FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 3677, 1 March 1899, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

ORIENTAL CLUB

The annual report of the Oriental Football Club says:—The past season was one of the greatest importance in tho history of tho Oriental Football Club, as it was the year in which we first entered a team to compote for the Senior Championship, thus electing ourselves a senior club. Some-members were of the opinion at the last annual meeting that the time was not yet ripe for undertaking such*a responsibility, especially as by so doing wc would be tho first club in ■Wellington electing to enter as seniors of our own accord, all other senior clubs arising out of juniors, being compelled to become senior by the classification of the union. Subsequent events, however, have proved that no mistake was made. Although no senior matches were won, it cannot be denied that we gave some of our opponents a great deal of trouble in tho field, and on several occasions we went very near winning. In the seven-a-side tournament, at the commencement of the season, the Oriental “A” team, after winning three rounds, played on the final with tho Wellington “ A ” team, and was only defeated after a hard tussle. The great difficulty the club had to contend with was want of weight, especially in the forward division. This was noticeable in all three teams, hut the first fifteen wore often over-run, not oy scientific play, but by sheer dead weight. Three members of the club were picked in the representative trial matches, and two of these, Messrs Bush and Curtis, wero chosen in the final representative tcahi for Wellington, and every subsequent representative match contained a member of the club. The second fifteen made a slightly better show, and, although they only drew two matches, in others thov wore only beaten by narrow margins. 'The same defect was noticeable in this effiss—that of no weight in the forwards, and in addition tho backs wore light. Tho third-class had the best record of all, winning four matches, losing four, and scoring 46 points for and having 54 points adored against them. I hoy made a very good commencement, and had they attended tho gymnasium more regularly and rolled up better on the field they, no doubt, would have had avert- good record indeed. On the whole, tho'attondancc at the gymnasium was not so good as might have been expected. Members were inclined to think that as wo had no hope of securing any ot the CupSj-thoy need not trouble to tram. Ur course, this was a great mistake, as it was only by getting into excellent condition and making the game fast and open that our light teams had any chance ot winning. Tho club lias to thank Mi C. J Hill for a kind donation to the funds, and Messrs W. Woon and W. H. Thompson for presentation of two medals each, and Mr J. Curtis for persentation of one medal, all of which are very much appreciated. The financial position of the chib is in an excellent condition, as will be explained to you by Mr Bush, hon treasurer, in a few moments. ; The report concludes by urging on members the necessity of putting forth all fill in the -direction of.making tho club more successful. ■ i' ' PONEKE CLUB. The annual general meeting of ibis club was held-last night at the Exchange Buildings, Dr Newman occupying the chair. There was a large attendance of members. The retiring secretary, Mr White, read the report, which was adopted. The record for4he past season was not deemed a satisfactory one from the number of matches lo*t. The balance-sheet showed —Receipts, A 33 Os 2d ; expenditure, A3l 14s 6d : balance, A 15s Bd, The liabilities are Al 7 6s (id, and the assets Al 9 s's Bd. Tho following officers were elected: President,- Dr Newman ; vice-presidents, Mr H. Gully. Dr Mackin. Hon J... Carroll, Messrs T. R. ; Ellison, D. Nicholls, C. 'tewart/. C: P. Skerretb, J.. Hutcheson, M.H.R., A. F. Wiren and Mv F; Marks ; captain, Mr C. McAnnally ; vice-captain, Mr: Chas. Slattery; . lion secretary, Mr D. McKen zio ; hon treasurer, Mr N. WilkinKorj; match committee,' Messrs C. McAuaally, C. Slattery and Angus Stuart ; delegates to Rugby . Union, Messrs D. McKenzie, W. Coffey and T. R. Ellison; general committee, captain, vice-captain, hon secretary, hon treasurer, Messrs C. Cording, J. Slattery and W. Murrell; auditors. Messrs Reich and Wiren. Mr H. Davidson was elected a life honorary member of the club. , Dr Newman awarded his trophy for allround services to the club to Mr C. Mo-, Aunally. Votes of thanks were accorded to Messrs Hood, White and Wiren. Some discussion took place as to the inconvenient hour at which the Rugby Union Management Committee holds its meeting —3 o’clock—and a resolution was passed affirming the desirability of holding the meetings at 7.30.