BODY-LINE FOOTBALL

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 353, 9 September 1933, Page 5

BODY-LINE FOOTBALL

Fight for Purse of 30/-

Capetown, July 30. The Uitkyk football team went to play Malotisad, also in the Ventersdorp district. The stakes of 30s n side were placed in the hands of the referee, who had to hand the money over to the winners. During the play, while running after the ball, 0110 of the Uitkyk players knocked over a Moloti player Incensed, the latter got up and attacked his opponent, and within a few minutes a general fight was in progress.

The ball was forgotten and stones, knives and even empty bottles were requisitioned instead. The Uitkyk captain called a halt, and suggested that, the game be adjourned until another day. The captain of Molotistad objected saying that as Moloti 'were leading by two points they were entitled to Die money.

The fight was thereupon renewed, and, heavily outnumbered and beaten, the Uitkyk side had to run to their lorry, pursued by Molotis with .sticks and stones. One of the Uitkyk reserves, not. being required to play, went over to the stand and passed his time drinking Kaffir beer. When he felt he had had enough, he proceeded in leisurely fashion to the football field knowing nothing about the fight. Scars aaid Wounds The Molotis caught him and gave him a severe beating, and afterwards, seeing he was unable to move on account of the injuries he had received, thoy took him into one of their huts and tended him. Fearing that the injured man might die, they eventually went to the police and laid a complaint of assault against the Uitkyk natives. The police examined some of the Moloti natives, and found they had many scars and wounds. The Molotis alleged that the Uitkyk boys used knives. Charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm were laid against the Uitkyk tram, and they were charged at the Koster Periodical Court before the magistrate of Hu,stenbi:|rg. Ml-. Mnrt Joostc appeared for tho Uitkyk natives.

On the conclusion of the evidence, tlio magistrate discharged the accised. Ho said he did not blame the police for bringing the charge, but the Molotistad players should have boon better sportsmen and not have taken into court their disagreements on the football field. '