FOOTBALL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9766, 3 April 1914, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

MANAWATU RUGBY UNION. ANNUAL REPORT. The following is the report of the Manawatu Rugby Lnibn to be submitted to the annual mooting on Monday night: Tho season just past proved one of more than considerable interest, for the district echemc was on its second trial, and there was no doubt as to its success, for, with the exception of one junior team, every team in the competition fulfilled their engagement*—a marked success on its initiation—and it only requires the unanimous cooperation of the players this season to make it. go one better. Tho first grade competition was well contested, the four teams managing, on the final round, to be on even terms, and interesting football on a number of occasion** was witnessed. In the second and third grades, there was a marked improvement, both in the number of teams and the playing abilities of same, and a good percentage of the players in these sections will piny in the higher grades this incoming season. The Hankine Shield was captured by the Fcilding senior*, and the Abraham Cup by Oriental, while tho Rogers Cup, Gibbons Cup, and Foote Shield went to the Fcilding juniors and thirds. The representative team toured Wanganui, Horowhcnua, Wairarapa, and Hush Unions. They wore only successful against Morowhenua. At homo they were defeated by Taranaki; Southern Ilawkc's Bay. nncl Wanganui. but acountcd for Hawkc's Bay and Florowhenua. Tho geven-a-eide tournament. wr.6 a great success, and teams from all round Palme rston and Wellington competed; this contest seems to be gaining in favour. Tho United Club won the senior grade (Thompson and Payne Cup) and tho Athletic juniors carried off the junior contest. In regard to the financial position of the Union, a fair credit balance on the year's working is shown. For tho incoming season the prospects are bright, and the outlay of £l5O will bo needed to return all representative matches by the union. There is no doubt that a scheme can bo formulated in conjunction with the earning power of the union to get over this difficulty. The union will also have to give greater effect to the classification of junior players. A good suggestion wan made by an old Feilding player, that an age and weight scale should be adopted as the only solution, as it seems unfair for men of twelve stone and over to be competing against boys of nine stone. In conclusion, we have to thank the management committee, our president, and the secretary« of the different clubs for their valuable assistance, which enabled the season of 1913 to pa*** off without any friction. A word should also be spoken in recognition of those referees who responded willingly to the union's appeal and the hope expressed that tho Referees' Association will be re formed this year. The press also rendered valuable service. The caretaker of tho Showground, Mr Kelsey, deserves some recognition by the union for his courtesy and obliging manner. ORIENTAL CLUB ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Oriental Football Club was held last evening, Mr B. Jacobs presiding. Tho report and balance-sheet were adopted, tho latter showing that the club was in good financial circumstances. The chairman congratulated the club on the good .season it had experienced, and ako on winning the Abraham Cup. Officers for the year were elected as follows: Patron, Mr E. 0. Hurley; president, Mr B. J. Jacobs; vice-presidents. Messrs E. Shen Dixon, G. Torstonson. J. B. Beab. C. McWilliam, M. A. Ehott, A. Ilannay. W. Dcvine, A. E. Mnnsford, W. Turner and E. Nash; club captain, Mr K. Eglinton; secretary, Mr Burgess; lion, treasurer, Mr J. B. Ilardio; management eonunitt.ee, Messrs C. Bryan. P. Walsh and C. McWilliam; delegates te> Rugby Union, Messrs Jacobs, Wanklyn and Burgess; selection committee, captain ami Messrs Hardie and Walsh. The following new members were eJectr ed: — Messrs Thompson, R. Munro, G. Hannah, K. Ilealoy, Skinner, Mirfin. Shcer.in and Raiuo. 'lhe fir*i practice will be held oil the Saturday following Easier. THE FEILDING CLUB. The annual mooting of the Fcilding Club was prcsielcel over by the president, Mr F. Piraui. '1 lie balance-sheet showed a credit of 3.-* 9d. A vole of condolence with tho relatives of the late Mr P. Thomson was carried, ali mcm!x>n- standing. 'i'h > following officers were elected: Patron, Mr I). 11. Guthrie, M.P.; president, Mr F. Pirani (reelected); vice-presi-dents, Messrs Hum, IV K< Holier. Collins, t'obhe, J. \V. Brnmwell, \Y. Baker, N. Gorton, J. Rochfort, A. M. Ongley and J. Hurley; captain, Mr A. J. Trevena: vice'captain. Mr ('. Phillips; hon. secretary. Mr N. J. Bartholomew; committee. Messrs Wiekham, N'icholk T. Hicks. Campion and Mex'ed, and the officers; selection committee for seniors, captain, vice-ca|)tai;i and wretary. The juniors and thirds were given power to appoint their own selection commit ice. It was decided to notify the Manawatu Rugby Union that the club intended to play two senior, one junior, and one third team. i Messrs Ongley, Pirani. Trevena and Phillips wero elected delegates to the Manawatu Rugby Union. ASIIIIURST CLUB. Our Ashhurst correspondent writes: The Football Club held an enthusiastic meeting on Saturday night, when the following officials were elected:—President. Mr A. liavill; captain. Mr R. Scott; see rotary. Mr W. H. Read. The club will shoii.y hold a dance, and later practice in earnest, will be indulged in. There is every promise of a good solid team for the coining season.