FOOTBALLERS IN BRAWL

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27683, 13 June 1955, Page 10

FOOTBALLERS IN BRAWL

FIRST AID OFFICER KICKED

•ATTEMPT TO ASSIST INJURED PLAYER

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, June 12.

A St. John Ambulance first-aid officer was kicked when he went to aid a Rugby League player, injured during a brawl on Saturday afternoon. The player, James Mooney, aged 27, of Eaglehurst road, Ellerslie, was taken to hospital with head injuries. The game was between a Marist senior reserve team and Ellerslie. Nearly all the players of both teams were involved in the fight. The fight started about 14 minutes before p. iy was scheduled to end. An Ellerslie player was apparently latetackled as he kicked the ball downfield. Blows were then exchanged, and the fight became general. As the referee (Mr A. Horscroft) protested, the fighters drifted off the field.

A spectator dragged a player over the railing bordering the field. Mooney was then seen to be lying on the ground off the field, with blood coming from his head. The St. John Ambulance man, Mr C. L. Davies, tried to reach him, but could make no headway, and was kicked.

Mi Horscroft then called the game off. Ellerslie had been leading, 4-2. He said later the matter would be reported to the Referees’ Association. A report will also be made to the Auckland Rugby League. Mooney received five stitches in one head wound and two in another. He was later discharged from hospital.