After Penzance & Newlyn RFC played their first ever game on the 22nd September 1945, losing 15-3 at home to Guy’s Hospital on the Mennaye Field, they would have a record that shows they actually lost their first six games.

Full-back Colin Paull scored the first points for the Pirates in their opening match defeat, whilst the honour of scoring a first try for the club went to Ben Batten in the team’s third match, which was at home to Falmouth on the 6th October 1945 (lost 8-3 - a try back in those days, and for many years afterwards, only worth three points).

More About Ben

Back in 2021, I compiled an article about Ben, which read as follows:

Remembering Ben – Teacher, Historian and Sportsman

For me, growing up in Penzance and having a rugby interest develop at a young age, there were inevitably a number of ‘influencers’, including school masters. Firstly, at St. Paul’s CP School in the late 1950s, it was a Pirates duo in teachers Rodda Williams and Ben Jelbert, and then later at the Humphry Davy Grammar School it was Bob Horne and Ben Batten.

In this editorial, my concentration is on Newlyn man Ben (more of Rodda, Ben and Bob another time), because when undertaking a first committee role at the Pirates as a players’ representative in the early 1970s, it was an honour to serve alongside such an able and experienced gentleman. My only concern though was, because he had taught me at school, I found it very difficult not to address him as ‘Sir’!

Browsing through my archive pages, I recently spotted a ‘Cornishman’ newspaper report printed following Ben’s passing in 1999, at the age of 87. It highlighted him as a distinguished teacher, historian and sportsman, and someone respected by all for his local knowledge,

integrity and modesty. Those who knew him would wholeheartedly agree.

After gaining and English Honours Degree at Westminster College in London, Ben taught firstly in Liverpool and was then headmaster at Mousehole School from 1946-48, before being appointed as an English teacher at Penzance Boys’ Grammar School, from where he retired in 1972.

Consideration next to Ben the historian, who through his writing skills and use of good English produced several books, covering subjects that reflected his deep affection – from Methodism (he was a dedicated steward and choir member at Newlyn’s Centenary chapel) to rugby, and the broad sweep of Newlyn’s story. His efforts in this direction were recognised in 1980, when made a Bard by the Cornish Gorsedd he was given the name ‘Scryfer Gwavas’, meaning ‘Writer of Gwavas’. He also co-authorised ‘Three Score Years and Ten’ which splendidly told the story of Humphry Davy Grammar School 1910-80.

Now to rugby, the earliest image I have on file of Ben is when played for the Newlyn Old Boys team in 1928-29. He would later play for Newlyn’s senior side alongside his brothers Jack and Jim, plus he played in Lancashire for Hightown and Waterloo, besides five years of service rugby.

On the 22nd September 1945, Ben featured in the newly combined Penzance & Newlyn side (The Pirates!) that played its first ever game (against Guy’s Hospital). He was also honoured to captain the team during that opening 1945/46 season, as did Peter Gartrell and Tommy Mutton.

Initiating the playing of rugby at Penzance Boys’ Grammar School, Ben took an active part in the Cornwall Public and Grammar Schools organisation, and he was also Secretary of Penzance & Newlyn RFC’s Mount’s Bay Colts team.

As for committee work, he was first a member and then for many years President of a very pro-active Pirates Supporters Club, his input including

writing the match programme notes for two decades, plus he compiled the club’s first ever illustrated rugby history 'Newlyn, Penzance and the Pirates', which was printed in 1978. Ben also served on Cornwall RFU’s Executive Committee and was a county selector.

To near conclusion, we must not forget that family was also mightily important to Ben. Married to Margery (nee Stafford) for 61 years, they had a son, Ben (Benny), and daughter, Joy, who both became graduate English specialists, like Ben himself.

Finally, I became aware that his enthusiasm and polite attitude voluntarily working with people and undertaking tasks rubbed off on them. Such traits were admirable, witnessed in a truly great Pirate and, indeed, a true gentleman.