In all my years as a St Pats parent and avid rugby supporter, I can confidently say with 8 trips over the mountains, I have never enjoyed one. I watched the 14a's match as they are one of St Pats more talented teams. Credit to Stannies for winning and that is what will be recorded in the ISA books. However, I think that it was close to impossible for St Pats to win this match given the standard of refereeing. From what I can gather from the program provided, the referee was a Father of one of the Stannies 14a's. St Pats could not get a break, the St Pats boys got frustrated and were marched for back chat on numerous occasions, which is unacceptable in any case. Really I can't wait to hear results of Stannies when they play in Sydney, likely to be a different story.
I have a great deal of respect for all referees, the game of rugby is impossible to be played without their time and dedication. The referee was obviously experienced, but in this case it was evident that personal interests persuaded the outcome of the match. In my opinion relatives if at all possible (which it was on Saturday given the number of refs around) should not referee the corresponding game. Unfortunately my poor experiences in Bathurst have arisen from the pure frustration I and many other supporters have experienced due to the refereeing. Student of the college should not be put in a position where they have to referee the lower grades of the same age group, which has occurred when a 16 As player reffed the 16 cs. It is a long way to go to lose, particularly when fairness is in question.
Quick question to the rugby supporters in and around these forums. Do you find it acceptable for yellow/red carded players to be cheered from the crowd by either the side. The beneficiary definetly should not cheer and I feel the receiving team shouldn't either but the roar the sent off players received from the Stannies students was in really poor taste in my opinion.
Further to the 1st XV match. Low quality rugby played by both teams, particularly St Pats who have a bit of potential. Unfortunately this spells the end for St Pats ISA hopes. I am definetly in favour of an expanded home and away draw, as a competitive team like St Pats is now playing for nothing better than 2nd.