Rugby Trophies Presented

Chronicle (Levin), 14 September 1949, Page 3

Rugby Trophies Presented

. - ' W ' ^ There was a large gathering. of the dajicing puhlic, vas well' as members and supporters of ithe Shannon Foothall Cluh, at the Drui'ds' Hall last evening'when the •cluh celebrated its success in the senior rugby competition by holding a victory ball. ■ Prior to the serving of supper, Mr. F. J. Lueinsky,- president of "the elub, called the playing members and officials of ' the club to the stage fo'r the presentatioii of trophies won during the season. Mr. L. Coulter, the Shannon representative on the Horowhenua Rugby Union, extended thanks to Mr. Lueinsky for the work he had done for the local club, especially over the past season, and congratulated the senior team on its success. Mr. Lueinsky said that the club's win was a very fltting conclusion to its jubilee year. He also extended congratulations to the members of the senior team, their ooaches and the supporters for the hard work put in by them in the interests of the club. The president then extended a welcome to Mr. R. L. Robinson, president of the Horowhenua Union, and Mrs. Robinson, and called on the former to present the trophies. In his remarks, Mr. Robinson said it was indeed a pleasure for Mrs. Robinson and himself to be present at the Shannon club's .victory social. He congratulated the senior team, not only on winning the. competitiqn. but also on ithe sportsmanlike manner in which it had played the game of football. In asking Mr. A. Wood tojaccept the trophies on behalf of the club, Mr. Robinson made "mention of the fine record of Mr. Wood in being a member of the team which won the competition* in 1936 and also playing in the pres* ent team. "Mr: Wood has played " outstanding football fif tlie past," stated Mr. Rnbinson, "and he is considered to be among the best forward players in the union." The speaker went on to say that Mr. Wood was retiring from the playing field, but he hoped that he would take an active part in administration of both his home club and the union. "We cannot afford to lose such players as Mr: Wood," said Mr. Robinson. He presented Mr. Wood with the Ramsbotham" and McLennan Cups on behalf of his team. Mr. Robinson then asked his wife to present the Robinson ,RoseyBP®£U-laP thCr teWdrqssed and behaved team on the -field. In presenting Mr. Wood with the trophy. Mrs. Robinson congratulated Ihe Shannon team on winning it again this year and also on • Mnnning the competition. Mrs. Robmson stated that* the Shannon? team was a credit to the union an the filcrdly and kportsx-ianlike way in which it had played the game. Mr. Wood briefly replied, thanking Mr. and Mrs. Robinson and the other speakers for their, kind remarks and also the playing members and officials of the club for the manner - In which "iey had co-operated during the sea? jn. Mr. Lueinsky then asked Mr. Robinson to present the T.wal club trophjes won during the season. They 'were as follows: — ThexRobie and Ga-dsby trophy to the most consistant senior player, awarded to Mr. Alf Wood; the medal presented "by Mr. Robinson, of Blenheim, for the most loyal and consistent senior player, awarded to Mr. Colin Mortimer; The Robie and Gardner trophy for the most improved junior forward, awarded to iMr. Alf Southee and the run-ner-up cup to Mr. Lorrie Andrew; the most improved junior back trophy, presented by the same donors, awarded to Mr. Trevor Spring; the fourth grade Rush Cup, awarded to Owen Sayer. In coneludinjg €,the ceremony, Mr. Lueinsky made mention of the work of the senior coaches, Messrs N. Coghlan and C. Mortimer, and stated that Mr. Coghlan was shortly leaving the district and, on behalf of the club, he sineerely thanked him an'd wished' Mr. and Mrs. Coghlan well in •their new venture. Mr. Coghlan .suitably replied. The crowd then called for three cheers for the senior team, which were given in true Shannon spirit. The excellent supper arrangements were capably handled by the wives of members and other lady supporters of the club. During the evening Mr. Allen Sunborn entertained with solos on his electric steel guitar. Dancing continued until a late hour and the ball was considered by those present to be a very enjoyable - conclusion to a suceessful season.