SILVER FOOTBALL

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 186, 8 August 1930, Page 13

SILVER FOOTBALL

• TROPHY FOR NEW ZEALAND.

XNTER-ISLANB competition,

TRIBUTE TO THE " IYIWIS."

((By ERIC BENNETTS, Special Correspondent with the N.Z. League Team.)

BRISBANE, July 25

A New Zealand enthusiast who displayed interest in the New. Zealand League team upon its arrival at Sydney was Mr. R. 0. Courtney, of Christchurch. His popularity with the boys grew with closer acquaintance and every member of the party was pleased when it was known that this unassuming Canterbury man would accompany the team to Queensland in the course of one of his annual trips as a wool expert to a sheep station well beyond Rockhampton. Before his departure by the north express last evening the team assembled' in the lounge of the Grand Hotel to bid farewell to this kindly companion—and to receive what proved to be a notable tribute from him, which came as a' big surprise. The manager, Mr. J. A. -Ferguson, expressed appreciation of Mr. Courtney's kindnesses to the team with which he had travelled from Sydney. He had done everything he could to make the long trip as pleasant as possible for them. Their admiration for him was evidently heartily reciprocated, for Mr. Courtney had decided to mark his all too brief and happy association with the boys by presenting to the New Zealand League a trophy to be for inter-Island competition, an addition to the Lipscombe Shield at present competed for. (Applause.) He ■was sure they would agree it was one of the most beautiful trophies of the kind ever donated —a full sized football in silver and engraved as a memento of the donor'tj, appreciation of his association with the tourists in the trip from Sydney. It was to be known as the Courtney Football Cup. Queensland's Sentiments. Mr. Harry Sunderland, secretary of the Queensland League, said the gift almost made him envious that he was not a New Zealander. He was certain iboth players and officials in the Dominion would be delighted with the Courtney i trophy, especially as the donatio., was from one of their own countrymen who was honouring the team, the code and his native land'. That day amongst a friendly group there had been some discussion about the value of these tours, and the action of Mr. Courtney had served to prove that these visits had positive benefits when mere contact with a man prompted such generosity. He hoped that on future and more frequent tours, the players would meet more of Mr. Courtney's kind who stepped out to stimulate good sport. The many young players of this team should return sji due course to their country and show iby their ardour for the game how they appreciated such a compliment. It was true ill luck had dogged the side and this •was well recognised. The Courtney trophy should help to produce .further talent for the national sides of New Zealand, and he hoped' that the time was not far off when Maoriland would be sending another team to England. (Applause.)

Mr. Courtney was greeted with cheers. He said he felt that he could do nothing lees to show his appreciation for the team than donate a worthy trophy. The players had merited this tribute, both for their splendid behaviour, which was a credit, and for their play against big odds. They had no reason to be discouraged. No side could maintain combination with euch a trail of injuries amongst its players. "In taking back this trophy for the New Zealand League," he concluded, "you will be doing so with my best wishes for the game. I will also look forward to hearing of the team's better performances with success before the tour concludes." On the call of Mr. Ferguson three hearty cheers were given for Mr. Courtney.