'We've just been completely robbed': Netball Australia launches investigation into 'absolute fiasco'
Netball Australia has launched a second investigation in as many days after the Melbourne derby between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Vixens ended in controversy following an umpiring mistake.
The error saw the Vixens given two consecutive centre passes with the game hanging in the balance with three minutes left to play.
The Vixens went on to clinch the match by a goal, 62-61.
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Under the rules of netball, the centre pass alternates between the two teams, regardless of who scores the preceding goal.
Shimona Nelson of the Magpies calls out. Kelly Defina via Getty Images
Which team takes the first centre pass is decided by the team captains at the toss.
"Netball Australia is reviewing the circumstances that led to an error in the fourth quarter of yesterday's match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Melbourne Vixens, where the Vixens were awarded two consecutive centre passes," Suncorp Super Netball said in a statement on Monday.
"Under the Suncorp Super Netball Rules of the Game, the result of the match stands with the Melbourne Vixens winning 62-61."
After trailing for most of the match, the Vixens scored off both centres to draw level in the fourth quarter before shooting two more goals - including a clutch Mwai Kumwenda two-point bomb after the siren - to clinch the win.
Upon realising the Vixens had been given the advantage of two centre passes, Collingwood goal attack Sophie Garbin informed coach Nicole Richardson of the error.
Richardson then tried to advise the umpires but later said she was "basically ignored".
Magpies coach Nicole Richardson attempts to appeal a decision regarding the order of centre passes in the final minutes of the round two Super Netball match between Collingwood Magpies and Melbourne Vixens. Kelly Defina via Getty Images
Following a lengthy discussion with the technical officials post-match, the result was upheld.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Richardson did not mince her words when voicing her fury at how the situation played out.
"What happened in the last minute and a half is an absolute fiasco," she said.
"You cannot have a result like that. This is an elite level of competition
"You've got an automated scoreboard that tells you whose centre pass it is. You've got a bench that knows exactly whose centre pass it is, but the bench does not have the power to do anything about it? That has just cost us the game. That's why I'm angry.
"[The umpires] just wanted to finish the game and we wanted to bring it to their attention then and there in the moment of the game and they didn't want to listen to us and the game continued.
"We've just been completely robbed because we would've had an opportunity to go two goals up. We would have had an opportunity to starve them of the ball and take some time off the clock, and they shot after the siren anyway.
"That is a massive error. They've stuffed up, they've cost us a game."
The loss caused the Pies to drop to fourth on the ladder and draw level with its cross-town rivals with four points a piece.
"This competition is so tight, anywhere from one to eight can win this, and wins early are really important," Richardson said.
The latest inquiry will occur in addition to the probe into the drawn match between the Adelaide Thunderbirds and the NSW Swifts on Saturday night because of a power outage at Netball SA Stadium.
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