DONALD EXONERATED.

Shannon News, 19 July 1927, Page 3

DONALD EXONERATED.

REFEREE LEAVES RUGBY MEETINGS MASTERTON, July 15. Q. Donald/ the Wairarapa hooker, who was ordered off the field with M. Brownlie in the Ranfurly Shield match on Saturday, appeared before the Wairarapa Rugby Union Management Committee last night. The referee (Mr H. J. McKenzie), and Donald were both heard in committee and, after a full review of the incident, the committee decided unanimously to dismiss the charge of misconduct against Donald. ’ . When the decision was arrived at, both the player and the referee were called into the room and advised accordingly. Donald left the room, but Mr McKenzie remained and asked the chairman if the player was not to blame did the committee consider that the referee was. Mr W. G. Lamb replied in the negative, and proceeded to make another remark, when Mr McKenzie rose and left the room, stating that he did not wish to hear any tiling further in explanation of the committee’s action.

MAURICE BROWNLIE ALSO EXONERATED.

fIAWKES BAY UNION’S ATTITUDE NAPIER, July 15. Maurice Brownlie was exonerated by the Ilawkes Bay Rugby Union to-night from all blame in connection with the incident in last Saturday’s Ranfurly Shield match, as the result of which he and Quentin Donald were ordered oft the field. The union carried a resolution to the effect that no action be taken and that the union completely exonerate Brownlie, and that the action of the referee towards both players was unwarranted. Mr W. O’Neill said the fact that Donald was five yards off-side when the incident occurred proved lie was at fault to his (Mr O’Neill’s) . mind. Brownlie was harassed and interfered with right from the start and held his temper wonderfully well. \