SEDDON SHIELD MATCH

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24043, 3 September 1943, Page 6

SEDDON SHIELD MATCH

CRITICISM BY MANAGER OF NELSON TEAM Strong criticism of what he described as illegal tactics allowed in the Seddon Shield game between Nelson and Buller at Westport on Saturday was made by we manager of the Nelson team (Mr T. Mahon yl in his report to the Rugby Union last evening, stated the Nelson Mall on Tuesday The manager said that “flagrant breaches of the rules and late illegal tackling went undetected by we referee.” and that half-way through the second spell It was with the greatest reluctance that he did not request we Nelson captain to lead his team off the new. After hearing the report, the union decided to write to the New Zealand Rugby Union on the matter,, making point of the fact that one Buller player Was warned four times by the referee (Mr C G Crawford, of Christchurch) for 11legal tactics The union will also write to the Buller Union with particular reference to a statement by one Buuer player that he “went out to get' the two Nelson five-eighths ... In his report. Mr Mahony said. J regret to report that the'game was not played In the same sporting spirit as previous contests for the shield between tne two unions l am not speaking as one stung by defeat, but as one who has been connected with Rugby football for over 20 years, and always ready to graciously accept honourable defeat and offer the hand of congratulation to the victors after a game played in the traditional Rugby spirit.”