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The Spike: or, Victoria College Review, 1939

Sport in Retrospect

page 54

Sport in Retrospect

To the person demanding the production of trophies and points as the best evidence of a successful and enjoyable year, the period under review was not outstanding. In fact, if judged solely by the measure of success achieved in local competition and with the other Colleges, it was a poor year, second place at Tournament notwithstanding. It was one of those years in which championships and victories, whatever their value, proved elusive, although they were sought with keenness and with skill possibly above the average. There were several instances of individual excellence too.

Of the four larger clubs, the Rugby Football Club probably had the most cause for satisfaction. Senior status regained, seven matched were won, and R. Burke, J. Eastwood, R. Hansen and S. McNicol all represented Wellington. Again the Cricket Club was seriously handicapped by bad practice wickets, a handicap too often reflected in mediocre performances by players of recognised ability. J. A. Ongley won distinction by playing for New Zealand against Sir Julien Cahn's team, and by marked success in his first Plunket Shield season; and T. A. Harpur's all round qualifications secured him a place in the Shield team. N. H. Buchanan, D. A. Beresford, A. Sharpe, and G. Shaw gained representative hockey honours. A powerful combination on paper, the men's senior hockey team performed surprisingly poorly, and met an undignified fate in relegation to a lower grade. The Tennis Club was again strong and as popular as ever. Tournament success was repeated.

Substantial progress was made by the well-controlled Harrier and Athletic Clubs. D. R. Scrymgeour remained the leading harrier, closely followed by S. K. Newall. This club is rich in promising material. Particularly gratifying too was the improved standard in athletics.

Indifferent facilities handicap the boxers of V.U.C. P. H. Ryan and J. McLaren (Massey) won N.Z. Blues. In the Defence Rifle Club D. H. K. Ross and R. H. Johnston were probably the best shots. The Rowing and Swimming Clubs maintained their sound positions in the recreational life of the College, although the Swimming Club would benefit if its women's section could be strengthened.

Basketballers won their third successive Tournament and Alison Stewart was a Wellington Senior B representative. Women's hockey, however, remained in the doldrums. At V.U.C, as elsewhere, this game is suffering through its displacement by basketball in many schools.

Dozens of students of both sexes again enjoyed organised tramping. The Table Tennis Club, the youngest club in the College, is quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular. Two members, Miss Johannesson and Miss Croxton won their way into the Wellington representatives.

—L.B.S.