Categories: uncategorized
Date: 09 September 2006 18:17:27
This afternoon I went to the rugby with my dad. We haven't been together for a while and I was in need of a fix.
Our team, Pontypool, were relegated from the Welsh Premiership last year and are now in the Asda Division One (East). This is a new league that was formed by splitting the old First & Second Divsions into regional identities, This is another of the WRU's great attempts at disruppting everyone's enjoyment of the game.
It was a very sunny day and Pontypool Park looked wonderful. For those who don't know, the rugby ground is one of the most beautiful in the world, situated in the middle of a large muncipal park in the centre of Pontypool. Pontypool is also to be our new place of residence.
The game ended in victory for Pooler but not without being almost scuppered by one of the linesmen. Previously the linesmen were appoointed by the WRU and were independent. This season we've gone back to the days of having a representative from each club running the line.
Beddau (pronounced Bay Thou) were losing by 16 points to 10 with 5 minutes to go. Pooler kick clear and the ball is caught by the Beddau player who is standing with his feet on the touchline. If your feet are on or over the line then the ball is out of play. Yet, mysteriously, the linesman (from Beddau) allowed play to continue.
Much shouting from those in the stand with a good view of the incident. Lots of swearing and questioning of the man's independence and his parent's marrital status at the time of his birth.
Personally I think that there should only ever be neutral officials at any sporting event. Partisan decisions could and would be made with those with something to gain from the decision. That's why the old system was done away with. Unfortunately the game has been bled dry with the big clubs and the WRU taking most of the money from the game. They therefore only pay the ref for his time and travel costs, not the other officials.
I suppose that they have a high bill to play for Gavin Henson's hair gel and fake tan bill.