FOOTBALL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 205, 9 May 1912, Page 8

FOOTBALL

ROUGH PLAY. 1 APPEAL FOR ITS SUPPRESSION. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Wellington Rugby Union's management committee this evening suspended T. Rapson, of the Athletic team, for twelve months, for striking an opponent in the match against Petone last Saturday. Rapson denied that he hit the man, but the referee stated that he did and characterised the incident as a very deliberate and foul one. Rapson said that whilst a player was forcing his way through other players after a line-out he (Rapson) placed one of his hands on the man's chin and shoved him back. Regret was expressed that the management committee members in Wellington had not the power to report eases of roughness, as could be done in j Otago. The chairman (Mr. E. 0. Hales) said that the New Zealand Union had absolutely upset the rule. Last year a man was reported by the Otago Union for roughness, but the decision was overruled by the New Zealand Union, and also by the appeal committee. It was resolved to write to clubs requesting their assistance in suppressing rough play. REFEREES FOR TO-DAY'S GAMES. The following are the referees for today's matches:— Senior.—Stratford v. Tukapa, at Western Park, New Plymouth, at 1.30 p.m., Mr. J, Hopkins. First Juniors.—Stratford v. Eltham, at Stratford, at 3 p.m., Mr. F. Spurdle; Clifton v. Inglewood, at Inglewood, Mr. DelaunayTukapa v. Star, at Recreation Ground, New Plymouth, 3 p.m., Mr. H. Petty. Second Juniors.—High School v. Inglewood, at Now Plymouth, Mr. J. Johnston.