ORDERING OFF AND PUBLICITY HELD TO BE SUFFICIENT PUNISHMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17881, 24 June 1926, Page 1

ORDERING OFF AND PUBLICITY HELD TO BE SUFFICIENT PUNISHMENT.

AUCKLAND, June 24. The ordering- off the field of F. W. Lucas and P. Webber, both of the Ponsonby Club, during a club match last Saturday, was investigated last night by the Management Committee of the Auckland Rugby Union. The referee (Mr Pemberton) ordered Webber off because he allegedly punched an opponent on the ground, and Lucas because he allegedly used obscene language to the referee. The committee, after rejecting three amendments, decided that Lucas being an All Black, and Webber an Auckland representative, the ordering off and publicity given were sufficient punishment, but that both players should be cautioned. It was also decided to commend the referee for his action. Four members recorded their dissent, being of opinion that the punishment was inadequate. Both Lucas and Webber denied the offence.s alleged against them.

In its report of the match, the “New Zealand Herald ” says: The match between Ponsonbv and Marist Old Boys at the Show Grounds resulted in a win for the former by 23 points to (3. Ponsonbv, as was expected, proved to be the stronger combination, annexing 12 points to Marist’s fi in the first half. In the latter stages of the second half play was marred by one or two regrettable happenings. Webber was ordered off, and Lucas, the Ponsonbv captain, followed shortly afterwards. On the the referee’s ruling several onlookers in the stand left their seats and crowded the touch-line, causing the game to be suspended while they were ordered behind the rails. Iladlev, of Marists, was injured and had to retire.