NORTHLAND APPEAL AGAINST RANFURLY SHIELD RULING

Wanganui Chronicle, 6 September 1950, Page 6

NORTHLAND APPEAL AGAINST RANFURLY SHIELD RULING

WHANGAREI, Yesterday. The Northland Rugby Union has appealed against the decision of the N.Z.K.U. that Northland’s challenge to Wairarapa for the Ranfurly Shield could not be accepted. A telegram sent the N.Z.R.U. this morning states: “Please take notice that this union lodges two appeals to the council against the decision of the N.Z.R.U. council acting by its executive committee—firstly in failing to make declaration allowing our challenge of Canterbury Union pursuant to Rule 5 of the shield rules; secondly, the decision that our sh.eld challenge cannot be sustained against the Wairarapa union. Grounds of the appeal are that each decision is wrong on the facts and contrary to the shield rules. Respectfully request appeals be heard forthwith by appeal council, time and place of hearing to be notified so that we may appear before the council and state our case. ’ “Northland expects players to abide by the rules and we are now confirming the principle that the administration of the game should abide by the rules.” said Mr D. K. Ross, chairman of the union. Mr Ross said Northland complied with the shield rules, had the longest challenge with the original holders, Otago, before the end of August, and the challenge was issued to Canterbury before the time limit expired.