FOOTBALL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 24 March 1926, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

OLD BOYS’ CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING. Tn the absence of the president (Mr G. R. M. Jones), the vice-president (Mr E. A. Cockloft) presided over a large and enthusiastic annual nieetin ' of nienibers of Old Boys’ lootball Club, held last evening.

ANNUAL REPORT. 1 The annual report stated that the club was to be congratulated on passing through another successful season. The senior""fifteen held the honourable position as champions in their grade, and for the first time won the Ben Cup. The club was also successful in winning the seven-a-side ineda's at Timaru and Geraldine. The juniors were sixth in their grade, and it was to be regretted that although they had a splendid coach in Mr Fahey, they did not attend to training. It was; hoped that better results would be forthcoming iwxt season. The thirds had a different 1 o to tell. They trained consistently and in all their games displayed a fine team spirit, which resulted in their going through the .season without, defeat. That was the first time that that grade had won the competition, and congratulations were.due to their coach (Mr AV. Watson) ■ for the success achieved. The fourth grade were fifth in their section, but as a number ol the team were promoted to the thirds, they experienced difficulty in getting a full team. Once again the Rugby Union provided the Athletic Grounds for night training, and it was pleasing to note the number of players who took advantage of that facility. It, vas noticeable that it was always the •same members who were present, and it was apparent that some made little effort to attend. The Christchurch Old Boys again visited Timaru at Easter, and were defeated by 40 to 6. Great honour was brought to the club by the following pi a vers gaining representative caps South Canterbury representatives : Messrs R. T. Stewart, G. P. Lawson, AY. Lawson, A. Strang, R. AV. Mathieson, F. Bovs. D. Tate, H. Coxhead, G. V. Gerard, E. Osmers. A. Fleming and G. F. Doyle. Messrs R. T. Stewart, G. Lawson, G. A r . Gerard, D. Tate, and A. Strang (emergency) p'nved in the combined Canterbury team. The club was also honoured by Mr R. T. Stewart, who plaved against Australia and also played in the South Island team, and by Mr G. P. Lawson, who toured Australia with the 1025 All Blacks. Unfortunately, the financial position was not very satisfactory. tho, total receipts being £SO 7s 3d, and the expenditure £6O 11s lOd. leaving a deficiency of £lO 11s lOd. Outstanding subscriptions amounted to £2 10s, which left a. ba’ance of liabilities over assets of £8 7s lOd. Sincere thanks were due to those gentlemen who lent cars to convey players to keep their engagements: to the president for his untiring interest in the welfare of the club : to the coaches; and to Air Davey for his services as trainer.

The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said that a pleasing feature of the season was that the third grade had won the competition, which reflected great, credit on Mr AVatson, w*v'i coached the fifteen. The seniors had won I heir grade, but that was expected. They had no worry, and it was attributed to fitness that this was accomplished. The annual-match against, Old Boys, Christchurch, was a bit. of a fiasco, and he was rather dubious as to whether this match should be continued - . The financial statement was not, too healthy, but ho saw no reason why a football eub should not have a substantial credit balance: The report -was seconded by Mr G. P. Lawson, and adopted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted : —Patron. Air AV. Thomas: president, Air G. R. M. Jones; vice-presidents. Alessrs F. J. Dunn, T. D. Burnett, ALP., D. Burnett. E. .J. LoCren, C. S. Fraser, J-.’ AVnddcll. AA r . D. Roved. E. A. Cockroft,'C.-'E. Kerr, G. J. AA’nllare. G. A. Simmers', C. A. Hind, and AValter Raymond; club captain, Air O. P. Lawson; lion, secretary, Air A. Lawson; treasurer, Mr J. Ferricr; lion, auditor, ATr N., A. Leslie; management committee, ATessrs R. T. Stewart. A. Afillar, J. Alarriott, G. Berry and the. Rev. G. A r . Gerard: delegates to Rugby Union, Alessrs AA T . AVatson and AA r . Carlton: conches, senior Dr. AA’. Fen, iunior Air A. C. Fahcv, third grade Air AA’. AVatson. fourth grade ATr R. T. Stewart; trainer. Air J. Davey. Six new members were e’ccted. GENERAL. After a brief discussion it was derided, that ad subscriptions for the coming season remain the same as last year. The 'chairman made special reference to the work of Air J. Davey, who had acted as trainer during the year. AH Davey was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for liis services.

Air S. D. Alason wrote stating that lie would not seek re-election as club captain, a position lie had held for the past five years. ■ Thd chainmin - regretted that Air Alason would not seek re-election, -as during his five years captaincy the club had prospered. It was decided that a letter of ap predation ho sent to Air Alason. It was decided, on the motion of All G. Lawson, that a recommendation be sent per- the club’s delegates to the Rugby Union, requesting that. competition matches start earlier this season in conformity with other centres. Oh the motion of Air Stewart, it was decided to send a recommendation to the Rugby Union that Old Boys’ C'.ub was in favour of three selectors for representative toams. Air G. Lawson made congratulatory reference to the services of the late senior coach, Mr E. A. Cockroft, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded him.