Accidents at the Wellington Football Match

Feilding Star, Volume IX, Issue 123, 17 May 1888, Page 3

Accidents at the Wellington Football Match

The pleasure of those who witnessed the football match, on the Basin Reserve on Monday was to some extent marred by a couple of mishaps which occurred to two of Boberte' team of Wellington players. As stated in bur last issue, Whatman, of Masterton, who was playing forward, charged one of the English, backs and broke his leg. The Englishman had stooped dowu to pick up the ball when Whatman dashed against him, and his leg striking the Britisher's shoulder violently the limb snapped like a twig. The leg broke with a report which was distinctly heard by many of the spectators, «nd the bone actually protruded through the skin. The game was of course stopped for a time, and Dr Gillon, who •was -witnessing the match, with the assistance of Dr Smith who was umpiring for England, roughly set the broken limb, using two walking-sticks and some handkerchiefs Whatman was then carried to the Hospital on an old gate. The unfotunate young fellow was playing very well from the start of the game, and his loss was severely felt during the remainder of the match. The second mishap , -was sustained by A. D. Thomson, the ! "brilliant three-quarter back of the local team. About 10 minutes from the end of the first spell he fell heavily on his right shoulder, and dislocated Hs collartone. The pain was very great, but knowing that Whatman had already left the field he determined to struggle on to the end. At half-time, however, he yielded to the persuasions of his friends and ceased playing. It is expected that Whatman will not be able to resume work for at least a couple of months. Thomson's injury is not so serious, but it -will probably be four or five weeks before he can resume his duties in the Justice Department.—^ost. :