TRY WAS ILLEGAL, IT IS ALLEGED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18469, 22 May 1928, Page 7

TRY WAS ILLEGAL, IT IS ALLEGED.

RUGBY UNION UPHOLDS DECISION OF REFEREE.

The Ashburton Rugby Union met last evening, the president (Mr W. F. Walters) being in the chair. The New Zealand Rugby Union wrote asking the Ashburton Union to submit a .list of five referees who were capable and available to control matches where the New Zealand Appointment Board has to make the appointment. The matter was referred to the Appointments Board. Permission was granted the Mayfield Football Club to enter a team in the seven-a-side tournament at Timaru on June 4. •

The sub-committee which was appointed to decide on the allocation of the Doyle Shield submitted the following repoY't:—That the Doyle Shield be awarded to the winners of a town v. country match, to be played each season in each of the county centres. Rakaia, Methven, Hinds, and at the show grounds, in that order. If won by the country team, the shield shall remain in the possession of the club on whose ground the game is played, and if won by the town team it shall be placed in the rooms of the Ashburton County Rugby Union. The proceeds of these matches are to be taken by the. union. The report was adopted, with the amendement that the club on whose ground the match is played shall observe a close day on that date. The Hinds Club wrote entering a protest against the awarding of their match with Rakaia on May 12 to Rakaia, on the grounds that the last try by Rakaia was illegal. The position was that a Rakaia -player endeavoured to score and was actually across the line, but did not force the ball before the referee blew his whistle and said

“ Try.'” The Hinds players immedi* ately desisted from pursuing the player, thinking that some infringement had occurred. The Rakaia man then went several yards round towards the posts, where he forced down. The referee awarded the try. The Hinds Club contend that as the referee blew his whistle and the player had not forced, the game .should have been stopped and a scrum given. A lengthy discussion ensued as to whether the protest was in order, as. according to the rules, it had arrived twelve hours'late. It was decided that the matter be discussed.

The referee, Mr B. M 'Sherry, paid that the player crossed the line and, in his opinion, grounded the ball. Accordingly he awarded a try and gave the kick from that spot. Mr M’Sherry then retired.

Mr Biggar moved that the referee’s decision stand.

Mr Pritchard seconded, and the motion was carried.

Mr Biggar reported that he had made arrangements with the Christchurch Football Club to play a match here on June 4. The Hon W. Nosworthv forwarded a donation of £l. The letter was received with thanks.

The Springbum Club wrote suggesting that all matches be controlled by referees who had no. interest in cither side as far as the result was concerned.

Mr Biggar said that the Appointments Board had 'found this impossible, although where possible it had been carried out. It was decided that the Springburn Club be notified of this.