REFEREE’S DENIAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1011, 30 June 1930, Page 1

REFEREE’S DENIAL

REW NOT ORDERED OFF BRITISH TEAM CASUALTIES 'SUX Special Representative — Copyright) TIMARU, Today. Although Mr. Budd, the referee, denies having actually ordered Rew off in Saturday’s game, players on both sides agree that what he said was “You’d better go off.” The intervention of two local players, however, relieved an awkward situation. Both the Timaru papers blame the British for the introduction of illegal tactics and this morning’s “Timaru Herald” even has editorial comment on the subject. It is interesting to note that after the match one of the British forwards exhibited on his arm a perfect set of teeth-marks as a souvenir of the game. The whole trouble could probably be traced to lax control in the early stages, when over-eagerness was allowed to develop into mutual roughness. The toast to the referee at the subsequent dinner was probably the shortest on record. Sobey simply saying: “I notice I am down to propose the toast, not to make a speech, therefore, gentlemen, I ask you to drink to the health of the referee.”"

During the match two British players suffered injuries which may have serious results. Jennings hurt a shoulder and Hodgson hurt an ankle. In both cases it is feared that bones are broken, and both are being x-rayed today. It is most improbable that Hodgson will be fit for Saturday’s test match. Prentice will most likely replace him. The British test team has not yet been definitely selected, but probably there will be no other changes. Jennings has had particularly bad luck, as Saturday was his first appearance since he suffered a toe injury after training at Wellington. Should anything happen to Bassett the British team will now have no reliable reserve fullback. The British team this morning nominated Mr. S. Hollander (Christchurch) as referee for the second test. His appointment is therefore certain.