Evening journal., 1908-05-23
EXPLAIN ABOUT
THAT POLO GAME
Manager LukenS and Captain
Henry Make a Statement
Of Their Side

gentlemen: After reading the de-
scriptions in the newspapers of the
trouble in the polo game of last night.
we feel compelled as captain and ma--
ager of the Wilmington team to
state our position in the matter. When
the series between the two teams be
gan, it was agreed tha- any unfair
decisions or grievances were to be de-
cided satisfactorily between the rink
management and ourselves. and that
all decisions or questions would be
reached in a manner that would be
entirely agreeable to both parties and
teams.
In view OF this, facing the censure
of all the ALI Wilmington players and
supporters. we continued the game
until the first half was finished. with
out protest. Both supporters and play
ers prevailed upon us to stop the game
in the middle Of the first half, but we
felt positive that the matter could be
adjusted during the intarmission. This
was attempted, and every one knows
the result. that the rink management
not only sided with the referee but
made a statement in the form of a
threat that if we did not continue we
should never again be allowed to play
in his rink. either as a team or indi-
viduals
In the face of this statement alone
we do not see how any Respecting
player could continue the game. mas
much as the game was played for the
game only and no consideration re-
ceived for our services.
1t is possibly not necessary for us to
state what caused the disagreement but
we wish to do so for those supporters
who did not see the game.
Creamer while carrying the ball down
the floor to his opponents cage at a
terrific rate of speed, followed by
Greenwood was deliberately pushed by
Mr.. Greenwood into the crowd at the
end of the rink. Mr.. Creamer inton-
tionally swung his stick across Mr..
Greenwood's ankles. which act as far
as we are concerned is inexcusable. On
the other hand. Greenwood deliberately
threw his stick fully half way across
the rink at Mr. Crearer's head. The
referee then called time. and ordered
Creamer from the game, not even
cens&~ing Greenwood. as he the ref
cree. Claimed the act was inspired by
Creamer.
We continued playing, putting in a
substitute. Mr. Creamer retiring, but.
during the intermission demanded that
either Mr.. Greenwood be withdrawn OF
allow Mr. Creamer to return, for when
two men deliberately fight during a
game, according to rules, both men
shall be disqualified. This was alb
solutely refused by Mr.. Coward, who
stated that he did not see the play at
all. but on the other hand. he wished
to stand by the decision of the referee.
Upon interviewing The referee, he
claimed that he did not see Greenwood
throw his stick. though he saw the
rest of the play. We 90 not wish TO
question the referees statement, hut
think every other individual in the
rink clearly saw the play and further
know that Mr.. Greenwood will ac.
knowledge the act, as did Mr.. Seiman,
Of the Springs team, who was .he
closest player to the participants.
Mr.. Seiman further giving his opinion
stated he thought both men should bs
withdrawn from the game. It was not
the intention of our team to convey
the idea of laying down, but the crowd
must appreciate that cur continuance
of the gene without Creamer was
placing us at a great disadvantage, as
he is classed as the best man on the
team
Regardless of the circumstances and
conditions surrounding the decision of
the referee. all matters as before
stated. were to be adjusted agreeable
TO the rink and ourselves, and his
decision was not at all satisfactory to
us. and with the feeling that we had
made a justifable protest without its
receiving either careful thought o.
unbiased consideration on the part Of
the rink we did not care to continue
the game.
We feel that the above explanation
and statements are exactly in accord
ance with the views of the majority
Of the spectators. and We might further
mention that the manager and captain
of the Lenox team stated the only mis-
take made was in not taking the men
off the floor when the decision was
made. as such would have been their
action.
We regret exceedingly that clean
sport cannot be carried on at the rink,
and that it seems to have become
necessary TO the Management to refuse
to allow this team to again participate
in games. but at the same time il car
ries with it. we believe. the decision Of
the Lenox team to refrain from playing
polo IN Mr. Cloward's rink.
It is regretted that a matter which
could have been adjusted amicably If
the Springs manager he'd seen fit &c
have given the matter consideration,
should terminate in such an unpleasant
manner.
Yours very truly
II. II. Lukens. manager,
S. II. Henry, Captain.
Wilmington. May %.
] NrnMONO FLASHES