Although the 1924 football season has not been an exceptionally successful one, the standard of play has shown an all-round improvement since last year, and it is hoped that the encouragement given to younger players will bear fruit next season. The Senior team won six out of its fourteen games in the Wellington competitions; but of the eight games lost only three were decisive defeats, and the rest might well be termed unlucky. Where the team failed was in the finishing touches which are so essential to success in the game; but without the luck against us, we might easily have finished third, or even second, on the Championship ladder.

During the season our popular captain, .Mr. A. D. McRae, was moved to Christchurch, and the Club lost both a fine player and an able captain. Mr. P. Martin-Smith was elected captain, and besides leading the forwards with great dash, proved himself a captain worthy of the confidence placed in him.

It is hoped to alter the constitution of the Club before next season, no as to compel members of the Senior team to train regularly; and, if the team shows as great an improvement next season as it has shown on last year's form, the outlook for the future will be of the brightest.

Two University games were played during the season—against Auckland and Canterbury Universities. The game against Canterbury was played at Athletic Park, but was not up to University standard, although our opponents showed good form in winning by 19—12. The team travelled to Auckland, and were very unlucky to lose in the last quarter of the game, after putting up a great fight. The trip was a very enjoyable one, and was much appreciated by those who travelled North. Especially must be recorded the fine time given to us by the old Wikitorians now domiciled in Auckland. It was indeed like a splendid reunion, and one felt proud to belong to the same old place on the hill that had produced such enthusiasts.

First Fifteen Matches.

V. Canterbury College. Lost, 19—12. A somewhat ragged game, in which Canterbury, taking advantage of our mistakes, decisively defeated us, and incidentally gave us a much-needed lesson in hooking. For us, Riggs scored an excellent try after beating several opponents, Wiren scored two tries (one after a good passing rush and the other from a forward rush), and Mackenzie was given a try after one of the few back movements.

V. Auckland University. Lost, 18—8. Although the team that travelled up to Auckland was not our best, the game was a very good one. Auckland were superior in the forwards, but only managed to make victory theirs in the last quarter of an hour. The game was a fast and open one, and undoubtedly our long train journey had something to do with our tiring towards the end of the game.

Club Games.

V. Marist. Lost, 9—8. Played in a gale at Kilbirnie. We were very unlucky to lose, being beaten by a penalty goal in the last few minutes of play kicked straight into the wind. Two sure tries were missed more by bad luck than by bad management. Riggs scored a dashing try, and O'Regan converted it and kicked a penalty goal.

V. Oriental. Won, 6—3. Oriental were second on the Championship ladder and acclaimed by many as likely winners; but our win broke our run of ill-luck. A fine defence and excellent game by Blathwayt at fullback pulled us through. O'Regan kicked a penalty, and Britland scored a try in the last few minutes of play.

V. Athletic. Won, 32—14. We had a day out against Athletic, who were third in the Championship, and during the last quarter could do nothing wrong. Backs and forwards both went perfectly, and backs were kept continually on the move. Joll, Malfroy, and Mackenzie each scored two tries. Riggs and Walpole scoring a try each, and O'Regan kicked four goals.

V. Wellington. Lost, 29—10. Wellington ran over us, back and forward, and were much too good for us. Joll scored a good try, and towards the end 'Varsity rallied and Mackenzie scored. Mackay and O'Regan each converted one.

V. Petone. Lost, 14—5. Played in a gale at Athletic Park. A ragged game, with Petone always on top, although our forwards made a great fight of it. Britland scored for us in a fine last-minute rally, and Mackay converted.

page 55

V. Athletic. Lost, 12—9. We were unlucky to lose, as Athletic were awarded a doubtful try, whilst the decision was against us in what looked like a legitimate try. Joll scored two tries, one after a fine run, and Britland scored a good try.

V. Old Boys. Lost, 16—5. Old Boys played a fine game, and beat us on our merits, completely dominating the second spell until near the end, when Walpole scored a neat try for O'Regan to convert it.

V. Selwyn. Won, 8—3. Half the team were down with injuries, and about seven juniors were given a chance, and worthily kept the colours flying. Malfroy played a good game, saving what looked a certain try, which might well have meant defeat. Joll scored a try after an excellent run, in which he beat several opponents, and Malfroy scored a good try.

V. Marist. Won, 14—3. Both backs and forwards played probably the best game of the season. Dashing forward rushes, quick heeling, and backs continually on the move gave us a well-merited victory. A hard and fast game, with 'Varsity always on top. Adams scored after a great bout of passing, in which about eight players handled the ball. Martin-Smith scored from a forward rush, and Mackenzie scored after another the passing bout. O'Regan converted one and kicked a penalty goal.