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Football

The season 1919 has proved most successful for College football, for although we cannot point to any championships won by our teams, this is not due to inferiority of individual players, but to the absence of adequate training facilities, which always has retarded College football, and always will until we can have the same conditions as those enjoyed by other clubs. Great keenness has been shown this year, as evidenced by the fact that we have been able to place four teams in the field, and it is hoped that we will be able to increase this number. On the season's play, the First Fifteen has won 6 matches, drawn 2, and lost 5. One of the matches was lost during the vacation, when there were only 5 of the real team playing. The First Fifteen also travelled to Christchurch, and secured a victory by 13—3. On this occasion our forwards did great work against a heavier pack, and it was largely to their efforts that we owe our success on that occasion. The backs did not do what was expected of them; evidently they were affected by the prolonged sea voyage. We owe much of the enjoyment of the tour to the splendid hospitality of the Canterbury College Football Club, whose members were always on hand to do all they could for us. At the dinner subsequent to the game the question of an annual Inter-Varsity Football Tournament was discussed, for competition in which the club captain of Canterbury College has generously donated a shield. Arrangements are now in hand to hold the first tournament for the four Colleges, next year.

Efforts were made to renew the annual fixtures between Sydney University and New Zealand University Colleges, but owing to difficulties of travelling the tour had to be abandoned. Next year, however, we hope to see the Australians in New Zealand.

We have to congratulate Barker, Beard, Chrisp, and Jackson on their inclusion in the Wellington A representative team, and Aitken, Brosnahan, and Martin-Smith on their gaining representative honours in the B team.

Owing to the failure of Christ's College to participate in the Secondary Schools' Tournament, we were asked to play Wanganui College, and proved the better team on the day's play. Low and Randell (the little fellow amongst them) were specially agile on this occasion. Espiner also seemed to be enjoying the game immensely.

We have had our usual bad luck as regards accidents, losing Beard, our feather-weight lock, at a vital point in our career. Jackson also has been in the wars again—it is his shoulders this time.

A brief criticism of the team is as follows:—

Chrisp.—The man with the head for getting out of hot places. Has an effective left boot, but his right needs mending.

Tracy.—Has the pace and weight of a good wing three-quarter. His handling is weak, but will improve.

Lusk.—Quick off the mark, and is dangerous when he gets the ball.

Giillespie.—If this player had improved this year as he improved last, he would be playing representative football.

Barker.—The fastest back in Wellington, and is coming into his own in Rugby circles. For further reading vide Free Lance, Referee, and Evening Post.

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Aitken.—Not playing up to previous form. Usually runs straight. Jackson (Captain).—Perhaps the best defensive back in Wellington. Does not allow his pack to loaf. (Go for it! ! ! !)

Scott.—A rapidly improving half-back, and an accurate kick.

Low.—A terrier among the opposing backs. Always up with the game, and dangerous near the line.

Randell.—The other terrier; a capable hooter and the eighth back.

Espiner.—He is no slug, and is always in the thick of it.

Beard.—Back to his old form. A pre-war and present Wellington representative. 'Nuff said.

Brosnahan.—The wise head who has proved that he is not a back number.

Churchill.—A pre-war O.U.C. player, who possesses his characteristic dash, as of old.

Hutchison.—He is no baby, but he can dribble.

Martin-Smith.—The "bouncing boy" of Free Lance fame, plays best after a Capping Dance, and uses his weight in the thick.

Smith.—Strong in the line-out and dangerous in the open.

Dighton.—He's a "rattler," and will play great football before he is pensioned off.

Junior Grade—

• Versus Petone, lost 6—0.
• Versus Marist Bros., lost 12—0.
• Versus Wellington College, lost 26—0.
• Versus Marist Bros., lost 16—3.
• Versus War Expenses, won 20—0.

Third Grade—

• A Team v. Porirua, lost 6—5.
• A Team v. Petone, lost 12—6.
• A Team v. Hutt, lost 10—9.
• A Team v. Johnsonville, lost 8—3.
• A Team v. Railway, draw 3—3.
• A Team v. Petone, lost 10—8.
• A Team v. 'Varsity, won 11—6.
• B Team v. Selwyn, lost 22—0.
• B Team v. Johnsonville, draw 3—3.
• B Team v. Porirua, won 5—3.
• B Team v. Railway, lost 17—3.
• B Team v. Porirua, lost 19—0.
• B Team v. Johnsonville, lost 13—8.
• B Team v. 'Varsity, lost 11—6.