RUGBY FOOTBALL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 269, 13 October 1932, Page 3

RUGBY FOOTBALL

UNITED CLUB’S DINNER. GOOD YEAR CELEBRATED. Although tho United Rugby Football Club did not have the satisfaction and honour of repeating its clLampionship success in the senior grade competitions for the 1932 season, it annexed the subsidiary competition, which terminated last Saturday, to thus fittingly conclude activities. To mark the termination of another winter’s club association the members gathered at the Broadway Lounge last night for the annual dinner. The president, Mr C. H. Whitehead, presided over a gathering numbering 40 and, following the partaking ot an excellent repast, a toast list was honoured. Following upon the loyal toast, the chairman proposed that of the United. Club, and in so doing congratulated the members on the standard of play produced, even though the senior team had not attained the highest honours as in tile preceding year. However, tlie seniors had finished up the season most successfully by winning the Goldfinch and Cousins Cup, and had gained the plaudits of all enthusiasts by their open, bright type of football. The junior team had likewise played good football, hut the third grade team had been prevented from doing itself justice by reason of defections from its ranks. The chib’s coaches had well earned the thanks of the players for the standard they had aimed at and achieved, and to them was due a large measure of tho success which had come the way of the club. Mr Roy Ormond, the captain of the senior team, in responding to the toast, stated that in his opinion the team had been a better one than the champion side of 1931, hut that ounce of luck which made the difference between victory and defeat had been missing. However, with the splendid array of juniors available next year, the club would, in his opinion, do much better.

The toast of the Manawatu Rugby District Council was entrusted to Milt. Kells, the speaker stating that the greatest thanks of the players were due to those gentlemen who devoted so much of their time in the all essential control of a game which had grown to suclr tremendous dimensions.

Mr H. Hands, in responding, said the club had been fully deserving of the honours which had come the way of the seniors, for youth had been given its opportunity. By concentrating on the younger players, added the speaker, the club would go on to still greater things next season and m succeeding years. “The itefcrecs’ Association” was proposed by Mr it. E. Hatch, who stated that without that oliieial the game could not flourish. To fit himself lor that position, the referee had to study the laws of the game, and while players might on occasion differ in their opinions from the official in charge, it was their duty to display true sportsmanship by accepting his decisions without demur. Coupled with the toast were tire names of Messrs E. W. Low and L. Cope. The former, in the course of his remarks, stated that the United Club had furnished the Referees’ Association with one of its youngest, but most promising referees, and he appealed to the players, after terminating their active association, to continue their interest by linking up with the .Referees’ Association. Mr Copo stated that all players owed a debt to football and an excellent method of returning in some measure all the pleasure that they had received from the game was by refereeing. In proposing the toast of “The Donors,” Mr S. Birchall stated that the clubs 'possessed some very good friends. Mr W. It. Kells had been a particularly generous donor and be hoped that the future would find other friends supporting the lower grades. In acknowledging the tribute, Mr Kells stated that giving had furnished him with great pleasure and next year would again find him coining forward to encourage the players. The chairman mentioned that Messrs Cope and Unsworth had intimated that they would again offer a trophy next season. Other toasts honoured were “Sister Clubs,” which was proposed by Mr G. Peters who congratulated the Kia Toa Club on annexing senior honours, the Old Boys’ Club on tire standard of football the members had always essayed, and the St. Patrick’s Club for its valiant efforts in the junior grade, Messrs H. Palmer (Old Boys) and T. Davidson (St. Patrick's) responding; “The Press,” proposed by Mr L. Evans, and responded to by Mr L. Pauli, and “The Ladies,” proposed by Mr F. Unsworth and responded to by Mr G. McClelland. PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES.

At a suitable juncture the club’s trophies were presented by the chairman, who congratulated the recipients on their successes on the field of play. The handsome cup, presented by Mr J. L. Bennett for the best all round player in tire club, was awarded to Mr Roy Kells. The trophy donated by Mr W. R. Kells for the most-improved junior player went to Mr J. Glastonbury, while the medal donated- by Messrs L. Cope and I’’. Unsworth for the best club man was awarded to Mr J. Robb. Mr W. R. Kells was also the donor of a miniature cup for the senior meipber securing the first try for the season, an honour which fell to Mr H. Ormond. Each recipient received vociferous greeting upon stepping forward to receive his trophy. Items, which did much to enhance the pleasurable nature of the function, were given by the following: Messrs Farmer, L. Flower, W. Young (songs and recitations), Wilson (recitations), and Hutchins and Jeromsen (thought reading).

COMBINED SERVICES. SMOKE CONCERT HELD. The Palmerston North Combined Services’ sports organisation held a smoke concert last evening. The DeputyMayor (Mr J. Hodgens) presided over a good attendance. A resolution of sympathy was passed with Mr Ensor in his illness.

Community singing was led by Mr Chapman, items being contributed by Messrs W. Cottier, Chapman and Spencer. Following upon the loyal toast, other toasts were honoured as follows : “Manawatu Rugby Union, Boxing, Cricket and Hockey Associations,” proposed by Mr Joyce, and responded to by Messrs J. Whyte, Coiighlan, Rodgers and J. Woods; “Kindred Clubs,” proposed by Mr Hodgens and responded to by Messrs Childs and Bleafcel; “Our Club Coaches,” proposed by Mr Scott and responded to by Messrs J. Ryan, Heaphy and Osborne; “Referees’ Association,’’ proposed by Mr McGavin and responded to by Messrs Hands and McLennan; “Territorial and Past Volunteer Units,” proposed by Major Potter and Colonel Whyte and responded to by Major Dash, Captain Buchanan, Messrs C. Louisson and Coughlan; “Boxing Club,” proposed by Colonel Whyte and responded to by Messrs Page, Heaphy and McGavin.