Having started mid way through the previous season Colin Smith led the side at the start of the new season at a time that was to have such a lasting effect on the fortunes of the club. At the start of the season resources were invested in the services of an external Coach, Chris Johnson to set the tone and established the ‘game plan’ of the club, which remained in place for the next few years. The success of later seasons can be directly attributable to the sessions taken by Chris over this and the following season.

Another first round exit of the RFU Inter Cup meant that attention focussed on the league campaign, which proved to be fairly successful. In a division of 10-teams, the 18-games saw a third place finish courtesy of 13-wins and 5-defeats, but yet another RFU restructure meant another promotion for the following season as the 1st XV were sent to Coventry – literally!!! Colin Smith led from the front with a big total of 232-points (8-tries, 36-conversions & 40-penalties) and Matthew Barnsley weighed in with another 10-try haul and Julian Harding 9-tries.

Dan Bills was 2nd XV skipper as they managed 19-matches. However, this season marked the start of a senior career of a youngster who continues to have a huge influence on the club. Allan Shields was skipper of the Under-18 XV in a full 24-game season, with 18-wins and just 6-defeats. His speed was the main contributor to enable him to top the Junior Top Point Scorer charts and marked his debut season for the seniors with 6-tries and 9-conversions for 48-points.