Mercy rule questioned as Dolphins whip Pirates
SURFERS Paradise playing coach Kris Burton admits there was confusion around why the mercy rule was imposed against Bond Pirates’ will.
The Dolphins scored 14 tries in their 90-3 trouncing of the 2017 Gold Coast District Rugby semi-finalists on Saturday, despite both halves being shortened.
Burton though felt it was wrong to bring the game to an end when Pirates players wanted to fight out the full 80 minutes.
“The referee asked them if they wanted to call it … they said, ‘no, we’re playing the whole 80’,” Burton said.
“They didn’t give up the whole time. At no point did they put their heads down and go, ‘we’re going to lose’.
“They kept going the whole time so the fact that it was called early was a surprise.”
Undefeated leaders Griffith University Colleges ran away 38-7 winners after being tested early by the Gold Coast Eagles.
Helensvale delighted the Hogs faithful with a 52-7 defeat of Palm Beach Currumbin.