THE HERALD REPORTS

Munster 22 Glasgow 20 - Warriors seeking neutral officials

David Kelso

10 Jan 2011
Glasgow are set to step up demands for neutral officials in the Magners League after their highly controversial and agonising defeat in Cork.

Even the most ardent Munster fans were in disbelief at the decision by Irish touch-judge Alan Rogan which led to their late clinching penalty. More controversy soon followed when home flanker David Wallace was awarded a bizarre try after referee James Jones consulted with video arbiter Dermot Moloney – who is based in the province.

However, a Magners League insider, who admitted being “puzzled and surprised” by the match-turnng decisions, revealed a move towards all-neutral teams of officials is some way off.

“Making changes like that would present serious logistical problems when geographical considerations are taken into account,” said the source.

“It is not a financial issue. It is all about the task of transporting up to five people to matches in other countries.

“It is something we are looking at, but nothing is likely to be formulated in the near future.”

The first flashpoint came midway through the second half when the Munster pack drove over the goal-line. Like referee Jones, TV viewers could not see any evidence of the ball being grounded.

However, for some reason Jones asked video assistant Moloney: “Is there any reason I should not award a try?” when the question should have been: “Did you see a try being scored?”

And the wording of the query left Moloney with no option but to allow the score by default.

The real moment of farce came five minutes from time with Glasgow on the brink of a remarkable win against the European giants. Jones – stationed five metres from the action – saw nothing wrong with a hefty challenge by Berni Stortoni on Keith Earls inside the Warriors 22-zone.

Stortoni’s upright tackle was so effective that it dislodged the ball from the grasp of Earls. Several seconds elapsed before Jones noticed that Rogan’s had flagged.

To the total disbelief of Stortini – and virtually everyone else inside Musgrave Park – Rogan told Jones that the Argentinian had committed a deliberate knock-on.

Ronan O’Gara was left to slot the decisive penalty, with a shattered Stortoni being sent to the sin-bin. It was a decision which infuriated Kenny Baillie, the club’s chief executive.

“The try Muster did score was debatable to say the least and I would say that Berni Stortoni is one of the last players in the world who would commit a cynical foul so close to his own line,” said Baillie.

“I felt very sorry for the guys because they had put so much effort into the match and ended up with an outcome they did not remotely deserve.”

Admittedly, the hosts had looked the slicker outfit during the opening exchanges, but somehow the Glasgow defence held firm. They were rewarded for their commitment and bravery when Ruaridh Jackson slotted a penalty during their first visit to enemy territory.

Warriors remained resolute and they capitalised with a storming finish to the half. Colin Gregor went over for a try which Jackson converted.

Munster hit back after the break through O’Gara with the Irishman succeeding with two kicks to leave the Warriors toiling. Munster surged further in front thanks to Wallace and O’Gara clipped over the conversion to make the gap nine points.

Dan van deer Merwe dashed in for a brilliant touchdown at the other end to put Munster under some late pressure, but then they were handed that controversial reprieve.

This article was posted on 11-Jan-2011, 08:02 by Hugh Barrow.