FOOTBALL DINNER.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4846, 29 June 1925, Page 2

FOOTBALL DINNER.

PLAINS TEAM ENTERTAINED. After the match in the Poland Cup competition the s Hauraki Plains representatives were entertained by the Paeroa Rugby Union to a dinner at the Railway Hotel. Proposing a toast to the Hauraki Plains team, Mr T. P. Vugliir, a member of the Paeroa Rugby Union, said that he was not able to witness the game, but had been informed that tnc visitors were unfortunate. Responding, C. Molloy, the captain, said that the game was a good one, and in his opinion the best team won. On behalf of his team he wished to thank the Paeroa Union for its hospitality.

Mr J. W. T. Jones, chairman of the Paeroa Rugby Union, proposed the toast of the Hauraki Plains Union, and said that, like the Paeroa Union, it had a, hard row. to hoe. That day’s match had been looked forward, to very much, and it was unfortunate that the weather had been so bad. He would candidly say lie was very glad htat the Paeroa team had won, as it would probably have a beneficial effect on football in Paeroa. It was the first time the Paeroa team had won a match since being equipped with green jerseys. He hoped the Plains team would profit from ifo defeat.

The toast was responded to by Messrs J. Costellb (president) .and J. Nicholson (member), of the Hauraki Plains Rugby Union.. Mr Costello said that the relations between the two unions h.ad always been of the friendliest. When the Plains Union had been formed the Paeroa Union had been the first to held out the olive branch and send a team to play a match. The Plainsmen were taking the defeat well, and had no apologies to offer, although half a dozen of the best, men were unable to play as they had not yet recovered from the ksiocks received at Hie Thames match. Mr Nicholson said that the Plains team hoped to give the local team as good and as friendly a game when L came to Ngatea. He recalled the fact that many years ago he, together with others, notably Mr Vugl.ar, had organised a series of schoolboy matches in Mr Cassrels’ paddock. Many of the beys'who played then were now playing in the representative team. “The Paeroa Rugby Union” was proposed by Mr W. Thompson and was responded to by Messrs Morrison anil Crosby.

/ Mr Crosby said he was pleased to hear that the Plainsmen had no regrets at their team’s defeat, and that efforts were being made to foster football in that district. The Paeroa Rugby Union was in rather a bad plight, as. the boys preferred to play in the junior competitions. He hoped the success that day would have a beneficial effect and induce more in-, terest in the senior-game. A toast to. the selectors of both teams was proposed I.l' Mr D. A. Vincent, who said that in Mr V hite the Paeroa Union had a selector- it should be proud of. He had had. a Difficult task, as players appeared 'tc be scarce. The speaker said he was aware that there was dissatisfaction on the Plaint in regard to the selection, but would point out that though it wais not. always possible to- approve of all that was done, the selectors did what they thought best and should be supported. He congratulated both unions on having selectors who knew their own minds and stuck to their

own opinions. Mr J. Darlington, president of the Plains Referees’ Association, hi responding on behalf of the Plains selectors, said that they had so much material to pick .from that it was difficult to get the right men. There were so many players, and such a small margin of difference.

Mr R. Hodson,, who replied on behalf of the Paeroa selector, said that Mr White’s job was- not an enviable one. There had been very much criticism of Mr White’s .work, particularly in regard to the .filling of two places in the team ; but he had been fearless, and the play that day had justified his action.