FOOTBALL MATCH BECOMES FREE-FOR-ALL

Chronicle (Levin), 12 August 1947, Page 3

FOOTBALL MATCH BECOMES FREE-FOR-ALL

AUCKLAND, August 11. Blovvs wero struck and hoiho spectalors and playors became iuvolved in a brawl which attended the end, about 15 minutes beforc full timo, of the Rugby match betwoen the Tauranga Cadets anu Motiti Island Mauri toani at iuurunga on iSatui'day. A closure was appliod to tlio match by the roferec. Wlien play begau .several of the Motiti plavers ap pearcd to conceiitrate upon a member of the Cadet teani who is* a police con stable in Tauranga. Play became very rough and a spectator w^o criticised the Motiti team was struck by a Mauri plaver who left the field for the purpose. Fists and boots were freely used and the game deveipped into a free-for-all. . , As the referee signalled the end ot the match, the movement of a friend of oue of the Cadet players towards the players caused a surge of spectators on to the ground and players and spectators became involved in lighting. Many spectators tried to prevent the ligVt :g to assist a police coustahle to restv.e order but a nuinber of blows was st>\i in spite of their attempts. Phe Culet.-; luid a comfortable grip.on- the gamv when play was called off, having a leait of 19 poi'uts to nil.