Country footy: Colbinabbin, North Bendigo share Heathcote District league points

Two country footy teams have been forced to share the points after goal umpires incorrectly awarded one of them an extra goal in a game which had been decided by a point.

Two country footy clubs have been forced to share the points after a goal was incorrectly awarded to one of the sides.

The Heathcote District league announced on Wednesday, Colbinabbin and North Bendigo would receive two points each following their round 10 clash on the Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Goal umpires from the Bendigo Umpires Association confirmed to the league, which released the news in a statement, that officials incorrectly awarded North Bendigo an extra goal at three-quarter-time during Saturday’s clash.

This change was reflected on the scoreboard at North Bendigo Oval when scores were actually level.

Officials confirmed to club members that the score displayed was correct early in the last quarter.

On the final siren, the scoreboard showed North Bendigo in front by five points — a result the goal umpires signed off on at the end of the game.

But the true result was that Colbinabbin had won by a point.

But the competition’s board has decided the score at three-quarter-time would be the final result.

Colbinabbin and North Bendigo were forced to split the points following an umpire error.

Heathcote District league chair Peter Cole described the situation as “disappointing” and “extremely unfortunate”.

“After much discussion the board unanimously agreed that neither club is at fault,” he said in a statement.

“And we felt returning to the three-quarter-time score was the fairest result for both clubs given the circumstances on the day.

“There is no doubt both sides would have played the final quarter differently, had the correct scores been reflected on the scoreboard for the duration of the final quarter.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t, and this situation has marred what was an outstanding game of football between the two senior sides.”

Cody Riddick (North Bendigo) and James Brain (Colbinabbin) finished with three goals apiece for the afternoon.

Colbinabbin remains top of the ladder despite the result, two points clear of Lockington Bamawm United who have a game in hand.

North Bendigo sits in fourth position.