Spectator downs top ref

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:09

The 1st XV match between Grey High of Port Elizabeth and Daniël Pienaar of Uitenhage was blown short when a spectator ran onto the field and tackled Phillip Bosch, one of South Africa's top referees.

The match was played in Uitenhage and Grey were leading 20-9 with about eight minutes to go when Grey were camped on the Daniël Pienaar try-line and a spectator ran onto the field and tackled the referee.

The spectator is said to have been an Old Boy of Daniël Pienaar. Rumour has it that the spectator had been dared R500 to do this. He came on, seemingly intoxicated while there was an injury break and tackled Bosch from behind calling out "Piet van Zyl". Bosch then stopped the match.

Up till this intrusion the match had been close and hard-fought but played in a good spirit.

This is an occurrence unique in schoolboy rugby but its reminiscent of the incident at Absa Stadium in Durban when Piet van Zyl of Potchefstroom tackled Dave McHugh during a Tri-Nations match. On that occasion the intruder was taken to court.

Bosch had some back pain and would have a medical check up. He says that the Daniël Pienaar principal and the school's sports administrator were most embarrassed and most concerned for his wellbeing.

It is not clear what further action will be taken.