CLUTHA FOOTBALL CLUB

Evening Star, Issue 22379, 1 July 1936, Page 4

CLUTHA FOOTBALL CLUB

SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY SOME EARLY HISTORY During the week-end, September 5, 6, and 7, the Clutha Football Club will celebrate the sixtieth • anniversary of its establishment, and much enthusiasm is being displayed by the committee in making the event a memorable one. From a perusal of old records it would appear that football commenced in Balclutha in 1876, following an advertisement over the name of one Hugh Bowers, challenging the single men to a football match when and where the latter pleased. The result of this match, if it was ever played, is not known. The club was formed shortly after, and on August 26, 1876, a match was played between the Clutha and Imperial Clubs, the latter being also a local team. R. Barr captained the Imperial team, and amongst the names mentioned are Cowie, Hogg, Baxter, Hill, Haynes, Stanbrook, and Henderson. The return match was played on September 12 in the same year. The first match with an outside team was played at ’ Balclutha on September 16, 1876, when Union Club, Dunedin, sent a team out. The match was played in Mr John M'Neil’s paddock near the butts (a paddock at the south end of the town). The mayor declared a half-holiday, the attendance was between 250 and 300, and the utmost keenness was evident. The Clutha team was: Steven's, Raynes, Cowie (captain), Stanbrook, M'Kay, Fraer, Mason. M'Neil, Hendry, Loudon, Kilgour, Davis, Algie, Latimer, Baxter, Edgar, Lees, and Campbell. Union were represented by Grant, Tressider, Montieth, Israel, Weston, Nieol, Little, J. Cowie (captain) j M'Kinnon, Barber, Cowie, Logan, Gibb, Cargill, Yuillo, Chapman. C. Hewson and A. Kilgour were umpires, and P. S. Smith central umpire (or referee, as he would now be called). The match was won by Union by two goals to nil. The first annual meeting of the club was held on February .17, 1877, when there were over 20 present, and Mr R. Loudon presided. The balance sheet, showing a fairly good credit, was adopted, and the following office-bear-ers were elected;—President, Mr John Dunne; vice-president, Mr. Alex. Kilgour; secretary and treasurer, Mr J. A. Algie; captain, Mr R. Loudon; vice-captain, Mr R. S. Barr; committee—Messrs A. Cowie, G. T. Stanbrodk, W. Hendry, J. Fraer, and R. Mason. 1 On March 30, 1877, a match was played against Kaitangata (a club formed in February of that year, The Clutha team was: Loudon (captain), Barr, Algie, Stanbrook, Cowie, Fraer, M'Neil, Mooney, Latimer, Phelan, VV. Mason, Hislop, Raynes, M'Kenzie. Peach, and Hogg. Mr G. Renner was central referee, and Kaitangata won the match by two goals to one._ The return match, played in Balclutha on April 21, was won by Clutha by two goals to nil. On May 3, 1877, Clutha juniors played a junior team from Kaitangata, the result being a draw—no score. From this on the club prospered and had a successful career. A team in 1887 comprised Messrs J. S. Algie (manager), John Dunne, AJex. Bam, Bob Harper, D. T. Fleming (present Mayor of Balclutha), Harry Garforth, Phil Bett (now, resident in Dunedin), George Lattimore, Jack Matheson (now in Dunedin), I. Newton, Jack Lattimore, W. F. Cork (now in Owaka), Tom Lynch (who represented Otago 1888-1890, and who is now living in Oamaru), Strack, Porter, Olsen, Like other clubs the Clutha Club has had its ups and downs,, but to-day is in a fairly strong financial position, with a good number of both playing and honorary members. The senior team is at present leading in the banner competition, and hopes to make this jubilee year an outstanding one by having its nafee placed on the banner. Las't year Tom Gold, one of the seniors, repre--sented Otago in the touring team, an honour much appreciated by the club. Much interest is being taken in the celebrations, and the different committees are working hard to make them successful. Ex-members of the club are scattered over the Dominion, and the committee would like to get into touch with these; hence any information will be welcomed. The present programme provides for a big procession of past, present, and future players on the afternoon of September 5, followed by matches between “ old buffers’ ” teams, bantams, and present players. At night a big reunion will be held, when some reminiscent speeches should be the order. On Sunday an open-air church service is to be held on the Balclutha Show Ground, and the celebrations will conclude on the Monday night with a ball.. Many old photographs have come to light as a result of inquiries, and when one looks at -the players with beards, moustaches, long socks, etc,, one realises that football was played under different conditions from to-day. GOLF BELLEKKOWES CLUB The following is the draw for a sealed hole match to be played by the Belleknowes Ladies’ Club to-morrow, commencing at 12.30; Mrs Crammond v. Mrs Campbell, Mrs Clulee v. Mrs Cartwright, Miss Dodd v. Mrs Daglisb Mrs Falconer v. Mrs Harrison, Mrs Hopkins v. Miss Mullenger, Miss Jefferson v. Mrs Patterson. Mrs M'lver v. Mrs Oliver, Miss Wilkinson v. Miss Bell, Miss Callender v. Mrs Leihy, Miss Reilly y. Mrs Davies, Mrs Anderson v. Miss Long, Mrs Grey v. Mrs Jenkinson. HOCKEY MEH’S MATCHES The following is the draw for Saturday : First Grade (at 1.30). —Training College v. H. 5.0.8. Collegiate, at Logan Park No. 1 (Messrs A. H. Wheatley and G. Silver) ; H. 5.0.8. A v. University A, at Logan Park No. 2 (Messrs W. MrQueen and H. F. Payton) ; T.C.0.8. v. Albany, at Logan Park No. 3 (Messrs T. H. Mulholland and Dr Monheimer) ; University B a bye. Second and third grade matches are postponed.