SIDELINE BRAWL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 214, 11 September 1939, Page 11

SIDELINE BRAWL.

KNDS HECTIC GAME.

SOUTHERN MATCH IS CALLED OFF. (By Tetegrapli.—l'rcss Association.) CHRISTCHUKCH, Saturday. A free fight <111 (lie sideline brought to a sensational close the Addington-Svdenliani Rugby League challenge game lor the Vivian Cup this afternoon. At an early stage tne match gave evidence of producing fireworks. Within the first five minutes there was a stand-up fight between two rival players during a break' in the play. No action was taken.

Hie partisan spirit in the teams communicated itself to the crowd, which frequently roared, "Put liini off!" A general caution was given to the teams and play continued more or less quietly till halftime, when Addington were leading by 8 points to nil.

Karly 111 the second spell, Addington added a further two unconverted tries. When play had been in progress 15 minutes K. Gatehouse, a Sydenham forward, was sent off for alleged rough play. The game had barely started again when a melee broke out 011 the sideline. Players and spectators wore soon milling about In great style. Blood streamed from one of the combatants as non-militant players trii'd to separate the contestants, 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.