RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 451, 9 March 1909, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

ST. JAMES'S CLUB. Tho annual report to bo presented at the meeting of tlio St. James's l''oo(ball Club on March 12 states inter alia that the successes of tlio club's teams last season won a degree of public recognition that should bo very gratifying. Although none of them succeeded in winning championships, the positions attained (particularly by tno senior, fourth, and fifth class teams) was very encouraging. Tho senior team tied for third place in the championship, and showed great improvement, especially towards the end of the season, when tho results of tbo coach and the consistent training o£ members were plainly manifest. Tho senior team played 11 matches, won six, lost four, and one was drawn, scoring 101 points for, and G8 against. Tile junior team did not do quito as well as could have been wished, playing 11 matches, winning five, and losing six, scoring 88 points for and 87 against. The third-class team was not a success, great difficulty being experienced at times in obtaining a full muster. It played 10 games, winning one, losing eight, and drawing one; points for 12, and 128 against. Tho fourth-class team did excellently, and until very late in tho season appeared to have a splendid chance of winning tho championship. Kccortl: Played 10, won eight, lost two; points for 143; against 28. The fifth-class team performed consistently well, as tlio record (played 10, won eight, lost ono drawn ono, points for 142, against 30) showed. Untiring energy in the interest of the club had been shown by tho club coach, Mr. 11. Roberts, senr. At tho annual meeting Mr. Roberts will bo asked to accept a framed photograph of tho 1908 senior team, as a slight token of .regard. A suggestion offered to the incoming committee that tho annual reunion should take some form other than a siuoko concert. Several of the members were chosen to represent Wellington last season, viz., Jlr. E. Perry in the A team; Messrs. A. Thomas, J. Ferguson, E. Perry, R. Wighton in tho 1) team; and Messrs. A. Tyler and A. C. Kitto in the. junior representatives.

A team representing the club travelled to Motueka and Nelson at Easter, with Mr. W. G. Talbot as manager. Tlie team beat Motueka rather easily, but our boys wore defeated at Nelson by one point. A very enjoyable time was spent, and the Easter trip of 190S will long be remembcrd by those who made the journey. _ A team from the Kia Toa ,Club visited this city at Easter and piaved a team from our club at Athletic Park. The game resulted in a win for St. James's, and althougl the weather was very unfavourable, the Palmcrston boys had a good time. This visit was returned in September, a fairly strong team being seat up, with Mr. P. Crowes as manager. The- Kia Toa's played surprisingly well, and we suffered a defeat by one point, after a very fast and interesting game. Our team was most hospitably entertained, one and all voting the trip one of tho most enjoyable ever participated in by our members. Tho committee extended their hearty thanks to the members of tho Rival Club (Nelson), Huia Club (Motueka), and Kia Toa's (Palmerston -North) for many kindnesses to the club's travelling teams. It was witli deep regret that it records tho departnro from the city of two very prominent members, Messrs. Ceo. Warwick and D. Wighton, both of whom had been enthusiastic workers on the club's behalf since its inception, and their loss will bo keenly felt both on nnd off the field. The financial position of tho club was still satisfactory, although tho credit balance was not as large as last year. Thanks were returned to Messrs. P. Kitto, A. Gunn, H. Briarly, and Dr. Cameron for their assistance during the year, and to the St. James's Young Men's Biblo Class for the use of their room for tho annual meeting. THISTLE FOOTBALL CLUB. Tho annual meeting of the Thistle Football Club was held liusf evening, Mr. A. Dickson presiding over a good attendance of members. The annual report stated tliat tho club started unfortunately, in having its first meeting postponed through firo. After a good deal of trouble in the matter of colours, tho members bought their own jerseys. During the last year want of experience was noticeable owing to insufficient practices. Tho club continued to meet with reverses, new blood being introduced every Saturday. In the first half of tho season Thistlo were without n win, but tho match with I'ctonc yielded a point, and things improved when Mr. J. M'Lellan joined. It was complained that Iho club received no encouragement from the committee of tho Wellington Association owing to their having no representation on that body. The following officers were elected: Patron, tho Hon. If. M'Kenzio; president, Mr. D. M'Milliin; vice-presijeiits, Messrs. J. G. \V. Aitken, A. Dickson, J. M'Lellau, J. M'Crorie, W. White, T. Hobinson, G. Willis, John Duthie; secretary. Sir. J. M'C'ardlc; treasurer, Mr. S. R. Shannon; delegates to tho association, Mr. V. liirss; Management Committee, Messrs. M'Lellan, Duncan, Wilmot, M'Crorie.