RUGBY FOOTBALL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 90, 14 March 1935, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL

THE OLD BOYS CLUB. “Your committee, in submitting the annual report and balance-sheet for the 1934 season, has pleasure in reporting that the period under review lias been most satisfactory,” states the annual report of the Old Boys Football Club, f ‘Four teams were entered in the union’s competitions and the administrative and field activities should give every satisfaction to those interested in the welfare of the club. For the third time in the history of our young club we were successful in annexing the premier honours in tlie senior grade. This team’s performance in winning tho senior championship is undoubtedly a most meritorious one as it was not only the most youthful, but also considerably the lightest team competing in the grade. Ifr O. Galpin, coach, and to whom its success is undoubtedly due, has in his report summed up the reasons for the team emerging at the top of the championship ladder in a most concise manner. He states that the year’s success has not been gained through individual brilliance, hut by individual physical fitness, which brought team co-operation, good fellowship, and last, but best of all, real club spirit. The club owes a deep debt of gratitute to Mr Galpin for his able coaching, and is also indebted to Mr J. Ryan who so willingly co-operated with Mr Galpin and rendered every possible assistance. AA r e extend our congratulations to the members of the senior team, and trust that the forthcoming season will be attended with equally successful results. The junior team, although a good one. did not possess the finished combination of previous years; which lias been responsible for' tho past successes achieved in this grade ; nevertheless it gave a good account of itself, and at the conclusion of the season occupied the position of runner-up on the junior championship ladder. Unee again we wish to express our appreciation to Mr AA . Simmons for the keen interest shown i>y him in this team. The third grade team achieved much greater success than it has for some time past, and had it not been unfortunate in losing several promising players during the season would undoubtedly have occupied a very prominent position in its grade. The team is to be congratulated upon its success in winning the third grade seven-aside competition. It contains some very promising players who should be worthy of higher honours next year. Shortly after the commencement of the season the union inaugurated a sixth grade competition and asked clubs to co-operate in order to make this a success. Our club entered a team, which, although not successful in winning any trophies, played very well indeed. It was comprised mostly of primary school boys and several ipla.yers showed distinct promise. The team was under the management of the club captain, Mr AA r . S. Fox.

“Finance.—The balance-sheet shows the finances of the club to be in a most satisfactory' condition. This .year an instalment system of collecting active members’ subscriptions was inaugurated and proved a most successful Innovation, as tlie subscription income was much greater than it has been for many years. “Trophies.—During the year a cup was donated to be awarded to tho player, who, in the opinion I of the committee and club [ coaches, had contributed most to the welfare and success of the club. This was unanimously awarded to Mr M. Henry, captain of the seniors, who set a splendid example during the season and who has lor years been a most loyal and valued member of tlie club. Tho Palmer Cup, for the most miproved third grade player, was awarded to Mr R. Burnell. “A most successful dance was held at the commencement of cue season, and later on, during the Uinter Show, the usual dance was held -it which both the Te Ante College and Palmerston North Boys’ High School first fifteens were guests. The latter was even a greater success than in previous years, and as a result of this dance the club’s finances benefited considerably. The success which attended these functions is due to the good work of Messrs H. Palmer and A. Jamieson, to whom our thanks are due. A smoke concert was held in the Orange Hall at the end of the season, and this, due to the club’s success in winning the senior championship, was the largest and most successful function of its kind we have yet held. A special general meeting of members was held during the past season and the rules of the club were amended to make provision for honorary or non-playing members. This will undoubtedly prove a most successful addition to the rales, as the club has many supporters and older members, whose playing days are over, and these are now able, in addition to taking a keen interest in the active programme, to participate in the administrative affairs and thereby give the club the benefit of their past experience. Altogether there are now 35 honorary members. A\ r e wish to express our thanks to those who have so generously contributed to the club’s funds; the Manavatu Rugby Football Council; the Referees’ Association; our delegate, Mr K. AA 7 : Eglington ; our honorary auditor, Mr D. G. Glendinning; the ladies, for their valuable assistance rendered at social functions; the Press for its many courtesies; the coaches, to whom wo are so greatly indebted, and all others who have in any way assisted the club throughout the past year.” The report concludes:—“The past year has been one of the club’s most successful years, and this has undoubtedly been due to the excellent club spirit and keenness which have prevailed among members. It therefore behoves members to maintain this and give of their best, and the success of the forthcoming season will bo assured.”