League Win For Auckland; Referee Knocked Out

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32011, 11 June 1969, Page 17

League Win For Auckland; Referee Knocked Out

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND.

The referee was carried from the field unconscious and a forward suffered a suspected broken cheekbone in the Rugby league match in which Auckland beat the Australian tourists, 15-14, yesterday.

It was not a good game of league but what it lacked in skill was more than made up in excitement and incidents.

In a few minutes just after the start of the final quarter the Australian forward, J. Wittenberg, was carried from the field with a suspected broken cheekbone after a tackle by the Auckland centre, P. Schultz. Only minutes later from an Australian kick-off, Auckland kicked ahead into the Australian half and the referee (Mr E. Picher, of Wellington) tried to get out of the way of the Australian forward, C. Weiss, who was moving back. Weiss backed into Mr Pilcher who in turn was accidently struck on the side of the head by the Auckland forward, E. Moore, who was chasing the kick. Mr Pilcher took two steps and collapsed on the ground The game continued and the Auckland wing, J. Sparnon, scored but the try was not allowed. The referee was taken from the field unconscious after receiving attention from two doctors and ambulance officials.

The game was started again on the spot where the incident occurred by one of the linesmen (Mr R. Caddy). POOR PASSING

The match was marred by poor passing by both teams. The Auckland forwards, led by the former internationals, E. Moore and E. Wiggs, softened up the Australians with some mighty runs. Wiggs was undoubtedly the man of the match, kicking 12 of Auckland’s 15 points as well as starting the move that led to his side’s only try, by E Carson. The Auckland backs from their half, E. Carson, to the wings, J. Sparnon and M. MeClennan, displayed plenty of dash and were equal to the Australians in all respects.

After a spate of injuries which caused drastic switching of players, it was obvious that the Australians would be pressed to beat Auckland. This proved so and in spite of an all-out effort in the final minutes that brought them a converted try they failed to gain the necessary points.

The international forward, R. McCarthy, nearly saved the game for Australia in the last move with a drop-kick towards the bar but the ball was knocked down. Ten minutes from the start Wiggs kicked a neat penalty from a handy position after Australia was penalised for being off-side. Soon after Wiggs crashed upfield and passed to Moore who drew the Australian defence before passing to Carson who scampered 30 yards to score under the bar. Wiggs converted. Auckland 7. Australia 0. Then J. Cootes kicked a penalty for Australia and four minutes later D. Ward landed a neat field goal from 35

yards out. Auckland 7, Australia 4. After 29 minutes Ward landed another field goal from 37 yards out, and the halftime score was Auckland 7, Australia 6. Early in the second half Cootes crashed down the grandstand touch to score in the corner. The conversion failed. MORE PENALTIES Within minutes the Australian half, Ward, was penalised in front of his goal and Wiggs kicked a goal. Australia 9, Auckland 9. Australia was again penalised in a handy position for Wiggs who again raised the flags.

Thirty minutes were gone when Schultz tackled Wittenberg who was taken from the field on a stretcher. Then V. Yates was replaced by A. Kirletich for Auckland and Wiggs kicked another penalty to make the score Auckland 13, Australia 9. Moments later the referee suffered a blow and was taken from the field unconscious. When play resumed, Australia was penalised in a scrummage and Wiggs kicked a tremendous goal from near halfway. D. Manteit scored for Australia under the bar and J. Cootes converted with the easiest of kicks. Auckland 15, Australia 14.