered over the hedge at the Newlyn end to get in the ground.

He marvelled at the skills displayed famous players such as Dr. Jack Matthews, Haydn Tanner and Bleddyn Williams. Alvin was converted!

Playing first for our Colts (referred to as the Mounts Bay Old Boys) in September, 1948, Alvin had his first Reserves game against Falmouth in 1950, and then for the ‘Chiefs’ against RNE College on the 10th. February, 1951.

Alvin also played for England ATC versus Scotland at Hawick in 1951, and a year later played for the Cornwall Youth XV in Germany.

Leaving the Penzance Grammar School he went to St. Luke’s College, Exeter, where he was a member of that great side which scored over 1,000 points. He qualified there as a schoolteacher and was also a county water-polo player of repute.

A whole-hearted second-row forward, Alvin played 50 times for Cornwall (1954-64), and also played for the combined Cornwall & Devon teams that played against the Wallbies (1957-58) and the Springboks (1960-61).

There are many stories that Alvin could recall, including one when he was packing down with that piece of Cornish granite Ben Perrin – spunky old fellow – when the scrum suddenly erupted. Ben stood up, he’s been punched Alvin thought, but no, Ben running off saying ‘Sorry ref I’ve got to go!’. Alvin thought he’d been caught short and was making for the toilet but then he heard the fire siren wailing. Ben was a part-time fireman, off he went in his kit and we played one short.

Alvin also remembers with amusement George ‘Bosun’ James, our first-aider, standing on a chair so that he could talk eye to eye with 6’10” Scottish international Peter Stagg, and on a another occasion ‘Bosun’ using some tape to apply first-aid and ending up strapping Gerald Luke to an enclosure seat!

In total, Alvin played 819 games for the Pirates, he was our captain for three seasons, and he is also a Past President of the club. Still a keen rugby supporter, conversation with Alvin always demands attention – and never lacks colour or interest!