SIDELINE BRAWL

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20906, 11 September 1939, Page 13

SIDELINE BRAWL

RUGBY LEAGUE MATCH REFEREE CALLS GAME OFF (By Telegraph.—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday A free fight on the sideline brought to a sensational close the AddingtonSvdenham Rugby League challenge game for the Vivian Cup yesterday afternoon. Within the flrst five minutes there was a stand-up light between two rival players during a break in play. No action was taken. The partisan spirit in the teams communicated itself to the crowd, which frequently roared, “ Put him off.” A general caution was given the teams, and play contlhued more or less quietly until half-time, when Addington led by 8 points to 0. Early in th* second spell Addington put on a further two unconverted tries. When play had been in progress for 15 minutes R. Gatehouse, a Sydenham forward, was sent off for alleged rough play. The game had barely started again when a melee broke out on the sideline. Players and spectators were soon milling about in great style. Blood streamed from one of the combatants. As non-imilitant players tried to separate the contestants and with some spectators shouting encouragement., the brawl continued for two or three minutes before order was restored. The referee, Mr G. Williams, then called the game off with the scores: Addington 14, Sydenham 0.