Leaguers Say— Had to Undress Under Gorse Bush

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 84, 30 June 1927, Page 10

Leaguers Say— Had to Undress Under Gorse Bush

Echo of Unplayed Match at Mangere At last evening’s meeting of the Auckland Rugby League, Mr. W. J. Hammill presiding, a lengthy discussion followed a report from the referee in the senior B grade match between Mangere and Northcote. The report stated the Northcote team had declined to play on the Mangere ground, as it considered the area unfit owing to its sodden and muddy state. The referee considered the match should be awarded to Mangere. A letter from the Northcote Club stated its players were compelled to undress in gorse bushes. This statement was strongly denied by Mr. E. Lipscombe, who said a large dressing shed was at the disposal of visiting teams. The chairman pointed out that the referee was the sole judge of the condition of the ground, and the committee could take no other course than award the game to Mangere. This course was agreed to. It was further decided to make an inquiry into the charge of the Northcote Club relative to the dressing accommodation. The Advisory Board recommended that the Ponsonby-Newton senior match should be played at Carlaw Park instead of at the Domain. The chairman said to bring about the change the vote of the Management Committee must be unanimous. With the exception of the delegate of the Ponsonby Club the resolution was agreed to. Mr. Hammil said it was a matter for regret that the Ponsonby delegate should take up such an attitude, which was not in the best interests of the game. The Auckland Football Association wrote accepting Carlaw Park as the ground for the third test match between Canada and New Zealand. A suggestion that complimentary tickets to the limit of 50 should be issued was referred to the New Zealand Football Association. It was further agreed on the suggestion of the Football Association, to admit schoolboys free. An application for assistance to relieve cases of distress among its members was received from the S*uth African War Veterans’ Association. It was decided to defer the matter until the annual charity match, when the request would again be considered. CODE IN AUSTRALIA STATES PLAY DRAWN GAME By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright SYDNEY, Wednesday. a Hu f by League match Queensk , h P T a drawn game with New nniirt* Wa ’ es - The teams scored 11 points each.—A. and N.Z.