Wynnum Manly prop Neil Crausaz laid out flat after taking on John Sattler
When the $2000 Radio 4IP competition started last weekend, for the bottom four sides not making the finals, who’d have thought it would be taken so seriously?
Both teams were not playing for any competition points, nor was it a game that you would normally put your body on the line for. The only incentive was the $2000 prize money being offered by Radio 4IP. The way Wynnum Manly and Wests were playing, was like it was a Grand Final.
In total there was three all in brawls, including one brawl which carried over the sidelines and almost reached the crowd, before the players resumed to normal play.
The third and ugliest brawl had to be stopped by Brisbane Rugby League secretary, Peter Scott, as he summoned police to assist breaking up the brawl, with the help of referee Bill Kessel and touch judges.
It was the worst brawlling seen for many years at Lang Park and it was hard to judge what all the fighting was exactly about.
Strangely enough two players who were in the thick of things, were opposing hookers and brothers Gordon and Doug Haigh who were playing for Wynnum and Wests, respectively. It gave ‘Brotherly Love’ a whole new meaning.
Wests John Young and Wynnum player Glen Hoppner trading blows in one of the all in brawls
Wynnum Manly prop Neil Crausaz was seen laid out flat on the ground, after trying to take on Wests second rower John Sattler.
One unnamed Wests player who wanted nothing to do with the brawl, grabbed the ball and utilised it as a seat and watched on as players tore each other apart.
One thing though, is there would have been 30 odd players walking around very sore on Monday morning with black eyes, busted noses, stitches and a few broken bones.
Here we go again as Neil Kingston braces himself
As far as the game was concerned the Seagulls came back from being down 3-13, to win the match 22-15. The best for Wynnum was five eighth Des Lee, while for Wests Geoff Richardson was a stand out.
It seems like some members of both sides went onto the field, with only one thought on their mind and it was not football. I can only say the primary reason for this type of behaviour had to be the $2000 purse.
Let’s all hope when the final is played next weekend between Wynnum Manly and Redcliffe, that the players behaviour improves dramatically. I don’t think supporters quite know what to expect!
Scorers: Wynnum Manly 22 (W.Hodges 2, J.Fredricksen, N.Maulta, G.Haigh tries; R.Patterson, I.Ogbourne goals) defeated Wests 15 (G.Richardson, K.Stone, J.Ribot tries; Richardson 2, Ribot goals).
Story Source: Paul Comber
Photo Sources: Jim Geraghty
