RUGBY UNION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIV, Issue 9875, 24 July 1923, Page 8

RUGBY UNION.

WEEKLY MEETING HELD.

PROTEST BY ASHBURTON TEAM. At the meeting of the Ashburton Rugby Union last evening there were present: Messrs W. F. Watters (president), J. C. McLauchlan, H. J. Chapman, H. Davis, L. J. Ryan, A. Thomson, E. Partridge, H. Sarney, J. Smith, R. H. Biggar, and R. G. Shearman. Mr Falhvell reported that he had warned a Methven player on Saturday for illegal play against Old Boys, and had ordered another player off for disputing one of liis decisions as to the control of the game. The player later expressed his regret at the incident. Mr McLauchlan said some might take it that the referee had been a little hard in his action, but there urns a rule dealing with such cases. The player had been humiliated, and deserved only a small punishment. It was decided to place the secondmentioned man’s name on the “cautioned” list. As regards tho other man a similar action was taken, as three members said he was a “fairly rough player.” The explanation sent by the man who was ordered off was said by a member to be a “gentlemanly letter.” A protest against the referee’s decision in granting a potted goal to Hinds on Saturday against Ashburton was received from the latter club. Mr Biggar, who was referee at t the game, said it was a question of fact, and there was not one atom of doubt that the goal was actually a goal. A ball two feet outside the post, as alleged by the Ashburton Club, was not likely to be mistaken for one that did go inside the posts. The Lall, he declared, was two inches inside; the post. He was not in a hne_ With the goal when the ball was 1 kicked, out was in line when the ball crossed the bar;. The chairman gave his decision, m view of Law 3 of the Game;, that an appeal could not be sustained on apoint of fact. ..... , , The deposit of 10s which accompanied the appeal was directed to be returned to the club. * , The Union refused to see the deputation which was waiting outside to back up the protest. Mr Biggar said the ball Avas a swerving one, and \A*as forced by an Ashburton player outside the line of the post, and this had given rise to the dispute no doubt. It Was decided that in future all applications for transfer of players who are not in residence the required length of time be considered by the Union as a Avhole for decision. The claim of F. Kennedy for accident insurance was referred to the Accident Fund Committee. . A number of registrations of players were dealt with. , The South Canterbury Rugby Union suggested Saturday, August. 18, as the date for the representative match South Canterbury v. Ashburton, at Tiinaru, and it was decided to accept that date. . ' The Springburn-Mayfield Club for--1 warded a donation of £5 toivard the ! accident fund, and the amount AA'as 1 received Avith thanks. The club also ! Avrote to the effect that they had.de- ! feated Hinds, on the 7th, by 14 points ; to 3. i It AA’as decided to inform the Rakaia | Club that in future it should receive I permission from the Union for a foreign I match before playing.