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Football

Now that the season has been brought to a close we can, with a certain amount of satisfaction, look back on our new venture in senior ranks. Those who said we were not ready for the step, and advised delay, are now, we hope, convinced that our position has been justified. Although we have not shone, yet we are not the last on the list, and have succeeded in winning two of our matches. The second team has had a much greater measure of success, winning a majority of its matches. If members during the vacation will do their best towards increasing our membership, we will be placed in a still better position to begin the next year.

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Two of our players were picked in representative teams, Mr Hunter against Wairarapa and de la Mare against Horowhenua, but neither was able to play on account of the match with Otago University.

It has long been a matter of wonder to members that de la Mare's financial resources do not appear to be strained by liberal subsidies to the reporters.

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A match was played against Otago University when they passed through on their way to Sydney. The ground was very page 21 soft and with a cross wind prevented a good exhibition. The combination of the visitors was much too strong for us, and their backs frequently indulged in attractive passing rushes from one of which, early in the first spell, Cameron scored. Good line kicking brought the play quickly into home territory and some more passing resulted in Macpherson scoring behind the posts. A. Thompson converted. Victoria College then attacked but off-side play and forward passes lost a good chance of scoring. In the second spell the Southerners continued to threaten with passing rushes and from an opening made by Lomas, Adams scored, Thompson again converting. The game ended, Otago University 13, Victoria College 0.

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The first match against Canterbury College was played in Christchurch on August 5th. In the beginning of the game Canterbury had the advantage and Moyes broke away and scored a good try. In the second spell Victoria College did more attacking, and Cooper crossed the line. Canterbury rallied and started a swift passing rush from which Acheson registered a try. Victoria College was improving and now attacked strongly. Shortly before the whistle blew de la Mare took a good pass from King and scored. Cooper converted making the points 8 to 6 in our favour.

In the evening Canterbury College entertained us at a very enjoyable dinner which quickly dispelled all thought of the delights of the return journey.

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Nelson College, while on their way to Christchurch, played a hurriedly-arranged match against our second team. The combination of their backs was very good and some very pretty passing rushes were indulged in. Our forwards, though: showing lack of condition, still played vigorously. Nelson scored 26 points while for us Heenan kicked his usual penalty goal.

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The following is a synopsis of Championship results:—

Senior.—Matches played, 9: won, 2; lost, 6; drawn, 1.

Points for, 30; against, 109.

Third Class.—Matches played, 10: won, 5; lost, 4; drawn, 1.

Points for, 54; against, 70.

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The following are the results of the matches, continued from last issue:—

First Team.

• V.C. v. Melrose. Lost, 3—13. This was a particularly willing match in which two of our opponents were put off for rough play, and we "squeaked" too much. Seddon scored from a passing rush.
• V.C. v. Old Boys. Lost, 0—10. This was one of our hardest fights although the Old Boys did not appear in their best form.
• V.C. v. Poneke. Won, 9—5. Our first victory. Mr Hunter scored from some tricky work on the line out. Cooper broke away well and sent the ball on to King who crossed the line, and from the blind side of the scrum Goulding scored our third try. Wilson proved a splendid addition to the forward
• V.C. v. Wellington. Won, 3—0. Played on a very haul ground with a strong wind blowing which militated against good football. Bogle scored from a pass by de la Mare.

Second Team.

• V.C. v. Kia Ora. Lost, 11—3. Our opponents proved too heavy for us. Millier scored.
• V.C. v. St. Patrick's College. Won 5—3. Our forwards played a very good game. Banks scored and Heenan converted.
• V.C. v. Athletic. Lost, 9—4. As the team had not played together for more than a month lack of training was evident. Heenan kicked a goal from a mark.
• V.C. v. Selwyn. Lost, 9—3. Opposing forwards were too strong. Heenan kicked a penalty goal.
• V.C. v. Wellington. Drawn—no score. Millier crossed the line but unfortunately crossed the dead ball line also.