The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
There was confusion after Spalding Rugby Club’s match with Peterborough Lions was abandoned halfway through the first period on Saturday.
The club’s players and officials were left surprised when the referee ended proceedings in the Counties One Midlands East (South) around the 20-minute mark.
It followed a flash point between the sides.
It has been reported elsewhere that all of the players from both sides were sent off, but Spalding deny any of their players were shown a red card.
Among those in attendance was former referee and Spalding chairman John Constable.
“I didn’t see anything that deserved a red card for any Spalding players,” he said. “There was no issue between the two clubs.
“There was a bit of pushing and shoving but it wasn’t anything particularly you don’t see in other games.
“I’ve refereed games before where there’s been flash points, but never even come close to considering abandoning the game.
“As a spectator, the only thing we saw was the referee bringing the captains together to say he wasn’t continuing the game.
“I think everyone was surprised.”
Peterborough were leading the game 8-7 at the time with both sides having scored a try apiece.
A spokesman for the RFU said: “The match between Spalding and Peterborough Lions ended earlier than scheduled and therefore the Competitions team will meet to determine if the match is to be replayed.
“There will be no comment while the review process is ongoing. “
After winning promotion last season, Spalding are enjoying life in the higher level and after five wins in 10 games sit seventh in the 12-team table with games in hand on everybody above them.
Their last game before the Christmas break is a home fixture on Saturday where Bugbrooke are the visitors in a 2.15pm kick off.
l Spalding Rugby Club are celebrating its centenary year by publishing a book on its history.
See next week’s Spalding Voice for more.
