FOOTBALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2921, 9 March 1910, Page 62

FOOTBALL.

NOTES ET FULL BACK.

The British team to visit South Africa this season is expected to be one of remarkable strength. It will be chosen from England, Wale®, Scotland, and Ireland. It is "low definitely arranged that an English team will be despatched to Australia and New Zealand by the Northern Union, to leave England in kpril. The team will bring a silvea- challenge cup as a present to the New Zealand League for competition. Percy Bush, the Welsh international " fly " half back, who was in Dunediin with Bedell-Sivwright's team in 1904, has been credited with some remarkable notions re rush-stopping. In commenting upon a recent Swansea, and Cardiff match, Bush says: "A curious and all too rare feature of the defending was that there was none of that foul falling on the ball in order to stop rushes, but they were stopped by proper methods of picking up and kicking. There can be no two opinions on the matter; the man who falls on the ball to stop a rush should be immediately penalised, and if he persists in it should be ordered oft It spoils the game, is not football, and leads to roughness and injury. Then why allow it? ' Mar jorib&nks went down on the ball pluckily,' we read. Gibberish ! ' Marjoribanks showed that he was too clumsy to pick the ball up,' would be nearer the point." Immediately following England's defeat of Wales it was announced that Percy Bush and W. L. Morgan, the Cardiff halves, would displace Owen and Jones, of Swansea, in the Welsh Fifteen to meet Scotland; while Phil Hopkins would come in from the left wing to partner Trew in. the centre, and so enable J. L. Williams, the Cardiff captain, to again play on the wing. According fee the critics, Owen and l Jones are too old for international football.

i Mr C. J. B. Marriott is reported to bo relinquishing the secretaryship of the Eng- : lish Rugby Union, to which he was elected on the- resignation of Mr Percy Coles. The reason is that he has received an offer of a Government appointment. With reference to x the difficulty of defining a "knock on," a contributor (" Modern Referee") suggests the fol-low- ! ing principle for the guidance of players and officials: "The rule on the subject is j very definite*. ' Knocking on ' is propelling the ball by the hand or arm in the direction of the opponents' in-goal. It is evident. | therefore, that there must be action on the I ;>art of the player as the ball strikes his i hand or arm to constitute an infringement. If the player is passive it js a rebound, S even should his hands be in position to i catch th© ball." The criticism, however, ' may be offered that to distinguish between active and passive, is far from easy in prac- ; tice If the ball rebounds many yards from j the more or less inert fist of a player who ; is charging down a kick, for instance, is the correct decision? The proper j interpretation of the rule is important, more especially as it is lawful to claim a fair catch from a knock on, but not from ! a rebound.

In consequence of the number of serious. and even fatal, accidents that have occurred in American college football, the InterCoilegiate Association has recommended a radical .revision of the rules of the game. There are many Americans of moderate views who consider that the danger lies in the excessive emulation of the clubs, and in the iise of professional coaches. On the other hand, from th© British point of view it would appear that the toleration of what would here be called offside obstruction cannot but lead to violent play. If the main with the ball may be shielded by his friends there is nothing for his opponents but to apply the energy to demolish the screen. Even the Rugby game, since the general adoption of heeling out from the scrummage, has offered facilities and temptations to forwards to interpose between their half backs and their antagonists. This kind of obstruction when perpetrated by artful players, either on the breaking up of a scrummage or in the line out, is not easily to be detected by the referee, and there have been strong teams which apparently have practised it in good faith. It is not as yet proposed to ffive up all the features which distinguish the American from the Rugby game, but it will be interesting to see how these can be retained consistently with the object in view.

MEETING OF COUNCIL. WELLINGTON. March 1. At a meeting of the council of the New ; Zealand Football Association replies re- | oeived from various associations show that. ! it was impossible to arrange- for a visit of I a New South Wales team during th© comj ing season. It was decided that an early. I start be made this vear with regard to I bringing a team in 1911. The Football Association of. Great . Britain notified that New Zealand had I been admitted to membership. I It was decided that the council \ should communicate with the associations of New . Zealand, New South Wales, Queensland, West Australia, and South Australia with a view to the appointment of Mr A. E. Gibbs as colonial representative on the council of tho English Association.

