FOOTBALL.

Evening Star, Issue 11725, 7 April 1902, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

OTAGO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. At the annual meeting of the Otogo Foothall Association, held on Thursday evening, the chairman (Mr P. W. Peters), while deploring the scarcity of decent grounds, paid a high compliment to players and officials upon their zaqi in the interests of the game, in spite of great difficulties He referred to the introduction of the- game into the public schools, and expressed the opinion that if the lads wero properly coached m the rudiments of the Association game there need be no anxiety about the welfare of the game in the future. He regretted the fact, that there wert so few referees at the disposal of the 0.F.A., and appealed to retiring players to help in the game by lending their services for a couple of seasons as referees. The O.F.A. were in duty bound to send a team to Auckland this season, an undortalung which would entail a great deal of work upon all. He urged officials, plavers, and supporters alike to unite in promoting the best interests of the game and in keeping it as clean and pare as in farmer years. Mr Auhton heartily endorsed the chairman's remarks, and seconded his motion (or the adoption of the report and balancesheet, which was carried. Three new clubs wero affiliated to ttie Otago Football Association, all playing as juniors. ' \ letter received from the hon. secretary of the New Zealand Association m reference to the possibility of sending an Australasian team to the Old Country was referred to the Selection Committee to deal with. After several alterations m the by-laws of the Association game had been confirmed, the election of office-bearers for the ensuing season was proceeded with, and resulted 'as follows:—President, Mr S. S. Myers (re-elected); vice-presidents—Messrs P. W. Peters and T. Ashton (re-elected), J. Wilson, L. C. H. Stables; hon. secretary, Mr J. I>. Clark; hon. treasurer, Mr G. M'Nair; General Committee—Messrs G. M'Millan, T. Hiddleston, J. Nagle. M. Chadwick, and C. Martin; Selection CommiUee—Messrs T. Ashton, T. Hiddleston, and G. M'Millau ; auditor*—Messrs A. W. North and H. G. Sieckhevg (re-elected). It was decided to commence matches on Saturday, April 26. A vote of thanks to, the chair terminated the meeting.

The Union Club held a practice on the North Ground on Saturday. There was rather a poor muster of players, hut a very evenly contested game ensued, ending in a draw* each side scoring 8 point*, T. Smith, J. Peterson, I). Simpson, and W. Munro scoring tries, two of which were converted. The Zingari-Bichmond held a practice at Moutecillo, sides being chosen by Smith and Spiers. Considering that the ground was soft after the recent rains, a very fast game was witnessed, several members showing good form. Spiers's side, after a close game, won by 8 points to 6. The Alhambra combined teams held a very successful practice match at Opobo Park, good form being shown, especially by the juniors. The greasy ball practically stopped ail back play, forward dribbling rushes being the order of the day. Knowles, Heron, Paterson. O'Brien, and Rannatyne each scored tries, Bennet being most successful with the place-kicking. J. Stuart gave a good exhibition at full-back. The Northern Association Club held their first practice at the North-east Valley. The ground, which was in a very sloppy condition, was greatly against the players. Goal* were scored by Irvine. Chadwick. Kilgonr. Siedeberg, and Clarke. The annual report of the Southland Rugby Football Union, which was adopted at the annual meeting held in Invercargill on Friday evening last, shows that the year just closed has been a most successful on?. The receipts for the year amounted to £614 4s 4d, and the expenditure was only £360 9s 10d. The balance of assets over liabilities now amounts to £665 8s Bd. Mr A. F. llawke was elected president. Other officials : Match Committee —Messrs G. C. Todd. T. D. Lctinie. and H. Hawthorn; secretary and treasurer, Mr il. Oalbraith ; delegate to New Zealand Union, Mr .). Westiey. ________„_____