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The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review, June 1922

Football

page 73

Football

"Follow up!
Till the field ring again and again
To the tramp of the thirty good men,"

Sketch of man with football as a head

There is something indescribably alluring and inspiring to most men in the sound of the punting of the leather, and in the shrill blast of the whistle; in the keen air of the football field, and in the feel of the springy turf underfoot. It is a kind of instinct—" Atavism," in sweeping terms.

A good muster responded to the call, and turned out to the first practice, on 8th April, at Wellington College. A. Jackson, Club Captain, got busy amongst the crowd of players and soon had four teams in action. Everyone had every opportunity of satiating his desire to run about, the chief symptoms of "Atavism" quickly disappearing before an acute rising consciousness of wind and limb.

We were glad to notice many new players turning out, mostly amongst the juniors; but one or two also were of seniorgrade calibre. Notable amongst these latter were J. J. Malfroy, late of Canterbury College, and M. L. Smith, who has represented Otago, and who is returning to his place at wing forward in the first fifteen, after a season's spell. Malfroy has since proved himself an acquisition to the Club, Aitken and Jackson with Malfroy making up probably the most brilliant threequarter line in Wellington.

Amongst those looking on at Varsity's first muster was McNaught, the N.Z. Army fiveeighth, and last year's Club Captain of Football at Otago University. McNaught is attending at Victoria College now, and we had hoped to have him playing with us this year, but a bad knee has banished him to the touch line, to his own disappointment no less than ours. We still hope to see him lending his interest to the College Football.

The season opened on 22nd April, with the usual sevenaside tournament. 'Varsity won their first match with Athletic "A," but were beaten in the next round by Berhampore "B," by one point (a force down). The competition was won finally by Petone.

The first fifteen have shown great form so far this season, and we have great hopes that they will carry the green and gold colours still further forward toward the Championship. Since a first defeat at the hands of Oriental, their career has been marked by a series of brilliant victories. Already Petone's defences have been battered down, and four other teams, including Berhampore, have been dealt with and left to languish in defeat. The position is as follows:—
Matches played. Won. Lost. Drawn. Championship points.
6 5 1 0 10

'Varsity is thus so far in the lead from Petone and Poneke, who are running ievel for second place with nine points each.

page 74

While appreciating these good performances of the first fifteen, we still have a good measure of interest left for the junior teams. The seniors are looking to them to keep their end up. None of the junior teams have had very successful careers up to the present. There are several reasons to explain this. The vacation break has seriously affected the personnel of junior teams, and Extravaganza practices have lured many players away from serious training.

The Thirds have shown the best promise so far, and their keenness will continue to be rewarded we hope.

Altogether there is good Interest throughout the Club, and we must make the most of it this term. The matter of obtaining permanent coaches for each of the junior teams is of pressing importance, and the committee should deal with it at once.

It is understood that the President of the Club, Professor Boyd Wilson, will take one of the teams in hand.

We greatly appreciate the close personal interest which our President and Professor Murphy take in the welfare of the Club. These are men wise in Rugby lore, and their interest is to be valued indeed. Such another also is Mr. J. N. Millard, himself a oncenoted Otago University wing three quarter. Every man in the team has his job, and knows it more or less well; but he is always glad of Mr. Millard's quiet word of advice before a big match.

To Mr. E. Perry, our coach, we owe a great deal. If he does not spare the forwards at gym practice, he does not spare himself much time and patience; and anyway, we like it. Ned is a "holy terror." He makes us "run hard! "and" come behind! "and" get on aide! till we can hardly stand up, and then Ned says sweetly, "Have a spell, forwards," and we flop down. Our worthy coach has a merciless irony for the man who makes mistakes, but he knows when to weigh out an "ounce of sweet," and "an ounce of sweete is worth a pound of soure.'

George Aitken is showing better form than ever, and his dazzling movements have gladdened the hearts of his team and provided a series of thrills to spectators at Athletic Park. As Rhodes Scholar he will sail for England late in the season. We will be sorry to lose him, and when he goes we shall miss more than his splendid play.

"Where George Aitken is, there is Albert Jackson," might be said of these two inseparables, both on and off the field. Having played side by side for several years, they know each other's tactics well, and none can follow Aitken's zigzag course with better judgment than Jackson. He sails up at top speed to receive the ball at the psychological moment, and if he cannot pass an opponent, he goee over the top of him.

