JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS.

Shannon News, 19 September 1922, Page 3

JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS.

and the winners of the medals. Mr Parr returned thanks te Mr Thomson for his kind remarks. He

PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES -TO TOKOMARU. The Tokomaru Football Club, winners ol the junior championship under the Horowhenua Union’s competitions, held a social and dance on Friday to celebrate their success. There was a large attendance, including all local supporters of the club, and visitors from Shannon, Otaki. and Palmerston North, and the proceedings were thoroughly enjoyable. The hail was nicely decorated for the occasion, and under the direction of Mr E. Perry, vice-president of the club, dancing went on merrily, and the programme being interspersed with songs made the evening all the more pleasant.

THE TEAM’S RECORD. The past season was the first in which the Tokomaru Club had participated as juniors, but right from the commencement the team gave indication that it was much above average quality, and would be found occupying a prominent place at the end of the season. And so it proved. The record of nine wins and a draw out of 10 games, with 111 points for and 29 against, is a meritorious one, and is well worth repetition, as follows; Versus Wanderers, won, 20—0; v. Rovers, won 0; v. Shannon, won 16— 11; v. Foxton, drawn 3—3; v. Weraroa, won by default; v. Wanderers, won 11—9; v. Rovers, won 10—0; v. Shannon, won by default; v. Weraroa, won 26—0; v. Paraparaumu, won 16—6. The match with Paraparaumu was for the championship. The trophies attached to the junior championship include a handsome banner presented to the Union by Mrs Luxford (formerly Mrs Hugh Hall), and won by the Levin Wanderers, in 1919, Foxton in 1920, and Paraparaumu in 1921. There Is also a hand-somely-carved miniature Maori canoe, a unique souvenir of a team’s prowess on the football field, and one to which considerable interest attaches. The canoe has been competed for since 1912, when it was won by Koputaroa, then followed Weraroa in 1913 and Shannon in 1914, when the war caused a break. In 1919 the competitions were resumed, and the Wanderers had their name inscribed upon it in that year, Foxton in 1920, and Paraparaumu in 1921. Last but not least is the Coley Cup, presented by Mr G. Coley, of Foxton, in 1920, when the Foxton Club celebrated their townsman’s generosity by annexing the trophy, which Paraparaumu wrested from them in 1921.

PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES. The most important function of the evening was the presentation ol' the trophies to the Tokomaru team by the Horowhenua Union representatives, Messrs. W. Thomson (chairman of the Management Committee), and L. S. Carmichael (secretary). Mr Thomson expressed his pleasure at being present on such an occasion to present the 1 trophies, and congratulated the Tokomaru team on xhe large 'gathering which! had assembled to do them honour. The speaker spoke at some length on Union matters, which are reported in another column, and then went on to refer to the winning team’s record during the past season. The record, he said, would take some beating. The team had played ten games, won nine and drawn one, putting up ill points with 29 against them. (Applause.) Not that alone, but the players had characterised their play by fine sportsmanship, and had played a clean game. The previous season Tokomaru had entered as seniors, and although they won only one match they had displayed the same sporting spirit by playing every game except the last, which was very creditable.

A voice: They were after the booby prize. (Laughter.)

Mr Thomson: Though they won the boohy they showed they could play a losing game, and a team that can play a losing geme shows as good a spirit as a team that has won a championship. (Applause.) The speaker said he saw the final for the junior championship, and Tokomaru thoroughly deserved their win. He had great pleasure in handing the championship trophies to Mr C. Parr, the captain, congratulated the members, and said it was a pleasure to know there was growing up among us boys who-played the game in a sportsmanlike and gentlemanly manner. He wished the club all success in the future. (Loud applause.) Mr Thomson said he had also to present two medals. One was to the best forward (presented by Mr A. de Luen), and won by Mr M. Parr, and the other (presented by Mr Coward) for the best) back, which had been awarded to Mr A. Rowlands. He congratulated both players on their good play, and considered those who had the task of selecting the winners of the trophies had made no mistake in their choice. At the call of Mr Thomson, cheers were given for the team,

hoped things would improve in Tokomaru, so that they would be able to put a good team in the field again next season and retain the championship. He called for cheers for Mr Thomson and the Union, which were given with a will. Mr Perry, vice-president, said he could not add anything to what had been said, but took it as a compliment to see so many present to do honour to the team. (Applause.) Thereafter dancing was resumed to the excellent music of Mr Coward's orchestra, assisted by local musicians with extras, the proceedings being kept going to the small hours. At intervals songs were given by Mrs Parker, Mrs S. Parr, Miss M. Upton, and Miss Hakaraia, who were all encored. The suppier arrangements were in the hands of the ladies’ committee, which is a sufficient guarantiee that everything in this department was in order. The club may be congratulated on its success on the football field and in the management of its social function.