PROJECTED AUSTRALIAN TOUR. WELLINGTON, March 1. Matters pertaining to the interchange of visits between New Zealand ar.d Australian Rugby teams were discussed at the conference of delegates of the New Zealand, New South Wales, and Queensland Rugby Unions, held at Sydney on January 5. As the outcome of the deliberations, the New Zealand delegates agreed to recommend that in view of the circumstances existing in Australia at present, the New Zealand Union send a team to Australia in 1910. In the event of this recommendation being adopted by the New Zealand Union, the conference agreed to recommend to the three unions that the projected visit of an Australian team to New Zealand Ln 1910

j bo postponed until 1911, and that the pro 3 jected return visit of New Zealand in A.u&

tralia in 1911 be postponed until 1912. It was decided to recommend to the respective unions that a programme of nine matches be carried out by the Australian team visiting New Zealand, and by the New Zealand team visiting Australia, each programme to include three test matches. In Australia two to be played at Sydney and one at Brisbane. In New Zealand two in one island and one in the other. The net proceeds of each match are to be divided as follows:—Forty per cent, to the home union and 30 per cent, to each of the other unions, the (agreement to remain in force until 1912, provided the projected return visit of New Zealand to Australia is postponed till then. The tour of the New Zealand team this season has been decided upon, as the following extract from a circular letter issued by the New Zealand Rugby Union to the various unions shows: —"The committee has agreed to meet the wishes of Australia in the matter of sending a team from New Zealand this year. It will be sent without any financial responsibility devolving upon this union." With respect to the visits of club teams it was decided to recommend to the unions that the tours of club teams outside the jurisdiction of their respective unions should be discouraged by the unions. ENGLAND v. FRANCE. LONDON, March 4. In the Rugby game played at Paris England scored 11 points and France 3. PIRATES CLUB. The twenty-eighth annual report of the Pirates Football Club states that the operations of the past season were very disappointing. The first fifteen started the season very well, and its prospects looked good; but after a few rounds of the fixtures had been played several of its members had to stand down owing to accidents, and from then on until the end of the season bad luck seemed to follow the seniors. The second and third fifteens were very weak in their grades, and owing to shortage of players went on the field in some instances with only 10 or 12 players. This is very disheartening to the keen members.

•V d m & <x> £ , -4-j I | J Q |j 11 First team 15 4- 10 1 73 226 Second team .' 15 2 13 0 21 256 Third team ... 14- 1 13 0 17 3SO The Christchurch match was played on. Juno 3 on Cans brook Ground, and was witnessed by a fair number of spectators. The visiting team was reported not to be a strong- one, but it played a fast, open game, and an exciting contest ended in its favour by 20 points to 14. The Dunedin Gymnasium was again secured, and placed at the disposal of the members for training purposes; but, as in former years, the attendance was not very satisfactory, except by the senior players. Mr M'Farlanc again offered his services as coach, but the support given him gradually decreased as the season went on, with the ultimate result that he gave up attending the gymnasium altogether. This is very discouraging, and in future the committee will be very dubious about asking any man to give his services as coach in the face of the lack of Support given in the past. At the suggestion of Mr H. D. Dansey, a past members’ team was got together, and after a very fast and exciting struggle the “ has beens ” defeated the present players by 9 points to 6. District football was the principal topic of discussion amongst footballers last winter, but after two meetings of delegatee to the O.R.F.U. the scheme was rejected. The membership is, still very satisfactory. The loss of several members —amongst others J. R. Burt, A. Falconer, F. Turnbull, J. Dunnett, L. Nicokon, D. M. Whitson, W. Leys-Smith, and P. Wren, has, however to be regretted. In the departure of Mr J. R. Burt the club has sustained a very severe less, as he has been a very enthusiastic member both on and off the field for many years past. There is a good credit balance in hand. The small number of outstanding subscriptions is also very satisfactory. The thank® of the club are due to tEe Referees’ Association for its valuable assistance during the season, and also to the press for the interest taken in the game generally. ALHAMBRA CLUB. The following is the annual report of the Alhambra Football Club : The committee have pleasure in presenting the twenty-sixth annual report.

