Tributes Paid To Performances Of Touring Team

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 September 1947, Page 9

Tributes Paid To Performances Of Touring Team

“After hearing such remarks as ‘they arc very young—they are very light,’ 1 gained the impression that the Auckland officials were not too happy when the team arrived in Auckland.” said the manager of the West Coast touring team, Mr W. Meates, reporting on the tour at last evening’s meeting of the West Coast Rugby League executive. “At the conclusion of the , game, however, my impression was that the Aucklanders were willing to admit they were wrong.”

The West Coast team, added Mr Meates, had turned on wonderful football and the game in Auckland was one one of the finest he had seen. Over the last 20 minutes there was only one team in it and it was only sheer bad luck that the West Coast team did not win.

Taken, right through the tour, safe Mr Meates, the team had done remarkably well, despite being heavily out-weighed. Every one of the players had proved himself a thorough sportsman and a gentleman. Mr Meates also paid tributes to the organisation for the tour by the West Coast secretary (Mr T. F. McKenzie), the assistance given by all officials encountered in the various leagues and to the work of the coach. Mr R. Clark.

“The only disturbing factor, from end to end,” added Mr Meates, “was the refereeing. It s up to us, or somebody to see that the standard is improved. Mr Mathews, our own referee, controlled curtain-raisers at Auckland, Huntly and Wellington and the main game at New Plymouth, where the officials said that his display was an eye-opener.” In moving a vote of thanks' to Mr Meates and congratulations to the team on its performance, Mr McKenzie said he desired to pay a

tribute to the loyalty of the players on the trip. The motion was seconded -by Mr J. Neilson, a member of the party. The motion was carried and a vote of congratulation was also passed to the West Coast selectors.