FOOTBALL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6487, 6 April 1908, Page 7

FOOTBALL

PREPARING FOR THE SEASON

Present indications point to the forthcoming football season in Wellington bevery successful. The clubs arc vigorously orgauisinff their forces, the strength of the different teams is said to have been enhanced by the acquisition of new blood, and everything axigurs well for a very satisfactory commencement of the senior and junior competition games. A number of the (dubs have engagements to fulfil at Easter, both in \) cdiington and other parts of the Dominion, and they are actively preparing for tho fray. More than this is, however, being done. Preparatory operations are now in full swing, and the seekers after "condition" and "‘form" are spending strenuous hours at various gymnasiums and also in the open. Saturday afternoon saw all of the available grounds at Miramar in the ociJ'iatfion of footballers —Rugby and Soccer —and hockey players. Although the afternoon was distinctly unfavourable, owing to the velocity of the wind, some useful x> ract l ce was indulged in. The Rugbyites mustered in very strong force, some of the clubs being represented by sixty and others b\ eighty members. Such enthusiasm indicates keen contests ahead. The season will open in two or three weeks. Of i tho twenty-eight British fcotballors who sail for New Zealand eany in April (remarks the ‘'Athletic News”), no fewer than iivo are Somerset players—a remarkable proportion for one county to provide. Foul* of them are forward© —R. Dibble, the Bridge-water Albion international man, who has made several appearances tor England, and is temporarily relinquishing his responsibilities as a local bonifaco for the trip; Percy Down, ot Failand, who in throwing up his employment in Bristol for the tour; G. V, Kyrke. the old Marlbunau and yeomanry subaltern, just through his -egal examinations; and H. G. Archer, who is fmishinir a course of medical at Gnr's Hospital. The fifth is H. 11. 4 assail, the Oxford centre threeciiiartcrback, who should be a big asset for the tourists in tho back division.

The opening games for tho shield offered by Mr W. Devenish, president of the Nelson College Old Boys Football Club, for competition amongst the Uld Boys’ Clubs of the Dominion, will be played in Wellington during Easter, it is expected that various clubs will take part in tho contests.