The success of the club is no doubt due to training, credit in this respect being more especially duo to the First and Second Fifteens, who trained unceasingly. The play of the Senior Flag winners was conspicuous by the absence of individuality, the combination being excellent. As said above, the play of the Second and Third Fifteens was of a high standard. We sent a team to Christ-, church last Easter, but they were defeated by our friends the Merivale, who made up for this by entertaining our boys right royally. It is to be regretted that there is a possibility of this match not being played this year through Easter falling in the close season. Social Functions. —The club's annual social was held in the Victoria Hall, also a smoke concert, which was a marked success, being largely attended by representatives of every club. We also had the pleasure of the attendance of the Canterbury representative team. Committee Meetings.--Nine committee meetings were held during the year, and* were attended as follows : —C. Young, 9;; R. M'Kenzie, 7; G. Nelson, 7; T. Brookes, 7; J. King, 6; A. Beissel, 6; A. Martin, 6; H. Whvte, 5; R. Bennet, 5; J. Gil< lick, 5; R" Pindar, 3; G. M'Kenzie, 2r R, Watson, 2. Presentations were made to Messrs Given, Whyte, and Brooks. The first two were marks of appreciation by the members for services rendered as coaches to the First and Second Fifteens respectively. Mr Brooks was the recipient of Mr Casey's special prize for the most useful pla3'er of the club. Obituary.—We regret .to record the death of our old friend, Mr George Phillips, a most useful member of the club, and ex-representative of the province. Representative Players.—The following players represented the province as under: Against Canterbury and Wellington—■ Messrs R. Bennet, G. Marston, J. Sutherland, A. Mitchell, G. M'Kenzie, and A. Morrison; against New South Wales University—Messrs R. Bennet, G. M'Kenzie, and F. Wall; Central Otago tour —Messrs F: Williams, A. M'Dougall, G. Marston, J. Sutherland, and A. Mitchell; against North Otago—Messrs T. Brookes, W. Russell, and F. Wall; junior representatives—Messrs R. Watson, J. Menzies, G. Edwards, and G. Thomson.

Finance. —The club, as you will see by the balance sheet, made a clear profit of £9 19s 7d on the year's work, and ended the financial year with a credit balance of £sl 18s.

Appreciations.—Wo have to thank Messrs Given, Whyte, Schaper, and Martin for time spent in acting as coaches, the press, the Referees' Association, and St. John Ambulance Association for services rendered, and Mr John Morrison for use of committee room and donation of refreshments for smoke concert to the value of ?A 10s.

District Football. —It may not be known to all members that during the yeax the club passed through a very critical stage, and came very nearly being wiped out of existence,. as a motion brought forward by certain members of the Rugby Union introducing district, football was "actually carried, but we are pleased to be able to place on record the fact that it was. through the timely and energetic action of our delegate (Mr C. Young), backed up by his co-delegates, that the small dissenting minority was eventually turned into a substantial majority, and the district football bogie sent back whence it should never have come. In conclusion, your retiring committee have to thank all members for the interest they have taken in our affairs on and off the field. We feel sure, with the very fine membership now worked up, that the success of the club is assured for some years to come. I DUNEDIJsTcLUB. j The annual meeting of the Duned'ia 1 Football Club was held on Tuesday evenj ing, Mr H. F. Siuoock presiding. There was a good attendance of members. The Chairman, in moving the adoption ! of the annual report (already published), spoke of the unanimity and good fellowship existing in the club, which, after all, was the main thing. The year had oom- ! mended with a credit balance of £46 18a i 2d. It ended with a credit balance of £39 9s Id. The drop had been caused by a falling off in membership. j The report and balance sheet were ■ adopted without discussion. j The following office-bearers were elected } for the ensuing year:—President, Mr S. I Solomon; ■vice-presidents—Messrs Dunne, \ Patrick, and Sincock; secretary, Mr Bond; i treasurer, Mr Paton; insurance secretary, Mr M'Combie; delegate tc the Otago | Sports Protection Association, Mr Paton; I auditor, Mr Finnegan; General Committee j —.Messrs Whenn, Clarke. Mason, M'Donald, Fitzpatrick, Cook, O' Sullivan,, Poppelwell; delegates to the O.R.F.U.—Messrs Dunne, Patrick, and Paton; third member of Selection Committee. Mr Fitzpatrick; practice captain, Mr M'Donald. Sixteen new members were elected.

