Last-gasp penalty stands

A PREMIER League hockey result came under heavy scrutiny after Canterbury’s men’s side lost an official appeal over its 3-3 draw with OHA.

The Lions players believed they had clinched a 3-2 upset win over the ladder leaders to keep their faint finals hopes alive.

After the siren sounded and players from both sides shook hands, the umpires conferred and awarded OHA a late penalty corner.

OHA’s Toby West converted the set piece with a drag flick to level the scores before Canterbury lodged an appeal.

However, the appeal was squashed yesterday by tournament director Mark Kitchener.

Kitchener cited Hockey Australia Tournament regulation 16.1.2 that says a protest cannot be considered if it relates to any decision of an umpire during a match.

The FIH Rules of Hockey 5.1 also ensures umpires can review decisions even though time has subsequently been completed or signalled, provided it is done so immediately and action taken to correct the situation is appropriate.

Canterbury playing coach Will Lawler said he was confident the Lions would win on appeal and was disappointed when it went against them.

“The tournament director went through all the appropri- ate channels to come to his outcome, so we will have to wear it and move on and hopefully get some just reward for playing some good hockey,” Lawler said.

“The challenge is for the group to rebound from what is a deflating situation ... it was frustrating that all players from both teams were shaking hands at the end of the game with no protests from OHA, indicating that there should not have been a penalty corner awarded. It was all a bit of a shock because we felt [umpire Rowan] Bridley didn’t need to get involved from 40m away when he couldn’t clearly see a thing and overrule [umpire Matt] Turner in his own circle and it didn’t hit anyone’s foot.”

Meanwhile, representatives from the Tasmanian Government, Tasmanian Community Fund and Hockey Tasmania joined more than 250 hockey children aged under eight on Saturday to officially open the newly refurbished turf in Hobart.

Junior participation numbers are up 8 per cent and Hockey Tasmania general manager Bob Gregory said the upgrade would allow his sport to continue to grow in line with a national vision.

“Tasmania is a hockey state and we want more and more people to enjoy the healthy benefits of this terrific sport for people of all ages and abilities,” Gregory said.