Group 11 secretary Ross McDermott has defended his referees following the release of photos taken by a Daily Liberal photographer that appear to show one of Claire Barber’s tags was removed prior to her kicking the match-winning field goal in Sunday’s Group 11 League Tag grand final.
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The CYMS players remonstrated furiously with referee Rob McKechnie following the field goal, with halfback Kimberlee Gordon adamant she removed Barber’s tag moments before the ball was put to boot.
Both sides cried foul numerous times during the match, with one of CYMS’ tries appeared to have been scored by a player diving for the line, something not allowed in League Tag, but McDermott said he had no complaints over the result or officiating.
“We were all watching the game and cheering and thought they (Parkes) should have maybe set for the field goal earlier but the official made a decision,” he said.
“Whether it was right or wrong the referee made a call on what they have seen and maybe the luck went with Parkes on the day but that is part of any sport, no matter what you play.”
CYMS captain Chrystal Thompson was disappointed in the result and said the refereeing cost her side the match but added she remained proud of how far the CYMS team had come in 2016.
“Not the result we would have liked, very proud of the team and the girls,” she said immediately after the match.
“We didn’t have to go anywhere near 80 minutes all season and to go near that in the grand final is a top effort. They need to hold their head high. We’ll be there many years to come.”
Thompson added fitness was a major part of League Tag but added Parkes were worthy winners after matching the Fishies for much of the season.
“We made some mistakes, but to go out like that was tough,” she said.
“Full credit to Parkes, they were chasing it after a second year and they didn’t want to finish second twice.”
While the final play was one of the biggest talking points of the day there was no doubt the match was one of the real highlights at Caltex Park, with League Tag capturing the imagination of Group 11 supporters.
McDermott, who added he was hesitant about the introduction of the game in the past, was delighted in the competition’s growth in the past two years.
“I wasn’t always the biggest believer in League Tag but that was a great exhibition of the game and the girls all showed how committed they are and it’s not just rugby league now, League Tag is a big part of Group 11 moving forward,” he said.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
