23 JUL 1998 , Edition 2, Page 1.
Times pledge kicks off united stand for Ngaruawahia‘s Cup bid
Waikato folk have heard the Waikato Times’ call to help get the Ngaruawahia United soccer team to the ball.
We made the challenge yesterday with a $1000 donation towards the travel costs for an August 16 match in Dunedin, where the giant-killers play Technical in the semifinal of the Chatham Cup.
Within hours last night, club president Maxine Williams was at a meeting of 30 members celebrating pledges totalling $7500. The club began the week wondering where it could find at least $10,000.
First in was John Wills, of Ngaruawahia’s McCowan and Gerring Ltd, with a $500 donation.
The biggest pledge has come through Dunedin-born Delta Tavern publican Jack Robson, who will bolster the fund by $5000 with money raised through Lion Foundation gaming machines.
More than 40 club supporters have indicated they want to follow the team to the match.
Mrs Williams said the Waikato Times cheque would be first to go into a bank account to be opened today.
She was overwhelmed by the support. Team coach Jeff Coulshed took two calls with $100 donations last night.
“A lot of the support we have received is things we can raffle.”
Which is appropriate. Cup matches are a lottery. And so far, the unfashionable club from the Northern League first division has been a winner.