It will be seen from the above tables that the operations of our several teams have been highly successful. Your First Grade team succeeded in winning the Senior Championship with an. unbeaten record, which is all the more meritorious considering the length of the season, 16 i matches having been played, all of which were won, the last match of the season j being against the winners of the Canterbury ' Championship. We not only claim this to be a record for Otago Senior football, but,

members were elected. ZINGARI-RICHMOND CLUB. The twenty-third annual meeting- of the Zingari-Riehmond Rugby Football Club w.as held' on Mondiay evening in the Trades Hall. Mr. J. B. Simpson, president, occupied the chair, and there was an attendance approximating 60 persons. The annual report (already published) and balance sheet were presented. In moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet the Chairman said he was sure they would all agree with him that the season had been, a very satisr . i . i* iL. 1.1 t ii.i t

UK ICWIU tvJI KJtIUUI iU'UIUd'U, (JUI, by defeating our Canterbury rivals, lay claim to the Championship of the South Island. While on this heading - vve might mention that the proceeds of this match were handed to the Otago Cricket Association to assist their finances. Your Second Fifteen were runners-up in their competition, and altogether put up sterling performances, and eventually managed to down the winners, the redoubtable Ravensbourne team. Your Third Fifteen have also reason to congratulate themselves on. the fair showing made, considering the number of calls made on their ranks. Although they did not win the banner last year, we confidently look forward to their doing so this coming season. _ Our newly-formed Valley team, entered in the Fourth Grade, made their debut in football, and although their efforts cannot be classed as successful, the way in which they stuck to their task Saturday after Saturday stamps them as players in the future. We are sure that with a little more tuition from older players more will bo heard from this team, and we will be fvrxvwl to 'ta** fem

factory one for the club. In all the grades the teams had played consistently, and the Fifth Grade team had won the flag. It was nine years since any team in the club had won a flag, and he believed last season’s success indicated that the club was on the up grade. A great deal would depend, however, upon whether the players trained consistently, and assimilated the instruction given by their able trainer, Mr J. Duncan. With a view to providing improved facilities for training purposes application had been made for the use of the Caledonian Ground on one night of each week. If this were granted, and the players took advantage of their opportunities, they would have nothing to .fear for the incoming season. Messrs A. and J. Watt had presented a medal to be awarded to the best forward in the first fifteen during 1910. One of the conditions, however, would be that any player absenting himself from more than one practice without a reasonable excuse would be debarred from competing for the medal. Two caps ha 4 also been presented for competition. ,|f<F ing the past season the auestion of

adopting a district scheme had been considered, and after considerable discussion the proposal had been shelved. He was of opinion that the right thing had been done, as such a scheme would scarcely be successful in a town with less than four times the population of Dunedin. Some matters regarding the O.R.F.U. would have tojbe considered. The finances of the O.R.F.U. had been depleted, and it appeared that the O.R.F.U. was likely, to retrench, by discontinuing its subsidy to the Accident Insurance Fund, and by limiting the privileges granted to honorary members of clubs. If the subsidy to the Accident Insurance Fund were withdrawn it would mean that players would either have to pay increased premiums or accept smaller benefits. Honorary members' privileges, he believed, were frequently abused. It had been suggested that the honorary membership fee should be ss, of which half should go to the O.R.F.U. and half to the club. He made svmpathetic reference to the death of Mr J. Thorn. In conclusion, he wished the club a successful season.

