FOOTBALL.

Cromwell Argus, 18 July 1910, Page 4

FOOTBALL.

By “ Goal Post.”]

CRUM WELL v. BANNOCK BURN. With the 11 ig fixtures drawing to a close, it was a .great pity that the above match at Bannockburn on Satin (lay should have been responsible for the only blemish on the harmonious run of Rugby during the present season. From the ouCet there was trouble. Reports during the week were to the effect that the ground was under a heavy coating of snow, and on Friday, Cromwell, through their delegate, wired for a report from the home representative, and in reply the Held was described as suitable. When the visitors arrived they found the playing area under two inches and more of snow, with touch lines shovelled out, and naturally expressed their disapproval of the conditions, but decided the match should go on. But the worst feature was the unjust and ignorant manner in which a section of the spectators carried on, especially towards Referee Swann, who was absolutely fair and impartial throughout. Witli some of these, of course, it was sheer ignorance, but there were many generally credited with more sense. Whether it was giving vent to their feelings at the failure of the Maroons on a ground expected to prove the downfall of the Blues, we cannot say, but when the winners swarmed over the Maroons in the second half the remarks were more pronounced. Ths referee

was. late in the game, placed in the unfortunate position of having to order oft one of the Maroons for persistently questioning his decision in regard to a try scored by Cromwell, when several spectators paraded on to the ground, but were promptly sent back. Such actions show poor sporting instincts, and it is a matter for extreme regret that the spectators acted in such a manner. Mr Swann has signified his intention of placing the whole matter before the governing body. The referee was subjected to further abuse after tiie game, ft is only fair to add that these remarks do not apply to all the spectators and players, for there were many exceptions. The game warrants little comment, as the Maroons were for the greater part defending. Dwyer opened the score early with a tine goal from a mark well out, and there was no further seme before half time. The Maroons were on Cromwell’s line (the only time) for a few minutes at the beginning of the second half, but after that were rarely out of them own twenty-five. R. Thomas, J. Varcoe, and Blackie scored tries, none of which were converted, and the game ended ; Cromwell 12, Bannockburn 0. Lowbiun and Clyde played their return match on Saturday, and a very oven game resulted in a draw, three points (a try) each. The tries were scored by Foster (Lowborn), and Armstrong (Clyde). Mr D. Jolly gave satisfaction with the whistle. The result of Saturdays matches places Cromwell in possession of the banner for 1910, the third consecutive year. Cromwell and Lowburn play on Sat urday, and this should provide a good game. There is some doubt about Alexandra fulfilling their engagement with Bannockburn. At a meeting of the sub-union on Saturday it was decided to suggest to Maniototo and the O.R.F.U, that instead of the proposed Country Week the Maniototo-Vincent match be held at Clyde, and the visitors expenses paid by the Rugby Union.