Club Season

Seniors: A large injury list, "gentleness" in the forwards, and faulty handling in the backs have probably been the main reasons for the relatively low position of the fifteen in the Hardham Cup competition, though the description of "the hard luck side" can with justice be applied to the senior team From a potential cup-winning side it has dwindled to just an ordinary club fifteen.

Murphy and Shannon, though the former has now been forced to give up football, have been the mainstays of the team in the forwards, while Dunn, an exceptionally hard worker, and Bennett, who has been improving with every game and has developed into a fine line-out forward, have been playing well.

Goodwin has been the mainstay of the backs, and the team sorely felt his absence through in-

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jury for some five games. Loveridge has shown great dash, and Hyett is a most promising three- quarter, but the backs' faulty handling has been a disappointing feature.

Juniors: The chopping-block for the rest of the club, the juniors have not had a very successful season, but a reorganisation of the backs has brought on two good wins and a very close loss. The forwards have worked together quite well, though their loose rucking has left much to be desired. Mullins, Wilson, Orr and Shires, especially the latter, are most impressive, and all are well up to senior standard. Of the backs Berry is really outstanding, and Drummond shows promise of becoming a high-class constructive winger, while Ackroyd's boot has proved a most valuable acquisition. The side was captained by G. S. Orr.

Third Grade "A": The performance of this side has never really come up to expectations, and one can see two main reasons for this. One is the lack of really good, speedy five-eighths, and the other the gentlemanly play of many of the forwards. However, there are a number of features of the team's displays which augur well. Not the least of these are the play of the two backs, O'Regan and Battersby, of whom the former is perhaps a trifle harder a player, and the general play of Catley, an excellent tackler. Godman is developing into a first-class wing-threequarter, showing great pace and determination, while Wilde at centre is sound and very often brilliant. Mackay, at half, is the most improved player in the team, and feeds his backs well. A long injuries list has also played havic with this team. The team was captained by R. G. Wilde.

Third "B": Though "Tanu's team" has not followed the precedent of former social teams by winning its competition, the members enjoy their game every Saturday, and afterwards enjoy the game at the Post Office. Though fielding an imposing array of ex-reps and Blues, the team has not built up a very imposing record, though in no case has the winning margin been more than ten points, and very often only two or three. Great credit must go to Tanu Jowett, captain, coach, manager and organiser, for keeping his side together in difficult times.

Third Grade "C": The performance of this team has been one of the really bright spots in the club's record, even though the side does not occupy a very high position in the competition. Often the losing margins have been very slight, and defeats of a couple of the top teams have enhanced the side's record. The backs are a good set, several, Watson, Bogle and Rea, being up even to junior standard, while Gilchrist is playing consistently and well at half-back. Gamble, in the forwards, is an excellent tackler, and is perhaps the fittest man in the club, while Parsons, Mason and Ornberg show good form. The captain of the team is K. W. Watson.

Rep. Honours:

N.Z.U.: U P Murphy, R. T. Shannon.

North Island 'Varsities: J. P. Murphy, R T Shannon, D. S. Goodwin, J. A. L. Bennett, R J. Dun.

Services v. Civilians: J. P. Murphy.

A Wellington XV: B. L. Lewis.

The club's thanks are due to the coaches. Messrs. J. H. Parker, H. E. Moore, L. C. Berg, O. J. Creed and H. C. Bailey for their unremitting endeavours.