ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 154, 19 March 1918, Page 7

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

' ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CONTROL. Tho' twenty-seventh annual report to be prosented at ths annual genera) meeting of delegates of the Wellington' Football 1 Association states that notwithstanding the war excellent competitions took place last season, which must be classed as ono of tile greatest seasons tho association has yet held.. Before the commencement of the playing season endeavours were made to hold a competition for players over 20 years of age, but this it was found quite impossible to do, as clubs could not obtain teams owing to the splendid spirit shown by players in responding to the call of. duty by enlisting .in. the Ex'-, peditionary Forces. In. consequence tho committee confined its efforts to competitions for players under tho age of 20 years, and tho results achieved more thau justified expectations. Entries for club matches were exceedingly satisfactory, no fewer than 60 being received for the various grades, whilst the entries for the schools competition. numbered 12.

The schools' competition for the Thistle Cup and tho \V.L\A. Banner was played for on Friday afternoons, and several schools showed an increased knowledgo of tho game. As in previous seasons, a football was presented to each team entered, the competition being played in districts, the winners receiving medals and then being required to play a semi-final and final to decide the championship. At tho conclusion of the competitions the committee decided to hold a six-a-sido competition for medals, the entries received being as follow:—Third and fourth divisions (combined), 17 entries; fifth division, 17, entries; sixth and schools' divisions, 16 entries. Representatives matches played during the season were: —Wellington v. Thirtioth Reinforcements, lost by' 2 goals to 1; Wellington Schools v/Martinborough School, won by 6 goals to nil; Wellington Schools v. Canterbury Schools, won by 6 goals to 1: Wellington P. and S. Schools v. Canterbury P. and S. Schools, won by 2. goals to 1; Wellington v. Canterbury (third division), won by 2 goals to nil; Wellington v. Canterbury (sixth division), won by 2 goals to nil. Tho play shown in these matches, especially those against tho Canterbury teams, was bri/SVint on both sides, and augurs well for the welfare of the game in tlio future; The committee is of tho opinion that the timo is ripo for taking up the question of playing Brown Challenge Shield matches, and with this end in view will approach the council of the N.Z.F.A. before the annual meeting of that body is held.- ' The committee is indebted to the Mental Hospital authorities for allowing their ground to be used in lower grade matches, and special thanks are Sue to those enthusiasts who placcd the ground in order for play. Tho thanks of the association is due to the Reserves Committee of the City. Council for again allowing the city reserves grounds to 1 bo used,- and the invariable courtosy of the' caretakors throughout tho season was voiy much appreciated. One matter, _ however, whicli requires to -be romediejl •is the question as' to when a groiind is fit for play, .or otliorwiso, more especially ■after wot weather, and the committeo considers that a joint committee from the sports bodies and of the Reserves Committee should be appoints od to adjudicate on the matter. Tho committeo extends its deepest sympathy to tho relatives of tho late Mr. T. Thompson, a member _ of the Management Committeo, who died during tho season, and places on record the invaluable help rendered the game for many years past hy the late Mr. Thompson. His loss to the association is a very severe one, and his positions on various 'sub-committeos will bo hard to fill. Sympathy is also extended'to the relatives of many club members who have given their lives to the Empire in the great war, and it is hoped that in tho future a complete roll or honour will bo compiled of those who havo joined tho various Forces. Iho secretary has endeavoured to keep a list of those members who have enlisted, but with small success, and secretaries of clubs are earnestly requested to give the matter their individual attention and have the names of all forwarded on to tho association.