Wednesday, October 8th 1975

Soccer Season Ends at Ngaruawahia

Junior Grades

The Marist A.F.C. were extremely impressed by the end-of-season function put on by the Ngaruawahia United A.F.C. juniors. They had been invited as guests to play the Ngaruawahia 7th, 9th and 12th grade teams prior to eating and receiving awards.

The 12th grade lost to Marist 0-4; the 9th grade drew 0-0 and the 7th grade drew 2-2 after leading 2-0 at the turn with two excellent goals from Fred Timothy and Chip Harrop.

From the field the teams travelled over to the Rugby league clubrooms to consume 36 pounds of sausages in 10 minutes in the hangi and barbecue. Three tables laden with food were also stripped appreciatively by the boys. Then it came time for the awards.

All boys of the 12th grade received badges carved with their club initials, grade and year. The Marist Coaches and other officials also received these badges, much to their pleasant surprise.

All players in the 9th and 7th grades received metal badges denoting team membership and then the major prizes were awarded.

Graham Henman received a handsome trophy for the best and fairest player of the year. Graham had been one of the hardest working players in the junior ranks and has done much for his team.

Apart from the best and fairest player award, all other trophies were awarded by votes from team members in secret ballot. Ninth grade most improved player to Philip Gray; 9th grade player of the year to John Bell, 7th grade most improved player to Jeff Gray and 7th grade player of the year to Fred Timothy.

It was hard to ascertain who was most surprised when one award was made – Fred Timothy or his father! Mr Timothy became most animated.

A large part of the successful afternoon on Sunday was due to the Ngaruawahia Rugby League Club for the use of their facilities following the matches.