PAPAKURA NEWS.

Franklin Times, Volume XXII, Issue 75, 29 June 1932, Page 6

PAPAKURA NEWS.

LEAGUE FOOTBALL. FOURTHS LUCKY. A SCRAGGY GAME. In a somewhat scraggy game the Papakura fourths were lucky in defeating Richmond by 9 points to 8. The opening exchanges were marred by infringements which showed ignorance of the rules. Richmond were awarded one free kick and Papakura three before the game had been going as many minutes. In the first quarter of an hour the Richmond forwards dominated the play. Prom a scrum

in Papakura territory the visitors opened up a nice passing movement, which resulted in Buchan scoring between the posts. Cameron added the extras and gave Richmond a five point lead. Poor tackling by the reds continually let Richmond through. From a scrum near Papakura line Bickerton went through to score for Richmond. No goal resulted. Richmond . . . . . . 8 Papakura 0 Just before half time, the best red movement so far ended in Robinson scoring and Topliss added the extra points: Papakura 5 Richmond 8

On resuming the reds were compelled to force and play settled in Papakura territory for a while. Ashby, O’Shannessesy, Topliss and Robinson were playing well and transferred play to the other half. A free to Papakura near half way saw Topliss attempt a long shot at goal. This went over making Papakura one point behind. Play now livened up, the reds forcing the pace and the visitors playing a man short through an injury. Another infringement by Richmond enabled Topliss to increase the reds’ score by two points, putting them, one point in the load. Richmond were now getting desperate but the game ended with Papakura again on the attack and winning by 9 points to 8.

Notes on the Game.

From a spectacular point of view, tlje game was disappointing, though one or two nice passing movements eventuated. Topliss won the game for Papakura, but it was the general opinion that the best team lost. Ashby was the best of the forwards and the backs were a fairly even lot. The last two Saturdays the fourths have been very late faking the field. Richmond had to wait nearly half an hour for them and then the reds came on in twos and three. Young players should remember they have a duty to perform, in showing consideration to visitors and also to the club officials who work hard to help them in their sport.

A COMPLIMENTARY DINNER.

PLAYERS AND MEMBERS

ENTERTAINED

AN ENJOYABLE FUNCTION

An unique event in the history of Papakura football took place on Saturday night when members of the three local teams, together with the club officials, were the guests of Mr and Mrs if. Pollock. The dinner was given in the Papakura hotel, the spacious dining room being- decorated with streamers in the club colours. Approximately GO guests sat down to a sumptuous dinner. The president, Mr A. Williamson, was supported by the officers of the club and the parent body (the Auckland Rugby League) was represented by Mr Davis. Mr Trevor Hall, the well-known - International, was also present by special invitation.

Alter the toast of ‘‘The King” was duly honoured, the president welcomed Mr Davis and Mr Hall, "voicing the club s appreciation of their presence. Replying 'to the toast of the Auckland Rukby League, Mr Davis thanked the club for the opportunity to be present and to address a few remarks to the players. Speaking of the second grade team, which he had just seen m action, he congratulated them on their performance and said the team was 100 per cent better than when he had last seen it. He forecasted success in the competition if they maintained their present standard of play and with certain improvements could see no reason why promotion should not come their way next season. Speaking to the fourth's he was sorry to have to say he was extremely disappointed in their performances since the competition started. He pointed [ out tliat )yith the present organisai lion of thrower grade teams, no team could offend against the, constitution and get away with it. He urged them 1o play the game by ensuring that each member had fulfilled his obligations before 'allowing him to take the •field. Regarding the thirds, Mr Davis paid a tribute to the team which turns out smiling week after week, even though it never wins. He hoped to see them persevere and eventually prove, their worth. Mr Davis concluded his remarks by wishing, the club a successful season and hoped he would have a. further opportunity of visiting (hem.

The toast of “The Visitors” was responded fo by Mr Trevor Hall and Mr - A - L. Lewis. Mr Hall, who has recently returned from an engagement in England, was recently injured in a match in the. city, and is well-known hy the majority of the local footballers. T-Te mentioned he was pleased

to find, on his return to New Zealand, that Papalaira had joined up with the League organisation and Was of the opinion the players would never regret doing so. He thanked them for well wishes and reciprocated same. In his reply to the toast, Mr Lewis said he had agreed to act as honorary coach to the club and appealed to the members to turn out to practice. He wished to assure the members that he was anxious to do all he could to help the club.

The president, in his address, outlined what the committee had done and was still doing for the players. The provision of cheap transport meant a considerable saving to everybody and a heavy drain on the resources of the club. He appealed to the players to help the committee in every way possible and to show in-a practical way their appreciation of what was being done for them.

The president was supported in-his remarks by Mr Searle, who also mentioned that the provision of a training shed was a very noteworthy accomplishment. In addition the club was fortunate in having the services of an expezdenced player in the person of Mr Lewis, as coach. He also voiced the appreciation of the committee for the valuable work of the social committee, whose efforts were mainly responsible for the ability of the club to meet its financial obligations. A song contributed by Mr Searle was well received. The toast of the “Press” was responded to by Mr Snell, the “Times” representative.

The chief toast of the evening, that of “Our Hosts” (Mr and Mrs Pollock), was proposed by Mr Searle and was vociferously received, showing in no uncertain manner the popularity of Mr and Mrs Pollock.

After the musical honours had subsided Mr Pollock returned thanks on behalf of his wife and himself and expressed their pleasure at having the club as their guests. A very successful evening was then brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”