SHORE PROTEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 101, 2 May 1938, Page 8

SHORE PROTEST.

LOSS OF MATCH. AN OBSTRUCTION TRY. RUGBY LEAGUE INCIDENT. A sequel to the sensational try towards the end of the Richmond and North Shore League match, which robbed Shore of vat'tory, is the lodging to-day with the board of control of a protest on behalf of the team from over the water. Richmond were at the wrong end of a 19-15 «score in the closing stages when G. Tittletou broke away and scored under, the posts, and the conversion of the trv gave Richmond a one-point lead, 20-19, which they held till the bell. Spectators and reporters were under the impression that V. Scott, of North Shore, had been obstructed by a Richmond player when endeavouring to prevent Tittleton scoring. When the try was allowed there was a hostile demonstration by the crowd. The referee, Mr. S. Billman, states that he awarded Richmond an obstruction try on account of an action by a Shore player. The point which may lead to controversy is where the conversion kick should have been taken from as Tittleton's try was converted from under the posts, where he touched down. If the obstruction which caused the referee to act occurred at a spot directly in front of the posts, then his allowing the kick to be taken from such an easy position was correct. The rule in regard to obstruction tries, which applies in both League and Rugby, states that a try shall be awarded at a point on a line drawn from the point of obstruction parallel with the touch-line. Incidentally, there is a movement in England to allow a penalty try under the posts, irrespective of where the obstruction took place.