ROUGH FOOTBALL

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 61, 25 July 1938, Page 2

ROUGH FOOTBALL

VISITORS OFFEND INCIDENTS QN SIDELINE ‘ / PLAYER’S DOUBLE OFFENCE The, junior representative match on Saturday on the reserve was unfortunately the scene of regrettame incidents. The trouble commenced in the first half when an Omaio-play-er, although fairly and cleanly tackled, struck his tackier a. hard blow lull in the face while the Opotiki player was lying oni the ground and nearly knocked the local boy out. Unfortunately the referee was not in a position to see the offence, but the spectators were greatly incensed at the unprovoked attack. A spectator on the line went cn to the field and intervened.

In the second half the saiiie player was caught striking again and this time he was promptly ordered off the field, but lie did not leave without first threatening to strike the referee.

Some time later this offender, who stayed on the side-line, used insulting language and became involved in a rough and tumble with a spectator. In a few seconds the pair, who were rolling around on the side-line, were surrounded by the crowd, which deserted the fence and grandstand and poured over the fence on to the sideline and field. Fortunately the was on the opposite side of the field and the game went on undisturbed. The men on the ground were separated and soon afterwards a line umpire became involved in an argument with another spectator who quickly had his coat off and it appeared* as if a free fight would result but fortunately the* incident ended without anything serious taking place. It is to be regretted that a few of the visiting players should have spoilt, by tlieir behaviour, what was a good game to watch and it is to he hoped that the Apanui Union will take drastic action against the chiefoffender, who obviously knows little of sportsmanship. The Opotiki team played a very clean game throughout and the players are to he congratulated on their restraint. The referee, Mr ,A- Short. kept 'a firm hand on the game and undoubtedly saved a good deal of trouble hv his firm action in putting two offending players off the field.

Some of the trouble could have been avoided bad the side-line been keptfree of spectators. Tlier'e were far

too many people standing near the line during the second half.

MATCH AT OM'AIO RiATANA CUP CHALLENGE The Apanui Maoris who recently secured the Katana Cup from the Whakatohea representatives will defend] the cup on Saturday next, when the Waimana Maoris will* endeavour to wrest the cup from the holders. The Coast has a very good team and it will require an exceptionally strong fifteen to wrest the cup from the holders. The match will he refereed by P. Poihipi.