Batley Bulldogs’ incredible start to the season continued as they secured a dramatic draw with Bradford Bulls at the weekend.
However, the goal that secured them a point has created a great deal of controversy, with video footage of the conversion suggesting it might not have gone through the posts!
The drama was captured by a fan in the clip below.
WHAT A FINISH! Last second Batley penalty goes WIDE but still given! Ends 24-24, complete madness! #RugbyLeaguepic.twitter.com/1EuuZwJD8K
— Ben (@BCAFCBH) March 13, 2016
The footage is inconclusive, but the Bradford fans behind the posts were convinced it had gone wide, while a Bradford player can be seen protesting after the flags were raised.
TotalRL contacted Batley head coach John Kear, who had no doubts that the conversion was legitimate.
“The people in the best position to see it had flags in their hands, and there’s no hesitation in any of the officials to award the goal. As far as I’m concerned that’s it,” said Kear.
“My vantage point was like the cameras because I was on the halfway line, and it’s not the best view, but I thought it had gone over. I looked straight at the touch judges who put flags up in unison, so for me it’s a bit of a non-issue to tell you the truth.
“I thought the officials were outstanding yesterday. I though Ben Thaler did a really good job. The ruck speed was very good for both teams, he policed the tens very well and they refereed very well as a group for forward passes. It was a high-quality game refereed by high-quality officials.”
Nevertheless, Bradford fans are still rather unhappy about the incident.
#BradfordBulls absolutely robbed of a point I’m afraid. Never seen an end to a game quite like that!
— Ben (@BCAFCBH) March 13, 2016
@BCAFCBH I was stood in line with the post. Couldn’t have been better placed and clearly went wide. Fair play to Batley.
— Martin Taylor (@Bamboo_Fork) March 13, 2016