BOYS AT PLAY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 16, 16 December 1937, Page 7

BOYS AT PLAY

HIGH SCHOOL SPORT. RECORD OF THE YEAR. “Reviewing the games activities of the year, I have to report that the school has maintained its reputation for producing football teams which, playing the game for the game’s sake, halve developed youthful vigour and moral fibre,” states the rector of the Palmerston North Boys’ High School (Mr J. Murray, M.A.) in the course of his annual report. “At the same time, the play of the teams representing the school in inter-school games has been of that high standard of excellence which placed the school among those in the first rank of Rugby in New Zealand.

“In local Rugby Union competitions the first XV won the third grade competition and the seven-a-side tournament. The usual inter-school games were played and wins were registered against Napier and Wanganui Technical School, while the team was narrowly defeated by Wanganui Collegiate School and Te Ante College. The second XV drew with Wanganui Technical seconds, and defeated Levin District High School first XV. but lost to Wanganui Collegiate seconds by 2 points. The third XV won the local fifth grade competition. Eight school teams were engaged in competitions -every Saturday, and 16 teams practised on sports afternoons. In inter-club matches the Gordon Club defeated Kia Ora in the final of the Waldegrave Cup competition. “The first cricket XI have again reached a very high standard. The matches against Wanganui Technical College in March and against Wanganui Collegiate in November were both drawn in our favour. The second XI have also enjoyed a very successful year in grade cricket, and the annual game -with Wanganui Technical College second XI was won. The Manawatu Cricket Association’s third grade competition for the Ongley Cup was won by the' Gordon Club. The club contest for the Butler Cup is not yet completed.

“The annual tennis tournament -was held as usual and attracted good entries. The standard of play amongst the juniors was high. The Andrews Cup for inter-club competition was won this year by the Kia Ora Club. Owing to " the excellent weather conditions prevailing the school courts are being made full use of and arrangements have been made enabling country boys to take part in the game on the regular snorts afternoon. This year saw the re-establishment of hockey in the school. About fifty boys have taken part in the game and four teams "were entered in the third grade competition. Also two practice matches were played each week, and the keenness and enthusiasm shown by new players did much to make up for their inexperience. The school club championship was won by Phoenix. __ Tn August the school entered; a team in the New. Zealand secondary schools hockey tournament held in Auckland. The team began well, but were unfortunate in losing two of the best players on the first day. The school won one game, drew one and lost five. Two other matches were played in the season aga.inst the Manawatu junior representative team and against Wanganui Technical College. Both were lost. The school is deeply indebted to the Manawatu Hockey Association, who made the game possible for us bv lending us the necessary sticks, and also for a- most generous donation of £lO toward the expenses of the Auckland tour.”