DUNEDIN FOOTBALL CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 63

DUNEDIN FOOTBALL CLUB.

The annual report of the Dunedin Football Club contains the following clauses: —

.Your committee, in presenting the thirtysixth annual report, has every reason to feel gratified with the club's progress for the season 1907. The membership still continues to increase, whilst it is many years since the Daxk Blues had such a splendid playing record.

The First Fifteen played 16 matches^ won 7, lost 7, and drew 2, scoring 118 points for to 107 against.

The Second Fifteen was, for the second year in succession, successful in winning the ■Junior Flag. Out of 15 matches played 1 14 were won and 1 lost, the team, scoring 170 points for to 17 against. This was a most meritorious performance, and higbtly gratifying to youi committee.

The Third Fifteen played 15 matches, won 9, lost 2, and drew 4, scoring 84 points for to 33 against, and was runner-up in its grade. The players in 'this team wei* very keen, and their performance in finishing so near the top was a splendid one.

The Fourth fifteen played 14 matches, won % lost. 3, and drew 4, scoring 146 points tor to 30 against. This very "fine record was due in ft. large measure to; the enthusiasm of the players and the systematic way^ in which they trained. Th« team, like the Third, w«a «lso runner-up in its grade. Your committee entered a team for the Fifth Grade competition, for boys^ under 17. The competition had been going on for some time before- the team was entered, and consequently it only took part in the last six matches. Of these 3 were won, 1 lost, and 2 dratrn r and 83 points were scored for to 17 against. These budding young players «bly demonstrated what enthusiasm can do. The annual match with the Sydenham Club took place in Christchurch at Easter, and' after a friendly, Jsut keenly contested, game, victory rested with tho Dark Bluea by 6 points to 3. This is the first occasion that your club has been successful in defeating the Sydenham boys on their own ground. The club waa worthily represented in the Otago -representative team by Messrs P. Fitzpatrick H. Paton, and F. Ivimey, th» latter gaining, his cap for the first time. Mr J. Clarke also played for his province- in the match against Canterbury. Messrs Fitzpatrick and Paton were chosen, to represent the South- Island, against the. North Island, but the former, unfortunately, was unable to get the necessary le*v«, the match being- played in Chriatchurch. 'Mr Paton, however, took part in the. match, and subsequently had the higher honour of being .selected a member of the New Zealand team which toured Australia. * i

It is with regxet that your committee has to record the death during the past season*of Mr John Blaney, a 'very old ana respected member of the club. In days gone by, when I the Dark Blues were far from, ptosptoroufl. the' late* Mr -Blaney was an enthusiastic worker and a, genorous supporter.

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION. WELLINGTON. February 20. The^ delegates to the-New Zealand Rugby Union to-night decided' to grant a loan of £500 to the Otago Rugby Union. A further loan of £100, making d§4so, will be granted to the Hawke's Bay Union if three additional bondsmen's names are given as security.

THE AUSTRALIAN GAME. AUCKLAND, February 22. Arrangements have been completed for a team of footballers, playing the Australian game, io visit Australia. They leave Auckland on August 10. They will receive £410 for matches in Melbourne; and the whole of the net proceeds of the matches at Adelaide, Ballairat, Bendigo, Geelong. Sydney, Brisbane, and Newcastle. The _ profit, if any* will be devoted to furthering the Australian game in New Zealand.

BRITISH TEAM FOR NEW ZEALAND. r LONDON, February 23. The British Rugby TTndon football team will sail for New- Zealand by the Athenic, leaving London on April 2. It is expected that tfceir names will be announced in a few days.