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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 1, No. 21 October 5, 1938
Sport
Sport
Retrospect
With this number, the twenty-first issue of "Salient," we ring down the curtain on commentaries and criticism on sport at V.U.C. for the year. It has been an interesting year, but one fact is plain: despite the gratifying results at Tournament, the general standard of sport here is no higher than it has been in immediate past years. It is, perhaps, possibly lower, for a study of the performances and achievements of the lower grade teams of the four largest clubs—Cricket, Tennis, Rugby and Hockey—reveals the undeniable fact that results were very poor. Even if, in these clubs and in the other sports clubs at V.U.C. there was lustre in the performances of one or two teams and some splendid individual effort, it is the general standard that is important, and next year we must try to raise it.
—L.B.S.
Athletics
A. L. Fitch to Coach
Mr. A. L. Fitch. American coach, informed 'Varsity athletes at the recent Annual General Meeting of the Club that he would be willing to coach them on Kelburn Park at least once a week during the season. The new Committee is arranging for him to show several films here before training commences after the examinations next month.
Backward New Zealand.
Declaring that there is scarcely a high school or university in America today that does not possess facilities for athletics far in advance of anything in New Zealand. Mr. Fitch particularly mentioned the lack of correct athletic attire in this country. This had led him to bring back from America samples of warm-up suits and shorts. The coach had these with him at the meeting and after inspecting them a number of members requested that orders be placed. The cost is moderate, about 24/-. and further particulars can be obtained from the Secretary.
Prospects.
Prospects for the coming season are fairly good. In the sprints especially, the Club should be very strong, but once again the main weakness is likely to be in the field events. To the dozens of potential Jumpers, discus throwers, etc.. at V.U.C.. who have never put their latent ability to the test, an appeal is made to come forward now and seek development under the expert tuition of the Club's coaches, A. L. Fitch, C. B. Allan and S. G. Eade.
Well-Attended Meeting.
The meeting Itself attracted the largest attendance for several years. Presiding. Mr. H. M. McCormick drew attention to the somewhat poor showing in outside competition during the past season. He urged every member to participate in the local meetings, especially in view of the proposed tour of Australian University athletes early next year.
Officers:
- Club Captain: J.S. Adams.
- Secretary-Treasurer: R. L. S. Black.
- Delegate to Centre: S. G. Eade.
- Coaches: C. B. Allan and S. G. Eade.
- Committee: D. R. Scrymgeour, R. D.
- Freeman, J. P. Eastwood, E. M.
- Irving and C. V. Adams.
Tennis Opening
Glorious weather prevailed for the Opening Day of the Tennis Club and there was a record entry of 60 men and 38 women for the Yankee Tournament.
Efficient organisation, with Mr. B. W. Brock in charge, resulted in the finalists taking the court before 6 p.m. It was no light task arranging a satisfactory afternoon's tennis for so many players.
Miss R. Singleton and F. Fortune, who combined well, defeated Miss J. Luke and K. Stafford in the final. 21/14, Other players displaying good form during the afternoon included Misses B. Marsh and G. MacMorran and among the men, Baker. B. Kelly. L. Pitt and J. Ilott.
Visitors included Professor F. F. Miles and Messrs. A. B. Cochran. G. F. Dixon and H. N. Burns. Vice-Presidents of the Club. To Miss F. E. MacLean the thanks of all are due for providing an afternoon tea in keeping with the best traditions of the Tennis Club.
A.U.C.
Auckland University College now has a Table Tennis Club too. In Wellington the popularity of competitive table tennis is remarkable. There are nearly one hundred teams playing, in competitions conducted by the Wellington Table Tennis Association, the top grade being confined to a select group of four teams. It was the pair of Hungarians who visited New Zealand a year or two ago who gave the progress of table tennis a real Impetus. They demonstrated that "ping pong" was no longer a parlour game, much as Devlin, the Canadian ex-world champion badminton player, showed that badminton was a game of remarkable possibilities.
Cricket
The Cricket Club is in the fortunate position of having not only every member of last season's senior eleven again available, but in J. R. Stevens. Job Ongley and W. F. Vietmeyer, three good all-rounders who in previous years were prominent members of the firsts. Jack Stevens captained the seniors two years ago, but played for the Wellington Club last season. For the opening match there will be keen competition for places in the team.
