RUGBY FOR GIRLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 May 1922, Page 8

RUGBY FOR GIRLS.

FORCING THE POSITION.INCIDENT AT WELLINGTON. Rugby for girls having been officially discouraged in Wellington, eight young women endeavored to force the * issue by attending at the Miramar grounds on Saturday and challenging the junior teams to give them a game. The girls were well garbed for the occasion. They wore smart velveteen caps ‘with a monogram stitched on in gilt letters, and their woollen jerseys were of yellow and black bands, similar to those of the Wellington Football Club. They had smart, close-fitting blue knlexerr, such as are worn by international players, and solidly made -football boots completed the rig, which was partly hidden by overcoats and sweaters. Their challenge could not be accepted, so they took possession of part of the ground for practice, showing fair skill in running, passing, and kicking.'Then they good-humoredly barracked the male footballers until two were injured, and here came another opportunity. The girls dashed on to the ground and promptly offered their services as substitutes. Yes, they knew the rules, even to the amended Auckland code, if it was required of them. The captain scratched his head, while they pleaded, urged, and cajoled. The young man did not know what to do, and, although he was sorely tempted to acquiesce, he decided to refer the matter to the referee, Mr. R. McCullough, who had charge of the game. llp gave his decision promptly. The girls could not be allowed to play. Two ot them would not take no for an answer, and for some minutes held up the game in a persistent effort to get the referee to reconsider his verdict. Eventually giving in, the fair footballers spent the remainder of the afternoon in endeavoring to arrange a match for the next Saturday.