ELTHAM FOOTBALL CLUB

Taranaki Daily News, 18 August 1934, Page 9

ELTHAM FOOTBALL CLUB

PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES. REUNION SOCIAL EVENING. Considerable enthusiasm has developed in football in the Eltham district this year and three good teams have been fielded. The senior team occupies fifth place on the championship ladder, the fourth grade is to play New Plymouth High School in the final to-day, and the junior team has' performed creditably in the Thursday competition. On Thursday about 100 members of the three teams and their supporters gathered at the Frontiersmen’s clubroom for a reunion. The proceedings commenced with community singing led by Mr. Fred Silver and toast, song and story filled the rest of the evening. The toast of the Taranaki Rugby Union was proposed by the president, Mr. D. Nees, and the reply was made by Mr. W. D. Young, who said the union was there for the good of football throughout the province. It did not favour any one club but would always help any that needed assistance. He referred to the businesslike manner in which the Eltham club did its work. Referring to the colts’ tour he said it was one the union wished to put forward so as to encourage the younger players and the New Zealand union had made a grant towards the tour. He thought the trip would be very valuable for the young players who would furnish the future representatives, and he was sure the selectors would give first consideration to young players. He urged the younger players to keep in good form for Saturday’s games so that they might catch the eye of the selector.

The union was watching the financial side very carefully, said Mr. Young, and he felt sure the result had been a success. The union depended primarily on the receipts from club matches, but owing to the run of wet Saturdays he believed the year’s figures would be down. Eltham had provided a very fine ground, but in other places they had difficulty in securing playing areas. Proposing the Eltham Football Club Mr. Young said Eltham had given the people of Taranaki a shock this year, and he congratulated the senior team on its performance. It had beaten the second team and given the leader a good shake. He complimented the lower grades on their improvement. As the result of good training the junior team won four games in succession. The fourth grade won the semi-final and would have a good chance in the final. The club was fortunate in having a management committee that could give results and he considered the valuable trophies donated had done much to encourage the players. Mr. R. Lee in reply said the club had a very bright future and there was much material for the selection of a senior team next year. If the club held together and received the support of the townspeople it would do very well next year. Mr. R. J. Tayler also responded. The club, he said, was very fortunate in having the revived interest of the people, as evidenced by the fine array of trophies, and he believed it would add to its laurels on Saturday. The health of the lady supporters of the club was proposed by Mr. A. G. Whiting, who referred to the valuable assistance given the club. Mr. E. G, Smith responded. The playing members were the subject of the toast proposed by Dr. Saunders. He said for the past several years it was disappointing to see the Eltham team at the bottom of the poll, but this year had seen a decided change. The three teams had played a very clean game and he congratulated them on their good sportsmanship. He referred to the good work of the previous selectors, Messrs. Taylor and Bocock, in laying the foundation of a good team. Responses were made by Mr. E. Townsend (senior), Mr. J. Brennan (junior) and B. Cowell (fourth). The toasts of the artists, the chairman and the Press concluded the list. Trophies were presented by the president as follows: — Petrie Cup for team gaining the highest percentage of wins in the competitions: Fourth grade. Miniature cup for the most consistent player in the winning team: A Rye. Mr. A. O. Casey’s trophy for the best senior player: E. Townsend. Mr. A. Craig’s trophy for the most improved junior forward: F. Cowell. Mr. T. Moran’s cup for the best senior forward: S. White. Mr. R. Lee’s cup for the most improved fourth: R. Gower. Mr. D. Nee’s cup foi- the most improved fourth grade back: J. Knight. Trophy for the best tackler: W. Worthington. / Mr. F. Reardon’s trophy for the most improved junior back: P. Leathern. Dr. Saunders cup for place-kicking: R. Bocock.

On behalf of the senior team Mr. E. Townsend presented to the selectdr, Mr. R. Lee, a smoker’s companion as a token of appreciation of his services. In reply Mr. Lee paid tribute to the splendid qualities of the members. Contributions to the evening’s entertainment were made by Mr. S.. Carson (song), Dr. D. H. Saunders (song), Messrs. E. G. Smith and D. Silver (sketch), Mr. F. Silver (song), Messrs. E. G. Smith, K. Mehrtens and Dr. Saunders (sketch) and Mr. J. Barraclough (recitation).