1891 Southern Rugby Union season
Representative Games
Representative Games
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### Intercolonial Matches

At the end of the Sydney Rugby Premiership, a contingent of players were sent to Queensland to represent NSW in the Intercolonial matches. Unfortunately, many of the more prominent players were not available for selection, with the team considered to not be the best that could have been put into the field. Those that could not make themselves available did so mostly due to the scheduling of the matches and having to travel to Queensland to play.

The first match saw heavy clouds gather over the ground prior to the beginning of the match. As the game proceeded, the weather turned nasty with heavy rain making the ground muddy and the ball slippery. Queensland were deemed to have the best of the match with the team crossing over for three tries to New South Wales one. The first half saw an even contest with NSW leading into the break 9 points to 3\. With the rain making everything slippery, it was believed that the visitors should have had the advantage during the second half. However, the Queensland forwards played brilliantly resulting in the team scoring 6 more points to bring the scoreline level. With better luck, the local team may have won the match. Twice the Queenslanders crossed the visitors line failing to ground the ball and any kicks with the sodden ball did not find their mark. It was obvious that the New South Wales players were tired and out of condition in the second half.

The return match between the two old sparring partners was played a week later. The match saw a decisive win for the Queenslanders with the final score 11 points to nil. However, before the match had begun, controversy was seen with the choice of referee for the match. Mr FC Lea was chosen by the local team to umpire the match, however questions were raised by the visitors in regards to his fairness. An ultimatum was put to the NSW team: accept the umpire chosen or the match would not go ahead. It was believed that the Northern Union did a great disservice to the visitors in insisting their choice be accepted with some suggesting that the NSW team should have stood their ground. The play during the first half was rather even with neither team being able to score. However, the Queenslanders did all of the scoring in the second half. This was done in spite of the winners playing much of the half with a man down. Once again, the visitors tired in the second half.


Can you give an example of a time when the scheduling of matches affected player availability?