PLAYER CAUTIONED

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 145, 4 June 1936, Page 8

PLAYER CAUTIONED

Blow Struck in Third Grade Rugby FRANK ADMISSION “We propose to let you off with a caution, but this does not mean that the union is going to allow blows to be given on the field ad lib.,’’ said the chairman of the Hawke’s Bay Bugby Union, Mr J. W. Norrie, last evening, when dealing with a young footballer who admitted having struck another player in a recent third-grade match at Napier. The referee concerned, Mr J. Hepburn, appeared before the union with the offender to give details of the offence. “The trouble started when High School got their first try,’’ he said. “I had occasion to warn players both of the High School and Pirate team about coming to blows, but this boy was not in it then. Later on, however, he struck a blow and I ordered him off.” The player concerned, a member of the Pirates team, freely admitted the offence when questioned by Mr Norrie. “It is very refreshing to see a boy come along and admit that the referee is right,” said Mr Norrie after the player had retired from the committee room.

Mr B. Tweedie: I’m sorry for this boy, who has the makings of a good footballer. I think his behaviour was caused in the heat of the moment. Whatever action the union takes, I am going to speak to the Pirate team about their behaviour.

Mr W. L. Dunn: I’m impressed with this boy \ admission. I like tho look of him. I move that he merely ba cautioned.

Mr Norrie (to the referee): I take it his offence was committed in the heat of the moment? The referee: Yes.

Mr Tweedie: There was a lot of bad language in that match, I believe —“Well, not so very mueh.’’ But what there was was on both sides?—“l should say so. The game was getting very willing.’’ Mr Bunn’s motion was then seconded and carried, and the player was cautioned accordingly.