Mr M'Beath seconded the motion, which .Was carried.

The by-laws as revised by the committee were submitted, and after some discussion were adopted in slightly amended form, one of the amendments adopted providing for the raising' of the honorary membership •fee from 2s 6d to ss. The election of officers-bearers resulted as follows: President—Mr J. B. Simpson; vice-presidents—Messrs W. M'Beath, J. Caradus, R. Procter, H. M'Farlane, J. Abbott, J. Ramsay, W. Collie: general committee—Messrs A. Low, R. Abbott, J. Graham, J. Duncan, W. Hobbs, J. Davidson, C. Beatson, C. M'Farlane, C. Peilowe; honorary secretary and treasurerMr Wm. Brown; delegates to O.R.F.U— Messrs A. Low, R. Procter, H. M'Farlane; delegate to Amateur Athletic Protection Society—Mr Wm. Brown ; auditor— Mr Geo. Smith; practice captain—Mr Graham; club captain—Mr R. Abbott; delegate to Accident Insurance Fund—Mr A. Low.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr J. Duncan for his valuable services

as club coach. Mr Duncan responded, and made reference to the keenness shown by the younger players last year. Votes of thanks to the press, the St. John Ambulance Association, and the chairman concluded the meeting.

UNION CLUB. The following report will be submitted at the annual meeting of the Union Football Club, to be held on March 11, 1910 : In presenting the thirty-seventh annual report, your committee is pleased to note the continued prosperity of the club, and the keenness with which th© members enter into the game. The membership roll still continues to increase on the active side, and, with _ honorary members, keeps the total well iip to the usual standard. Financial.—From the balance sheet, ."which will be presented at the annual meeting, it will be seen that there is a small credit balance on the year's operations. Matches. —Teams were entered for the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth grade competitions. The senior team performed creditably, and were unlucky not to be higher up on the list. The second team was in a good position until weakened considerably by being drawn on for the first grade. The third, fourth, and fifth grades are to be commended for their enthusiasm. They trained consistently, and played keenly, the third grade securing a very good position; while the fourth and fifth were runners-up for the banners in their respective grades.

The annual match with the Lin wood was played in Christchurch, and resulted in a win for Linwood after a. hard game. Once more we record our thanks to the Linwood members for a most enjoyable trip.

Interprovincial.—The club was rem-e----sented last year by F. Ivimey, who worthily upheld the honour of his club and province.

Presentation.—The caps donated by our worthy president (Mr J. Hope) for the two most deserving players in the first fifteen were awarded to J. Bond (back) and F Ivimey (forward). Mr H. Harris's cap to the second fifteen was awarded to A. Stewart.

General. —The club was unfortunate in having so many accidents in the first fifteen, several of the backs sustaining injuries, while W. Harwood sustained a broken leg in the last match of the year. F. Ivimey was a great help to the senior team, his splendid all-round play being greatly admired. At Easter we look forward to our annual match with the Linwood Club, which will be played at home on the North Ground this year.

The best thanks of the club are due to Messrs Wynn and Hope for use of rooms for meeting purposes, the Referees' Association, the 0.R.F.U., and the Press for the publicity given to the affairs of the club and to football generally. In resigning office your committee wishes the club every success during the coming season, and trusts that the past good feeling among members may long continue.

