AN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 19 August 1939, Page 3

AN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT

ITo The Editor] j Sir, —On reading in your Monday, , issue of the football match between | i Longford and Murchison. I was sur- j j prised to see whex-e the Murchison full- j back neglected forcing the ball, which j j gave the deciding try to Longford. I happened to be an interested spec- [ tator and in a good position to see, and | feel justified in giving my opinion. From an attempted “pot” by a Longford player the ball travelled over the line and with plenty of time the Murchison full-back forced the ball. He then kicked back for his team-mate ! to take the customary drop kick on the j 25 yard line. The ball was collected {by a Longford forward. Apparently : unaware that the ball had been forced he ran for the line. Realising what had ; happened a Murchison player, although offside, tackled him but he managed to ground the ball. Amid considerable discussions the referee awarded a try. To satisfy the referee it seems apparj ent that the ball should be lifted and j forced clearly. Even if the ball was not forced to j the referee’s satisfaction why was it ! that the Murchison player was not ■penalised as he was obviously offside? It is a pity that such an incident ' should occur as the Murchison team > put up a gallant effort in spite of the vast difference in age and weght.—l am f etc. RUGBY ENTHUSIAST. t Murchison, 16th August.