MATAMATA FOOTBALL CLUB

Matamata Record, Volume XX, Issue 2021, 30 March 1939, Page 4

MATAMATA FOOTBALL CLUB

SOCIAL EVENING itagby “ All Black ” Attends Mr.. J... H. Hawes, club president,, presided, over a large attendance a<t the training shed on Saturday, when, the Matamata senior team - andi friends assembled to meet Messrsj. L. Righton and J. Fletcher, of Aucln land.

In introflEucting the guests -of the evening Mr. G. D. O’Leary briefly outlined! their Rugby careers. Mr. Righton. had; been a Ponsonby forward; who locked the Auckland representative 1 scrummage.,from 1919 to 1925, and who gained All Black honours in' 192& and 1925, touring Australia in the latter year. Mr. Fletcher had assisted the game in Auckland on the administrative side for many years, and had experience in both England ad South Africa. In 1930' the Northcote team, which he was then coaching, was the first team in Auckland to play the 3-4-1 scrum. It would he difficult to find a coach in Auckland who knew more of the South African scrum formation than 1 did Mir. Fletcher. Mr. O’Leary also mentioned that another 1923 All - Black, in Dr. J. T. Mackereth, was also present.

Mr. J. Landells extended a hearty welcome to the visitors on behalfr of the Matamata Rugby Union and' the toast,. “Distinguished Visitors,” was honoured heartily.

Replying, Mr. Righton thanked those present for their hearty welcome. “ Some of us,” he sal'd’, “ have been fortunate in getting further in the Rugby world than others, but honours are obtained only by hard training and keeping fit.” - The speaker urged players to enjoy their Rugby, but to train seriously.

Mr. Fletcher endorsed Mr. Righton’s remarks, and stressed the great need for club loyalty and team spirit. The detailed comments of both speakers were of great interest to listeners and were enthusiastically

rceived. Other toasts to be honoured were as follow: “Kindred Clubs,” Mr. K. Fitzgerald—Messrs. W. Connell (Hinuera) and* P. Munro (Wardville); “Matamata Rugby Union,” Mr. J. Fletcher —Mr. J. Landells.

Musical items and community singing to the accompaniment of Mr.-H. Sampson’s steel guitar, further assisted to make an enjoyable evening.'