Football Club

The Football Club, beginning the season with a membership of over 80, entered four teams in the Wellington Rugby Union's competitions. Though several members are no longer playing, it is still hoped to retain four teams throughout the season.

Seniors: After defeating Marist, a Senior A team, in a practice match on Athletic Park, the Seniors lost their first Hardham Cup game to Navy by 11-0, but won their second match by 12-6. It was unfortunate that after the first game, Varsity should lose the services of Higginson (probably the club's best forward) and Tait permanently, and temporarily those of Cornick and Tweed, who were injured. Notwithstanding these setbacks the team managed to defeat Eastbourne by 6-5 on May 6th, and a depleted Training College side 19-6 on the first Saturday of the vacation, which naturally necessitated changes in the team, and the defeat by Upper Hutt 8-5 can largely be attributed to this cause. Several individual players are showing good form, notably Lewis, at fullback, Te Punga at five-eighths and Ryder at half, while Goodwin at first five-eighths is the best back in the team. Among the forwards Taylor is again hooking well, Brian and Barra-clough playing good loose football and Grayburn and Cutler performing well in the tight.

Juniors: The Juniors began the season well by defeating Marist 10-8, but since then have lost to Petone 0-14 and Mangaroa 5-11, though last Saturday they won from Oriental by 14-3. There are several good footballers in the team, notably amongst the forwards, but the backs lack cohesion and vigour, though Goldfinch, a speedy wing, and Macalister, five-eighths, are playing fairly well. Orr, the captain, is an admirable leader, and Kurtovitch a good hooker. MacLennan, Benseman and Caldwell are all playing well in their several styles. The team Is fortunate in having the services of Jack Jeffs, an old club member, as coach.

Third Grade A have lost to Poneke 9-16, Training College 5-6, St. Pat.'s 9-14, drawn with Wellington College 5. 6, and defeated Oriental 6-3. The last quarter hour of play has generally been their undoing but individual form in the backs is encouraging. The two full-backs tried, Thompson and Haldane, have both been very good, as also have the wings, Saxton (unable to play any longer) and Williams. The inside backs, Treacy, Ackroyd and Berry, promise to develop into a dangerous combination. The forwards, under the captaincy of Igglesden, a good hooker, are a fine set, with Shires undoubtedly outstanding in all phases of play. Dowrick, Gibbons and Perham give him good support.

Third Grade B won their first game against Petone B by 25-5, but since then have lost to Miramar 8-14, Eastbourne 3-43, Wellington B 5-23, and St. Pat.'s Old Boys 3-9. Their leader, Drummond, at centre, is fast and a good captain, and both the wings, MacKenzie and Clarke, are playing good football. Of the forwards the best are Todd, Sherbourne, Hall and MacDonad.

It is hoped that now the vacation period is over, the team will become more stabilised and Third B will have a better chance.