3 minute read
Giants netball players felt they were robbed of a win when an embarrassing time bungle meant Caitlin Bassett's match-winning goal was ruled out.
The Giants' bid to have their Super Netball draw against West Coast Fever converted into a win has been rejected by the league despite an embarrassing time bungle.
Star Giants goalshooter Caitlin Bassett was left gutted after her match-winning goal in the June 8 clash in Perth was ruled out.
The referee's clock was a few seconds ahead of the time being shown on the stadium's main clock, meaning Bassett wasn't aware she needed to rush her shot.
With the goal being ruled out, the Giants were forced to settle for a 62-62 draw.
The Giants argued they should have been awarded the win but the league announced on Wednesday that the result won't be changed.
"The shot had left her (Bassett's) hand but had not passed the ring when the umpire blew time," a league statement read.
"A goal is only counted if it has passed through the ring as the whistle is blown.
"The league conducted a full review of the matter and found the bench official did not activate the official siren.
"However, both umpires believed they heard the official siren and subsequently one umpire blew their whistle to signal the end of play.
"The Suncorp Super Netball Competition Rules follow the International Netball Federation rules, stating the umpires whistle signifies the start and end of each quarter/half, and the umpire's decision is final."
The decision could have a huge impact on the finals hopes of both sides.
The fifth-placed Giants sit three points off fourth spot with just five games remaining in the regular season.
The sixth-placed Fever are nine points adrift of fourth spot.
Super Netball officials have promised to improve their timekeeping system to avoid a similar time bungle when the competition resumes after the World Cup break.