Moreover, with the exception of two or three players, the whole of the second eleven will be available again. For this team also, there is likely to be keen competition for places, as three former first eleven players in R. W. Edgley. L. B. Sandford and R. S. V. Simpson have decided to play again.
The secondary schools are furnishing some good material for lower grade teams and, altogether, prospects for a successful season in all grades are good. Unfortunately there will be little time for practice before competition matches actually begin. At the moment, it appears that no practice wickets will be ready more than a few days before the opening day, 22nd October. It is hoped, however, to arrange a practice game with St. Patrick's College at Silverstream on 15th October.
Harriers
On Saturday, 17th September, the Club held its last run of the season. As is usual on this occasion, the early part of the afternoon was devoted to photographing.
After a short run from the Church of St. Michael and All Angels. Kelburn, which led to Northland and back through the gardens, members repaired to the home of Mr. G. F. Dixon. It was here that the real business, of the afternoon took place. After all the many good things had been consumed. Mr. Dixon presented the trophies to the members who were successful in the various races throughout the season. As Club champion, Scrymgeour received the Shorland Cup. O'Flynn being runner-up. The latter was the winner of the Cairns Cup awarded to the most improved runner during the season. The Novice Cup was won by Burge and the Sherwood Cup by Farquhar. while de la Mare won the Endeavour Cup. When the trophies had been presented. Mr. Dixon addressed the Club as also did Mr. McCormick and Mr. Sherwood. Accompanied by the strains of an accordion, the Club then raised their voices in song which continued until the hour of parting arrived when Scrymgeour, on behalf of the Club, heartily thanked Mr. Dixon for the very fitting manner in which be brought a very happy season to a close.
Rugby
College V. Weir House.
Brookie, in accordance with established tradition, started the game with a well placed kick into a strong northerly.
The Weir House boys obviously strung to high tension for the occasion and forgetful of formalities, set off after the haggis with much of that spirit which made the Varsity team of '28. A slight explanation by referee Kirk-Burnand and the customary scrum went down at half-way while Brookie galloped off the field fearful of what slaughter he might have initiated.
Early in the game. Harpur was prominent with determined runs and was rewarded later with two tries.
With Taylor in the front row, the College backs received plenty of ball and Carey at half was getting his passes away nicely but attempted individualism spoilt many opportunities.
Although handicapped by the inability of their forwards to secure the ball from the set scrums, the Weir backs handled exceptionally well and made several penetrating dashes. Tommy Larkin, complete with gloves, was observed on one occasion playing ring-a-rosies with Stan Eade.
Rashbrooke Champion
Table Tennis Championships
The finals in the first Victoria College Table Tennis Championships were played on 27th September, the Men's Singles title going to Rashbrook and the Women's title to Miss D. .Croxton. The latter was the outstanding player of the Tournament, proving herself much superior to her opponents in the three events won by her.
Men's Singles Final.
By a hard-hitting, persistent attack. Rashbrooke prevailed over J. Croxton in the Men's Singles final, winning 21/12, 15/21, 21/18. Although the game was even, Rashbrooke was able to keep control at critical points, and he produced many winning drives to the corners.
From a spectator's point of view, the Men's Doubles match between Morrison and Baird and Braithwaite and Childs was probably the most exciting of the finals. All four hit hard and recovered well, and some sparkling rallies were seen.
Triple Winner.
Although Miss F. Smythe played some good shots in the final of the Women's Singles, she found that only "real" winners could get her points against Miss D. Croxton. who was too steady and played too many winning forehand drives to give her opponent much chance. She also proved the deciding factor in the Women's Doubles which she won with P. Ralph from M. Fletcher and K. Pears. 21/14, 21/18. The other three in this match were about even. Miss Croxton dominating the game with effective killing of soft returns.
In the Combined Doubles, Croxton and Miss Croxton beat Braithwaite and Miss K. Pears, 21/5, 21/16. Braithwaite played well, especially in the second game, and proved himself to be about the best doubles player in the championships. It is to him, too, that most credit is due for the successful conduct of the various events.
Match with Training College
A return match with Training College will be played in the Gym. on Wednesday. 5th October. The first one, played at Training College, was won by the V.U.C. team. Trophies will bo presented after the return matches in which some good table tennis [unclear: should be played as all the] V.U.C. club champions available will be playing.
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