S. K. Siddells is playing second five-eighth this season, swapping places with G. G. Mackay, and has played some great games. With two safe men inside him, he is given every opportunity of getting the ball and taking it along with him in his characteristic style. As an All Black of last year, he is being observed with great interest in his play this season.

G. G. Mackay is playing a sound game at full back, and is a safe place kick He still looks for openings, and will sometimes make a brilliant dash up the field in his old five eighth style.

J. J. Malfroy has already been mentioned. He is fast and is a sure tackier, and always shows up well in company with Aitken and Jackson in the three quarter line.

A. Murray plays a steady game at first five eighth, handling the ball cleverly, and having a good idea always of when to let the ball out. He has a responsible job, especially with a player like Siddells depending on him for a share of the ball.

Trapski, at halfback is playing well up to the high standard set in the backs. He is the chief link between forwards and backs, and the chain seldom breaks behind the scrum. He understandss his back well. The forwards always listen for his "hook Greens!" or "go through Greens," then we "hook" or "go through," if we can.

The forwards should hold their own with any other pack in Wellington. As o pack they are versatile, good in the loose, and have some good scoring men amongst them.

We miss F. Hewson from amongst the forwards this year. He was our best forward last year. He is coming down to general the pack in our battle with Poncke, however.

C. B. Thomas, a good place kick, is noted for his dashing tactics. He is a wise forward in the ruck, and uses his pace when he gets half a chance.

McRae is a lion in the lineout, and fields the ball safely.

Scott is a clever hooker, and is always up in the thick of it ready to snatch an advantage.

Ruins is an important man in the lineout. and is often prominent in passing movements amongst the forwards. He ran work the "dummy."

page 75

Matches Played.

Senior.—April 29th v. Oriental, at Kelburn Park. Lost 6—11. Tries by Aitken and Jackson

May 6th. v. Petone, at Athletic Park. Won 25—0. Triea by Aitken (2), Jackson (2),Malfroy, Smith. Mackay kicked a penalty goal and converted two tries.

May 13th, v. Selwyn, at Kilbirnie. Won 10—3. Tries by Jackson and Malfroy, converted by Aitken and Thomas.

May 20th, v. Wellington, at Kilbirnie. Won 25—5. Tries by Thomas, Jackson (3), Siddlells. Thomas kicked two penalty goals and converted one try. Mackay converted a try.

May 27th, v. Rerhampore, at Athletic Park. on 15—5. Tries by Siddells (2), Jackson (2), Smith.

June 3rd, v. Old Roys, at Petone .Won 39—15. Tries by Aitken, Malfroy, Jackson, Siddells, Thomas, Scott.

Juniors.—April 29th, v. Marist. Lost 6—0.

May 6th, v. Athletic. Lost 25—4.

May 13th, v. Peton. Lost.

May 27th, v. Old Boys. Lost 19—8.

June 3rd, v. Hutt. Defaulted.

Third Grade.—May 6th, v. Oriental. Lost 17—6.

May 13th, v. Berhampore. Lost 20—6

.May 20th, v. Johnsonville. Won 16—6.

May 27th, v. Training College. Won by Default,

June 3rd, v. Marist. Lost 6—3.

Intermediate.—May 6th, v. Old Boys. Lost 15—9.

May 13th, v. Onslow. Lost 9—3.

May 20th, v. Scots College (Not played).

May 27th, v. Poneke. Lost 4—3.

June 3rd, v. Y.M.C.A. Lost 19—8.

Our Photograph of the First Fifteen, 1922, shows (from left to right):—

Back Row:—C. B. Thomas, R. E. Pope, A. D. McRae (Deput Club Captain), H. N. Burns, S. K. Siddells, M, L. Smith.

Second Row:—S. Gilmer, G. G. Mackay, Professor E. J. Boyd Wilson (President), A. Murray, E. Perry (Coach), P. Maloney, J. L. Dighton. .

Sitting: J. F. Trapski, P S. Bryden, G. G. Aitken (Captain), A. Jackson (Club Captain), D. H. Scott.

Front Row:' J. J. Malfroy, B. C. B. Dixon.