When captain Ned hangs up his boots the club has two nominations for replacement Terry Duckworth and university graduate Tony Gaydens. Terry's dad, Harry is life blood of the club but he is a trier but not captain material.
Mick's wife Linda is struggling with the cost of living and asks him to give up unnecessary luxuries. Drayman Mick is determined to find the extra cash by doing more overtime but is now too tired rugby and threatens to quit.
Melvyn visits the club after years of working away. In the bar he is goaded by Paddy, who is still playing at 45. Melvyn's pride is hurt and agrees to a challenge match in six weeks time but soon discovers age has caught him up.
Tony Gaydens likes living life dangerously, so when he and wife Jean join Ned and his wife for their 10th wedding anniversary they end up at a drag club. His girlfriend Sheila turns up and Tony's life begins to unravel when he goads Ned.
Tony head hunts a 17-year-old former England winger Billy Harris and brings him to the club. Tony believes he a future England international but he needs handling with care. After his debut in the Second XV there are queries about his bottle after he is singled out.
Local lad made good "Snotty" Craven gets Cogdon RU eight tickets for the England international against Scotland. After the game, they soon find, without "Snotty", that working class players from the North are not welcome.