Brawl breaks out after rugby match

No one has been to police with information about a vicious brawl at the Dargaville rugby grounds on Saturday - despite a big crowd on the sidelines at the time.

About 30 people reportedly brawled after a premier grade match between Dargaville's Western Sharks and a visiting Awanui XV.

Three Awanui supporters - one in his 50s, the others in their 20s - were reportedly set upon by about 10 youths from a group known locally as "The Firm".

Players and other spectators came to the Far North men's aid, swelling numbers to 30. Bottles and bits of wood were said to have been used as weapons.

No arrests were made.

Whangarei/Kaipara acting area commander Steve Webber said no witnesses had come forward with information.

"The people the officers spoke to at the time apparently didn't see anything," Mr Webber said.

He said three officers went to the scene but by the time they arrived the fight had ended. "An officer who was working at the time was dealing with something and he called for assistance from a couple of other staff. When they arrived there was no fighting going on."

Soon after the police officers were called to the local league grounds after Portland rugby league club veteran Villi Salase collapsed and died during a championship game against the Northern Wairoa Bulls.

The police were called back to the rugby grounds after reports of another disturbance but, again, there were no signs of fighting when they arrived.

It's not the first fracas involving "The Firm" this year. Six people were charged with serious assault and aggravated burglary after members of the group gatecrashed a Dargaville party in March.

Mr Webber described the group as young men the police were aware of. "We are very interested in their activities and any information about them," he said.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)