UGLY SCENES AT RUGBY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 113, 29 May 1937, Page 17

UGLY SCENES AT RUGBY

IRELAND-WALES INTERNATIONAL' FISTS, CAUTIONS, APOLOGIES

Much afio was caused by unforunate inciderits that occurred during -he recent Ireland and Wales Rugby Jnion international match at Belfast, and especially with regard to the validity of an Irish try which, turned into a goal, cost Wales the match. What occurred was this: H. Thomas, a Welsh forward, threw a pass that an Irish forward picked up in the loose, and af ter running a yard or two, sent on to JL. B. McMahon, Ireland's right-centre. McMahon had A. Bailey and C. V. Boye, outside him.» He gave to Bailey, who raced round the defence to score. Some of the Welsh players maintain that the ball touched the referee, Mr, M. A. Allan (Scotland), on the leg before the Irish forward picked it up. In that event, the ball would have been "dead," and a scrum ordered. But the referee denies that the ball touched him, and as he is the sole judge of fact that should be the end of the matter. After S. Walker had converted the ry, A. M. Rees went up to the referee nd told him he thought the ball had mched his legs. Mr. Allan thereupon cdered Rees off the field unless he * * v

apologised. Rees walked a *few yards as if he intended to go pff, but, changing his mind, retraced his steps and apologised. Real .Trouble. It was after this incident that the real trouble began. One forward kicked an opponent as he was lying on the ground. Then fists began to fly, and the referee called a halt while tempers cooled, in addition to administering a warning. Later, there was a lot of vicious kicking in the loose, and again fists were u'sed, the crowd booing their disapproval of the ugly scene. But, m» stead of sending one or more players off, the referee was content to utter further cautions, thereby ignoring a recent reminder of the International Board that international matches should be refereed in full accordance with the laws of the game. Law 34 clearly states that for foul play or misconduct the referee shall award a penalty kick, and on the first offence shall either caution the player Or order him off. For the second offence. he must order him off.

Jmpires Appreciated. G. O. Allen, English cricket captain, aas written to Jack D. Scott in appreciation of his efforts as umpire in the Tests. Colleague George Borwick has also met with appreciation. American Football Gates. Stanford University (United States) drew almost 1200,000 from football games in three seasons. The receipts were: — 1933-34 — £57,079 1934-35 £69,083 1935-36 £67,691 Total £193.853

Cricket Managcr Knlghted. Sir Pelharn. Warner, captain and manager of M.C.C. cricket teams to Australia and New Zealand, is Ihe second English manager of Ashes teams to be ' knighted. Congratula.tions. English Golf Union. The English Golf Union has decided to join the proposed European Golf Association, subject to the approval of its draft constitution. In the Coronation match. to take place at Wentworth on June 18, 20 amateurs will play foursomes againsfc 10 WOBMU *pd 10 professionals.