Drama as umpire takes ball off Pines
A CONTROVERSIAL umpire ruling cruelly thwarted a sensational come-from-behind Pines win against Mt Eliza on Saturday.
The Pythons trailed by 42 points at the final change before a final-term revival led by midfield ace Dale Tedge that cut the margin to four points before Ricky Ramsdale marked just 15m out directly in front to seal what then seemed a certain shock victory.
But the central umpire robbed Ramsdale of his heroic mark in which he outmuscled two opponents, declaring the ball touched off the boot with just seconds left on the clock. Mt Eliza cleared the resulting stoppage and erupted as the siren sounded, but the drama didn't end there as tempers boiled over when players shook hands.
The umpires made a hasty exit as players pushed and shoved and exchanged unpleasant words for a few minutes before departing the field. But as Pines was left to rue its slow start the Mounties used their get-out-of-jail card to remain unbeaten and second on the Peninsula ladder.
COURTESY OF THE HERALD SUN.....http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/match-ends-in-drama-as-umpire-takes-ball-off-pines/story-fn53klg1-1225861272471