SOUTHERN CLUB. The annual report contains these clauses: —The committee has to congratulate members" on being able to place six teams in the field every Saturday, and the records must be considered very satisfactory. Although the First Fifteen commenced the season very auspiciously, mid was eventually runner-up for the Flag, its play did not come ur> to expectations. The Fourth and Fifth Fifteens are deserving of special mention, the former having won the Grade Flag without suffering a loss, while the Fifth team was runner-up in its competition. The* club was represented in infcerrjTOvincial matches by S. Casey. 'A. Eckhold, and J. Harley; in the Goldfields team by H. Leith and J. Harley; and in the Junior Representatives by A. Paull. D. Eoreham. .T. Irvine, J. 3!'Ewen, W. Brown, and E. Clancy. Mr It. Richardson again acted as coach, and, as usual, worked hard in the clubs interests. Hearty thanks are due to this gentleman and to Messrs J. Wootton, J. Jones, and A. Willis for their services as honorary trainers. The. president's cold medal for the best-trained man in the senior team has been awarded to S. Casey.' On the eve of his departure for Wellington Mr J. Spence, a keen supporter, was presented with a travelling bag and rug to remind him of his pleasant associations with the club, and opportunity was also taken to preee-nt Mr A. Eckhold • with a. handsome pvermantle on the occasion of his joining •flie ranks of the benedicts. The annual

ball was held in the Early Settlers' Hall, and was undoubtedly the most successful in the history of the club. The finances are in a healthy condition.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS' CLUB. The report of the Christian Brothers' Association Football Club contains these clauses: —The committee thanks members for the enthusiasm which thev evinced during what may be considered a most successful season. This enthusiasm was shown by the regularity with which members of the various teams attended the practices held during the week, as well as by the large number who went in for a thorough course of training in the gymnasium. Under the able instruction of the coach (Mr Jack) members derived considerable profit, and have learned to appreciate the finer points of Association football. The Second Grade team took a prominent place in the Cup fixtures and had the honour of winning, after a. splendid contest, the Five-aside Championship Tournament. The Third Grade, composed mostly of players new to Association football, tied with Northern as premiers for the season 1909. The Fourth Grade team, though not so success-fill as the others, held a respectable position in the Cup fixtuvs. The club s financial position is sound, a small credit balance remaining over from last year. Ihe smoke concert, held at the end of the season, was a pronounced success, the club members and visitors enjoying themselves to the full. It pleased the committee to present to Mr Jack, in recognition of his services to the club, a watch and handsome framed photo of olub members. The committee takes this oportumty of returning thanks to the Referees' Association for the consistency with which it provided referees for matches, and to the press for the generous treatment it gave to club reports.

ALHAMBRA CLUB. The annual general meeting of the Alhambra Football Club was well attended. Mr A. E. Beissel presided. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said the first 15, in winning all the 16 matches played, had done remarkably well. The 7 olaimed th© championship of the oouth Island, though this might be disputed. If so, there was only one way to settle it let any team come along, and Alhambra. would be there to meet it. The second 15 had also done well. The club had been honoured by supplying so many representative players. Subscriptions had been well paid up, and there was a balance in hand of £sl Bs. The Chairman concluded by speaking hopefully of an assured future, and asking members of the club to pull together. . In seconding the motion, Mr Restieaux spoke of the social feeling prevailing in the club, both on and off the field. The motion was carried. ' The election of office-bearers resulted as follows:—President, Mr A. E. Beissel (reelected) ; vice-presidents —Messrs James Allen, M.P-, J.. J. Clark, J. Morrison, D. Firmegan, James King, A. Restieaux, M. Higgins, and C. Young; secretary, Mr J. Gillet; assistant secretary, Mr R. M'Kenzie; treasurer, Mr G. Nelson; auditors, Messrs J. T. Hannann and Geo. Davidson (re-elected); delegate to the Athletic Protection Association, Mr G. Nelson; general committee—Messrs T. Williams, T. Brooks, R. and ■ A. Morrison ; delegates to Otago Rugby Football Union —Messrs Claude Young, J. King, and G. Nelson; temporary Match Committee—Messrs F. Given, A. Mitchell, and G. M'Kenzie. It was resolved—" That the Temporary Match Committee be requested to set someone qualified to assist it in picking teams lower than second grade."

Recoud op Teams. r 6 cO 4-J rn O0 ■■e c3 U o & s Won. -4-» Sn O £: c3 SUi P . s Q Point; again Pinpoints First ... 15 15 — — 166 53 30 Second 15 13 2 — 203 25 26 Third... 14 6 8 — 100 118 12 Totals 44 34 10 0 469 136 68