Rugby MACDONALD SUSPENDED

Press, Volume C, Issue 29637, 6 October 1961, Page 15

Rugby MACDONALD SUSPENDED

Threw Player To Ground (NZ. Press Association) PALMERSTON N„ Oct. 5. As a result of an incident in the Taranaki-Manawatu representative Rugby match in Palmerston North last Saturday, I. H. Macdonald, the captain of the Taranaki team, has been stood down for four playing Saturdays. The decision was made by the judicial committee of the Manawatu Rugby Union, which met tonight Both the referee of the match, Mr F. M. G. Parkinson, and Macdonald were heard by the committee. Mr Parkinson claimed that Macdonald twice punched a Manawatu player, who fell to the ground semi-conscious. The second blow was landed after the whistle had been sounded. Macdonald said he had seen R. D. Hounsell kicking a Taranaki man. He went in and grabbed the Manawatu player and spun him to the ground. Later he admitted that he could have thrown Hounsell down with sufficient, force to knock him out. Informing Macdonald of the committe’s decision, Mr H. A. Stone, the chairman, said he hoped this would serve as a deterrent to other players who might be tempted to play an over-willing type of game. The committee's penalty will include th'e first three competition matches of next season.