AT THE FRONT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 107, 5 May 1917, Page 6

AT THE FRONT.

FOOTBALLERS DISTINGUISH THEMSELVES. Proof of the great part that footballers have played in the different branches of the Dominion forces is conveyed by the following which appears in the annual report of the Auckland Rugby League, Northern Union : — It ie with pleasure that your executive records the fine achievements of some of its members on the Field oi Glory. Military Crosses have been earned by \V. Bright (City), Alf. Powley (North Shore), whilst the Serbian Gold Medal was won by Alf. Gault (Ponsonby).

The following well known players have laid down their lives: From Graf ton, Cecil Walker, Doug. Dawson, T. Marshall ;from Ponsonby United, Charles Savorr, T. McWhirter, G. Cook, N. Vausc. V. MeCoUum. A. Gault (Serbian Gold Medallist). T. Lambert. E. Tiernan F Stubbs, W. G. Handle; from North Shore, B. Hart F. Gladding. A. Powley (Military Cros«). Chas Mann; from City, W. Moeki, G. Jones. W. Harris, S. Magee, S. Greer; from Sunnyside, A. Miller, C. Sinton, L. O'Leary. The City Club have sent ninety to the war, of whom twenty-one have been wounded and five killed. W. Bright, the big forward, has scored the Military Cross. He said he felt prouder than when he won the Roope Rooster. Sunnyside Club has only nine members left. W. Shaughnessey is still in France, and like Johnny Walker is still going strong. He has compiled a record of League players that he has personally met in the trenches. The list contains 120 names of players from various clubs. The list is a unique one and is treasured by the League

secretary. , The three secretaries from the cluD have enlisted and the executive have also gone. The club had no success in the lootball field, and through defeats has always lived up to its motto and played the game. Its credit balance is over £12.

Tonsonby Club's roll of honour contains eighty odd names. The club's finances are good, having £22 in hand. The Otahuhu Club has been badly hit. So many of the members have gone that the incoming executive will have their work cut out to muster a senior team.