page 63

Football Club

The Football Club this year appeared to have better prospects than for some years past. However, expectations were not fulfilled, and the club results were not as good as they should have been. A very poor club spirit prevailed in the lower grades, and if the club is ever to regain its former status the members of the lower grade teams must pull together more.

The Senior XV, under the able coaching of Mr. J. H. Parker, had quite a satisfactory season. At the commencement prospects were distinctly rosy for promotion to, and retention of, Senior A status. However, two important games were lost in succession and the team had to remain in the Second Division. In the College games victories were gained over Canterbury and Massey, while a weakened fifteen went down narrowly to Auckland.

The Seniors were successful in winning the Senior A Second Division championship. The forwards, with Burke (captain), McNicol, Thomas and Hansen as the stars, all played consistently well. The back line was the best the College has had for some time. The most brilliant back was Wild at centre or first five-eighths. Bryers, at second five-eighths, played some splendid games, his handling being a pleasure to watch. The three-quarter line— Eastwood, Tricklebank, and O'Regan—were all strong, determined runners and were always dangerous. As a full-back Kissel improved with every game, and developed into a first-class player.

The Senior B team put up a very creditable performance, notwithstanding the fact that they did not have a regular coach. At one time it appeared that they might carry off championship honours, but several of their best players were taken by the Seniors, with the result that towards the end of the season they lost several matches. Corkill, Creed, Armour and Parker worked hard in the forwards, while Brock, Dean, Harpur and Hermans played consistently good football in the backs.

The Junior A team, under Mr. D. Eckhoff, had a most disappointing season. They began with the nucleus of a splendid XV, but injuries and other calamities took their toll, and before long they were searching for players. Those few who played regularly throughout the season are to be complimented on turning out every Saturday under adverse conditions.

The Junior B (Social) team had its worst season since its inception and finished up near the bottom of the ladder. Perhaps a little more organised training next year will bring better results.

The lack of specialised backs made the task of the Junior C (Star) team very difficult. Broad, Bradshaw and Frazer are to be complimented on their keenness in organising the team, and we trust that next season they will start at the beginning and have better results.

The Third A's, under the enthusiastic coaching of Mr. H. E. (Henry) Moore, are to be complimented on putting up perhaps the best performance in the club. Consisting mainly of freshers, this team trained hard throughout the season, and their keenness should have been a splendid example to the rest of the club. Their strength was in the forwards, who played magnificently. It is hard to single out anyone for special mention, but Smith, Taylor, Bannister and Girling-Butcher should go a long way in football. The backs, with Papps and Campbell as the mainstays, played sound football and backed up the forwards excellently.

The club entered two teams in the Third B Division. Both teams suffered from a shortage of players. Morrison, Stuchberry and Fitz-patrick all played well for the first of these two teams, while Hall, Austin and Akel showed up excellently for the second.

It is to be hoped that some of the members of the club will show more keenness and club spirit next season, in fairness to those who have turned out so regularly on Saturdays and at practice.

Just as we go to press the newspapers announce the selection of Burke, McNicol and Eastwood in the Wellington representative team for the southern tour, which will include a challenge match for the Ranfurly Shield; and also the selection of Wild in the Wellington B representatives to play Marlborough.