Kneeing “Yes”, Biting “No”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31144, 22 August 1966, Page 1

Kneeing “Yes”, Biting “No”

Crspdt. N Z.P A » NAPIER. The British Isles prop forward, D. L. Powell, claims he kneed Poverty BayEast Coast hooker, T. M'irphy. on the side of the head and split his ear in the Lions’ match at Gisborne last Wednesday. During the week there have been allegations that the Lions hooker, K. W. Kennedy,

I bit Murphy. In view of this

I the manager of the Lions I (Mr D. J. O'Brien) issued a statement on Saturday night. “In view of the repetitive references to biting by a Lions player, I would like to release the facts on how the Poverty Bay - East Coast hooker received his ear injury,” Mr O’Brien said. “This incident was witnessed by Powell. Kennedy land N. A. A. Murphy (the • captain on the day). Powell I is quite willing that 1 should quote his statement. “Powell said: '1 know’ .exactly -how the East Coast

hooker got his ear injury., Their scrum would not come down to meet us on our put . in, but eventually it did. Stewart, my opposite number, : kneed Kennedy in the face. 1 was so livid at this I i brought my knee across to try to stop Stewart but he pulled back and my knee 1 caught the hooker on the side of the head and split his ear. I know Ken Kennedy and am i prepared to swear that he has ' not bitten anybody in this or I any other game I have i played in.’ Ij

i “As manager 1 am completely convinced that this is an irresponsible allegation j against Kennedy, which has no foundation whatever. “This is my last statement on this matter and 1 trust that .Kennedy will be allowed to enjoy the rest of his touri without embarrassment.” When Mr O’Brien s statement was referred to Stewart | in Gisborne tonight, he said:: “We are quite sure Kennedy: bit our man.” He declined further comi menL I