No such thing as a friendly game of rugby - Riverton 1898......

Must have been too much testosterone in the water at Riverton in 1898 when the community had a Married v Single game on the 26th August 1898.  The following article was in the "Rugby Weekly"

"The football match played on the Riverton ground on Wednesday was more like a mimic battle than anything else.  The over-reading of the war news may have made some of the players thirst to wallow in the gore of an opponent.
The game which did not finish, was exceedingly rough, while the language used by some of the players was not of the choicest.
That men cannot indulge in a fine healthy game without behaving like a Malay running amuck is a reflection on their manhood, and we hope Wednesday's performance will never be repeated.
The public attended to witness what they thought would be a friendly game - it was a matter of supreme indifference to them who won - and were surprised at the play of some whose conduct was severely condemned.
To put a stop to anything like 'exhibitions' all matches should be attended by Rugby experts appointed in each district by the union who should have power to bar altogether a player found guilty of unseemly or unmanly conduct.
This would teach some excitable individuals self-control"

"Rugby Weekly" 29th August 1898.
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