Wednesday, May 03, 2006

High drama in Launceston - Saints Drawn Game




One of the most controversial matches of the modern era has ended in draw at Aurora Stadium in Launceston on Sunday.

At this stage St Kilda and Fremantle have picked up two points from the draw, but the bizarre manner in which the match ended is sure to have massive repercussions.

The Saints 13.16 (94) drew with the Dockers 14.10 (94) after St Kilda tagger Steven Baker kicked a behind to level the scores. Although the Saints leveled the scores with the last kick of the match, they did not lead at any stage.

Just as it seemed Fremantle was set to end its Launceston hoodoo and record its first victory at Aurora Stadium in a premiership match, the Dockers were 'robbed' of a win after the field umpires didn't hear the final siren.

The drama unfolded when the siren - which was quiet throughout the course of the match - was not heard by field umpire Matthew Nicholls with the Saints trailing by one point but deep in attack.

Fremantle players responded thinking they had secured a vital victory, yet the field umpires did not blow the whistle to signal the end of the match. Play continued as Fremantle players pleaded to the umpires.

After a ball-up in St Kilda's forward 50, the Saints cleared the ball and it ended in the hands of Baker whose shot at goal missed - but controversially leveled the scores.Amazingly, Baker was illegally bumped after his shot at goal and he was offered another shot. His set shot was off target and the scores were tied.

Saints full-forward Fraser Gehrig was reported in the first quarter for striking Josh Carr, while a Lenny Hayes round-arm indiscretion may also come under scrutiny from the match review panel.

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