BANKS, AND LAW BEAT AUCTIONEERS

Northern Advocate, 4 October 1937, Page 3

BANKS, AND LAW BEAT AUCTIONEERS

Rugby

Both the football and the ground were hard at 9 Rugby Park on Satinday. I'layers, both raw and seasoned, who represented cither Banks and Law or Land Agents and Auctioneers in their annual match, will vouch for this. Nevertheless, the event was just another chapter in a successful series, more particularly from the view point of the Banks and Lawites, as they won 10 —8.

It did not look that way at first. After 20 minutes play, Derecourl. gained possession in a forward scramble and scored under the posts. Mason converted and it was still 5 nil at the interval. Within five minutes, Price scored from a lino-out on the line. Callanan kicked a beautiful -goal from touch to even the issue. The Auctioneers bid hard for a try but struck an obstinate bench oi tacklcrs. Once, McNaughton the fullbad:, followed through fast, bustled Palairet and only a knnek-on right on the line robbed him of a try. 'However, Sloane took it into his head to bullock his way over at the corner and put his side three points up. But it was not for long. Day set off in a burst for the line, side-stepped several men and scored a splendid try near the posts. Callanan used his boot and not the long arm to put Law in front and so they won a great tussle 10 —8.

The pick of the Banks and Law were James, Day and Palairet (backs) and Dent, Callanan and Wilson (forwards). Mason, Green and Singleton (backs) and Derecourt, Scarborough and Sloane (forwards) stood out in the Auctioneers’ side. Enjoyable Dinner. After the match came the more convivial gathering and there was a splendid muster at the Castilian Ballroom for the dinner.

The presentation of the shield and the customary toasts took place. The function was punctuated with many humorous interludes, the chairman, Mr T. Mitchell, setting an excellent standard.

In presenting the shield to Mr F. Collins, captain of the winning team, Mr Mitchell remarked that Saturday's game was the fourteenth for the trophy, “As could only be expected," he said, “the Land Agents and Auctioneers have proved their superiority (much booing and cries of ‘‘Sit down”) by winning nine of the 14 matches, drawing in one and losing four. Today is the first occasion since 1923 that the Banks and Law have won the shield and naturally everyone is delighted with the result." (Laughter and applause.) The “juniors' “ match for the Gillett Banner was not played', but this trophy too was handed over to Mr Collins.

The following toasts were drunk: Tiie King; The Winners, proposed by Mr Singleton and replied to by Mr F. Collins; “Such Gatherings as These,” Mr W. G. Whitmore and Messrs G. Dent and J. Scarborough; The Losing Team, Mr Ray Wilson and Mr L. Sloane; Auctioneers and Land Agents, Mr T. H. Steadman and Mr Walter Wakelin: Banks and Law. Mr A Perkins and Mr L. A. Johnson: The St. John Ambulance, Mr T. Mitchell and Mr G. Whiteman: The Referee, Mr Jack Marshall and Mr L. Robinson; The Press. Mr G. Brough and “Advocate” representative; The Mess Orderlies and Ladies, Mr W. G. Whitmore and Mr A. Rowlands; The Chairman. Mr Booth,

A collection taken up on behalf of the St. John Ambulance brought in £2 11/9.